Development and validation of Nasal Polyposis Quality of Life
Questionnaire (NPQ)
Abstract
Background: To date, no disease-specific tool is available to assess the
impact of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) on Health
Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Therefore, the purpose of this study
was to develop and validate a questionnaire specifically designed to
this aim: the Nasal Polyposis Quality of Life questionnaire –NPQ.
Methods: According to the current guidelines, the development and
validation of the NPQ occurred in two separate steps involving different
groups of patients. Results: In the development process of NPQ an
initial list of items of 40 items was given to 60 patients with CRSwNP;
the 27 most significant items were selected and converted into
questions. The validation procedure involved 107 patients (mean age
52.9±12.4). NPQ revealed a five-dimensional structure and high levels of
internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.95). Convergent validity
(Spearman’ coefficient r=0.75; p< 0.01), discriminant validity
(sensitivity to VAS score), reliability in a sample of patients with a
stable health status (Interclass Coefficient 0.882) were satisfactory.
Responsiveness to clinical changes was accomplished. The minimal
important difference was 7. Conclusion: NPQ is the first questionnaire
for the assessment of HRQoL in CRSwNP. Our results provide that the new
tool is valid, reliable, and sensitive to individual changes.