Validation of questionnaire for evaluation of ischemic stroke sequels - the Czech version of Stroke Impact Scale 3.0

Introduction: Assessment of the quality of life in patients after ischemic stroke (IS) is essential to objectively assess the consequences in everyday life and to better identify all aspects of disability and limitations. However, there is no validated specifi c tool for quality-of-life assessment in patients after IS in the Czech Republic. Aim: To validate the Czech version of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 - the most used tool worldwide in stroke survivors, which will allow its standardized use in the Czech population. Patients and methods: Consecutive patients with IS without cognitive deficit aged 18-80 years were included in the validation study. Internal consistency was examined using the Cronbach's alpha coeffi cient. The following scales were used to determine the construct and criterion validity of the Czech version of SIS 3.0: WHOQOL-BREF, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: A total of 150 patients (58.4% men, mean age 57.6 +/- 13.7 years) were enrolled in the study at a mean follow-up of 3.8 +/- 0.4 months after the onset of stroke, with 96.7% achieving good functional independence (mRS 0-2). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of particular domains ranged from 0.750 to 0.934. Significant correlations were found between SIS 3.0 domains, WHOQOL-BREF and other used tools of the neuropsychological battery. Conclusion: In the presented study, the psychometric properties were verified and adequate criteria and construct validity of the Czech version of SIS 3.0 were confirmed.

Automated summary

The study validated the Czech version of SIS 3.0 and confirmed its psychometric properties and adequate criterion and construct validity in assessing the quality of life in patients after ischemic stroke (IS).