Abstract
The present study compared two self-recording scales: VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and DIBS (Duration, Intensity, Behavior Scale) with respect to compliance, authenticity, sensitivity, and reliability using a population of 32 patients with chronic epigastric pain. Compliance, authenticity, and sensitivity data revealed no significant differences between the two scales. With respect to reliability, high temporal stability coefficients were found for pain intensity over a 2-day period, for pain duration, and for a pain index calculated from DIBS. DIBS pain intensity data showed a greater temporal stability than VAS. Since DIBS yields more clinically useful information without suffering deficits in compliance, authenticity, or reliability, it appears to be a preferable instrument for monitoring chronic pain.
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The present study was made possible by a grant from the Tore Nilsson Foundation for Medical Research and by support from AB Hässle, Mölndal, Sweden, who also kindly provided Novaluzid.
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Sjödén, P.O., Bates, S. & Nyrén, O. Continuous self-recording of epigastric pain with two rating scales: Compliance, authenticity, reliability, and sensitivity. Journal of Behavioral Assessment 5, 327–344 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01321453
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01321453