Internal consistency, test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of a questionnaire on work-related exposure related to arm, shoulder and neck symptoms in computer workers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the internal consistency, test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of the RSI QuickScan, a newly developed questionnaire that aims to identify the presumed risk factors for neck, shoulder and arm symptoms in a population of computer workers. The internal consistency was calculated using item analysis. The test–retest reliability and concurrent validity were analysed by calculating the percentage of agreement, Cohen's Kappa and the Ppositive and Pnegative. The concurrent validity was also tested by comparing the results from the new questionnaire with those from the original questionnaires that the current questionnaire was based on, on-site expert observations and direct measurements. The results indicate that the RSI QuickScan is a measurement tool with acceptable internal consistency, reliability and concurrent validity. The questionnaire can be used as a means to rapidly collect data on a large population of office workers and at low cost.

Keywords:

• questionnaire
• reliability
• validity
• computer work

Acknowledgements

The study was funded by a grant from the Foundation Arbo Unie Netherlands. We thank Joy Diekmeijer and Robert van der Gulik for their important contributions to the direct measurements and on-site observations. We especially thank the study participants for their time and effort.