The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2-Short Form (AIMS2-SF) for rheumatoid arthritis.

The objective of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2-Short Form (AIMS2-SF). Subjects fulfilling the ACR 2010 classification criteria for RA were enrolled into the study. Scale reliability was investigated using test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient-ICC) and internal consistency approaches (Cronbach's α). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients evaluated relationships between quantitative parameters and validity. Construct validity was assessed by correlating AIMS2-SF with clinical parameters and functional parameters including, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Duruöz Hand Index (DHI). One hundred and sixteen patients (105 females and 11 males) were recruited. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 52.45 ± 11.48 years. Cronbach's α was 0.88 and the ICC was 0.91. There were significant correlations (rho and p values) with parameters directly related to health-related quality of life (HRQoL); NHP subscales (energy levels: 0.54, pain: 0.62, emotional reaction: 0.50, sleep 0.44, social interaction: 0.51, physical activity: 0.61; p < 0.0005), HAQ (0.60, p < 0.0005), BDI (0.63, p < 0.001) and DHI (0.63, p < 0.0005). Poor or non-significant correlations were found for parameters not directly related to QoL, such as age (0.07, p = 0.45) and disease duration (0.12, p = 0.21); however, disease activity (0.43, p < 0.0005) and NRS pain (0.46, p < 0.0005) were correlated with AIMS2-SF as moderate. The Turkish AIMS2-SF version is a reliable and valid tool that may be used to evaluate QoL for RA. The scale can be easily used in daily practice.

The relationship of centralized pain in fibromyalgia syndrome with sleep, fatigue and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the central role of pain in patients' lives by evaluating the relationship between the centralization of pain and clinical and functional parameters. METHODS: Adult patients aged 18-70 diagnosed with FM were included in the study. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to assess the severity of FM, and the Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) was used to assess pain centralization. The European Quality of Life Scale 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) assessed quality of life, the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-TR) sleep, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) depression.Spearman correlation coefficient (rho) was used to examine the relationship between COPS scores and other parameters, and p < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five FM patients (143 female) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 43.7 ± 10.1 years, and the mean disease duration was 4.8 ± 7.8 years. Centrality of pain was found to be related to FIQ (rho = 0.59, p = .0005), EQ-5D (rho = -0.53, p = .0005), JSS-TR (rho = 0.43, p = .0005), and BDI (rho = 0.41, p = .0005). CONCLUSION: Centralization of pain in FM was more common in patients with high disease severity, poor quality of life, and sleep and depression problems.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the brief pain inventory-short form in patients with cancer pain.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-TR) in patients with cancer pain. Patients and methods: The study included 130 patients (70 females, 60 males; mean age: 56.1±13.3 years; range, 18 to 87 years) diagnosed with any type and stage of cancer between April 2017 and March 2018. Brief Pain Inventory, Pain Disability Index, EORTC QLQ C30 and Pain Management Index were used to collect data. The reliability of the scale was tested with `internal consistency` and its validity with `construct validity`. Cronbach`s alpha values of >0.70 were accepted as the threshold for internal consistency. Construct validity was tested in the context of structural validity with factor analysis and also tested in terms of convergent construct validity by investigating its correlation with the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: The internal consistency of pain severity and pain-related interference was found as 0.91 and 0.95, respectively. The alpha coefficient was found to be between 0.795 and 0.873 for the pain severity index and between 0.729 and 0.861 for the pain-related interference index. There was a clear link between the BPI-TR pain severity index and the ninth question in the EORTC QLQ-C30 (rho=0.66, p<0.05). The association between the BPI-TR interference index and the 19th question in the EORTC QLQ-C30 was also strong (rho=0.77, p<0.05). The correlation between the BPI-TR interference index and the PDI was found to be moderate (rho=0.50, p<0.05). Conclusion: The BPI-TR was found to be a reliable and legitimate tool to evaluate cancer pain in the Turkish population.

YouTube as a source of information on systemic sclerosis.

AIM: YouTube is a popular online platform which patients and healthcare professionals often use to obtain information. However, the reliability and quality of videos on systemic sclerosis are not known. METHOD: We searched for the key words "systemic sclerosis" and "scleroderma" on YouTube. Features of videos such as the number of views and duration of videos were noted. The reliability and quality of videos were assessed with the modified DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS), respectively. The videos were divided into three categories: useful, misleading and patient experiences. The videos were assessed according to these categories and their quality. RESULTS: A total of 200 videos listed by relevance were screened and 115 videos which met the inclusion criteria were analyzed further. Eighty-four (73%) of the 115 videos were useful, 20 (17.4%) were misleading, and 11 (9.6%) were patients' experiences. Useful videos had higher DISCERN and GQS scores compared to misleading videos and videos that contain patient experiences (P < 0.001). High-quality videos were mostly uploaded by academic institutions/professional organizations or physicians. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of YouTube videos have useful information on scleroderma and are important educational sources for both patients and physicians. However, patients in particular should be aware that videos might include advertisements and misleading information.

