A health-related quality of life questionnaire for multiple sclerosis Patients |
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Authors: | L. E. M. A. Pfennings H. M. Van der Ploeg L. Cohen I. Bramsen C. H. Polman G. J. Lankhorst L. Vleugels |
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Affiliation: | Dept of Medical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. |
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Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: The construction of a brief, valid and reliable HRQoL questionnaire for use in multiple sclerosis patients based on generic and disease-specific HRQoL measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), COOP/ WONCA Charts, and Disability & Impact Profile (DIP) were used in a longitudinal study in 162 patients with multiple sclerosis. RESULTS: Factor analyses identified 2 underlying dimensions of HRQoL, relating to "physical functioning" and "psychological functioning". Selection of the 3 highest loading reliable scales on each factor resulted in a final questionnaire consisting of 3 scales of the SF-36 and 3 scales of the DIP. In total 40 items were selected; completion time is about 10 min. CONCLUSION: The final questionnaire adequately measured 2 dimensions of HRQoL. The length of the questionnaire is acceptable for patients with MS in view of respondent burden. |
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Keywords: | health related quality of life questionnaire development multiple sclerosis |
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