Validation of the Disease-specific Questionnaire MSQoL-54 in Bosnia and Herzegovina Multiple Sclerosis Patients Sample.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to validate Bosnian translation of disease specific quality of life measure MSQoL-54 which is widely used in practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Previously translated and culturally adopted MSQoL-54 questionnaire used in this study has been provided and licensed by Optum Inc. The questionnaire was validated in 62 MS patients seen at Neurology clinic at University Clinical Center Sarajevo, during April 2016 until May 2016. Internal reliabilities of Bosnian version MSQoL-54 were assessed for multiple item scales by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Clinical validity was assessed comparing means of the two summary MSQoL-54 scores by the EDSS score. Pearson's (r) correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between the composite scores and the main clinical and demographic variables.

RESULTS: Patients' participation was satisfactory and all scales fulfilled the usual psychometric standards. Highly significant inverse relationship was found between both composite scores and clinical characteristics of the disease and the EDSS. The lowest internal consistency reliability is found on social function scale (0.743), overall quality of life (0.782) and pain (0.833). The highest internal consistency reliability is found on role limitations due to physical problems (0.959), physical health (0.962) and role limitations due to emotional problems (0.966). The mean value of MSQoL-54 PHC (Physical Health Composite) and MHC (Mental Health Composite) were 49.82±18.90 (36.05-61.38) 51.84±22.22 (34.93-70.20) respectively. Our study has shown that the Bosnian version of MSQoL-54 is easy to administer and well accepted by patients and may be useful as clinical outcome measures in patients with MS.