Psychometric qualities of the Dutch language version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH-DLV)

Abstract

This study evaluated the psychometric qualities (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity) of the Dutch language version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH-DLV) in patients (n = 50) with a variety of unilateral disorders of the upper limb. All patients completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the DASH-DLV before receiving occupational therapy. After therapy, patients again filled in the DASH-DLV. The internal consistency of the DASH-DLV was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95), and the test-retest reliability was satisfactory (Pearson's r = 0.98, p < 0.0001 kappa coefficient = 0.67, p < 0.0001). A small but statistically significant difference (effect size = 0.09) was found between the initial and reassessment DASH-DLV scores (paired t-test p < 0.01). The concurrent validity of the DASH-DLV was assessed by comparison with the COPM outcomes: 81% of the problematic activities mentioned during COPM administration were included in the questionnaire (kappa coefficient = 0.79, p < 0.0001). The DASH-DLV is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing disability and symptoms in a selected sampling of 50 Dutch patients with a variety of unilateral upper limb disorders. Further psychometric testing is recommended in a larger random population of Dutch-speaking subjects with unilateral upper limb disorders.