Test-retest reliability of the social support questionnaire for transactions and satisfaction in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Recently, a new instrument was developed to measure soical support. It consists of two parts; the Social Support Questionnaire for Transactions (SSQT) and the Social Support Questionnaire for Satisfaction with the supportive transactions (SSQS). There are, on the one hand, actual supportive transactions and, on the other hand, the perception of being supported or the satisfaction with the social support provided. Goals of study: To examine the test retest reliability and convergent validity of the SSQT and SSQS in MS. Methods: 75 patients were included in a larger multilevel and longitudinal study examining quality of life issues in MS. During the initial screening using questionnaires, the SSQT and SSQS were administered. Test retest reliability data obtained with the self-report instrument was assessed by having the subjects complete a modified version of the questionnaire at home and returning it within 24 hours. Results: These preliminary results are based on the first 25 included patients with an EDDS of 4,48 (±1,57). Demographical variables are presented elsewhere. The test-retest interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the subscales were <0.75 except for the scores ICCs for subscale problem-oriented social-emotional support (0.67), daily instrumental support (0.65 for transactions and 0.25 for satisfaction) and problem-oriented instrumental support (0.58). Discussion: We concluded that nearly all subscales of this recently developed questionnaire can be presented with sufficient reliability. The imperfect (ie not suggesting a linear correlation: R=1) reliability coeffficient suggests the difference might be caused by a change in health status. More specifically, cognitive disturbances frequently associated with MS and possibly induced by completion of the initial screening. The subscales with ICCs <0.75 are indeed oriented towards daily (possibly increased) instrumental support and problem-oriented support. Moreover, changes could be induces through forced confrontation using the items of this questionnaire.