Validation of self-reported transfusion histories in renal dialysis patients.
The purpose of this analysis was to assess the validity of self-reported transfusion histories in dialysis patients. Using data from a cross-sectional study of a dialysis population being investigated for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the correspondence between self-reported transfusion history and transfusion records was explored. Demographic data and dialysis histories were examined in relation to the accuracy of self-reports. Overall, the questionnaire data and the blood bank records agreed for 89% of participants. The Kappa statistic was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.83) indicating an acceptable level of agreement. The effect of non-differential exposure misclassification on the risk estimates for transfusion history as a determinant of HCV infection is demonstrated. Exploring the discrepancies between self-reports and documented transfusion histories underlines the need to communicate clearly medical interventions in chronically ill patients. Additionally, it suggests that studies into transfusion-acquired blood-borne pathogens should use all available information sources to establish exposure.
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton.
J S
JS
Sandhu
P M
PM
Campbell
J K
JK
Preiksaitis
K C
KC
Carriere
P A
PA
Hessel
D000368:Aged; D000416:Alberta; D015982:Bias; D001771:Blood Banks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000592:standards*; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*