INTRODUCTION

Several general hand functional assessment tools for Dupuytren's disease have been reported, but none of the patient-reported-outcome measures specific to Dupuytren's disease-associated disabilities are available in the Italian language. The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) into Italian (URAM-I) and determine its measurement properties.

METHODS

Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to the current guidelines. Construct validity (convergent and divergent validity) was measured by comparing the URAM-I with the Pain-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE-I), Short-Form 36 (SF-36-I) scale and finger range of motion, respectively. Factor analysis was used to investigate the URAM-I's internal structure. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability by Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

This study included 96 patients (males = 85%, age = 66.8 ± 9.3). Due to the cultural adaptation, we divided the original item #1 into two separate items, thus generating the URAM-I(10). Convergent validity analysis showed a strong positive (r = 0.67), significant (p < 0.01) Pearson's correlation with the PRWHE-I. Divergent validity analysis showed a weak, negative (r < 0.3) and not significant correlation with the SF-36-I subscales, except for the physical pain subscale (r = -0.21, p < 0.05). Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor, 4-item solution that explained 76% of the total variance. The URAM-I(10) demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.94) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

The URAM-I(10) demonstrate moderate construct validity, high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and showed a 2-factor internal structure. Its evaluative use can be suggested for the Italian Dupuytren's population.