Efficacy of foot-ankle orthosis on balance for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: An observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on the balance and gait and to compare the effects of hinged AFOs with solid AFOs on balance in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and January 2016, 19 hemiplegic children with CP (11 males, 8 females; mean age: 9.5±2.2 years; range, 6 to 15 years) and 23 sex- and age-matched controls (8 males, 15 females; mean age: 10±1.6 years; range, 6 to 13 years) were included in this study. All patients were using either solid or hinged AFO. Hemiplegic patients were attended to specific tests with orthoses and barefoot. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) were used for functional evaluation. The quantitative balance was evaluated using the device-assisted balance tests, Limits of Stability (LOS), Walk Across (WA), and Sit to Stand (STS) tests. RESULTS: The control group had a better functional balance than the CP group (p<0.001 for PBS and p<0.001 for FTSST) and the CP group with AFO had a better balance than the barefoot (p=0.001 for PBS and p=0.009 for FTSST). Children with CP also showed a higher sway velocity in STS (p<0.001) than the control group. In patients with AFO, a decrease in the sway velocity in STS (p=0.037) and an increase in directional control in LOS (p=0.044) were observed, compared to barefoot. CONCLUSION: The AFO use offers a significant contribution to the functional balance in CP. Prescribing AFOs are usually required in ambulatory CP patients in combined with a well-designed standard physiotherapy.

Fibromyalgia in patients with psoriatic arthritis: Relationship with enthesopathy, sleep, fatigue and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship of fibromyalgia with enthesopathy, sleep, fatigue and quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis. METHODS: The psoriatic arthritis patients according to CASPAR criteria were included in the study. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was based on 2016 ACR criteria. Demographic and clinical parameters were noted. Disease activity and enthesopathy were evaluated with Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28) and Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES), respectively. Functional assessment scales in this study were Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF). Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to assess the functional status of fibromyalgia. The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) were used. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis used to examine the differential contributions to FIQ score. P < .05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: We enrolled 50 PsA patients (31 female, 19 male) with a mean age of 49.5 years (SD: 10.2) and mean disease duration 7.5 years (SD: 7.5). Thirty-two patients (64% of PsA patients) fulfilled ACR criteria for fibromyalgia. The mean scores of MASES, PSQI, MAF and PsAQoL were significantly higher in patients with fibromyalgia (P < .05). The correlations between FIQ and other functional parameters were as follows; MASES (ρ = 0.71, P < .0005), PSQI (ρ = 0.62, P < .0005), MAF (ρ = 0.60, P < .0005), PsAQoL (ρ = 0.61, P < .0005). A moderate correlation was existing between FIQ and DAS-28 (ρ = 0.42, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Coexistence of fibromyalgia in PsA patients is associated with the presence of enthesopathy, poor quality of life, sleep disturbance and fatigue.

Development and validation of a quality of life scale in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMFQoL).

OBJECTIVE: To develop a valid and reliable quality-of-life (QoL) scale in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: After producing question pool by using psychometric methods, high-performance questions were obtained according to expert panel. The principal component analysis (PCA) was done with varimax rotation for factor analysis. The final version of the scale (FMF-QoL) was examined for reliability and validity. Internal consistency with Cronbach alpha was calculated. The face, content, convergent and discriminant validity were analyzed. PRAS score used to assess the disease activity. Spearman correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess the convergent and discriminant validity. RESULTS: In our study, 123 FMF patients were recruited. According to the factor analysis the FMF-QoL were represented by 4 factor groups (eigenvalues >1) which were physical impact, social and recreational impact, psychological impact, and impact of sleep. All questions' factor loadings after Varimax rotation were bigger than 0.5 and the cumulative variance of the scale was 68.11%. The strongest correlation of the FMF-QoL was found with other QoL scales like EUROHIS (rho: -0.64, p < .0005) and Short Form 36 physical functioning subscale (rho: -0.63, p < .0005). The correlations between the FMF-QoL and functional parameters were found to be moderate [Beck Depression Inventory-Primary Care (rho: 0.46, p < .0005), Jenkins Sleep Scale (rho: 0.44, p < .0005), Health Assessment Questionnaire (rho: 0.44, p < .0005)]. FMF-QoL was also correlated with the disease specific measures [PRAS (rho: 0.42, p < .0005), number of attacks in the previous year (rho: 0.44, p < .0005)]. CONCLUSION: A valid, reliable, practical, not time-consuming FMF-specific QoL scale that can be used in the clinical follow-up and treatment of these patients was developed and validated.

