The Persian Version of a Participation Scale: Is It Valid and Reliable Enough for Use among Iranian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis?

MethodsTrained experts interviewed 364 MS patients and their relatives to assess the criterion validity, stability reliability, and internal consistency of the IPA-p scale. Ten specialists from different disciplines were also recruited to assess its face validity. A consent form was completed by the patients and their relatives. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach''s alpha and stability reliability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The test-retest method was used to detect the reliability of the questioner. The study subjects completed the IPA-p scale on two occasions separated by an interval of 30-45 days. Study checklists were also used to assess the face validity, stability reliability, and internal consistency of the IPA-p scale.ResultsAbout 50% of the respondents reported their perceived overall participation to be "good" or "very good" and 60% of the specialists rated the ability of the IPA-p scale to measure what it was designed for as "excellent." Spearman correlation coefficients were >0.8 for all but one IPA-p domain. Cronbach''s alpha between the mean IPA-p scale scores achieved on two separate occasions ranged from 0.858 to 0.913. The highest and lowest internal consistencies belonged to the "social relationships" and "education and learning" domains, respectively. The test-retest ICCs for the nine domains were between 0.789 and 0.919, and all were significant at p<0.001.ConclusionsThe IPA-p questionnaire can be considered a valid and reliable instrument for assessing self-reported participation among Iranian MS patients.     

Validation of the Chinese version of public attitudes toward epilepsy scale in Mainland China

PurposeEpilepsy is a significant yet seriously underappreciated public health issue in Mainland China. The stigma and discrimination toward people with epilepsy (PWE) and their families are especially severe in China based on cultural misconceptions which cause tremendous psychological, economic and social burdens. It is imperative to formulate a targeted public intervention to eliminate knowledge gaps and correct these misconceptions of epilepsy. However, to date, the essential tools that may drive such an intervention by measuring the public perspective on PWEs is lacking in China. The goal of this study is to test the reliability and validity of a Simplified Chinese version of the “Public Attitude Toward Epilepsy” scale (PATE) in Mainland China which can be used to understand the content and identify the possible sources of stigma to better inform the design and focus of future stigma reduction interventions.MethodsThe standard procedure of cross-cultural adaptation was used in the translation process. Subjects from different economic and social backgrounds were enrolled by convenience sampling in central China. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to check the underlying factor structure of the items. Furthermore, Cronbach's alpha was utilized to assess internal consistency.Results199 respondents were included in the final analysis. Content validity of this Chinese PATE was assessed to be adequate for assessing public attitudes toward epilepsy among the mainland Chinese. Two factors were extracted from the data by exploratory factor analysis; confirmatory factor analysis further confirmed good consistency of theoretical constructs between the original Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy scale and our Chinese PATE. Our Chinese PATE presented excellent internal consistency (α = 0.853–0.909).ConclusionThis version of the Chinese PATE showed acceptable psychometric properties, indicating that it can be implemented in surveying public attitudes toward epilepsy in Mainland China.     

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Biological Rhythms Interview of assessment in neuropsychiatry-self report for delayed sleep-wake phase disorder

ObjectiveThe Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN) might be applicable for assessing delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD). We aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the BRIAN self-report (J-BRIAN-SR) in DSWPD patients and determine a cutoff score to identify the presence of the disorder.MethodsWe enrolled 60 newly diagnosed DSWPD outpatients and 64 age-matched healthy controls. We used Cronbach's alpha for internal reliability to evaluate J-BRIAN-SR. We confirmed the reliability of the A test and re-test using Pearson's correlation coefficient in the controls. We used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the factor structure of J-BRIAN-SR and referenced the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) to check concurrent validity. We analyzed the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to determine the J-BRIAN-SR cutoff point for the presence of DSWPD.ResultsThe 18-component scores of the J-BRIAN-SR had an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.82. We confirmed a high test-retest reliability using an intraclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.84). The correlation between J-BRIAN-SR and MEQ was 0.38 (p = 0.003). The J-BRIAN-SR that we extracted by exploratory factor analysis consisted of three factors. A score of 40 points provided a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 75.6% for the positivity of DSWPD.ConclusionsThe results of the present study revealed that J-BRIAN-SR is a valid and reliable instrument for screening and evaluating the severity of DSWPD. Our findings will be useful to physicians and patients in Japan and those in clinical settings.     

