BOF: 2.61
A new surrogate
lifestyle-marker for cardiovascular risk is being developed. The researcher
wishing to pilot this in a high-risk population chooses to assess lifestyle
using a multiple-choice questionnaire. The data from this approach alone would
be questionable due to issues with which of the following?
a)
Reliability
b) Validity
c) Accuracy
d) Sensitivity
e) Specificity
Answer:
b)
The answers on a
multiple-choice questionnaire may not reflect actual behaviour / lifestyle,
which is best, recorded through direct observation. However, due to
practicality it would be better to use a questionnaire-based interview
involving recall of activities as well as direct responses. Accuracy may also
be an issue in this example but it is of higher importance to develop tools,
which are first of all valid.
Author:
Dr. Sumantra Ray R.Nutr.
MBBS (Hons), DNHE, MICR
(UK), MRIPH (UK)
Clinical Research & Teaching Fellow
The Institute of Cardiovascular Research
University of Dundee Division of Medicine & Therapeutics
/ NHS Tayside
Honorary Invited Lecturer
Clinical Research Centre & Centre for Public Health
Nutrition Research
University of Dundee College of Medicine, Dentistry &
Nursing / NHS Tayside
Ninewells Hospital & Medical School
Dundee DD1 9SY
