Journal Article

Validation of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire in a general population sample: a cross-sectional online survey in Hungary

Dobos, Ágota, Baji, Petra, Hölgyesi, Áron, Zrubka, Zsombor, Kovács, Levente, Gulácsi, László, Poór, Gyula, Farkas, Miklós, Péntek, Márta

2022

Overview

Background The Versus Arthritis Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) measures symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. We aimed to test the psychometric properties of the MSK-HQ among the general adult population and identify the determinants of MSK-HQ states. In addition, we aimed to explore the relationship between MSK-HQ and standard well-being measurement tools. Methods The translation proccess of the MSK-HQ into Hungarian followed the standard methods provided by the developer. A cross-sectional online survey was performed in Hungary involving a population normative sample ( N  = 2004, women: 53.1%; mean age: 48.3, SD = 16.6 years). Socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported MSK disorders were recorded. Alongside the MSK-HQ, standard measures of HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), physical functioning (HAQ-DI) and well-being (ICECAP-A/O, WHO-5, Happiness VAS) were applied. Clinical and convergent validity were assessed by subgroup comparisons (Mann–Whitney-U and Kruskal–Wallis tests) and Spearman’s rank correlations. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha. Test–retest reliability ( N  = 50) was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Predictors of MSK-HQ were analysed by ordinary least square multiple regressions. Results The mean MSK-HQ index score was 44.1 (SD = 9.9). MSK-HQ scores were significantly lower in subgroups with self-reported MSK disorders. Correlations were strong between MSK-HQ and EQ-5D-5L (0.788), EQ VAS (0.644) and HAQ-DI (-0.698) and moderate with the well-being measures ( p  < 0.05). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.924 and ICC was 0.936 ( p  < 0.05). Being a man, living in the capital, having higher income and education were positively associated with MSK-HQ scores. Conclusions This is the first study to prove the validity and reliability of the MSK-HQ among the general public. The impact of socio-demographic characteristics on MSK-HQ scores deserves consideration in clinical studies.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Age / Analysis / Arthritis / Care and treatment / Chronic illnesses / Data collection / Demography / Diagnosis / Epidemiology / Evaluation / Health aspects / Health surveys / Internal Medicine / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Musculoskeletal diseases / Musculoskeletal health / Orthopedics / Patient reported outcome measures / Patients / Population / Psychometrics / Quality of life / Quality standards / Questionnaires / Rehabilitation / Rheumatology / Risk factors / Sample size / Sociodemographics / Sports Medicine / Surveys / Technology application / Translations and translating / Validation / Well being