The life balance inventory in patients with multiple sclerosis: Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Turkish version

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to present the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the life balance inventory in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Life balance inventory was translated and adapted considering common suggestions. Participants were cross-sectionally evaluated twice with life balance inventory, with a 1-week interval. Expanded Disability Status Scale, Beck Depression Scale, and Short Form-12 were used to assess the convergent validity. Results: A total of 113 individuals with multiple sclerosis were enrolled in the study. Test-retest reliability of the total score and all subscores of the life balance inventory were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.80). The internal consistency of the life distress inventory was excellent (α = 0.73–0.95). The correlation of Expanded Disability Status Scale with life balance inventory and its subscores was low in the scope of divergent validity, as expected (r < 0.35). The correlation between life balance inventory total score and Expanded Disability Status Index was −0.337 (p < 0.01). Life balance inventory scores were moderately correlated (p < 0.01), except life balance inventory health score. Life balance inventory scores were correlated with SF-12 physical-subscales and mental-subscales, in a low and moderate degree, respectively. The life balance inventory total score was highly correlated with the life balance inventory subscores (r = 0.69–0.96, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The Turkish life balance inventory is a reliable and valid inventory in patients with multiple sclerosis. Life balance inventory comprehensively evaluates the life balance parameters of multiple sclerosis patients.