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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of three self-reports of hand function for persons with diabetes. Thirty-six people with type II diabetes completed self-report questionnaires of hand function including the Hand Function Disability Scale (HFDS), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and Dreiser's Functional Hand Index (DFI) at two points in time to assess test–retest reliability. To determine validity, participants were also administered performance-based tests of hand strength, dexterity, and joint motion using the Keital Function Test, and Hand Mobility in Scleroderma Test. Test–retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficients for test–retest reliability ranged from 0.89 to 0.96 for the HFDS; 0.58 to 0.94 for the MHQ; and 0.90 for the DFI. Spearman Rho correlations showed fair correlations between the HFDS and applied hand strength. Fair correlations were also found between the scores on the MHQ and hand strength and joint motion, while scores on the DFI did not correlate with hand strength, dexterity, or joint motion. Overall, the HFDS and the MHQ appear to be reliable and valid measures of hand function in persons with diabetes and may help occupational therapists determine the level of difficulty with daily tasks and monitor outcomes of therapy in persons with diabetes.
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