Psychometric properties of Turkish version of Jenkins sleep scale in fibromyalgia syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has adverse effects on the quality of sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-TR) in Turkish FMS patients. METHODS: FMS patients who met the 2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria were included in the study. Clinical and demographic data of the patients were noted. The relationship between this scale and other functional parameters such as Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), European Quality of Life Scale-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was examined. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to evaluate the functional status of the patients and the progression of the disease. Test-retest reliability was calculated by re-applying the questionnaire to patients at 2-week intervals. Duloxetine treatment was initiated in newly diagnosed patients and sensitivity to change was tested at the end of the treatment. Spearman correlation coefficient was used. P < 0.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: Eighty-one FMS patients (71 females, 10 males) were included in the study. The mean age was 44.2 ± 10.7 years. The strongest correlation of JSS-TR was with another sleep questionnaire, PSQI (rho = 0.79, p < 0.0005). The correlation with other functional parameters and FIQ was moderate. In test-retest validity, intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be 0.98 (p < 0.0005). Chronbach α value calculated for internal consistency was found to be 0.741. CONCLUSIONS: JSS-TR is a valid, simple and feasible sleep instrument that can be easily applied to FMS patients both in researches and clinical settings.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Turkish version of Centrality of Pain Scale in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Turkish version of the Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: Centrality of Pain Scale was translated and culturally adapted according to guidelines. Clinical and demographic data of the patients were recorded. In addition to the Turkish version of the COPS (COPS-TR), fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and Short Form-36 were applied. Internal consistency and test-retest methods were used for reliability analysis. Convergent validity was assessed by analyzing the correlations between COP-TR and functional parameters. Divergent validity and responsiveness were also evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients (90 female and 14 male) were included. The mean age was 44 years. Good internal consistency (α = .84) and high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95) were determined. Highest correlations were detected between COPS-TR and BPI-SF pain interference score (r = .64), COPS-TR and PCS (r = .61). There was no significant correlation with non-functional parameters (body mass index, disease duration). It showed high responsiveness (effect size and standardized response mean were 1.66 and 1.94, respectively). The patients filled out COPS-TR in 2 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: COPS-TR is a reliable and valid instrument that shows good psychometric properties. It can be used in clinical practice and scientific research.

Psychometric properties of Turkish version of Jenkins sleep scale in fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has adverse effects on the quality of sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-TR) in Turkish FMS patients. Methods: FMS patients who met the 2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria were included in the study. Clinical and demographic data of the patients were noted. The relationship between this scale and other functional parameters such as Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), European Quality of Life Scale-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was examined. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to evaluate the functional status of the patients and the progression of the disease. Test-retest reliability was calculated by re-applying the questionnaire to patients at 2-week intervals. Duloxetine treatment was initiated in newly diagnosed patients and sensitivity to change was tested at the end of the treatment. Spearman correlation coefficient was used. P < 0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: Eighty-one FMS patients (71 females, 10 males) were included in the study. The mean age was 44.2 ± 10.7 years. The strongest correlation of JSS-TR was with another sleep questionnaire, PSQI (rho = 0.79, p < 0.0005). The correlation with other functional parameters and FIQ was moderate. In test-retest validity, intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be 0.98 (p < 0.0005). Chronbach α value calculated for internal consistency was found to be 0.741. Conclusions: JSS-TR is a valid, simple and feasible sleep instrument that can be easily applied to FMS patients both in researches and clinical settings.(AU)

Cervical proprioceptive impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involving the cervical spine can lead to various neurologic defects and impairment of proprioception is just one of them. The aim of this study was the assessment of cervical proprioception and its relation with radiographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of patients with RA. One hundred and six rheumatoid arthritis patients who diagnosed according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria and age, gender, educational status matched one hundred and six healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Cervical joint position error test (CJPET) was applied to healthy volunteers and RA patients for cervical proprioception assessment. Fatigue, depression, balance, quality of life and balance scales were administered to all patients. Cervical radiography was used to assess cervical subluxations. Regression analysis was used for grading the factors which had relations with cervical proprioception. Mean age of patients and healthy volunteers was 51 ± 11.1 and 48.9 ± 9.2, respectively. Scores of CJPET were statistically significantly higher in RA group than healthy volunteers (p = 0.001). CJPET scores were negatively correlated with Berg balance scale findings in right rotation, left rotation, flexion and extension (rho = - 0.421,- 0.473,- 0.448,- 0.515). There was weak or not significant correlation between the scores of CJPET and fatigue, depression, and quality of life scales. Scores of CJPET in patients with atlantoaxial subluxations (AAS) were statistically significantly higher than those without AAS (p < 0.05). Regression analysis results showed that the AAS was related to impaired cervical proprioception on right and left rotations. There was no correlation between CJPET scores and functional parameters. Cervical proprioception impaired in RA patients. This impairment was related to the existence of AAS and balance problems.

Assessment of the validity and reliability of the Jenkins Sleep Scale in ankylosing spondylitis.

AIM: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) affects sleep quality. Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) Evaluation Questionnaire is a simple and easy to understand scale. The aim of this study is to constitute validity and reliability of JSS-TR in AS patients. METHODS: Jenkins Sleep Scale was translated and culturally adapted by using guidelines. Clinical and demographic data of AS patients were noted. Correlations with other functional parameters such as Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess convergent validity of JSS-TR (Turkish version). Discriminant validity was also assessed. Shapiro-Wilk test was used as a test of normality. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rho) was used to assess the relation. RESULTS: Sixty patients (24 female and 36 male) with mean age of 39.6 ± 10.8 years were recruited. The JSS-TR took an average of 1.5 minutes (±30 seconds) to complete. JSS-TR had the strongest correlation with PSQI scores (ρ = 0.75) and moderate-strong correlations with MAF, ASQoL, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores. There was insignificant correlation with non-clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: JSS-TR is a valid, simple and feasible sleep instrument that can be easily applied to AS patients both in research and clinical settings.