Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Arthritis-work Spillover Scale in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: The aim of this study is to adapt the arthritis-work spillover (AWS) scale for Turkish and to examine its validity and reliability. Methods: The study included 60 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. AWS scale, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) and its subscale DASH-work module (DASH-W), arthritis impact measurement scales (AIMS2), disease activity score 28 (DAS28), and Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM) were administered to the participants. Internal consistency analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, test-retest method, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity were used for validity and reliability analysis. Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used for internal consistency and the result was 0.86. The test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.68 (p<0.05). In the convergent validity analysis, moderately significant correlations were observed between the AWS and DASH-W (r=0.528, p<0.05), AIMS2-role (r=0.486, p<0.05), COPM-performance (r=-0.416, p<0.05) and COPM-satisfaction scores (r=-0.435, p<0.05). The AWS demonstrated good structural fit. High correlations were observed between AWS and AIMS2-symptom, moderate correlations with DASH, AIMS2-physical, AIMS2-affect, and low correlations with DAS28 (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Turkish version of the AWS was valid and reliable evaluation. The AWS scale should be used in clinics by clinicians such as physiotherapists, physicians, occupational therapists and psychologists etc. to determine the problems experienced by patients in their professional lives and could also be a guide in planning work and occupational programmes of patients.