Validation of a population screening questionnaire to assess prevalence of stroke

A cross-sectional survey is the best method for determining the prevalence of a chronic condition such as stroke. Before embarking on a large population study, a valid screening instrument is necessary. This study aimed to validate a self-completion postal screening questionnaire for assessing lifet...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Stroke (1970) 1995-08, Vol.26 (8), p.1334-1337
Main Authors: O'MAHONY, P. G, DOBSON, R, RODGERS, H, JAMES, O. F. W, THOMSON, R. G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
Cerebrovascular Disorders - epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Mass Screening - methods
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Neurology
Prevalence
Registries
Reproducibility of Results
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system
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Summary:A cross-sectional survey is the best method for determining the prevalence of a chronic condition such as stroke. Before embarking on a large population study, a valid screening instrument is necessary. This study aimed to validate a self-completion postal screening questionnaire for assessing lifetime history of stroke. A random sample of 2000 people aged 45 years and over was selected from the Family Health Services Authority register. A brief self-completion questionnaire requesting self-reported history of stroke was mailed to each individual. Responders reporting a history of stroke received a request for a standardized home assessment visit. Confirmation of the diagnosis of stroke was made based on information from the home visit together with multiple sources of case ascertainment. False-negative responses and assessment of nonresponse bias were documented. The response rate for the questionnaire was 88%. Of the sample, 120 (6%) who were wrongly registered were excluded; 173 (10%) of the 1663 responders reported a history of stroke. The question "Have you ever had a stroke?" had a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 96%. This simple self-completion questionnaire is a valid means of screening for cases of stroke in the community and could form the basis for subsequent studies of prevalence and health needs.
ISSN:0039-2499
1524-4628
DOI:10.1161/01.STR.26.8.1334