French validation of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL)

OBJECTIVE: To adapt the SS-QoL into French and test its psychometric properties. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients from a population-based registry were enrolled 3 months after their stroke. SS-QoL, NIHSS score, Barthel index, HAD, FSS, SF-36 scales, and MMSE were administered at enrolment. SS-QoL was readministered at 15 days and 2 months. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients, factorial validity by an exploratory factor analysis and external validity by Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlations (rho), comparing SS-QoL scores with those obtained from established scales. Reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and responsiveness by standardized effect sizes (ES). RESULTS: Test-retest and inter-observer reliabilities were excellent (ICC>0.88). Internal consistency was acceptable (alpha = 0.65-0.91), except for the Personality domain (alpha = 0.58). Factor analysis individualized eight homogenous axes. SS-QoL scores were different between groups opposed by their modified Rankin score at enrolment or their overall quality of life compared with pre-stroke status (p < 0.001). Ten of the twelve domains correlated moderately (rho > 0.35) to strongly (rho > 0.5) with established measures. Nine domains were mildly to moderately responsive to change (ES>0.3). CONCLUSION: The French version of the SS-QoL is a valid, reliable and moderately responsive instrument.