Paul O’Mahony1, Ruth Dobson1, Helen Rodgers1, Oliver James1, Richard G. Thomson1
1From the Departments of Medicine (Geriatrics) (P.G.O’M., R.D., H.R., O.F.W.J.) and Epidemiology and Public Health (P.G.O’M., R.D., H.R., R.G.T.), University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Tóm tắt
Background and Purpose
A cross-sectional survey is the best method for determining the prevalence of a chronic condition such as stroke. Before embarking on a large population study, a valid screening instrument is necessary. This study aimed to validate a self-completion postal screening questionnaire for assessing lifetime history of stroke.
Methods
A random sample of 2000 people aged 45 years and over was selected from the Family Health Services Authority register. A brief self-completion questionnaire requesting self-reported history of stroke was mailed to each individual. Responders reporting a history of stroke received a request for a standardized home assessment visit. Confirmation of the diagnosis of stroke was made based on information from the home visit together with multiple sources of case ascertainment. False-negative responses and assessment of nonresponse bias were documented.
Results
The response rate for the questionnaire was 88%. Of the sample, 120 (6%) who were wrongly registered were excluded; 173 (10%) of the 1663 responders reported a history of stroke. The question “Have you ever had a stroke?” had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96%.
Conclusions
This simple self-completion questionnaire is a valid means of screening for cases of stroke in the community and could form the basis for subsequent studies of prevalence and health needs.
