The modified DYMUS questionnaire is a reliable, valid and easy-to-use tool in the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis.
Τίτλος | The modified DYMUS questionnaire is a reliable, valid and easy-to-use tool in the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Printza, A., Boziki M., Bakirtzis C., Nikolaidis I., Kalaitzi M., Triaridis S., & Grigoriadis N. |
Journal | Eur J Neurol |
Volume | 27 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 1231-1237 |
Date Published | 2020 Jul |
ISSN | 1468-1331 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) present swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, has a profound impact on the quality of life but is under-reported by patients. The objective was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) questionnaire and examine whether item reduction improves them.METHODS: The participants, 153 patients with MS and 104 healthy controls, completed the DYMUS and the Eating Assessment Tool 10 (EAT-10). The study consisted of factor, reliability and validity analysis of DYMUS, and item reduction, reliability, validity analysis and normative data generation for the modified DYMUS (mod-DYMUS).RESULTS: The internal consistency of DYMUS was excellent (Cronbach's alpha 0.886). Test-retest reliability was good for all the items. Factor and reliability analysis, along with other psychometric features, supported item reduction. The mod-DYMUS (consisting of items 1 and 3-7) showed improved internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.903) and inter-item correlation coefficients (0.558-0.657), good test-retest reliability, excellent criterion validity and improved convergent validity. Patients had significantly higher mean mod-DYMUS score than controls (P < 0.001), and dysphagic patients (EAT-10 ≥ 3) had significantly higher mod-DYMUS than non-dysphagic patients (P < 0.001). A strong positive and significant correlation was noted between the mod-DYMUS and the EAT-10 (P < 0.001). A mod-DYMUS score of 1 or higher indicates dysphagia.CONCLUSIONS: Item reduction improves the psychometric properties of DYMUS. The mod-DYMUS is a valid, reliable, low-burden, screening tool for the detection of dysphagia in MS, which can enhance personalized assessment and guide management decisions that better respond to individual patients' needs. |
DOI | 10.1111/ene.14219 |
Alternate Journal | Eur J Neurol |
PubMed ID | 32180320 |