Disease specific quality of life instruments in multiple sclerosis: Validation of the Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS)

Quality of life (QoL) is discussed os on additional outcome measure in mult iple sclerosis (MS). However, few questionnaires assessing disease specific QoL in MS have been published. On the basis of the literature and intervie ws with clinicians and MS patients, we have developed a disease specific Qo L instrument and validated it in a brood range of patients with MS. In this study, a heterogeneous sample of n = 237 MS patients completed the newly d eveloped Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUA MS, in German language) and a battery of already validated questionnaires. They further underwent neurological scoring and objective tests. By these m eans, we investigated its validity appropriateness, internal consistency, a nd retest reliability internal consistency and retest coefficients were hig h and satisfied psychometric standards. Convergent and discriminant validit y was supported by direction, magnitude and pattern of correlations with ot her health measures. HAQUAMS subscales and its total score distinguished be tween patient groups of varied disease severity, cognitive impairment and a ffective symptomatology. No floor or ceiling effects were found in either o f the HAQUAMS subscales. The HAQUAMS is a reliable, valid and appropriate i nstrument for QoL assessment in multiple sclerosis. Data of responsiveness ore currently being obtained.