The Dutch language version of the Pain Disability Index (PDI-DLV): psychometric properties in breast cancer patients

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice Vol. 39; no. 9; pp. 2000 - 2014
• Main Authors: Van der Gucht, Elien, Dams, Lore, Bernar, Koen, De Vrieze, Tessa, Haenen, Vincent, De Groef, An, Godderis, Lode, Morlion, Bart, Meeus, Mira, Devoogdt, Nele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Ltd 02.09.2023
• Subjects: Between-subjects design; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - surgery; Cancer surgery; Construct validity; Disability; Disability Evaluation; Dutch language; Dutch version; Female; Humans; Language; Measurement; Neck Pain; Pain; Psychometrics; Quantitative psychology; Questionnaires; Reliability; Reproducibility of Results; Surgery; Surveys and Questionnaires; Validation studies; Validity; Women; breast cancer; validity; Pain-related disability; reliability; pain disability index
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2059036

Pain after breast cancer surgery is a common and disabling problem. A reliable and valid questionnaire to assess pain-related disability is the Pain Disability Index (0-70). However, properties of the Dutch version (PDI-DLV) have never been investigated in this population. To assess psychometric properties of the PDI-DLV after breast cancer surgery. For reliability, relative and absolute reliability were calculated with a one-week test-retest interval, as well as internal consistency. Moreover, content and construct validity were examined to evaluate validity. One hundred twenty-three women were included. Relative reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.80). Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change (absolute reliability) were 5.57 and 15.45 points, respectively. The mean difference between two measurements was -1.98 points, with 95% limits of agreement equal to 13.19 and -17.15. The within-subjects coefficient of variation was 59%. Internal consistency was confirmed (α = 0.87). The PDI-DLV was scored as understandable and complete (content validity). Construct validity was supported by confirmation of more than 75% of the tested hypotheses and of the one-factor model. The PDI-DLV is a valid questionnaire to assess pain-related disability 1 year after breast cancer surgery. Although absolute reliability is disputable, its good relative reliability allows evaluating changes between subjects.