title: Psychometric properties of a German version of the neck pain and disability scale.
abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and the psychometric properties of a German version of the 20-item neck pain and disability scale (NPAD) for use in primary care settings. Four hundred and forty-eight participants from 15 general practices in the area of Göttingen Germany completed a multidimensional questionnaire including a newly developed German version of the NPAD (NPAD-d) and self-reported demographic and clinical information. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha. Item-to-total score correlations were analysed. Factor structure was explored by using unrestricted principal factor analysis. Construct validity of the NPAD-d was evaluated by simple correlation analyses (Pearson's rho) with social and clinical characteristics. The discriminative abilities of the NPAD-d were examined by comparing differences between subgroups stratified on non-NPAD-d pain related characteristics using t tests for mean scores. Cronbach's alpha of NPAD-d was 0.94. Item-to-total scale correlations ranged between 0.414 and 0.829. Exploratory principal factor analysis indicated that the NPAD-d covers one factor with an explained variance of 48%. Correlation analysis showed high correlations with criterion variables. The NAPD-d scores of subgroups of patients were significantly different showing good discriminative validity of the scale. The NPAD-d demonstrated good validity and reliability in this general practice setting. The NPAD-d may be useful in the clinical assessment process and the management of neck pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Humboldtallee 38, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scherer
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Blozik
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Himmel
authors.forename: Daria
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Laptinskaya
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kochen
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herrmann-Lingen
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires