Description

The Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ), also referred to as the Nijmegen Hyperventilation Scale [NHS-16], is a psychometric assessment tool developed to evaluate symptoms associated with hyperventilation.

The questionnaire consists of 16 symptom-related items and is designed to assess the severity and frequency of hyperventilation-related symptoms. By systematically recording these experiences, the NHS-16 provides a quantitative indication of the individual’s overall symptom burden.

The instrument can be used to support the identification and monitoring of hyperventilation-related symptoms and to provide structured information regarding their impact on an individual’s everyday life.

Objective

The primary objective of the NHS-16 is to provide a reliable and standardized method for assessing symptoms associated with hyperventilation.

The questionnaire can help determine the extent to which these symptoms affect an individual’s daily functioning and can provide useful information for developing appropriate management and intervention strategies.

Repeated administration may also be useful for monitoring changes in symptom severity over time or following an intervention.

Data Analysis and Use

Data obtained from the NHS-16 can be analyzed using a range of descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Descriptive statistics, including the mean, median, standard deviation, and range, can be calculated to summarize the distribution and overall severity of symptoms within a study population.

Comparative analyses can be conducted to investigate differences in NHS-16 scores between demographic or clinical groups. Depending on the characteristics and distribution of the data, appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests may be applied.

In longitudinal or intervention studies, repeated measurements can be used to examine changes in symptom scores over time. Correlation analyses may also be applied to explore relationships between NHS-16 scores and relevant demographic, clinical, or psychological variables.

Scoring

The NHS-16 consists of 16 statements related to symptoms of hyperventilation. Participants rate the frequency or intensity of their symptoms using a Likert-type scale, typically ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (always).

The total score is calculated by summing the responses across all items. Higher total scores indicate more severe or more frequently experienced hyperventilation-related symptoms.

Interpretation of the total score should follow the specifications of the particular version of the questionnaire being used.

Reliability and Validity

The psychometric evaluation of the Nijmegen Questionnaire may involve examination of its reliability and validity.

Reliability analysis can assess the consistency of responses across the questionnaire, while validity studies can investigate whether NHS-16 scores adequately reflect the symptoms the instrument is intended to measure.

When the questionnaire is translated or adapted for use in different linguistic and cultural populations, appropriate cross-cultural validation procedures can be applied to determine whether its measurement properties remain suitable.

Applications

The NHS-16 can be used in clinical and research settings concerned with hyperventilation-related symptoms.

Potential applications include the initial assessment of symptom burden, comparison of symptom severity across different groups, and monitoring of changes in symptoms over time or following an intervention.

Its relatively brief and standardized format also facilitates its inclusion in broader research protocols alongside other clinical, respiratory, or psychological measures.

References

van den Berg, M., Knoop, H., & Goudswaard, A. (1999). The Nijmegen Questionnaire: A useful tool for detecting hyperventilation. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 46(5), 463–473.

Friedman, S., & Bowers, A. (1982). The Nijmegen Questionnaire and hyperventilation: Clinical significance. Psychosomatic Medicine, 44(2), 163–171.

Spinhoven, P., & van der Does, A. J. (2000). The Nijmegen Questionnaire for hyperventilation: Psychometric properties and clinical use. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 56(12), 1433–1445.

Schaaf, J., & van der Does, A. J. (2001). The Nijmegen Questionnaire for hyperventilation: A review of its validity and reliability. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 17(1), 23–29.

Goudswaard, A., & van den Berg, M. (1995). Evaluation of the Nijmegen Questionnaire in a clinical setting. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 34(4), 565–571.