Reliability and Validity of the Kidney Disease Questionnaire Among Greek Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Disease related knowledge for patients undergoing hemodialysis is a crucial part for health related quality of life. Purpose To investigate the reliability and validity of the knowledge scale “The Kidney Disease Questionnaire”. Methods Between October 2016 and April 2017 a group of patients undergoing hemodialysis (N=321) completed the Greek version of “The Kidney Disease Questionnaire”. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were tested. Construct validity was checked through discriminant and convergent validity using the scales GR-Simplified Adherence Questionnaire-HD and Missoula Vitas Quality of Life Index-15. The significance level was set up at 5%. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Results As far as the test-retest reliability an agreement was reached between the first and the second completion. The Index Cronbach's Alpha was equal to 0,85. The Kidney Disease Questionnaire was found to be associated with both the GR- Simplified Adherence Questionnaire-HD and Missoula Vitas Quality of Life Index-15. Finding differences in knowledge scores depending on age, if they were living alone, the educational level, years on hemodialysis, and vascular access suggest the discriminant validity of the questionnaire. Conclusions The “Kidney Disease Questionnaire” is a reliable and valid tool in order to explore the level of knowledge for patients undergoing hemodialysis.