scholarly journals A Greek Validation Study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 897
Author(s):  
Christos Bakirtzis ◽  
Artemios Artemiadis ◽  
Elli Nteli ◽  
Marina Kleopatra Boziki ◽  
Maria-Valeria Karakasi ◽  
...  

The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23) is a self-report instrument developed to assess barriers faced by People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) in the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MSWDQ-23. The study sample consisted of 196 PwMS, all currently working in part- or full-time jobs. Participants underwent clinical examination and cognitive screening with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) and completed self-report measures of fatigue, psychological functioning, and quality of life, along with the MSWDQ-23 questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed, and goodness-of-fit measures were used to evaluate construct validity. Convergent validity was checked by correlating MSWDQ-23 scores with study measures. Cronbach’s alpha value was produced to assess internal consistency. CFA yielded a model with a fair fit confirming the three-factor structure of the instrument. Higher work difficulties were associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, poorer cognitive function, more fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression, and poorer health status, supporting the convergent validity of MSWDQ-23. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.996, 95%, CI = 0.990–0.998) were excellent. The Greek MSWDQ-23 can be considered a valid patient-reported outcome measure and can be used in interventions aiming to improve the vocational status of PwMS.

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Tyler A. Wood ◽  
Douglas A. Wajda ◽  
Jacob J. Sosnoff

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disease that results in balance and mobility impairments that are associated with elevated fall risk. One common patient-reported outcome measure of balance is the 16-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. The ABC scale is valid and reliable in assessing balance confidence in people with MS. However, a shorter, six-question version of the ABC scale, the ABC-6 scale, has been proposed to save time in a clinical setting. Thus, we assessed the convergent validity and internal consistency reliability of the ABC-6 scale in people with MS. Methods: A total of 221 participants were included in this secondary analysis to compare the ABC-6 scale with the ABC scale. Convergent validity and internal consistency reliability were applied to participants based on fall history and physiological fall risk. Results: Statistical analysis indicated a main effect of group of the ABC and ABC-6 scales (P < .001). Both scales showed good to very good internal consistency (Cronbach α range, 0.832–0.975) and good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient score range, 0.888–0.941). Furthermore, both versions had moderate convergent validity. Sensitivity ranged from 30% to 97%, and specificity ranged from 64% to 100% across groups tested. Conclusions: The ABC and ABC-6 scales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and moderate convergent validity in predicting balance confidence in people with MS. However, poor sensitivity of both versions in distinguishing between MS groups at risk for falls may call into question the usefulness of this self-report measure.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Katzan ◽  
Sandra Griffith ◽  
Youran Fan

Background: Functional status is a critically important outcome measure after stroke. The ability to electronically capture this through self-report is increasing. The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) uses computer adaptive testing (CAT), which can increase score precision and reduce patient burden. The number of questions depends on the patient’s responses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the PROMIS physical function scale (PROMIS PF) compared to the validated Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS16) in an ambulatory stroke clinic. Methods: Patient-reported PROMIS PF (CAT version) and SIS16 were electronically collected on patients seen in the stroke clinic using the Knowledge Program platform. Patient completion rates were > 70%. Distribution of scores was compared to assess ceiling/floor effects. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating the SEM for PROMIS PF and Cronbach’s alpha for SIS16. Correlations with NIHSS were performed to assess convergent validity. Results: The PROMIS PF and SIS16 were collected on 5,691 patients from Jan 2010 - May 2014. Mean SIS16 score = 81.4 (SD 21.5), mean PROMIS PF score = 42.8 (SD 11.2). The SIS16 had a22% ceiling effect, <1 % ceiling effect was seen with PROMIS PF (Figure). Patients completed 16 SIS16 items and a median of 4 [IQR 4, 5] PROMIS PF items. Cronbach’s alpha for SIS16 = 0.959, SEM for PROMIS PF = 2.3; both values suggest excellent internal consistency. Test-retest correlation was 0.867 for SIS16 and 0.87 for PROMIS PF. Correlations between NIHS and the 2 scales were -0.461 (p<0.001) for PROMIS PF and -0.559 (p<0.0001) for SIS16. Conclusion: The use of the PROMIS system to obtain electronic patient-reported functional status in ambulatory stroke clinic is feasible. PROMIS PF is an option for measurement of physical function in patients with stroke. It had similar test characteristics as the SIS16 but with lower patient burden and no ceiling effect.


2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Gailey ◽  
Anat Kristal ◽  
Jennifer Lucarevic ◽  
Shane Harris ◽  
Brooks Applegate ◽  
...  

