Development, validation and reliability of a web-based questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life in dogs

Reid, J., Wiseman-Orr, M.L. , Scott, E.M. and Nolan, A.N. (2013) Development, validation and reliability of a web-based questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 54(5), pp. 227-233. (doi: 10.1111/jsap.12059)

Abstract

<p>Objectives: To describe the development, preliminary validation and reliability testing of a shortened web-based form of GUVQuest, a structured questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life in dogs.</p> <p>Methods: The original 109 items were reduced using expert judgement and factor analysis. Validity was established by factor analysis and in a subsequent field trial using a “known groups” approach and classical test theory. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients.</p> <p>Results: The instrument comprises 46 items each of which is rated by dog owners using a 7-point Likert scale. Factor analysis revealed a sensible structure containing four health-related quality of life domains (vitality, pain, distress and anxiety) accounting for 64·1% of the variability in the data. The field test involving 125 dogs demonstrated very good discriminative properties and intraclass correlation coefficient values of greater than 0·6.</p> <p>Clinical Significance: This is the first report of a valid and reliable companion animal health-related quality of life instrument, the contemporary approach to animal welfare measurement, which is presented in a web-based format, with automated production of a health-related quality of life profile. It offers major advantages to dog owners, practitioners and researchers.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Scott, Professor Marian and Wiseman-Orr, Dr Lesley and Reid, Professor Jacky
• Authors: Reid, J., Wiseman-Orr, M.L., Scott, E.M., and Nolan, A.N.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine; College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics; College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics
• Journal Name: Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0022-4510
• ISSN (Online): 1748-5827