Background
The FLU-PRO Plus is a patient-reported outcome data collection instrument assessing symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections across eight body systems. This study evaluated the measurement properties of FLU-PRO Plus in a study enrolling individuals with COVID-19.
Methods
Data from a prospective cohort study (EPICC) in US Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries evaluated for COVID-19 was utilized. Adults with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection with FLU-PRO Plus survey information within one week of symptom onset were included. Reliability of FLU-PRO Plus was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; 2 days reproducibility). Known-groups validity was assessed using patient global assessments (PGA) of disease severity. Patient report of return to usual health was used to assess responsiveness (day 1-6/7).
Results
226 SARS-CoV-2 positive participants were included in the analysis. Reliability among those who reported no change in their symptoms from one day to the next was high for most domains (ICC range 0.68-0.94 for day 1 to day 2). Construct validity was demonstrated by moderate to high correlation between the PGA rating of disease severity and domain and total scores (e.g., total scores correlation: 0.69 (influenza-like illness severity), 0.69 (interference in daily activities), and -0.58 (physical health)). In addition, FLU-PRO Plus demonstrated good known-groups validity, with increasing domain and total scores observed with increasing severity ratings.
Conclusions
FLU-PRO Plus performs well in measuring signs and symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 infection with excellent construct validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness to change. Standardized data collection instruments facilitate meta-analyses, vaccine effectiveness studies, and other COVID-19 research activities.
Sensory analysis is a powerful tool for creating profiles of food and beverages based on information perceived by the human senses. This paper investigates 18 of the most popular Colombian coffees. Individuals from nine different cities assessed products in two different ways: degree of presence (absence) of sensory properties and degree of acceptance (liking). The results focused on identifying variations in sensory evaluations due to the city, as well as classification of the products according to their degree of acceptance or rejection, and investigating associations between sensory attributes, price, and label–package information. A correspondence analysis allowed us to investigate the variation introduced by the factor city. The most preferred/rejected products were identified through preference mapping. The level of intensity of the smelling sensory attribute positively affects the price and the information presented at the product´s label–package. However, tasting attributes negatively affects price and perceptions of the product´s label–package information. We conclude that smelling sensory attributes has greater impact on purchase intentions than tasting attributes. Decision‐makers should manage scent, price, and label–package characteristics wisely because they are part of the first experience of the customer.
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