Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Journal: PLoS ONE

Volume number: 15

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 1932-6203

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230585

Publisher: Public Library of Science

Abstract: 

Background

The aim of this study was to validate the English version of the Itch Cognition Questionnaire in a sample of patients with chronic itch due to psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. An English-language version of an instrument assessing itch-related cognitions is needed since cognitions can contribute to a worsening of itch, and chronic itch is prevalent in English-speaking counties and internationally.

Methods

The German Itch Cognitions Questionnaire was translated into English, and cognitive interviewing was conducted to finalize item wording. Internal and test-retest reliability, item discrimination, responsiveness to change, and construct, convergent, and discriminant validity were assessed in a national sample of 137 individuals with chronic itch due to atopic dermatitis or psoriasis recruited online.

Results

Internal reliability was high with Cronbach's alphas of 0.93 for the Catastrophizing subscale and 0.88-0.90 for Coping. The Pearson's correlation assessing 1-month test-retest reliability for the Catastrophizing subscale was r = 0.62 and for the Coping subscale was r = 0.61. The corrected item-total correlation revealed that items were relatively consistent with the scores for the subscales (with correlations ranging from 0.58 to 0.79), indicating very good item discrimination. Results of factor analysis, convergent and discriminant, and responsiveness to change analyses provided evidence for validity.

Conclusions

This study showed good psychometric characteristics of the English version of the Itch Cognitions Questionnaire. We suggest that future studies investigate the use of the measure in clinical practice to assist with treatment planning and outcome assessment related to itch as well as address study limitations such as sampling and replication.

Harvard Citation style: Heckman, C., Schut, C., Riley, M., Ehlers, A., Valdes-Rodriguez, R., Kupfer, J., et al. (2020) Development and psychometrics of the English version of the Itch Cognitions Questionnaire, PLoS ONE, 15(3), Article e0230585. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230585

APA Citation style: Heckman, C., Schut, C., Riley, M., Ehlers, A., Valdes-Rodriguez, R., Kupfer, J., Gieler, U., & Stapleton, J. (2020). Development and psychometrics of the English version of the Itch Cognitions Questionnaire. PLoS ONE. 15(3), Article e0230585. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230585