Reliability and validity of the Duruoz Hand Index in the persons with systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma)

Objective, To examine the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) in persons with scleroderma. Methods. Forty patients with scleroderma and no other major medical problems completed the DHI at 2 points in time to assess test-retest reliability. To assess validity, participants were administered the Arthritis Hand Function Test (AHFT), the Hand Mobility in Scleroderma Test (HAMIS), and the Keital Function Test (KFT), all performance-based tests. In addition, participants completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), a self report of functional ability. Results. Test-retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficients for the DHI ranged from 0.81 to 0.97. Scores on the DHI did not correlate with HAMIS scores, but were significantly correlated with scores from the KFT (r(s) = 0.48, P < 0.01), HAQ (r(s) = 0.79, P < 0.01), and all sections of the AHFT (r(s) = 0.34-0.60, P < 0.05-0.01). Conclusion. The results from this study show the DHI to be a reliable and valid test for persons with scleroderma.