Migraine screen questionnaire: further psychometric evidence from categorical data methods

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychometrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Migraine screening tools require robust psychometric validation.
• The Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q) is a tool used for migraine screening.
• Adequate statistical approaches are necessary for validating screening tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the psychometric properties of the Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q).
• To validate the MS-Q using categorical data methods in a student population.
• To evaluate the reliability and validity of the MS-Q for migraine screening.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 343 university students in Ethiopia.
• Participants completed the MS-Q, a socio-demographic questionnaire, and a Visual Analog Scale for Attention (VAS-A).
• Psychometric properties were evaluated using categorical data analysis, including factor analysis and reliability measures.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis supported a 1-factor model for the MS-Q, with strong factor loadings and acceptable fit indices.
• Internal consistency was adequate, with McDonald's Omega at 0.903.
• Discriminative validity was demonstrated, with higher MS-Q scores in individuals reporting attention complaints.

Conclusions:

• Categorical data methods confirm the psychometric validity of the MS-Q.
• The MS-Q is a psychometrically sound instrument for screening migraine in the studied population.
• The findings support the use of the MS-Q in similar demographic groups.