Validity, reliability and responsivity of cognitive exercise therapy approach assessment scale on patients with rheumatological disease from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

This study was planned to determine the validity, reliability and sensitivity of the biopsychosocial model based Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (Bilişsel Egzersiz Terapi Yaklaşımı-BETY) assessment scale on individuals with rheumatic disease in Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC). 150 individuals were included in the study. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Short Form-36 (Sf-36) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) were used for validity of the BETY scale. The correlation of BETY scale with other scales was found significant, between r=-0.424 and 0.583 (p<0,001). The test-retest method and intra class coefficients (ICC) were used for reliability. The correlation between the responses of 30 individuals to the BETY scale for 1 week interval (r=0,948, p<0,001) and ICC coefficients (0,948, p<0,001) were found high. Internal consistency of BETY scale were determined with Cronbach alpha coefficient (0,912) and the internal consistency of the scale was significantly high. The correlation of time dependent variation between BETY Scale and all scales was checked after 3 months for the sensitivity of the scale. BETY Scale was found highly correlated with HAQ and physical function, vitality and general health perceptions sub parameters of SF-36, and moderately correlated with role limitations, bodily pain, social functioning, general mental health and role limitations due to emotional problems sub parameters of SF36. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the BETY Scale is a valid, reliable and sensitive assessment tool for individuals diagnosed with rheumatic diseases in TRNC and this scale can be used in clinical studies on individuals with rheumatic diseases.