Evaluation of the Dutch version of the migraine quality of life instrument(MSQOL) and its application in headache coping

The Dutch version of the MSQOL was evaluated psychometrically and applied i n a convenience sample of 90 migraine patients from the Dutch Society of He adache Patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Du tch MSQOL were good (>0.90) and comparable with those of the original Engli sh version. The measure also had good validity, with its scores associated as expected with headache intensity, psychological well-being and level of patient functioning. Respondents who employ more passive methods of coping with their headaches, such as 'worrying', 'retreating' and 'resting', had w orse quality of life. 'Worrying' was particularly associated with diminishe d quality of life, suggesting that cognitive interventions might be of bene fit to migraineurs who use this method of coping.