Validity of health status measurement with the Dutch Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 in individuals with severe haemophilia

The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of the Dutch Arthriti s Impact Measurement Scales 2 (D-AIMS2). Hence, D-AIMS2 data of individuals with severe haemophilia were correlated with clinical and perceived health -related quality of life data. Patients with severe haemophilia, who visit the Van Creveldkliniek on a regular basis, were administered the D-AIMS2. I n addition, health-related quality of life was measured by the Sickness Imp act Profile (SIP). As clinical indices, range of movement (which was conver ted into Joint Alignment and Motion scores) and muscle strength were record ed during the routine visit. Extensive descriptive and correlational (linea r) analyses between corresponding datasets were performed. Thirty-one indiv iduals with severe haemophilia were included. Their scores on the D-AIMS2 d emonstrated moderate to very high internal consistency for scales and compo nents (Cronbach's alpha = 0.62-0.92). The physical health components of the D-AIMS2 and the SIP were significantly correlated (Pearson's r = 0.53; P < 0.05). The psychological health and social interaction components of the D -AIMS2 did not correlate significantly with the psychosocial component of t he SIP. The physical health component of the D-AIMS2 correlated significant ly with the clinical data for the lower extremities (r = 0.52 and r = -0.45 ; P < 0.05). These data support the reliability and validity of the physica l aspects of the D-AIMS2 in patients with severe haemophilia, The next step should be to extend the investigation of psychometric qualities of this he alth-related questionnaire in a larger population.