The Burden of Stroke Scale (BOSS) provided valid, reliable, and responsive score estimates of functioning and well-being during the first year of recovery from stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Burden of Stroke Scale (BOSS).


METHODS
A prospective cohort of stroke survivors were assessed at 3 (T1, T2), 6 (T3), and 12 (T4) months post onset (MPO) of stroke. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between T1 and T2 scale scores. Convergent validity was evaluated by calculating Pearson product moment correlation coefficients between T1 BOSS, Stroke Impact Scale and MOS SF-36 scale scores assessing similar health concepts. Responsiveness was evaluated using a repeated measures ANOVA and the linear trend test in the full study sample and by calculating standardized response means (SRM) and a probability of change statistic, p between T1, T3, and T4 scale scores in participants demonstrating change on external criteria.


RESULTS
ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. Pearson coefficients ranged from -0.57 to -0.86. Moderate to high responsiveness estimates were obtained for 9 of 12 subscales with SRM (p) values ranging from .497 (.690) to 1.161 (.877). Composite scale SRM (p) values ranged from .661 (.746) to 1.192 (.883).


CONCLUSIONS
The BOSS provided valid and reliable score estimates that were responsive to positive changes in functioning and well-being during the first year of recovery from stroke.
Doyle
Patrick J
PJ
Geriatric Research Education & Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 7180 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA. patrick.doyle@med.va.gov
McNeil
Malcolm R
MR
Bost
James E
JE
Ross
Katherine B
KB
Wambaugh
Julie L
JL
Hula
William D
WD
Mikolic
Joseph M
JM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors