Measurement properties of a telephone version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale among individuals with a traumatic spinal cord injury

Abstract

Study Design: Cross-sectional.Objectives: To validate a telephone-administered version of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale spinal cord injury scores among individuals with a traumatic SCI 6 months post discharge from rehabilitation. Setting: GF Strong Rehabilitation Center in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Methods: Data from 42 participants who were 19-years-old with a confirmed American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification of A, B, C or D resulting from a traumatic SCI, and 6 months post discharge from rehabilitation were analyzed. The internal consistency was ascertained using Cronbachs alpha. Support for validity was provided by conducting correlations between the 21-item MFIS-SCI and Fatigue Severity Scale curve was constructed. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy.Results:Cronbachs alpha was 0.97. Correlations between the MFIS-SCI and FSS were in the a priori hypothesized direction and magnitude. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78 (95% confidence interval0.65-0.92). At the optimal cutoff score of 24.5, both the sensitivity and specificity were 0.67. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.03 and 0.49, respectively.Conclusion:There is support for the validity of the MFIS-SCI scores and it should be considered for the comprehensive measurement of the impact of fatigue in persons with a traumatic SCI. © 2012 International Spinal Cord Society All rights reserved.