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Narcolepsy Severity Scale in adult patients with narcolepsy type 1

ObjectiveTo evaluate reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Narcolepsy Severity Scale (NSS) in adult patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1).MethodsOne hundred and fifty-one adult patients (≥18 years) with NT1 were recruited. All filled out the 15-item Chinese version of NSS. Item analysis included critical ratio and correlation analysis. The validity of NSS was assessed by exploratory factor analysis, discriminant validity and convergent validity. Reliability of NSS was assessed by Cronbach's α coefficient, spilt-half reliability and test-retest reliability.ResultsCritical value of all 15 items ranged from 3.01 to 13.36. Each item was significantly correlated with the total score by a correlation coefficient (r) ranging from 0.219 to 0.700. Three common domains were extracted and 15 items explained 54.86% of the total variance. There was a shift in domains compared to the English version likely due to cultural differences. Cronbach's α coefficient for the total scale of 15 items was 0.821 and for three factors was 0.726, 0.748 and 0.760 respectively. The NSS had good correlation with Epworth sleepiness scale scores, Insomnia severity index scores and moderate correlation with mean the sleep latency of polysomnographic recording, and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions Questionnaire. The Chinese version of NSS showed good spilt-half reliability and test-retest reliability.ConclusionThe Chinese version of NSS shows satisfactory psychometric properties with good validity and reliability. It is applicable to evaluate the severity and consequences of symptoms in Chinese adult patients with NT1.     

Development of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory

Summary: We developed an instrument to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in epilepsy. A 99-item inventory was constructed from the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (generic core), with 9 additional generic items, 48 epilepsy-targeted items, and 6 other items concerning attitudes toward epilepsy and self-esteem. We administered the 99-item inventory to 304 adults with epilepsy at 25 epilepsy centers. Patients and patient-designated proxies completed the inventory and were retested 1–91 days later. A multitrait scaling analysis of these data led to retention of 86 items distributed in 17 multiitem scales (Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.92). Factor analysis of the 17 multiitem scales yielded four underlying dimensions of health: an epilepsy-targeted dimension, a cognitive factor, mental health, and physical health. Construct validity was supported by significant patient-proxy correlations for all scales and correlations between neuropsychologic tests and self-reported emotional and cognitive function (all p values < 0.05). There were significant negative correlations between the four factor scores derived from the HRQOL scales and neurotoxicity, systemic toxicity, and health care utilization (except for the correlation between mental health factor and health care utilization; all p values < 0.05). Patients who were seizure-free in the preceding year reported better HRQOL for the overall score, three of the four factor scores, and 8 of the 17 scale scores than did patients with a high frequency of seizures. Relative validity analysis showed that the epilepsy-targeted factor and three of its four component scales were more sensitive to categorization of patients by severity of seizure frequency and type than scales tapping physical health, mental health, or cognitive function. These cross-sectional data support the reliability and validity of this measure of HRQOL in epilepsy. The addition of an epilepsy-targeted supplement to the generic core improved the sensitivity to severity of epilepsy. The 86 items included in the field testing were supplemented by three additional items to form the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-89) inventory.     

Cross-cultural Adaptation,Validation and Reliability of the Brazilian Version of the Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale

ObjectiveTo present the process of transcultural adaptation of the Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale to Brazilian Portuguese.MethodsFor the semantic adaptation step, the scale was translated to Portuguese and then back-translated to English by two professional translators and one psychologist, without any communication between them. The scale was then applied to 20 participants from the general population for language adjustments. For the construct validation step, an exploratory factor analysis was performed, using the scree plot test, principal component analysis for factor extraction, and Varimax rotation. For convergent validity, the correlation matrix was analyzed through Pearson's coefficient.ResultsThe scale showed easy applicability, satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.87), and a high correlation with other rating scales for compulsive buying disorder, indicating that it is suitable to be used in the assessment and diagnosis of compulsive buying disorder, as it presents psychometric validity.ConclusionThe Brazilian Portuguese version of the Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale has good validity and reliability.     

