Psychometric properties of the Dutch SAQOL-39NL in a generic stroke population

Abstract

. Further research is necessary to determine which level of language comprehension an aphasic patient should have to complete the SAQOL-39NL. It is also Introduction Instruments to evaluate health related quality of life (HRQL) are often unsuitable for stroke patients with aphasia. Recently, a Dutch version of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality Of Life-scale (SAQOL-39NL) was developed (3 domains: physical, psychosocial and communication; 39 items; answering categories 0-5). Its psychometric properties have only been partially assessed. Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties of the SAQOL-39NL in a generic stroke population. Patients Stroke patients with (n=59) or without (n=81) aphasia treated in Rijndam Rehabilitation, the Rijnlands Rehabilitation Center, or Sophia Rehabilitation, who were included in either the TEA-study or the SCORE-study. Methods The SAQOL-39NL and EQ-5D were administered 3 months after the start of rehabilitation. Acceptability was explored by assessing floor and ceiling effects as well as percentage of missing items. For internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated. For construct validity, the intercorrelations between domains and total scores, and the association with the EQ5D were assessed using Pearson’s r. Results The mean age of the patients was 60.4 years (SD 11.1), 62% were male. Mean total SAQOL-39NL score was 3.93 (SD 0.68). No missing data, floor or ceiling effects were found. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). Intercorrelations between domains and total scale were good to excellent (r=0.54 to 0.88). The association with the EQ5D was moderate (r=0.54). Conclusions The SAQOL-39NL is an acceptable, valid, and reliable instrument to evaluate the HRQL in stroke patients. Recommendations The SAQOL-39NL is ready for use in clinical practicerecommended to elaborate the concept responsiveness to change.