Validation of the Japanese Version of the Itch-Related Cognition Questionnaire for Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Objectives: To validate the itch-related cognition questionnaire (Kognitive Faktoren beim Juckreiz, KFJ) in Japanese. Patients and Methods: 100 patients with atopic dermatitis who received only standard medical treatment participated in the study. The original questionnaire was translated by a German-Japanese bilingual researcher and a native German speaker. Retranslation was made after definitions and fluency had been checked by unaware dermatologists. Results: The Japanese version of the KFJ showed good psychometric qualities similar to the original. This was indicated by the results of factor analysis and internal consistency (catastrophizing scale: α = 0.89; coping scale: α= 0.80). Concurrent validity was supported by state anxiety and depression having a positive correlation only with the catastrophizing scale (r = 0.41 and 0.44 respectively). Supernatural and internal locus of control also had a positive correlation with the catastrophizing scale. Predictive validity was confirmed in that patients with severe skin lesions scored high on the catastrophizing scale. Discussion: These findings support the utility of the Japanese version of the KFJ, which has the advantage of measuring precisely the outcome of psychological interventions focusing on coping with itch in atopic dermatitis patients.

Prevalence and predictors of psychosocial morbidity in patients with chronic pruritic skin diseases

“…ice application). The ‘catastrophizing and helpless coping’ scale expresses helplessness and catastrophizing of the itch sensation 28,29 . Patients are requested to evaluate how often each statement comes to mind when they are itchy on a five‐point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (every time).…”

Effectiveness of the nursing programme ‘Coping with itch’: a randomized controlled study in adults with chronic pruritic skin disease

“…The ‘problem‐focused coping’ scale consists of statements indicating active coping cognitions as well as active behavioural coping strategies, such as distraction techniques and alternative sensory stimulation (ice application). The ‘catastrophizing and helpless coping’ scale expresses helplessness and catastrophizing of the itch sensation 21,22 . Patients are requested to evaluate how often each statement comes to mind when they are itchy on a five‐point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (every time).…”

“…The 'catastrophizing and helpless coping' scale expresses helplessness and catastrophizing of the itch sensation. 21,22 Patients are requested to evaluate how often each statement comes to mind when they are itchy on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (every time). For the 'problem-focused coping' scale Cronbach's a has been reported to be 0AE83; for the 'catastrophizing and helpless coping' scale Cronbach's a has been reported to be 0AE89.…”

Clinical Management in Psychodermatology

“…A German questionnaire to record cognitions in itching has been developed (Ehlers et al 1993), and an English version is also available. This itching cognition questionnaire has also been standardized in Japan (Tsutsui et al 2003).…”