Psychometric Evaluation of the Hypogonadism Impact of Symptoms Questionnaire. Issue 11 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gelhorn, Heather L.; Dashiell-Aje, Ebony; Miller, Michael G.; DeRogatis, Leonard R.; Dobs, Adrian; Seftel, Allen D.; Althof, Stanley E.; Brod, Meryl; Revicki, Dennis A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sexual medicine. Volume 13:Issue 11(2016)
• Page Start: 1737
• Page End: 1749
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: Hypogonadism -- Patient-Reported Outcome -- Hypogonadism Impact of Symptoms Questionnaire -- Psychometric Properties -- Reliability -- Validity -- Responsiveness; Sexual disorders -- Periodicals; Sex -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 616.69005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.09.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-6095

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The Hypogonadism Impact of Symptoms Questionnaire (HIS-Q) is a patient-reported outcome measurement designed to comprehensively evaluate the symptoms of hypogonadism and to detect changes in these symptoms in response to treatment. Aim: To conduct item analysis and reduction, evaluate the psychometric properties of the HIS-Q, and provide guidance on interpreting the instrument score. Methods: A 12-week observational, longitudinal study of hypogonadal men was conducted. Participants completed the HIS-Q every 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected to evaluate testosterone levels. Participants also completed the Aging Male's Symptoms Scale, the International Index of Erectile Function, the Short Form-12 Health Survey, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Activity, Satisfaction with Sex Life, Sleep Disturbance, and Applied Cognition Scales (at baseline and weeks 6 and 12). Clinicians completed the Clinical Global Impression of Severity and Change measurements and a clinical form. Main Outcome Measures: Individual item performance was evaluated using descriptive statistics and Rasch analyses. Reliability (internal consistency and test-retest), validity (concurrent and know groups), and responsiveness were assessed. Results: In total, 177 men participated in the study (mean age = 54.1 years, range = 23–83). The original 53-item draft HIS-Q was reduced to 28 items; the final instrument included five domains (sexual, energy, sleep, cognition, and mood) with two sexual subdomains (libido and sexual function). For all domains, test-retest reliability was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.70), construct validity was good (|r > 0.30| for all comparisons). Known-groups validity was demonstrated for all HIS-Q domain scores, subdomain scores, and the total score as measured by the Clinical Global Impression of Severity, and total testosterone level at baseline ( P < .05 for all comparisons). All domains and subdomains were responsive to change based on patient-rated anchor questions ( P < .05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: The final 28-item HIS-Q is reliable, valid, and responsive. The HIS-Q is suitable for inclusion in future clinical trials to help characterize the effects of testosterone replacement therapy.