Development and validation of the Disease Knowledge Questionnaire for Allergic Rhinitis

<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background</bold> : Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic condition that impacts patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Effective self-management depends on patients’ understanding of AR symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention, yet many patients have limited disease knowledge. A reliable tool to assess AR patients’ knowledge is therefore essential for guiding targeted education and improving self-management. <bold>Methods:</bold> Based on Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation, an initial questionnaire was developed through literature review, semi-structured interview, expert consultation and pilot survey. Then it was used to investigate 392 conveniently selected patients with allergic rhinitis, to conduct item analysis and reliability and validity testing. <bold>Results:</bold> The Disease Knowledge Questionnaire for Allergic Rhinitis consisted of 4 dimensions and 22 items. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the questionnaire was0.963, the split-half reliability was 0.913, the Cronbach’s α coefficient of the 4 dimensions were0.929,0.924,0.898,0.887 and the split-half reliability of the 4 dimensions were 0.877,0.838,0.854,0.878; Four common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was74.611%; The confirmatory factor analysis results showed, <italic>x</italic> ² <italic>/df</italic> =2.991, RMR=0.011, GFI=0.870, CFI=0.915, IFI=0.916, RMSEA=0.071, which suggested the model fit well. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> The Disease Knowledge Questionnaire for Allergic Rhinitis has good reliability and validity, it can be used to assess the disease knowledge level, belief of disease prevention and behavior intention of patients with allergic rhinitis. </p>