Validity and reliability of the European Portuguese version of the painDETECT questionnaire in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Abstract

To validate the European Portuguese version of the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ-PT) regarding its structural validity, reliability, and construct validity in patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This cross-sectional methodological study involved 242 patients with MSK pain. Participants completed the PDQ-PT and five additional questionnaires. Structural validity was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was evaluated by measuring internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was examined by correlating the results with the European Portuguese DN4 questionnaire and comparing pain and musculoskeletal health between the nociceptive (NOC) and neuropathic (NEP) groups. The PDQ-PT exhibited a single-factor structure with significant factor loadings and satisfactory model fit indices. Internal consistency was robust (Cronbach's α = 0.775), and test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.95). Construct validity was demonstrated by strong correlations with the DN4-PT (<i>r</i> = 0.709, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Significant differences in pain intensity and musculoskeletal health were identified between the NOC and NEP groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The results affirm that the PDQ-PT is a dependable and valid tool for recognising pain mechanism profiles in Portuguese patients with MSK pain. Further research is necessary to verify the diagnostic accuracy of this method.