Affiliations: [a] Department of Neurology, Dijon Stroke Registry, University Hospital and Medical School of Dijon, University of Burgundy, France
| [b] Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Disease, University Hospital and Medical School of Dijon, University of Burgundy, France
| [c] Clinical Investigation Center INSERM CIC 1423, University Hospital and Medical School of Dijon, University of Burgundy, France
| [d] Department of Medical English, Medical School of Dijon, University of Burgundy, France
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Prof. Yannick Béjot, Department of Neurology, Dijon Stroke Registry, University Hospital, Bocage central, 14 rue Gaffarel, BP 77908, 21079 Dijon cedex, France. Tel.: +33 3 80 29 37 53; Fax: +33 3 80 29 36 72; E-mail: ybejot@yahoo.fr.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To adapt the SS-QoL into French and test its psychometric properties. METHODS:Seventy-seven patients from a population-based registry were enrolled 3 months after their stroke. SS-QoL, NIHSS score, Barthel index, HAD, FSS, SF-36 scales, and MMSE were administered at enrolment. SS-QoL was re-administered at 15 days and 2 months. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s α coefficients, factorial validity by an exploratory factor analysis and external validity by Mann-Whitney test and Spearman’s correlations (ρ), comparing SS-QoL scores with those obtained from established scales. Reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and responsiveness by standardized effect sizes (ES). RESULTS:Test-retest and inter-observer reliabilities were excellent (ICC> 0.88). Internal consistency was acceptable (α= 0.65–0.91), except for the Personality domain (α= 0.58). Factor analysis individualized eight homogenous axes. SS-QoL scores were different between groups opposed by their modified Rankin score at enrolment or their overall quality of life compared with pre-stroke status (p < 0.001). Ten of the twelve domains correlated moderately (ρ> 0.35) to strongly (ρ> 0.5) with established measures. Nine domains were mildly to moderately responsive to change (ES> 0.3). CONCLUSION:The French version of the SS-QoL is a valid, reliable and moderately responsive instrument.
Keywords: Stroke, quality of life, outcome, scale, validation
