Assessing the validity and reliability of a Prakriti assessment questionnaire in gynecology cases: A pilot study

Kaumadi Karunagoda; P K Perera; H Senanayake

Kaumadi Karunagoda Department of Prasutitantra Kaumarabhritya, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
P K Perera Department of Dravyaguna Vignana, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
H Senanayake Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Keywords: Prakriti, Prakriti assessment questioner, Validity, test re-test reliability

Abstract

This study was designed to validate a Prakriti assessment questioner through a scientific method. Prakriti is one of a basic concept discussed in Ayurveda which can categories population into several subgroups based on phenotypic characters like appearance, temperament and habits. Traditionally Prakriti assessment is done by Ayurveda physician with clinical investigations but in resent era several tools have developed to assess the Prakriti, including questionnaires. In this study 54 cases were selected randomly from the outpatient department of the Gynecology unit. The cross cultural adaptation was achieved by translating the questioner from original version, performed by independent mother tongue translator who are with Ayurveda background, followed by the committee review. Test retest reliability was examined for 40 subjects who completed the tool twice within 14 days interval. Cronbach's Alpha was run to test the test retest reliability of the questionnaire. Reliability of the Prakriti assessment questionnaire from 1^st administration to 2^nd attempt was 0.585 to 0. 453 respectively. This study noted less than optimal reliability for Sinhala version of the Prakriti assessment questioner. Despite this finding, modifications of the tool is still necessitated by the absence of gold standard Prakriti assessment measurement for Sinhala speaking population. Therefore, it’s necessary for developing more sophisticated tool which can be used for research and clinically in Ayurveda medicine in Sri Lanka.

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Author Biography

Kaumadi Karunagoda, Department of Prasutitantra Kaumarabhritya, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)

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