Publication:

Validation of a patient-reported knee-specific outcome questionnaire specifically intended to assess pain, stiffness, and functional activities in Indians with osteoarthritis knees: an observational cross-sectional study

Background Patient-reported outcome measurement assessments that are frequently used for knee joint disorders have ceiling effect. This restriction is allegedly not there in New Hindi score. Purpose of this study is to validate New Hindi Score in patients with osteoarthritis knee.

Methods Level II Prospective cohort study was conducted. In pilot study, 20 patients had their comprehension of New Hindi Score assessed. A prospective cohort study involving 200 individuals with osteoarthritis knee Kl grade 2 and 3 was conducted in AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Patients' overall age 57.76±8.63 years, both mean and SD. There were 125 females & 75 males. Men's mean & SD were 59.52±9.39 while women's 56.70±8.00. All patients were requested to complete WOMAC, KOOS, OKS & New Hindi Score questionnaires. Validity, reliability, repeatability of New Hindi Score for knee function in KOA patients were evaluated. There's no floor ceiling effect. New Hindi Score's validity, responsiveness, and floor ceiling effect were assessed. Validity was measured using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results In pilot study participants answered all question accurately. New Hindi Score shows moderate correlation with WOMAC & weak correlation with OKS and KOOS (Pearson coefficients of 0.45, 0.21, and 0.28, respectively) with 95% confidence interval, indicating strong construct validity in primary study. There was no floor or ceiling effect seen.

Conclusions For KOA patients, New Hindi Score exhibits strong levels of validity, reliability, and reliability. As result, it can be effectively applied to research knee function in Indian population.