Factors contributing to the stigma of epilepsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors, including personality and coping styles, likely to be influential in enhancing the social stigma of epilepsy. METHODS: Data were collected from 400 adults with epilepsy recruited from 10 epilepsy centers in Korea. Clinical information about seizures was obtained by neurologists, and other information was collected from self-completed questionnaires, including those measuring stigma scales. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of people with epilepsy felt stigmatized by their condition and in 9% of these the stigma was severe. Multivariate analysis identified experiences of actual discrimination from society, introverted personality, problem solving controllability, and emotional subscale of QOLIE-31 as being independently associated with the social stigma of epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Episodes of discrimination, coping strategies, and personality may be important in feeling the stigma of epilepsy. These findings may provide a basis for further studies to clarify the causative factors generating the stigma of epilepsy.     

The Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the Verbal Abuse Questionnaire in University Students

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean Verbal Abuse Questionnaire (K-VAQ) that consists of 15 items related with life-time verbal aggression exposure.MethodsA total of 5814 university students who agreed to take part in the study completed the K-VAQ, the Korean version of the Life Event CheckList (LEC-K) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (K-IES-R). Internal consistency was checked by using item-total item correlation and Cronbach''s alpha coefficient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, and convergent and concurrent validity levels were examined. Finally, a cluster analysis was conducted to verify the validity of the cutoff point of the K-VAQ.ResultsThe Cronbach''s alpha correlation coefficient was 0.9. The K-VAQ showed a single factor structure which explained 55.34% of the total variance. The K-VAQ was significantly associated with the LEC-K (r=0.24) and K-IES-R (r=0.28), indicating good convergent validity and concurrent validity. The cluster analysis provided four clusters of trauma experiences: high, moderate, low, and minimal, with K-VAQ ranges of 43-81, 20-42, 7-19, and 0-6, respectively. In a further investigation, a K-VAQ score of 40 was found to be the appropriate cutoff point to delineate the highly verbally abused group, as used in the previous studies. A sum of 36.5% of the highly verbally abused group reported to show substantial symptoms of PTSD (K-IES-R score >22).ConclusionThe present findings suggest that the K-VAQ has good psychometric properties for assessing verbal aggression among the Korean population.     

Psychometric evaluation of the Serbian version of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31)

PurposeTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the Serbian-language version of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31).MethodsAfter undergoing a translation and cultural adaptation of its items in order to create a Serbian-language version of QOLIE-31, we assessed its psychometric properties—reliability, construct validity and criterion validity. The sample consisted of 203 adults with epilepsy. Reliability was tested both by assessing the internal consistency and by the test–retest method. Construct validity was assessed by factor analysis, multitrait-scaling analysis and method of known-groups validation. This was achieved by assessing the relationship between scales and external measures (socio-demographic characteristics, seizure severity and etiology of epilepsy). Criterion validity was assessed by correlation analysis between QOLIE-31 and Short form 36 health survey (SF-36) and Neurotoxicity scale-II.ResultsThe domains showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.94). Test–retest reliability for Overall test score was 0.83 (Pearson's coefficient) indicating temporal stability. Seizure severity and etiology of epilepsy significantly influenced all QOLIE-31 domains except the Medication effect domain, with lowest scores in high seizure severity and symptomatic etiology groups. Employment status significantly influenced Overall quality of life, Emotional well-being, Social function and Overall score. Educational level was related to the Emotional well-being domain, with highest scores for students. The QOLIE-31 was highly positively correlated with SF-36 (rho = 0.898) and strongly negatively correlated with Neurotoxicity scale-II (rho = ?0.783).ConclusionSerbian adaptation of the QOLIE-31 questionnaire is reliable and valid for assessing the quality of life in patients with epilepsy.     

