AB1364 Adaptation and validation of the rheumatoid arthritis quality of life (RAQOL) scale for portugal
Authors: F. Fernandes, C. Duarte, N. Madeira, P. Pinto, C. Furtado, C. Ribeiro, M. Couto, D. Santos Faria, T. Rocha, R. Freitas, A.R. Cunha, A. Heaney, S. Mckenna, J.A. Pereira da Silva
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2018)

<h3>Background</h3> Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that has a major impact on patients' quality of life. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RAQoL) is a patient-centric outcome measure, specific to RA. The measure has not previously been available for use with Portuguese RA patients. <h3>Objectives</h3> To produce a Portuguese version of the RAQoL that is acceptable to Portuguese patients and demonstrates sound psychometric properties. <h3>Methods</h3> The dual panel methodology was used to translate the UK RAQoL into Portuguese. This involved conducting a bilingual panel (providing the initial translation into Portuguese) followed by a lay panel (where items are assessed for comprehension and acceptability). Cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with Portuguese RA patients to determine the face and content validity of the translated scale. A large-scale postal validation survey was carried out to establish the psychometric properties of the Portuguese RAQoL. The measure was administered on two occasions to RA patients, alongside a comparator instrument – the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Spearman's Rank correlation coefficient was employed to assess test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was tested by correlating RAQoL scores with those on the NHP sections. Known group validity was assessed using non-parametric tests for independent samples. This involved determining the ability of the RAQoL to distinguish between patients that differed according to their self-perceived severity of RA and general health. <h3>Results</h3> The translation panels produced a Portuguese version of the RAQoL that was easily understood and considered natural by native speakers. Interviewees considered the new language version to be relevant and appropriate. One hundred and seventy-eight RA patients (82% female) took part in the postal validation survey with a mean age of 56.6 (range 25 to 79) years. The Portuguese RAQoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.95) and test-retest reliability (r=0.92), indicating that the measure produces low levels of random measurement error. RAQoL scores correlated most strongly with scores on the NHP Physical mobility scale (r=0.77) and showed moderately strong correlations with the Emotional reactions, Pain and Energy level section scores. Non-parametric tests for independent samples demonstrated significant differences in RAQoL scores between patients who differed according to their self-perceived RA severity (p&lt;0.001) and general health (p&lt;0.001). <h3>Conclusions</h3> The Portuguese version of the RAQoL was found to be a comprehensive, reliable and valid questionnaire. The new language version is recommended for use in routine clinical practice and for research purposes, to assess quality of life in Portuguese RA patients. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None declared