The reliability of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQbrace) in adolescents with scoliosis during brace treatment

Background: A new instrument to assess stress scoliosis patients have whilst wearing their brace has been developed. Aim of this study was to test the reliability of this new instrument. Methods: Eight questions are provided focussing on this topic only, including two questions to test the credibility. A max. score of 24 can be achieved (from 0 for most stress to 24 for least stress). We have proposed a subdivision of the score values as follows: 0-8 (strong stress), 9-16 (medium stress) and 17-24 (little stress).85 patients were invited to take part in this study and to complete the BSSQbrace questionnaire twice, once at the first presentation and a second after a further three days. 62 patients with an average age of 14,5 years and an average Cobb angle of 40 degrees returned their fully completed questionnaires. Results: The average stress value was 12,5/24 at the first measurement and 12,4/24 at the second measurement. Ceiling value was 23; floor value 2. The average stress value was 12,5 /24 at the first measurement and 12,4 /24 at the second measurement (from 0 for most stress to 24 for least stress). Ceiling value was 23; floor value 2. There was a correlation of 0,88 (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) between the values of the two measurements. Cronbach alpha was 0, 97. Conclusion: The BSSQbrace questionnaire is reliable with good internal consistency and reproducibility. It can be used to measure the coping strategies a patient uses and the impairment a patient feels to have, whilst wearing a brace.