Development and validation of a speech pathology-specific questionnaire for persons with multiple sclerosis (SMS). (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El-Wahsh, Sarah; Heard, Robert; Bogaardt, Hans
• Is Part Of: International journal of speech-language pathology. Volume 21:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 553
• Page End: 563
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: patient-reported outcome measures -- multiple sclerosis -- surveys and questionnaires; Speech disorders -- Periodicals; Language disorders -- Periodicals; Speech therapy -- Periodicals; 616.855005
• DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2018.1499802
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1754-9507

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose : The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Speech pathology-specific questionnaire for persons with Multiple Sclerosis (SMS). Method : Forty-one items were generated through a literature review. Items were submitted to a preliminary psychometric validation process consisting of principal component analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and floor and ceiling effects using data from 164 participants. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the SMS with the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Participants were recruited internationally through online channels and questionnaires were completed online. Result : The SMS contains 16 items describing three components: speech and voice, language, and swallowing. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the three components was satisfactory ( α = 0.89– α = 0.91). Criterion validity was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ( ρ ). A statistically significant weak to moderate correlation between the SMS and the SF-12 was identified ( ρ = –0.004– ρ = –0.359). No floor or ceiling effects were present. The SMS demonstrated strong test-retest reliability. All items had an intra-class correlation coefficient ≥0.70. Conclusion : The SMS is a psychometrically robust patient-reported outcome measure to assess speech-language pathology symptoms in persons with MS.