Reliability and validity of the coping strategy inventory-short form applied to hemodialysis patients in 13 countries: Results from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS)

ObjectivesThe Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF) measures four coping strategies based on 16 items: 4 items each indicating problem- vs. emotion-focused engagement or disengagement. Here we provide the first assessment of reliability and construct validity of the CSI-SF among hemodialysis patients across 13 countries.MethodsThe CSI-SF was completed by patients in 9 languages in phase 4 of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (2009–11). Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess the factor structure of the CSI-SF by country and language. CSI-SF data were analyzed from 7201 patients (60% male; median age 62.5 [range 18–96] years).ResultsGood internal consistency (α = 0.56–0.80) was seen for three scales in English (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), German, and Swedish versions. The fourth scale was internally consistent if two items were dropped. In these countries, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a factor structure consistent with the four CSI-SF scales. Other language versions showed a factor structure inconsistent with these four scales.ConclusionThe slightly modified English, German, and Swedish versions of the CSI-SF are reliable and valid instruments for measuring coping strategies in hemodialysis patients.     

Cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire: Psychometric properties of the Tunisian version

ObjectivesThis study investigated the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire in a Tunisian Arabic-Speaking population.MethodThe CERQ original version was translated and back-translated and then administrated to 360 participants. Afterwards, using the explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, we studied the latent factor structure for CERQ. The internal consistency of the subscales was assessed by Cronbach's alfa coefficients, and the test-retest and interscale reliability were assessed with Pearson correlations. The criterion validity was also examined using correlations between the CERQ subscales and both the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales at first evaluation and at a one year follow-up.ResultsThe Tunisian version was quite satisfactory with the nine-factor structure, as in the original CERQ. Moreover, all validity and reliability measures were comparable to the original CERQ.ConclusionThe present study is the first work devoted to a Tunisian adaptation of the CERQ. Our findings highlight that the Tunisian version is both reliable and valid for the measurement of cognitive emotion regulation strategies.     

Reliability and structural validity of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease

IntroductionThe Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is commonly used in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, most measurement properties have not been investigated in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, structural validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the MFI in PD.MethodsPatients with PD (N = 153) completed the MFI at baseline and week 3 in a randomized clinical trial. Cronbach's α, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated. Bland and Altman analysis was performed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to explore structural validity. Floor and ceiling effects were investigated.ResultsCronbach's α for the MFI-total and subscales ranged from 0.74 (reduced motivation (RM)) to 0.92 (MFI-total). ICC's ranged from 0.65 (mental fatigue (MF) to 0.81 (physical fatigue (PF)), SDC ranged from 4 points (PF and RM) to 15 points (MFI-total). Bland and Altman analysis showed no systematic differences between assessments. A floor effect was found for MF and ceiling effects for PF and reduced activity (RA). A four-factor model was extracted, combining general fatigue (GF) and PF as one factor.ConclusionsThe MFI is reliable and valid to assess fatigue in patients with PD. Clinicians and researchers interested in assessing specific aspects of fatigue should consider interpreting GF and PF as one subscale measuring physical aspects of fatigue. To establish whether the MFI can detect meaningful changes, studies on anchor-based responsiveness and the minimal important change are needed in PD.     

Psychometric validation of the French version of the quality of life in epilepsy inventory (QOLIE-31): comparison with a generic health-related quality of life questionnaire.

A psychometric evaluation of a French transcultural version of the quality of life in epilepsy inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) was carried out. QOLIE-31 was compared to a generic health-related quality of life questionnaire, the Nottingham health profile (NHP). The psychometric properties of QOLIE-31, assessed in 190 adults with epilepsy, included: acceptability, test-retest reliability and validity (multi-trait analysis including internal consistency and item-to-scale correlations, construct validity using factor analysis, discriminative validity using relationship with disease characteristics, treatment effects, divergent and convergent validity using correlations with NHP scores). Both acceptability and reproducibility were good and internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.86). Factor analysis with varimax rotation identified seven factors with eigenvalues > 1, with two factors, related to cognitive function and mood, accounting for 46.5% of the variance. However, goodness of fit indices revealed that a model with four factors best fitted the data. The first factor corresponds to a generic mental dimension, the second is equivalent to the cognitive functioning dimension, the third to medication effects including social functioning, and the fourth to seizure worry. Discriminative validity was good for seizure control and treatment tolerability. High correlations between QOLIE-31 and pertinent NHP scales (emotional reactions, energy and social isolation) were observed. The French version of QOLIE-31 thus meets established psychometric criteria for reliability and validity.     

