Validation of the Georgian Version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) Questionnaire for Assessing the Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) is a widely used tool for assessing HRQOL in individuals with MS. Adapting this tool to the local language and culture is essential for ensuring cultural relevance, enabling comprehensive care, and allowing international comparability. This study aims to validate the Georgian version of the MSQOL-54 (MSQOL-54 GEO) and assess HRQOL in MS patients in Georgia.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 384 individuals with MS. The MSQOL-54 questionnaire was translated using a forward-backward translation technique. Statistical analysis, performed using SPSS 22.0, included internal consistency reliability measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), while external validity was determined through the correlation of individual components and composite scores with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

RESULTS

The MSQOL-54-GEO demonstrated strong validity and reliability, with most components showing Cronbach's alpha values above 0.70, except for the "Social Function" component. The "Health Perceptions" component recorded the lowest average score (47.3 ± 20.0). Significant correlations were found between MS duration and "Physical Health," as well as "Cognitive Function."

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The findings indicate that the MSQOL-54-GEO is a reliable, convenient, and accepted tool for assessing HRQOL among MS patients in Georgia. This validation contributes valuable insights into the internal consistency of the MSQOL-54-GEO, facilitating its essential use in clinical practice and research, for evaluating treatment outcomes and guiding holistic care approaches, encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being.