Development and validation of a questionnaire (SOMA-Q) to assess ojus in manasroga

Abstract

Abstract Background: Ojus in Ayurveda refers to the unique functioning state of bodily tissues favoring survival and homeostasis. Functional decline in ojus (ojakṣaya) is recognized in Ayurveda as a candidate causative factor for the incidence and progression of major psychiatric conditions (manasroga). Assessing the functional status of ojus shall predict the prognosis and its monitoring while intervention shall favor clinical decision-making across timelines. The characteristics of ojokshaya are reasonably detectable in current psychiatric clinical settings. However, the data collection strategies on ojus vary remarkably among physicians owing to its weightage for patient-reported subjective expressions. Subjective health status assessment-related data handling requires clinical expertise and validated tools. Aims: Thus, this study is committed to developing and validating a tool assessing the functional status of ojus in manasroga. The tool constructs are fairly developed based on patient-reported outcomes and need to be evaluated for their reliability and validity. Settings and Design: The work was conducted within the institute. The mixed methods study design was used. Subjects, Methods and Statistical Analysis: In phase one, the questionnaire was developed through literature review, expert evaluation, data from previous research works, focus group discussion for final consensus, and pretesting. The construct validity was established through principal component analysis/regression analysis. In phase two, the validity of the questionnaire after distinguished phases of the face (100 participants), content (six experts evaluation), and criterion (Pearson’s correlation coefficient) sets; was obtained by conducting a cross-sectional survey on 82 participants. Cronbach’s alpha value was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. Results: The 28-item questionnaire to assess ojus in manasaroga, named SOMA-Q, was developed. The results satisfied the tests for validity and reliability. Factor analysis was performed. The Cronbach’s alpha value of the questionnaire was 0.897, suggesting a reasonable internal consistency. In split-half reliability testing, a significant decrease in reliability was noted for every item, and hence, no items were deleted from the questionnaire. Conclusions: The developed tool is valid for assessing the functional status of ojus (SOMA-Q) in psychiatric disorders.