Psychometric properties of the VSQLQ in black patients with mild hypertension

The Vital Signs Quality of life Questionnaire (VSQLQ) is a condition- and c ulture-specific measure designed to assess health-related quality of life ( HRQL) in black patients with hypertension. This study examined the instrume nt's reliability and validity when administered via personal interview to p atients with mild systemic hypertension. Data were gathered from 304 black patients during the screening visit of a multicenter trial evaluating the efficacy of candesartan cilexetil (ATACAND ((R))). In addition to internal consistency and reproducibility, validity w as assessed by correlating the VSQLQ with the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Sensit ivity to sociodemographic effects and responsiveness to change was also exa mined. Cronbach's alpha levels were high (0.90, 0.92, 0.92 for frequency, i ntensity and combined scores, respectively) and the instrument was stable i n patients reporting no health change over 8 weeks (ICC = 0.79, 0.79, and 0 .80). Correlations between the VSQLQ and the SF-36 were moderate to high (0 .32 to -0.69) and statistically significant (p < 0.001). VSQLQ scores varie d by gender, education, and income (p < 0.05). Patients who reported improv ement in their general health status also reported significant improvements on the VSQLQ (n = 90; p < 0.05). Results support the reliability and valid ity of VSQLQ administered via personal interview to black patients with mil d systemic hypertension.