Validity of a checklist for hemodialysis patients based on the International Classification Of Functioning, Disability and Health

In 2009, we reported a "100-category checklist" for hemodialysis (HD) patients based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of this checklist. The present study included 100 participants who had been on HD for at least 5 years when they were interviewed using the checklist. Subjects were asked whether they had experienced problems in each category since starting HD treatment. Categories for which more than 25% of subjects answered "yes" were extracted as problem categories. Additionally, the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) instrument was administered to the study subjects. Content validity was evaluated using the frequency and percentage of subjects who had a problem in each category. Criterion validity was performed based on correlation of the findings from the "100-category checklist" categories with the findings of the KDQOL. Construct validity was assessed based on the number of problem categories extracted as external criteria in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), anemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). For reliability evaluation, we used Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Content validity showed that 54 were identified as problem categories. Criterion validity showed that 45 categories in all components correlated significantly with each subscale of the KDQOL. Construct validity showed that CTS, anemia, and SHPT contributed to an increased number of problems associated with HD. Cronbach's coefficient alpha of the "100-category checklist" was 0.86. This study confirmed the validity and reliability of the "100-category checklist".