Reliability and validity of the Swedish version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22r) patient questionnaire for idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Two quality-of-life questionnaires were completed, once or twice, by patients with idiopathic scoliosis from 3 centers for scoliosis care in Sweden. These patients were under observation, during brace treatment, or after treatment with either a brace or surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to translate and validate the revised version of the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS-22r) for use in Sweden.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In modern outcome research, the patient's own view of outcome is of great importance. The SRS-22 Questionnaire has been specially designed to measure quality of life in patients with scoliosis and has been used in a number of recent studies. This questionnaire had not previously been used in Sweden.

METHODS: The SRS-22r was translated into Swedish according to accepted methods for the translation of quality-of-life questionnaires. One hundred and forty one patients answered the questionnaire together with the SF-36. Statistical analyses were performed and revealed a somewhat low internal consistency (Cronbach α) of the Function domain/SRS-22, which was found to originate in question number 18. After retranslation, another 52 patients completed the improved questionnaire. Analyses were repeated, and the results improved. When suitable, all 193 patients were therefore analyzed together.

RESULTS: Descriptive statistics, distributions, test-retest, and test for concurrent validity showed satisfactory results. After retranslation, the Cronbach alpha for all domain scores was at least 0.72. Discriminant validity was only shown for self-image and management satisfaction/dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSION: The SRS-22r Questionnaire was found to be appropriate for use in our language. Further testing for discriminant validity will be performed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.