Journal Article

DZNE-2026-01153

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Testing the EQ-HWB-9 with seven-day versus today recall periods in dementia: variability and recall adherence under health fluctuations.

Buchholz, M. (First author)DZNE* ; Engel, L. ; Xie, F. ; Michalowsky, B. (Last author)DZNE*

2026
Springer Nature Switzerland AG Cham

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s11136-026-04432-4

Abstract: To compare a '7-DAY' and 'TODAY' recall period of the EQ-HWB-9 in people living with dementia (PlwD) with regard to day-to-day health changes (health fluctuations) and recall period adherence.In this mixed-methods study, PlwD-caregiver dyads from German primary care were randomized to complete the EQ-HWB-9 (self- and proxy-proxy report) using either a '7-day' or 'today' recall period over a two-week time period on day 1, day seven and day 14. In addition, caregivers recorded daily health fluctuations over 14 days via a diary. Health fluctuations were examined in relation to EQ-HWB-9 score variability and recall adherence, which was assessed via semi-structured caregiver interviews. Quantitative analyses included recall group comparisons, effect sizes, and variance analyses.Seventy-four dyads were included (PlwD mean age 77 years; 41.9% female; caregiver mean age 71 years; 71.6% female). Proxy EQ-HWB-9 scores were higher (worse health) than self-reports and higher with the '7-day' versus 'today' recall. Caregivers reported at least one health fluctuation in 92% of PlwD; fluctuations occurred in 41% of daily assessments. Greater diary-documented fluctuation was associated with higher EQ-HWB-9 score variability. Recall adherence differed by health fluctuation status: caregivers of PlwD with no to low health fluctuations favored TODAY, whereas those of PlwD with high health fluctuations favored the 7-DAY recall time frame.No single recall period appears optimal for all PlwD. Recall period selection should consider individual health fluctuation patterns to improve the performance of HRQoL assessments in dementia.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Dementia: psychology (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Mental Recall (MeSH) ; Caregivers: psychology (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Quality of Life: psychology (MeSH) ; Aged, 80 and over (MeSH) ; Germany (MeSH) ; Surveys and Questionnaires (MeSH) ; Psychometrics (MeSH) ; Health Status (MeSH) ; Middle Aged (MeSH) ; Self Report (MeSH) ; Time Factors (MeSH) ; Dementia ; EQ-HWB ; Health fluctuation ; Health-related quality of life ; Patient-reported outcome measures ; Psychometrics ; Recall periods

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research (AG Michalowsky)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Social Sciences Citation Index ; Web of Science Core Collection

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