The validity and test-retest reliability of the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life scale in Turkish patients

The aim of the study was to translate and test the reliability and validity of the Leeds Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale (LMSQoL) in Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Demographic data of MS patients who had a registration in and followed up by a university hospital were recorded. The LMSQoL and Turkish Quality of Life questionnaire were applied to the patients. The internal consistency of the scales was assessed by Cronbach's a coefficient. The validity of LMSQoL was examined by using correlation between the total scores of LMSQoL and Turkish Quality of Life questionnaire. Test-retest reliability was examined by using the correlation for the first and second applications of LMSQoL. Sixty-nine MS patients, (40.6% male, 59.4% female) were enrolled in the study. Cronbach's a coefficient was found as 0.67 for the three positive items of LMSQoL. For the five negative items, Cronbach's a was found as 0.78. The correlation coefficient between the total scores of the scales was 0.80 (P<0.001). The Turkish version of the LMSQoL is a reliable and valid instrument and can be effectively used for measuring the impact of MS on the QoL.