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22-04-2022 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

Italian translation and validation of fatigue symptoms and impacts questionnaire in relapsing multiple sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS)

Authors: Ilaria Ruotolo, Giovanni Sellitto, Antonio Ianniello, Nikolaos Petsas, Letizia Castelli, Giovanni Galeoto, Anna Berardi, Valeria Barletta, Antonella Conte, Carlo Pozzilli

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 8/2022

Abstract

Background

Fatigue is a disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) and impacts on daily life. The Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS) is a new 20-item tool that investigates the aspects of fatigue in MS. It concerns motor, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of fatigue. We aim at validating the Italian version of FSIQ-RMS in an Italian population of MS patients and demonstrate its reliability and construct validity.

Methods

We included patients with diagnosis of MS, age between 18 and 70 years with ability to participate in a 90-min interview. Each patient completed the Italian version of FSIQ-RMS and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at the same time. Construct validity was explored by the exploratory factor analysis; reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha; and test–retest stability was examined through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent validity was calculated using Pearson’s correlation.

Results

We enrolled 171 patients (126 female and 45 male), 83% with relapsing MS (RMS), and 17% with secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Italian FSIQ-RMS showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92; ICC was 0.96. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between FSIQ-RMS and FSS total score was statistically significant (p < 0.01); FSIQ-RMS inversely correlated also with BMI and positively with EDSS.

Conclusion

The Italian version of FSIQ-RMS has excellent psychometric properties and can be used in research and clinical setting to evaluate physical, cognitive, and social fatigue in both RMS and SPMS.

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Title: Italian translation and validation of fatigue symptoms and impacts questionnaire in relapsing multiple sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS)
Authors: Ilaria Ruotolo
Giovanni Sellitto
Antonio Ianniello
Nikolaos Petsas
Letizia Castelli
Giovanni Galeoto
Anna Berardi
Valeria Barletta
Antonella Conte
Carlo Pozzilli
Publication date: 22-04-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 8/2022
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06080-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Italian translation and validation of fatigue symptoms and impacts questionnaire in relapsing multiple sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS)

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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