Performance of the Albanian SF-36v2 as a Measure of Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Lower Limb Amputation in Kosovo

Background and aim: Lower limb amputation leads to considerable physical, psychological, and social outcomes that significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Albanian SF-36v2 as a measurement tool to assess HRQoL among individuals with lower limb amputation living in Kosovo. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data collected between January and July 2012 at the Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Clinical Center of Kosovo. A total of 150 adults with unilateral lower limb amputation were included. The Albanian SF-36v2 was used to measure HRQoL, while the Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire-Mobility Scale (PEQ-MS) was used to measure prosthetic mobility. Norm-based scoring was applied, and internal consistency and construct validity were examined. A mental component score score ≤42 was used to indicate a risk for depressive symptomatology. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.2 ± 13.5 years, and 84% were male. Norm-based scoring revealed that both physical component summary (46.34) and mental component summary (41.64) scores were low in comparison to normal population scores, and more so for the mental health domain. Nearly half of the participants (47.3%) were classified as being at risk for depression. Physical domains, pain, and pain interference were scoring close to normal population levels, whereas vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health domains were more divergent. The SF-36v2 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and coherent domain score distributions. Conclusions: The Albanian SF-36v2 was a highly effective and practical tool in assessing health-related quality of life among lower limb amputees, highlighting the importance of mental health burden and well-being, and not only physical function and mobility.