The Clinical Applicability of the Self-Appraisal of Illness Questionnaire (SAIQ) to Chronic Schizophrenic Patients in Taiwan

Over the last decade, several self-report instruments to assess insight of illness from schizophrenic patients’ perspectives have been administered. The main purpose of this study was to ascertain the reliability and validity of the Taiwanese version of the Self-Appraisal of Illness Questionnaire (SAIQ) in a chronic schizophrenic sample in Taiwan. This scale is a self-administered instrument designed to evaluate attitudes toward mental illness among patients receiving treatment. In the current cross-sectional study, 104 patients who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenic disorders were recruited and independently interviewed. The psychometric properties of the translated SAIQ were determined, including internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity. In addition, we analyzed psychosocial and clinical characteristics as correlates of the Taiwanese version of the SAIQ. Overall, the Taiwanese version of the SAIQ was found to be internally consistent and reliable over time. This translated scale comprised a three-factor solution with factors corresponding to worry, the need for treatment, and presence/outcome subscales. The results also indicated that the three subscales and its total score were significantly associated with both the research-rated insight scale and psychopathology and mood state. This culture-specific study shows that the Taiwanese version of the SAIQ is a simple and reliable scale for use.