Développement, validation et fiabilité d’un questionnaire pour l’évaluation du recours aux thérapeutes alternatifs : QuERTA

Abstract

Introduction: The objectives of this work were: 1) to develop and validate a questionnaire to understand several dimensions of the use of CAM practitioners in France and 2) to evaluate the test-retest reliability of each of its items.

Purpose of research: Development and validation (face validity): A questionnaire was created and then analyzed by 7 experts, including 3 social scientists. Before finalization, the questionnaire was tested on a sample of 43 individuals via cognitive interviews. Test-retest reliability: 322 individuals completed the questionnaire twice (at least 9 days apart). The reliability of the 107 categorical variables that compose the questionnaire was assessed by unweighted Gwet's AC1 coefficient.

Results: A short and clear questionnaire, suitable for collecting the targeted information, was methodically developed. In total, excluding descriptive items characterizing the population, the questionnaire includes 114 items, 107 of which are closed and 7 open. 107 of these items are conditional. The average filling time was less than 3 minutes. Of the 107 categorical items, 1 item was associated with moderate test-retest reliability, 9 items with good reliability and 97 with very good reliability.

Conclusion: A reliable and valid questionnaire to evaluate the use of CAM practitioners in France is available. It may allow the collection of data necessary to assess the public health issue that this phenomenon represents.