Background: Prosthetic socket fit is an important element associated with successful ambulation and use of a prosthesis. Prosthetists and rehabilitation clinicians would benefit from an assessment tool that discriminates between and quantifies the multiple determinants that influence the lower limb amputee’s performance and satisfaction of a prosthetic socket. Objectives: To determine the internal consistency of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey, a new self-report measure of prosthetic socket satisfaction that quantifies suspension, stability, comfort, and appearance. Study design: Cross-sectional sample of active amputees. Methods: Interviews were conducted with prosthetists, physical therapists, and lower limb amputees to identify clinical concerns and common activities influencing socket fit. An expert panel of five clinicians reviewed the items and constructed the original version of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey which was then administered to a convenience sample of 47 active lower limb amputees. Item analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were used to determine the final version of the comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey. Results: Following item raw score-to-total score correlation with Cronbach’s alpha for comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey determinants, internal consistency improved when nine questions were eliminated. Conclusion: The comprehensive lower limb amputee socket survey is a self-report measure of prosthetic socket satisfaction with very good internal consistency. Clinical relevance When socket problems occur, the ability to determine the specific cause can reduce modification time, enhance socket fit, and promote patient satisfaction. A standardized multi-dimensional assessment measure of socket satisfaction enables prosthetists to quantify the multiple determinants of socket satisfaction, improve patient communication, and demonstrate the value of socket interventions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S255-S255
Author(s):  
B. Alansari ◽  
T. AlAli

IntroductionThe Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) 29-Item, each involving the selection of four options that are different for each item. Although there is an Arabic version, it is not identical to the original version in terms of the number of items and response.Objectivesto evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic adaptation OHI and its factorial structure in undergraduate sample.MethodsThe participants were 720 first year undergraduate Kuwaitis: 360 males mean age = 20.38 ± 1.60 and 360 females; mean age = 19.71 ± 1.39 (t = 5.87, P < 0.001). The Arabic version of OHI (Argyle, Martin, & Crossland) was administered to participants. The internal consistency reliability, factor structure, and convergent validity of the OHI with Life Orientation Test (LOT-R, Adult Hope Scale (AHS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were assessed as well as divergent validity of the OHI with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)ResultsInternal consistency was satisfactory for the OHI (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87) for males and (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) for females. The results revealed no significant gender differences on happiness (F = 1.77, P > 05). Principal component analyses (PCA) showed that a seven-component solution explains %50.50 of the total variance for males and 51.47% for females. The OHI positively correlates with the following variables: SWLS (r = .52), LOT-R (r = 0.56) AHS (r = .48) while the OHI correlates negatively with BDI-II (r = -54).ConclusionsFindings confirm that the OHI provides satisfactory validation, and thus it can be recommended as a measure of happiness among Arab samples.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tolulope Adeniji ◽  
Adetoyeje Y. Oyeyemi

Purpose This study aims at translating and adapting a common and widely used proxy rated cognitive screening tool – Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) into Hausa language and also to evaluate the instrument’s psychometric properties. Design/methodology/approach IQCODE was translated and adapted using a qualitative process involving experts and the adapted version was then evaluated against a gold standard (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder V criteria for neurocognitive disorders) with older adults subjects (N = 100), while its reliability (internal consistency) was also evaluated. Descriptive statistics of mean and frequencies, and inferential statistic of receiver operating curve analysis and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were used for data analysis at an alpha level set at 0.05. Findings The Hausa IQCODE has a sensitivity value of 73.3%, specificity value of 71.8% and optimal cut-off values of between 3.2 and 3.3. For his adapted instrument the area under the Curve (AUC) curve is 0.79 (95% CI: 0.663–0.919; std. err: 0.066; P = 0.000), and Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.819 was obtained indicating that the adapted instrument has good internal consistency. Research limitations/implications The adapted IQCODE is a valid and reliable proxy based cognitive screening tool for the older adult Hausa speakers in Maiduguri. However, clinician and researcher might want to consider different optimal cut-off points when using this tool to screen or to monitor cognitive changes among older adults. Originality/value This research paper translated and adapted Hausa IQCODE into Hausa language. And it gives information on the validity and reliability of the adapted tool alongside with new optimal cut-off for cognitive screening by proxy among older adult patients in Nigeria.


Author(s):  
Reza OMANI-SAMANI ◽  
Saman MAROUFIZADEH ◽  
Amir ALMASI-HASHIANI ◽  
Mahdi SEPIDARKISH ◽  
Payam AMINI

Background: Infertility is a public health problem and can lead to depressive symptoms. In recent years, the WHO-five Well-being Index (WHO-5) has been used as a screening measure for depression, but study on psychometric properties in people with infertility is scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the WHO-5 in people with infertility. Methods: Overall, 539 infertile patients from a referral infertility center in Tehran, Iran in the period between May and Aug 2017, completed the WHO-5, along with other psychological measures: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Construct validity and internal consistency of WHO-5 were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Convergent validity was examined by relationship with PHQ-9 and HADS. Results: The prevalence of poor well-being was 44.3% and that of depression was 18.6%. CFA confirmed the unidimensional factor structure of the WHO-5. Internal consistency of the WHO-5 was good (Cronbach’s alpha=0.858). The WHO-5 significantly correlated with the PHQ-9 (r=-0.522), HADS-anxiety (r=-0.524) and HADS-depression (r=-0.630), confirming convergent validity. Conclusion: The WHO-5 is a short and easy to use questionnaire with satisfactory reliability and validity that appears suitable for use as a screening test for depressive symptom in infertile people. In addition, the prevalence of depression and poor well-being was very high in this population.


Salud Mental ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 209-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Hernández-Orduña ◽  
◽  
Rebeca Robles-García ◽  
Nicolás Martínez-López ◽  
Carolina Muñoz-Toledo ◽  
...  

Introduction. Valid and feasible measures to properly assess the most impaired areas of functioning in various groups of patients with mental disorders would allow the development and evaluation of interventions designed to modify the specific environmental barriers that contribute to patients´ disability. Objective. This article seeks to evaluate the internal consistency and construct and convergent validity of the Spanish version of the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule WHODAS 2.0, as well as its relationship with sociodemographic variables and symptomatic severity in Mexican patients with and without psychotic symptoms. Method. The WHODAS 2.0 and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale SOFAS were administered to 153 patients with any of the following diagnoses: affective disorders, anxiety disorders, stress-related disorders, and psychotic disorders. Results. The WHODAS 2.0 showed high internal consistency in patients with psychotic symptoms (Cronbach’s alpha = .92) and without psychotic symptoms (Cronbach’s alpha = .89). Nevertheless, only in patients without psychotic symptoms, was a significant negative correlation between WHODAS (disability) and SOFAS (functioning) total scores observed, together with significant differences in WHODAS scores between those with mild and severe symptomatology. Discussion and conclusion. The WHODAS 2.0 is an adequate measure of disability in patients without psychotic symptoms. It could be used as a complementary measure of disability in those with psychotic symptoms. Further studies are required to determine other psychometric properties of the WHODAS 2.0, particularly those related to temporal stability and sensitivity to change.


Author(s):  
Vahid Farnia ◽  
Mehdi Moradinazar ◽  
Nasrin Abdoli ◽  
Mostafa Alikhani ◽  
Mansour Rezaei ◽  
...  

Background: No standard self-report instrument for withdrawal symptoms is available in Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the 10-item Amphetamine Withdrawal questionnaire version 2 (AWQV2). Methods: A sample of 388 methamphetamine addicts (215 females and 173 males) referred to addiction recovery centers and psychiatric ward of Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah. A two-stage random sampling method was used. The reliability and internal consistency of the AWQV2 items were examined using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability, respectively, and the instrument validity of the AWQV2 was measured using construct validity and convergent validity. Results: The AWQV2 had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.72. Factor analysis using the main component analysis with a varimax rotation introduced three factors of hyperarousal, anxiety, and reversed vegetative symptoms. These factors explained 0.58 of the total variance. The coefficient of test-retest reliability at a 2-week interval was equal to 0.77. The convergent validity of the AWQV2 was examined by simultaneously administering the Advanced Warning of Relapse (AWARE) questionnaire to 40 subjects, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81. Conclusions: Based on the results, the AWQV2 has very good psychometric properties and may be used in research and therapeutic interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-255
Author(s):  
Zahra Sadeghi ◽  
◽  
Mohammadreza Afshar ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Kowsar Baghban ◽  
...  

Objective: Dysphagia is commonly encountered in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It can consequently cause severe complications such as the increased risk of dehydration, malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia that associated with an increased risk of death in the late stages of the disease. These complications can be prevented with an effective screening protocol. The Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) is the only questionnaire developed specifically for patients with MS. The aim of the present study was translation and cross-culturally adaptation of DYMUS for the Persian population and estimation of the questionnairechr('39')s reliability and validity. Also, we investigated the frequency and severity of dysphagia in the patients referring to the Tehran MS Society and its association with the course of MS, disease duration, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Materials & Methods: This is a methodological and descriptive-analytic study. The statistical populations consist of the patients with MS referring to the Tehran Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2018. The study sample consisted of 108 patients who were selected through a convenient sampling method. The research instruments consisted of 10-items DYMUS questionnaire (in the first part of the study, translated and its psychometric properties examined), Dysphagia Handicap Index and a demographic information questionnaire. In methodological section, translation and cross-cultural adaptation were fulfilled and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess the construct validity and to test the goodness-of-fit of the presented model. The association between the DYMUS and Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) scores investigated to convergent validity. ‏ The inter-item correlation matrix was calculated to assess the homogeneity of the questionnaire items. Kuder - Richardson (KR-20) was measured to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Also, the test-retest procedure was conducted on the 19 subjects understudy to assess the reliability. Finally, the frequency and severity of dysphagia and its association with the course of MS, disease duration, and EDSS was investigated. KR-20 reliability coefficient, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), inter-item correlation matrix, Mann-Whitney U test and rank correlation coefficient or Spearmanchr('39')s were used to inferential statistical analysis. Results: Analysis of the inter-item correlations matrix indicated a positive correlation between all items, exception item 10. Based on the results of the inter-item correlation, item 10 had the lowest correlation coefficient that was deleted from the questionnaire. CFA results confirmed the two-factor model of DYMUS, “dysphagia for solids” and “dysphagia for liquids”, and revealed that the item 10 was minimally contributing to the measurement of "dysphagia of solids" and internal consistency increased after the deletion of this item. Also, the solution of the 9-item Model was the best goodness-of-fit indicator for the sample. The obtained results from the convergent validity indicated a positive significant correlation between the DYMUS and DHI (rs=0.693, P<0.001). A KR-20 reliability coefficient of the DYMUS was 0.856, indicating high internal consistency of the Persian translation of the questionnaire items. Test-retest reliability was excellent with 0.965 value. The results also showed that 65.7% of multiple sclerosis patients had a swallowing disorder. In terms of the dysphagia severity, 25.9% of participants had mild dysphagia, and 39.8% of participants had alarming dysphagia. DYMUS values were significantly correlated with disease duration (rs=0.198, P= 0.040), and EDSS (rs=0.235, P= 0.014) and significantly higher mean scores were observed in the patients with secondary progressive than the other subgroups of multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: The Persian adjusted 9-item questionnaire was demonstrated to be a simple, consistent, valid and reliable tool for the detection of patients who need more specific instrumental evaluations of swallowing. Also, about the dysphagia is very frequent in these patients, it is important that clinicians monitor these patients carefully even in early stages of the disease‏ for early detection and planning a rehabilitation program to the prevention of serious subsequence complications.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Valdés-Stauber ◽  
Ursula Stabenow ◽  
Jakob Böttinger ◽  
Sarah Kramer ◽  
Reinhold Kilian

Abstract Background: Based on the concept of “Daseinsverabschiedung”, an anthropological theory of “Anticipated Farewell to Existence” (AFE) was suggested on the basis of six grounding dimensions (“derived in AFE”): selfhood (“expiration of the time of existence”), interpersonality (“altruistic preoccupation”), temporality (“struggle for acceptance”), corporeality (“wounded physical integrity”), worldliness (“reconciliation with own existence”), and transcendence (“self-transcendence”). The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which the relevance of these anthropological dimensions differs between people in different stages of life, especially those facing their own death.Methods: The sample (N=485) consists of dying individuals in palliative wards and hospices (n=121); old people living in nursing homes not suffering from a mortal disease (n=62); young adults (n=152), and middle-aged adults (n=150). The relevance of anticipated farewell to existence was measured by means of the “Anticipated Farewell to Existence Questionnaire” (AFEQT). Further assessment tools: Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), Life Attitude Profile (LAP-R), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), and Basic Documentation for Psycho-Oncology (PO-Bado). The internal consistency of the AFEQT was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and convergent validity by means of dimensions of LAP-R. Differences in the relevance of the AFEQT dimensions among stages of life were estimated by means of multiple regression models.Results: According to Cronbach’s alpha, the internal consistency of the AFEQT subscales was sufficient for the whole sample. Convergent validity with dimensions of LAP-R was found for young and middle-aged participants. Dying people scored significantly higher for most of the dimensions than young and middle-aged as well as elderly people. Personality traits of “oenness” and “agreeableness” are positively associated with the extent of assessed dimensions of AFEQT.Conclusions: Anthropological reflections on the structure of human beings, which is activated or actualized in a special way in the face of death, can provide a framework for practice facing a humanization of medicine at the end of life, considering real experiences, possible needs, and underlying human conditions when facing end of life. The dimensions proposed can be taken into account in a sensitive way by supporting dialogues with dying people and their relatives.Trial registration: observational study.


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