Clinical Assessment Scales For The Kostha

Abstract

The present clinical study is planned to develop a scale to assess the Kostha. Kostha  is accredited in the scriptures as Mahasrotas (the great channel), Sharira Madhya (central section of the body), Mahanimna (the inmost part of the body) and Amapakvashaya (stomach and intestines). The term Kostha is expressed in the context of bowel habit and clinically it is classified into three types Mridu, Madhyama  and Krura. Regarding the assessment of Kostha.i.e.  bowel habit should be examined considering the frequency, consistency, straining during defecation etc. Randomly 60 healthy cases were registered for the assessment of Kostha. A self developed 10-items was introduced earlier and 9-items in the final scale. Mean, Median, Standard deviation, higher and lower values etc. of total score were calculated. The reliability of the scale was calculated by administering Cronbach-alpha, was found 0.835, indicating higher reliability of the test. Construct validity of the test was determined by finding coefficient of correlation between scores and reliability of the scores. It was found 0.913 & it indicates higher validity.