Validation of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire-54 in Slovakia

Abstract

Background. Quality of life assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is not commonly performed in the Slovak Republic due to the unavailability of a validated Slovak version of a specific assessment tool. Material and methods. The aim of this study was to transculturally adapt and validate the Slovak version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQoL-54). Psychometric analysis was performed by assessing reliability (Cronbach α), internal validation and external validation by measuring correlation with clinical factors such Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as well as other demographic factors. The questionnaire was validated on a sample of 298 patients with MS. Results. Based on the results of the factor analysis, it can be concluded that the Slovak version of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire has comparable psychometric properties to the original version. External validation using EDSS showed a statistically significant inverse (negative) correlation on all components of the questionnaire. Conclusions. The Slovak version of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire assessment tool can be used by Slovak healthcare professionals for a more comprehensive treatment of patients with MS.