title: The multiple sclerosis self-management scale: clinicometric testing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale (MSSM) is currently the only measure that was developed specifically to address self-management among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). While good internal consistency (α = 0.85) and construct validity have been demonstrated, other psychometric properties have not been established. This study was undertaken to evaluate the criterion validity, test-retest reliability, and face validity of the MSSM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-one individuals with MS who met the inclusion criteria were recruited to complete a series of questionnaires at two time points. At Time 1, participants completed the MSSM and two generic self-management tools-the Partners in Health (PIH-12) and the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (heiQ)-as well as a short questionnaire to capture participants' opinions about the MSSM. At Time 2, approximately 2 weeks after Time 1, participants completed the MSSM again.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The available MSSM factors showed moderate to high correlations with both PIH-12 and heiQ and were deemed to have satisfactory test-retest reliability. Face validity pointed to areas of the MSSM that need to be revised in future work. As indicated by the participants, some dimensions of MS self-management are missing in the MSSM and some items such as medication are redundant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the MSSM; however, further changes are required for both researchers and clinicians to use the tool meaningfully in practice.
authors: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (SG, LSK, SJF); and Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran (SG).
authors: Setareh
authors: S
authors: Ghahari
authors: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (SG, LSK, SJF); and Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran (SG).
authors: Lana S
authors: LS
authors: Khoshbin
authors: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (SG, LSK, SJF); and Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran (SG).
authors: Susan J
authors: SJ
authors: Forwell