Psychometric properties of the Croatian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12)

Purpose Walking difficulties in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are one of the most pronounced predictors affecting patients' quality of life. The study objective was to determine the psychometric properties of the Croatian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) among pwMS in Croatia and to examine the association between MSWS-12 and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29). Materials and methods A cross-sectional study included a sample of pwMS (N = 148). Psychometric properties were examined by estimating the validity and reliability of the MSWS-12. The predictive validity of MSWS-12 and demographic and disease-related factors were assessed by a hierarchical regression model using MSIS-29 and DASS-21 as criterion variables. Results Scale reliability was good for the MSWS-12 scale, expressed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (alpha = 0.98). Correlations between MSWS-12 and DASS-21 (0.20-0.27) and between MSWS-12 and MSIS-29 subscales (0.47-0.83) provided initial support for the convergent validity. Factor analysis demonstrated the unidimensional structure of the MSWS-12. Conclusions The Croatian version of the MSWS-12 is a reliable, valid, and clinically useful tool for assessing walking impairments in pwMS.

Automated summary

The study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Croatian version of the MSWS-12 and its association with other factors. The results showed that the MSWS-12 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing walking impairments in pwMS.