The Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire in brace-treated adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of the effects of brace treatment on quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is important.

Objectives: To analyze the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire.

Study design: Cohort study, evaluation of reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire.

Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (median age: 14.6 years) were included in the study. The Brace Questionnaire was translated into Turkish and administered to the patients twice at an interval of 5 days. Reliability was assessed using the test-retest method (Pearson's correlation coefficient); internal consistency was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Validity was assessed by correlating the Brace Questionnaire with the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace and Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire.

Results: The mean Cobb angles were 31.1 degrees 8.3 degrees and 29.7 degrees 9 degrees for thoracic and lumbar regions, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 in test-retest reliability analysis. The correlations between Brace Questionnaire and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace and Scoliosis Research Society-22 were r=0.67 and r=0.64, respectively.

Conclusion: The Turkish version of the Brace Questionnaire to measure the effects of brace treatment on quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was found to have good validity, excellent reliability, and high internal consistency.

Clinical relevance We recommend routine use of the Brace Questionnaire in scoliosis patients to evaluate brace-related quality of life and relevant factors and to support the individual when necessary during such treatment.