Psychometric evaluation of a brazilian portuguese version of the spitzer quality of life index in patients with low back pain

Rafaela Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Toledo,Neusa Maria Costa Alexandre,Roberta Cunha Matheus Rodrigues

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692008000600002

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to adapt the Spitzer Quality of Life Index and evaluate its reliability in patients with low back pain. The following steps were followed: translation, back-translation, evaluation by a committee, and pretest. The reliability was estimated through stability and homogeneity assessment. The validity was tested comparing scores of the Spitzer (QLI) with the SF-36 and the Roland-Morris. The psychometric properties were evaluated by the self-application on 120 patients. Results showed that the Cronbach's Alpha was 0.77. Intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.960 (p<0.001; IC95%: 0.943; 0.972). Spearman s correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.937 (p<0.001). There was significant correlation between the Spitzer (QLI) scores and the dimensions of the SF-36. A significant negative correlation was found between the Spitzer (QLI) and the Roland-Morris scores (r = - 0.730). The adaptation process was conducted successfully and the questionnaire presented reliable psychometric measures.

Highlights

Musculoskeletal symptoms represent one of the principal problems in industrialized countries
Despite the complexity involved in the stages of the cross-cultural adaptation process, no great difficulties were found in performing these steps and all were carried out successfully
We must point out that these studies used the original form of application. These results of the present study suggest that the Spitzer (QLI) instrument has reliable internal consistency in the self- reported form

Summary

Introduction

Musculoskeletal symptoms represent one of the principal problems in industrialized countries. There is a need for internationally standardized measurements for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms[1]. Low back pain is the most common of these symptoms[2] It is one of the most common workrelated injuries and is a cause of high costs both to industry and workers, negatively affecting the quality of life of its subjects. There are various reasons for evaluating the quality of life of people with back pain, including the need to establish objectives and plan treatment, to monitor the evolution of pain and to assess the outcome of the care[3]. There are various advantages to be gained from the use of a standardized clinical protocol for the treatment of low back pain[4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion