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Self-reports of hand function in persons with diabetes
Janet L Poole1, Ivyrose Gonzales, Tomacita Tedesco
1Janet L. Poole, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care
|August 1, 2013
Summary
The Hand Function Disability Scale (HFDS) and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) are reliable and valid tools for assessing hand function in people with diabetes, aiding occupational therapists in patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Diabetes can significantly impact hand function, affecting daily activities.
- Accurate assessment tools are crucial for effective occupational therapy interventions in diabetic patients.
- Existing self-report measures for hand function in diabetes require validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of three self-report questionnaires for hand function in individuals with diabetes.
- To compare the Hand Function Disability Scale (HFDS), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and Dreiser's Functional Hand Index (DFI).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six individuals with type II diabetes participated.
- Test-retest reliability was assessed by administering questionnaires at two time points.
- Validity was determined by correlating questionnaire scores with performance-based tests of hand strength, dexterity, and joint motion.
Main Results:
- High test-retest reliability was found for HFDS (0.89–0.96) and DFI (0.90).
- MHQ demonstrated good reliability (0.58–0.94).
- HFDS showed fair correlations with hand strength; MHQ correlated fairly with hand strength and joint motion. DFI showed no significant correlations.
Conclusions:
- The HFDS and MHQ are reliable and valid measures for assessing hand function in people with diabetes.
- These tools can assist occupational therapists in evaluating daily task difficulties and monitoring therapy outcomes.
- DFI may not be a suitable measure for this population.
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