Abstract
Background: A validated measure to assess sicca-related symptoms in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (1°SS) is required for clinical studies.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess sicca-related symptoms and dysfunction in 1°SS. This was administered to three groups of 40 respondents to measure construct validity: 1°SS patients, non-SS patients reporting xerostomia and a non-patient group. The frequency of scores and the mean score for each question were calculated for each group. Reliability was assessed by test/retest.
Results: The measure consisted of 28 items divided into five domains. Scores for questions in domains were generally worse (higher) for 1°SS patients than for patients with xerostomia. The non-patient group reported the best (lowest) scores for all questions. The Kappa statistic for all but four questions was greater than 0.6, suggesting good reliability.
Conclusion: Questionnaire showed good construct validity and reliability. The Liverpool sicca index needs to be further validated in larger, multicentre studies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 154-162 |
Journal | Journal Of Oral Pathology & Medicine |
Volume | 32 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2003 |