Development and validation of Oja Dushti scale - A questionnaire tool for clinical assessment

Background: Oja (~essence of all seven Dhatu ) is the fundamental concept of Ayurveda pertaining to sustenance, vitality, and integrity of life. A functional decline in Oja is acknowledged as a potential factor contributing to Oja dushti (~vitiation of Oja ), marked by the development of disease symptoms. Oja dushti’s assessment through an in-depth questionnaire - Oja Dushti Scale (ODS) would help to make clinical decisions across timelines for a physician. However, approaches for collecting data on Oja can vary significantly among physicians due to their reliance on patients’ subjective reports. Assessing subjective health status requires using validated tools for accurate data management. Aim: The aim of the study was to create and validate a questionnaire tool for determining the status of Oja in cases of Oja dushti . To confirm the reliability and validity of this tool based on patient-reported outcomes. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out within the Institute using mixed methods of study design. In phase one, the questionnaire was developed through a detailed literature review from available resources, peer evaluation, and discussions. In the later phase, the ODS questionnaire was evaluated by face (pilot study of 35 patients) and content (six experts). Statistical (Cronbach’s Alpha and Content Validity Index CVI) validity was also done for the assessment of reliability. Results: A 22-item ODS questionnaire tool was developed to assess Oja dushti clinically. The pretested results were satisfactory in terms of validity and reliability. The values of Cronbach’s Alpha and CVI achieved were 0.87 and 0.97, respectively. Conclusion: The developed ODS questionnaire tool is valid for the clinical assessment of Oja dushti in relevant clinical scenarios.