Validation of the Portuguese Lithium Attitudes Questionnaire in Bipolar Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Rosa Adriane R, Andreazza Ana Cristina, Sanchez-Moreno Jose, Gazalle Fernando K, Santin Aida, Stein Airton, Barros Helena MT, Vieta Eduard, Kapczinski Flávio
Primary Institution: Centro de Pesquisas, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
Hypothesis
The Portuguese version of the Lithium Attitudes Questionnaire (LAQ) will demonstrate good psychometric properties in assessing attitudes towards lithium treatment in bipolar patients.
Conclusion
The psychometric assessment of the Portuguese version of LAQ showed good internal consistency, sensitivity, and specificity, similar to the original version.
Supporting Evidence
- The internal consistency of the LAQ was evaluated with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.78.
- Concurrent validity was confirmed by a negative correlation between plasma lithium concentration and total LAQ score.
- The LAQ showed a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 71% in identifying negative attitudes.
Takeaway
This study created a Portuguese version of a questionnaire to help understand how bipolar patients feel about taking lithium, which is important for their treatment.
Methodology
106 bipolar patients under lithium treatment were assessed using the LAQ, and psychometric properties were analyzed.
Potential Biases
Non-adherent patients may have been less likely to participate in the study.
Limitations
The study assessed attitudes about medication at only one point in time and did not evaluate current symptom severity or comorbidities.
Participant Demographics
73 women (68.9%) and 33 men, mean age 42.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.048
Statistical Significance
p = 0.048
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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