Derivation of a short form of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire

Aim: To derive and evaluate a short form of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire. 

Methods: Data from three previous studies of dentine hypersensitivity (n = 353) were pooled and randomly divided into half. Ten- and 15-item short forms were derived in the first half of the data using the item impact and regression methods. The four short forms were evaluated in the second half. 

Results: The 10 and 15-item versions of the regression short form detected impacts in 37% and 61% of participants, respectively, compared to 68% and 93% using the item impact method. All short forms had internal consistency (Cronbach's α) >0.84 and test-retest reliability (ICC) >0.89. All correlated with the long form (all r > 0.93, p < 0.001) and with the effect of the mouth on everyday life (all r ≥ 0.73, p < 0.001). None of the short forms detected a treatment effect in two trials although all four showed a tendency to detect an effect in a trial where the long form had done so. 

Conclusions: The 15-item short form derived with the item impact method performed better than other short forms and appears to be sufficiently robust for use in individual patients.