Portuguese translation, cultural adaptation and pilot validation of HAND-Q Life Impact Scale

Abstract

Purpose: HAND-Q Life Impact Scale assesses how hand conditions affect quality of life, and it has not yet been translated nor validated for the Portuguese population. The aim is to translate, culturally and linguistically adapt, and pilot validate the HAND-Q Life Impact Scale for the Portuguese population.

Materials and methods: Multicenter study involving translation, cultural and linguistic adaptation following International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research guidelines (ISPOR) and pilot psychometric properties testing, at Physiatry and Occupational Therapy departments in rehabilitation centers in Portugal. 15 patients with hand conditions for cognitive interviews, 7 experts reviewed the scale, and 30 patients for pilot validation study.

Results: The HAND-Q Life Impact Scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.891) with most items showing good item-total and inter-item correlations. A good degree of agreement was obtained among the experts. Significant correlations with upper limb disability and health related quality of life supported its validity.

Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the HAND-Q Life Impact Scale appears to be reliable and valid for assessing the impact of hand conditions on quality of life, but further studies should confirm the findings. This research introduces the first validated Portuguese version of the HAND-Q Life Impact Scale.