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Inner room-questionnaire for the German-speaking area
G A Wiesmüller1, A Steup, U Ranft
1Institut für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin des Universitätsklinikums, Rheinisch-Westfälischen Technischen Hochschule Aachen, Germany. GA.Wiesmueller@post.rwth-aachen.de
Zentralblatt Fur Hygiene Und Umweltmedizin = International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine
|January 13, 2000
Summary
This study developed and validated a questionnaire for sick building syndrome (SBS). Results show the questionnaire reliably captures indoor complaints and well-being disturbances, though retrospective data over one week needs careful interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a recognized issue in Germany, necessitating reliable assessment tools.
- Existing international SBS questionnaires often lack thorough validation, highlighting a need for standardized instruments.
- Objective data for SBS is scarce, making validated questionnaires crucial for accurate investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new questionnaire for assessing Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
- To analyze the sensitivity and reliability of the developed SBS questionnaire.
- To contribute to the development of a standardized international SBS questionnaire.
Main Methods:
- Sensitivity was tested by comparing a Symptom Diary with the questionnaire over one week.
- Reliability was assessed by having volunteers complete the questionnaire twice within one week.
- Statistical measure kappa was used to test agreement for reliability.
Main Results:
- The questionnaire captured similar, though less pronounced, details compared to the Symptom Diary.
- Reliability tests showed stable socio-demographic and work-related variables.
- Specific symptoms (eye/skin troubles) and indoor complaints (odors, sounds, lighting, dust) demonstrated high stability (kappa values ranging from 0.68 to 0.88).
Conclusions:
- The developed questionnaire plausibly records indoor complaints and well-being disturbances associated with SBS.
- While further validation with SBS-affected groups is needed, the questionnaire is suitable for developing international standards.
- Retrospective data collected over periods longer than one week using questionnaires should be interpreted cautiously.
