The content validity and acceptability of the evaluation of daily activity questionnaire in musculoskeletal conditions

Introduction: The Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire is a detailed self-report measure of activity limitations. It has two parts: 10 scales of symptom severity; and 14 daily activity domains, including 138 activities. It has good psychometric properties in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim was next to establish its’ content validity and acceptability in seven musculoskeletal conditions: ankylosing spondylitis; osteoarthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus; systemic sclerosis; chronic pain; chronic hand/ upper limb musculoskeletal disorders; and Primary Sjőgren’s Syndrome. Method: Participants completed the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire in their own time, followed by a cognitive debriefing interview to identify their views of importance of including each item and EDAQ acceptability. Results: Six to 12 people with each condition were interviewed (n=70): 17 men and 53 women, 57.38 (SD 12.83) years of age and with 13.15 (SD 11.02) years condition duration. Overall, all 10 scales and 138 activities were considered important to include. Most found it: had clear instructions (93%); was easy to complete (87%); included about the right amount of activities (77%); and would help an occupational therapist gain insight into their conditions’ effects (87%). Conclusion: The Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire has good content validity and acceptability in these seven conditions