Validation of Turkish version of lupuspro questionnare assesing quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Purpose: LupusPRO is a disease targeted Patient Reported Outcome measure that was developed and validated from and among US patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). We herein report the results of the cross-cultural adaptation and validation study of the Turkish translated version of the LupusPRO.Method: Forward and back translations of the 43 item English LupusPRO were undertaken and pretested in five individuals. The finalized Turkish version was applied to the Turkish lupus patients. The SF-36 (Turkish) and Turkish LupusPRO were administered. Disease activity was ascertained using the physician Global Assessment (PGA), SELENA-SLEDAI and flare (defined by LFA-Lupus Foundation of America). Disease damage was assessed with SLICC-ACR SDI. Also, second Turkish LupusPRO tests were given to the patients to be completed within 2-3 days and sent back to us. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, criterion validity (against disease activity or health status) and convergent validity were tested. All reported p values are two-tailed.Results: 102 Turkish speaking SLE patients (94% women) participated. Test-Retest reliability of LupusPRO domains ranged from 0.87-0.97, while internal consistency reliability of the domains ranged from 0.63-0.94. Convergent validity with corresponding domains of SF36 was present. HRQOL domains performed well against disease activity measures (PGA, total SLEDAI, and LFA flare) establishing its criterion validity.Conclusion: The Turkish LupusPRO has fair psychometric properties and is now available to be included in clinical trials and in longitudinal studies for testing of responsiveness to change in Turkish lupus patients.