Validation of Beck Cognitive Insight Scale – Arabic version in a Tunisian sample

ObjectivesCognitive insight reflects cognitive processes concerning patients’ capacity of distancing from and reevaluation of anomalous beliefs and misinterpretations. The purpose of the present study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale.MethodsThe English language version of the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale was translated into Literary Arabic. A total of 150 patients with and without psychosis completed the Arabic version of Beck Cognitive Insight Scale and additional evaluations to assess psychopathology. Psychometric properties including content validity, construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis, discriminant validity and reliability were assessed for this translated measure.ResultsOur results revealed that the Arabic version of the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale showed adequate psychometric properties that permitone to assess impairments of cognitive insight in patients with psychosis and in patients without psychotic features. The fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the validity of the two-factor structure corresponding to self-reflectiveness and self-certainty subscales. Psychotic patients were significantly more confident in their beliefs compared with non-psychotic patients. Scores of self-certainty were significantly higher in psychotic patients. Cronbach's alpha reliability indicator of the Arabic version was equal to 0.60. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.60 and 0.53 for the self-reflectiveness sub-scale and the self-certainty sub-scale, respectively.ConclusionsThe Arabic version of the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale is valid and reliable for the assessment of cognitive insight. It may improve the detection and the prevention of impairments in cognitive insight.     

Psychometric evaluation of a scale to assess satisfaction with life among people with intellectual disabilities living in community residences

Background In the context of a health intervention among people with intellectual disabilities (ID), there was a need to assess satisfaction with some aspects of life, in order to monitor both potential positive and negative effects of the intervention. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate an easily administered scale for assessing satisfaction with home environment and leisure time among people with mild or moderate ID, living in community residences. Methods A number of questions were constructed to measure satisfaction with home environment and leisure time. The questions were answered by 132 adults with mild or moderate ID, living in community residences in Sweden. The dimensionality of the scale was evaluated by factor analysis, and the reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Results The analysis supported a four‐factor solution with 12 items. The four factors were: (I) Satisfaction with housing environment; (II) Satisfaction with life; (III) Satisfaction with meals; and (IV) Satisfaction with recreational activity. The four factors explained almost 70% of the variance in the data set. Cronbach alpha coefficients for all scales were above 0.70, indicating that the reliabilities of the scales were satisfactory. Correlations between the four sub‐scales ranged from 0.06 to 0.52, indicating low to moderate inter‐correlations between the four sub‐scales. Conclusion The scale has fairly good psychometric properties and is easy to administer. The scale, which can be further improved, can be an important resource in health intervention studies.     

Enacted stigma among patients with epilepsy and intellectual impairment

BackgroundThe limited research on stigma and its determinants in patients with epilepsy and intellectual impairment motivated our study in this area.PurposeWe assessed enacted stigma and its determining factors in Bulgarian patients with refractory epilepsy and intellectual impairment.MethodsWe conducted a study of 64 patients with refractory epilepsy and intellectual impairment based on a questionnaire designed for people with intellectual impairment (stigma scale) and a purposeful interview on clinical factors and real experiences of discrimination, insults and/or threats, and attacks.ResultsA real experience of discrimination was reported by 51 (91.07%) of the interviewed participants, 34 (60.71%) of whom had been insulted and/or threatened and attacked because of their health problems. The experience of insults and/or threats and attacks was more frequent in cases with moderate intellectual impairment (χ² = 5.17, P < 0.05). Discrimination was reported more rarely by older patients (F = 3.23, P < 0.05). The participants who gave a greater number of positive answers about experienced discrimination or insults and/or threats and attacks reported a more pronounced perceived stigma (F = 19.30, P < 0.001 and F = 12.91, P < 0.001, respectively). Perceived stigma and the experience of insults and/or threats and attacks proved to be predictors of discrimination on multivariate regression analysis (F = 40.54, P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe have affirmed very frequent enacted stigmatization in Bulgarian patients with refractory epilepsy and intellectual impairment and its correlation with the degree of intellectual impairment, age, and perceived stigma.     

