Validity and reliability of the Italian translation of the MOS-HIV health survey in persons with AIDS.

Abstract

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the 35-item Medical Outcome Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV) when applied to persons with AIDS. The study population consisted of 185 adults with AIDS residing in Rome and participating in a randomised controlled trial on home-care. Diagnosis was made between 1 October 1994 and 1 April 1996, and enrollment took place within 2 months of diagnosis. The MOS-HIV, which measures 10 dimensions of health-related quality of life (QoL), was administered at baseline and every 3 months thereafter during the 1-year follow-up. Tests of convergent and concurrent construct validity were conducted for all scales. Of the 185 trial participants, 146 responded to the questionnaire; 82 responded at least twice (including baseline collection) during follow-up. For the role functioning, general health, and vitality scales, the distribution of scale scores was concentrated at the lower half of the range. Internal consistency reliability was adequate (>0.80) for all scales. Baseline scores tended to increase with decreasing AIDS severity and with increasing age. There were improvements over time in the role functioning, vitality, and health distress scales. The MOS-HIV had good reliability among persons with AIDS. There was a moderate floor effect for some of the subscales. Tests of convergent and construct validity were generally confirmed. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the responsiveness to changes over time.