Translation and validation of patient-oriented eczema measure in the Greek language

Abstract

Our purpose was to translate and validate the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) in Greek. POEM translation was carried out with parallel back-translation procedure. To examine reliability and validity, 59 AD adult patients were recruited. A questionnaire including demographics, POEM, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was completed through physicians’ interview with patients. A second POEM completion took place 3-7 days after the initial visit. POEM items showed good internal consistency among study participants [Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88] and no overall floor and ceiling effects were detected. The POEM and DLQI scores were significantly correlated (Spearman rho = 0.71; p<0.001). The average ICC (95% CI) of POEM score between interviews was 0.89 (0.80, 0.94) indicating good to excellent test-retest reliability. As the use of patient reported outcome measures in Greece is increasing, it is important to have access in Greek translated - validated tools that are commonly used in literature.