The BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) and BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index) are self-assessment tools that were created in order to determine disease activity and how well a patient is currently functioning with AS, respectively. You can view them by clicking here.

Recently, SAA Medical Board Member Dr. Walter P. Maksymowych, Senior Scholar Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Professor of Medicine, in association with the Spondylitis Association of America, conducted a study in which patients filled out a survey to assess if the BASDAI and BASFI accurately addressed their main symptoms and disabilities. It is noted in the study that both tools' validity has not been examined in a large population of patients.

The survey was conducted both online and through the mail. A total of 864 patients completed the survey.

It was found that only a minority of AS patients felt that the BASDAI and BASFI completely addressed their main symptoms and disabilities. The majority reported additional items that may be helpful in improving their validity.

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