Validity and reliability of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health scale in adults with atopic dermatitis

Background: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health (PGH) was validated to assess health-related quality of life in several diseases. Little is known about its measurement properties in adult atopic dermatitis. Objective: Examine the measurement properties of PGH in adult atopic dermatitis. Methods: A prospective dermatology practice–based study of 994 atopic dermatitis patients (18-97 years). Results: PGH physical and mental health 4-item and abridged 2-item T scores, as well as mapped EuroQol-5D score, showed strong to very strong correlation with one another and moderate to strong Spearman correlations with Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, Patient-Health Questionnaire–9, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbance and related impairment, Eczema Area and Severity Index, objective Scoring Atopic Dermatitis; and weak to moderate correlations with Patient Oriented Eczema Measure, numeric rating scale worst itch and average itch, and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) had stronger correlations with Patient Oriented Eczema Measure, Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, numeric rating scale worst itch and average itch, Eczema Area and Severity Index, and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, but weaker correlations with Patient-Health Questionnaire–9 and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbance and related impairment (convergent/divergent validity). PGH and DLQI scores had similarly poor ability to differentiate between levels of self-reported global atopic dermatitis severity (known-groups validity). No floor or ceiling effects were observed. No PGH or DLQI items had differential item functioning by demographics. PGH and DLQI scores showed fair to good responsiveness. Finally, PGH and DLQI showed similarly good test-retest reliability. Limitations: Single-center study. Conclusion: PGH scores had sufficient validity and reliability to assess health-related quality of life in atopic dermatitis.