Psychometric evaluation of a new questionnaire measuring treatment satisfaction in hypothyroidism: the ThyTSQ.

OBJECTIVES

There is a clinical impression of dissatisfaction with treatment for hypothyroidism among some patients. Psychometric properties of the new ThyTSQ questionnaire are evaluated. The questionnaire, measuring patients' satisfaction with their treatment for hypothyroidism, has two parts: the seven-item ThyTSQ-Present and four-item ThyTSQ-Past, measuring satisfaction with present and past treatment, respectively, on scales from 6 (very satisfied) to 0 (very dissatisfied).

METHODS

The questionnaire was completed once by 103 adults with hypothyroidism, age (mean [SD]) 55.2 [14.4], range 23-84 years (all treated with thyroxine).

RESULTS

Completion rates were very high. Internal consistency reliability was excellent for both ThyTSQ-Present and ThyTSQ-Past (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91 and 0.90, respectively [N = 102 and 103]). Principal components analyses indicated that the seven items of the ThyTSQ-Present and the four items of the ThyTSQ-Past could be summed into separate Present Satisfaction and Past Satisfaction total scores. Mean Present Satisfaction was 32.5 (7.8), maximum range 0-42, and mean Past Satisfaction was 17.5 (6.1), maximum range 0-24, indicating considerable room for improvement. Patients were least satisfied with their present understanding of their condition, mean 4.2 (1.7) (maximum range 0-6), and with information provided about hypothyroidism around the time of diagnosis, mean 3.9 (1.8) (maximum range 0-6).

CONCLUSIONS

The ThyTSQ is highly acceptable to patients with hypothyroidism (excellent completion rates), and has established internal consistency reliability. It will assist health professionals in considering psychological outcomes when treating people with hypothyroidism, and is suitable for clinical trials and routine clinical monitoring.