A Greek Validation Study of the Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts the vocational abilities of People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
• The Multiple Sclerosis Work Difficulties Questionnaire-23 (MSWDQ-23) assesses workplace challenges.
• Validating the Greek version of the MSWDQ-23 is crucial for its application in Greek-speaking PwMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MSWDQ-23.
• To confirm the construct validity and internal consistency of the instrument.
• To assess the convergent validity of the Greek MSWDQ-23 with other health measures.

Main Methods:

• Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to assess the factor structure.
• Convergent validity was examined by correlating MSWDQ-23 scores with measures of disability, cognition, fatigue, psychological state, and quality of life.
• Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Main Results:

• CFA confirmed a three-factor structure for the Greek MSWDQ-23 with a fair model fit.
• Higher work difficulties correlated with increased disability (EDSS), poorer cognitive function, greater fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life.
• Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.996) were found.

Conclusions:

• The Greek MSWDQ-23 is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing work difficulties in People with Multiple Sclerosis.
• The questionnaire demonstrates good construct and convergent validity, along with excellent reliability.
• The validated Greek MSWDQ-23 can be utilized in interventions to enhance the vocational status of PwMS in Greece.