How reliable is a self-reported Walter Reed stage?
OBJECTIVES: Self-reported clinical information is frequently elicited during interviews and examinations. The reliability of such information is often questioned when subsequently utilized. For reasons of anonymity and availability, utilizing primary source information may not be an option. This study compares a piece of self-reported clinical data, the Walter Reed Stage (a multi-faceted assessment of disease progression), to primary source data. METHODS: Data on a group of 363 HIV+ dermatology patients, each having between one and four dermatology examinations since becoming aware of their HIV status, was examined. At each examination, a self-reported Walter Reed Stage was obtained. This self-reported information was compared to the primary source information, reported by the doctor after a staging examination. Kappa statistics were used to compare responses. Chi square statistics were used to examine potential demographic differences in those presenting discrepant responses. RESULTS:
