Development and validation of the disease - specific problems questionnaire for patients with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents diverse lifelong challenges for patients.
• A culturally sensitive, self-report measure for MS-specific problems is needed for improved care.
• Understanding these problems enhances coping strategies and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a scale for measuring disease-specific problems in multiple sclerosis patients.
• To create a culturally relevant tool for assessing the multifaceted issues faced by individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted in three phases.
• Content analysis defined disease-specific problems in MS patients.
• Psychometric properties, including validity and reliability, were rigorously evaluated.

Main Results:

• A 28-item questionnaire was finalized after validity and reliability assessments.
• Factor analysis identified five key problem domains: physical, psychological, emotional, family, and socio-economic.
• The scale demonstrated excellent reliability with internal consistency of 0.82 and stability of 0.90.

Conclusions:

• The developed 28-item questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument.
• It accurately measures the level of disease-specific problems in Iranian individuals with MS.
• This tool can inform care planning and support strategies for MS patients.