Developing a Questionnaire on Knowledge, Perceptions and Application of Vascular-Aging Measurements

Background: Vascular age (VA) is independent and chronological age for assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, tools for the implementation of VA are currently lacking. We aimed to develop a questionnaire to assess the current knowledge gaps related to VA and barriers to its implementation in routine practice. Methods: Using a stepwise mixed-method approach, a quantitative questionnaire was constructed in four phases: (1) basic item generation and the development of a semi-qualitative questionnaire (SQQ); (2) dissemination to the VascAgeNet extended network and an analysis of the semi-qualitative questionnaire responses; (3) the development of a quantitative questionnaire (QQ); and (4) an assessment of the content and face validity and internal reliability in an additional sample. Results: Based on six main topics initially identified through an expert panel, a SQQ was developed and disseminated. Finally, a 22-item QQ was developed, with questions grouped around three main themes: knowledge of VA and its risk factors; perceptions and beliefs regarding the importance and contribution of VA to risk classification; and the application of VA measurements in clinical and research practice and its potential limitations (Cronbach’s alpha between 0.920 and 0.982 for all three categories). Conclusion: We report the development of a QQ on VA addressed to both clinicians and non-clinicians aiming to assess their knowledge, perceptions and application of VA measurements.