Development and Validation of an Ayurveda-Based Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ): A Comprehensive Tool for Assessment of Swasthya

Abstract

Ayurveda emphasizes the preservation of health through maintenance of equilibrium among Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Manas and Indriyas. Although modern tools such as WHOQOL and SF-12 questionnaires are frequently used for health assessment, they do not comprehensively include Ayurvedic indicators such as Agni, mental equilibrium. Aim: The present study aimed to develop and validate an Ayurveda-based Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) grounded in classical Ayurvedic concepts of Swasthya. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was developed based on Arogya Lakshana from Kashyapa Samhita, Dhatu Samya Lakshana, Sukhayu and Hitayu, Lakshana, Sadvrutta from Charaka Samhita, and Swastha Lakshana from Sushruta Samhita. Initially, open-ended questions were administered to 50 volunteers. Based on responses and expert opinion, close-ended questions using a Likert scale were prepared. The questionnaire underwent validation in two phases using SPSS software. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The validated questionnaire was translated into Kannada and Hindi and further validated. Results: The initial questionnaire consisted of 107 items administered to 100 healthy volunteers. Internal consistency showed good reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha value greater than 0.8. Factor analysis and data reduction techniques reduced the questionnaire to 42 items. The final questionnaire demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for assessment of health from an Ayurvedic perspective. Conclusion: The Ayurveda Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) provides a comprehensive, self-administered tool for assessing health status according to Ayurvedic principles. It may aid in early identification of health disturbances and promote preventive healthcare through lifestyle modifications.