A review on tools for measuring activity limitation in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

The burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) ranges from 10.5% to 32.2% and up to half of the diabetic patients will eventually develop neuropathy in the course of their disease. The present paper reviews the existing tools and measures for assessing activity limitation as a result of DPN; using a not exhaustive search strategy, limited to PubMed. The tools available for the assessment of activity limitation as a consequence of DPN are based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and are equally effective. The researcher must make the choice based on cultural validation and specific study objectives. Researchers should select a set of tools and procedures that are appropriate for study purposes, study settings and strive to use them consistently.

Translation and cultural validation of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals for Brazilian Portuguese

ABSTRACT Background: Multiple sclerosis progression and disability can be rated differently by healthcare professionals. Therefore, how physicians perceive the disease can impact treatment decisions. There are no previous studies on this matter. Objective: To translate and transculturally validate the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for Healthcare Professionals (IPQ-R HP), for use in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The process used to validate the IPQ-R HP was based on the steps presented in the guide proposed by Dorcas Beaton. The final version of the IPQ-R HP had 38 questions, divided into seven different dimensions to assess the patient's disease. Also, two clinical cases that were representative of real-life patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were assembled to consider the two main profiles of the disease. We applied the questionnaire to neurologists at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) to assess their perception of MS. These doctors also answered a brief survey to establish the profile of the interviewees. For statistical analysis, we used Bayesian CFA models and kappa statistics. Conclusions: The kappa statistics showed a general agreement of 0.4. For the Bayesian CFAs with seven-factor correlation solution, we had a poor fit for case 1 with a 95% confidence interval ranging from -52.893 to 273.797 and a PPP of 0.107. Regarding case 2, the model did not converge even after 50,000 iterations, which indicated that the specified model (i.e. seven-factor correlation solution) for case 2 was inadmissible. Thus, the IPQ-R HP questionnaire in Brazilian Portuguese has not been validated.

Replicable quality across every channel: the Busara research agenda on methods in the Global South

Any act of measurement brings with it concerns about data quality and replication. Yet very little of this work has focused in detail on the specific measurement and data quality concerns related to conducting research in the Global South. Busara operates both remote and in-person data collection, employing everything from photovoice to laboratory ‘games’ to list experiments. Across both of these domains, we will build on our long tradition of careful testing of measures and techniques to ensure high levels of access, response, attention and comprehension. We will examine what methodological practices work best for various populations, especially those with the least social power, in the Global South, to maintain data quality (this differs from our closely related program of work on cross-cultural validation of behavioral science constructs). Busara is well-positioned to do this, and to disseminate protocols for the use of these methods.