A Study of the Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale for Alcohol-Dependent Patients

Objective

The Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) is a stronger predictor of subsequent drinking and relapse of alcohol dependence that can be administered more quickly and easily than other craving scales. The goal of this study was to develop the Korean version of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS-K).

Methods

To examine the psychometric properties of the PACS-K, responses were chosen from 80 patients admitted to a treatment facility for alcohol dependence.

Results

The PACS-K possesses good psychometric properties, as assessed by Cronbach''s α estimates (Cronbach''s α=0.91). The test-retest reliability of the PACS-K showed high correlation (p<0.01) when the retest interval was 1 day. When the validity of the PACS-K was investigated using correlation analysis with two other craving scales (the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), high correlations were obtained between total PACS scores and total OCDS scores, and between total PACS scores and VAS scores (p<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The PACS-K is a reliable and valid measure of alcohol cravings, and it could be useful for predicting which individuals are at risk for subsequent relapse.     

Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Chinese version of the self-report health-related quality of life measure for children and adolescents with epilepsy

PURPOSE: The aim of this validation study was to evaluate the internal consistency (internal reliability) and test-retest reliability (external reliability) of the Chinese version of the self-report health-related quality of life measure for children and adolescents with epilepsy. METHODS: Children and adolescents with epilepsy between the ages of 8 and 18 years were conveniently sampled in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong. They were requested to complete the 25-item questionnaire twice, with a test-retest interval of 10 to 14 days. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were measured with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. RESULTS: A sample of 50 patients completed the first questionnaire. Internal consistency was adequate on four of five subscales and marginal in the remaining one. Forty-two subjects repeated the questionnaire. The test-retest reliability was acceptable for all five subscales. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of the health-related quality of life measure for children and adolescents with epilepsy demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Further studies are required to study other psychometric properties such as construct validity and factor analysis.     

Translation,cross-cultural adaptation,and validation of the Bulgarian version of the Liverpool Adverse Event Profile

BackgroundAdverse effects (AEs) of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) affect the quality of life of patients with epilepsy and their outcomes. There are no questionnaires or studies on the reliability and validity of instruments measuring AEs of AEDs in patients with epilepsy in Bulgarian language.PurposeThe aim of the present study was the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the LAEP in the Bulgarian language in order to use it in the Bulgarian-speaking population in providing a reliable instrument for the clinical monitoring of patients with epilepsy.MethodsOne hundred thirty-one patients (57 men and 74 women, mean age: 40.13 ± 13.37 years) took part in the investigation. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability were tested by Cronbach's α and ICC estimations. The convergent construct validity was tested by estimating the correlation of the LAEP-BG with the QOLIE-89 and the discriminant validity by evaluating the difference between LAEP-BG scores and clinical parameters such as the type of epilepsy using Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA.ResultsThe LAEP-BG showed high internal consistency and reliability. The Cronbach's α of the total scale was 0.86. No significant differences between the Cronbach's α coefficients of the total LAEP-BG and original English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Portuguese–Brazilian versions of the questionnaire were observed. The ICCs, which evaluate the test–retest reliability, were higher than the recommended value of 0.75 and determined the strong positive correlations between the first and second examinations. The creation of two subscales “Neurological and psychiatric side effects” and “Non neurological side effects” of the LAEP-BG proposed by us showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α of 0.85 and 0.71, respectively). The LAEP-BG scores significantly correlated with other questionnaires such as the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory—89 (QOLIE-89) and showed a good discriminative validity between groups with different levels of self-assessed AEs of AEDs.ConclusionThe Bulgarian version of the Liverpool Adverse Event Profile (LAEP) is a reliable and valid tool in assessing the patient-reported AEs of AEDs and their impact on the patient's outcome.