Tried and tested: the psychometric properties of the multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) in a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the psychometric properties of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) and to assess the relationship between the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale and the physical and psychological parts of this score.


METHODS
A population-based study identified cases with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) in the north-east region of Ireland. They were examined and completed the MSIS-29. Cases were classified as mild (Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) 0-3.0), moderate (EDSS 3.5-5.5), or severe (6.0-9.5) MS.


RESULTS
The 248 participants (82 male, 166 female) had a mean age of 49.1 years (SD 12.4). EDSS ranged from 0 to 9.5 (median 6.0). Data quality was excellent (0.02% missing data), physical and psychological scores spanned the entire range with low floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha 0.97 - physical score, 0.93 - psychological score). The convergent validity of the physical impact score of the MSIS-29 with the Kurtzke EDSS was confirmed with a high Spearman's rank coefficient correlation of 0.63 (P = 0.01). Physical impact scores for mild, moderate, and severe disability as were statistically different at 25.9%, 48.0%, and 63.9%, respectively. Mean psychological score was non-significantly higher in the moderately disabled group at 47.4% compared with the severely disabled at 44.3% (P = 0.58).


CONCLUSIONS
The MSIS-29 is an acceptable, reliable, and valid method of recording quality of life. A significant relationship between higher physical impact scores of the MSIS-29 and higher Kurtzke EDSS values suggests that is may be of use in clinical trials to monitor progression.
Gray
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Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland. orlagray@hotmail.com
McDonnell
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Hawkins
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D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D009660:Northern Ireland; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards