Development and Validation of a Canine Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire and a Human–Canine Bond Questionnaire for Use in Veterinary Practice
Author:
Lavan Robert P.1ORCID,
Tahir Muna2ORCID,
O’Donnell Christina2,
Bellenger Alex2,
de Bock Elodie2,
Koochaki Patricia2
Affiliation:
1. Merck Animal Health, Outcomes Research (CORE), Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
2. ICON plc, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, D18 FK72 Dublin, Ireland
Abstract
The use of valid questionnaires to assess dogs’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in veterinary practice can improve canine health outcomes and communications between veterinarians and caretakers of dogs. The Canine HRQoL Questionnaire (Canine HRQoL-Q) and the Human–Canine Bond Questionnaire (HCBQ) were developed and validated to fulfill this need. A literature review, interviews with veterinarians, and focus groups with caretakers were conducted to generate questionnaire items and develop draft questionnaires, which were piloted with caretakers to establish their content validity. Measurement properties were evaluated using data from a prospective survey study (N = 327). Draft Canine HRQoL-Q and HCBQ measures were developed, including a domain structure, items, recall period, and scale/response options. Refinements were made via iterative cognitive interviews with caretakers. When no additional revisions were indicated and content validity was established, the questionnaires were psychometrically tested. Ceiling effects were observed for all items, and factor analyses indicated that the pre-specified domains are appropriate. Internal consistency was demonstrated for the HCBQ (α = 0.79–0.86) and all but the social functioning domain of the Canine HRQoL-Q (α = 0.60). Test–retest reliability for the Canine HRQoL-Q was generally moderate-to-good (with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) > 0.79). Test–retest reliability for the HCBQ was moderate (ICCs: 0.70–0.79) except for the trust domain (ICC: 0.58). Known-groups validity was demonstrated via significant differences (p < 0.05) in scores for health/bonding groups. Convergent validity was supported (r > 0.40) between all domains and the total scores for both questionnaires. The Canine HRQoL-Q and the HCBQ are valid, reliable measures of canine HRQoL for use in veterinary clinics and appear to measure related but distinct concepts that contribute to canine health and wellness.
Funder
Merck Animal Health, Rahway, NJ, USA
Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
Subject
General Veterinary,Animal Science and Zoology
Reference39 articles.
1. Food and Drug Administration (2019, December 04). Guidance for Industry. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Use in Medical Product Development to Support Labeling Claims, Available online: https://www.fda.gov/media/77832/download.
2. US Food and Drug Administration (2020). Principles for Selecting, Developing, Modifying, and Adapting Patient-Reported Outcome Questionnaires for Use in Medical Device Evaluation.
3. Quality of life assessment in domestic dogs: An evidence-based rapid review;Belshaw;Vet. J.,2015
4. Owner-perceived, weighted quality-of-life assessments in dogs with spinal cord injuries;Levine;J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.,2008
5. Owner and Veterinarian Perceptions About Use of a Canine Quality of Life Survey in Primary CareSettings;Mwacalimba;Front. Vet. Sci.,2020