Validation of the rhinitis outcomes questionnaire (ROQ)

Background: Currently, there is no easy-to-use and comprehensive questionna ire that measures the effectiveness of treatment of rhinitis-related sympto ms in a private practice setting. Objective: To validate a brief, effective, self-administered rhinitis sympt oms questionnaire that can easily be used in a private practice setting for tracking treatment outcomes. Methods: One hundred seventy-five patients were randomly chosen from three private practices nationwide and were surveyed regarding systemic problems, nasal, eye, and chest symptoms, as well as medical treatment obtained. Thi s survey was administered twice in one sitting with the first administratio n a recall of symptoms before immunotherapy, and the second administration an evaluation of current symptoms. Appropriate statistical methods were use d to evaluate the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the question naire presented. The validation of this instrument included content, statis tical, construct, and predictive validity. Results: Both the content and statistical validity were very good in that t he questionnaire was easily understood and covered required domains. Constr uct validity revealed that the items were sensibly related to the domains t hat contained them and had less association with items from different domai ns. The reliability of the scales was very good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80) t o outstanding (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92). Conclusions: Functionality was established for the rhinitis outcomes questi onnaire (ROQ) for use in a private practice setting. This allows private pr actice allergists to collect reliable data with the ROQ.