Cs. Cina et Cm. Clase, The Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale: A measure of severity in individuals with hyperhidrosis, QUAL LIFE R, 8(8), 1999, pp. 693-698
Objective: We estimated the reliability and validity of the Illness Intrusi
veness Ratings Scale (IIRS) in hyperhidrosis, using an electronic mail form
of administration. Methods: Recent contributors to an electronic mail disc
ussion group on hyperhidrosis responded to the IIRS, questions about surgic
al history, items designed to assess severity, and demographic questions, o
n two occasions four weeks apart. A variety of hypotheses regarding the rel
ationships between these variables were constructed a priori. Results: Sixt
y-eight people replied on two occasions. Internal consistency was high (Cro
nbach's alpha 0.88), as was test-retest reliability (kappa 0.89). The total
IIRS score correlated with a global severity question (0.61; p < 0.001). T
otal IIRS score was lower in participants who had previously had surgery fo
r hyperhidrosis, compared with those who had not (47 vs. 36; p = 0.02), and
changed dramatically in the direction of diminished severity in four patie
nts who underwent surgery during the course of the study (54 vs. 17; p = 0.
01). Weak-to-moderate correlations were observed between total score and us
e of topical preparations, use of medications, number of clothing changes d
uring a day, and limitations in choice of wardrobe. Conclusions: The IIRS i
s both reliable and valid in the assessment of patients with hyperhidrosis.
A novel form of administration does not appear to affect its properties.