Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale in a National Sample in the United States

• In Event: Scale Development: Issues and Applications

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) to assess its suitability for modeling the impact of MS on patients from the United States. As the scale is disease-specific and patient-based, it is lacking of a study on the U.S. sample. This study provides findings on the scale among American MS patients. Investigators completed a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to examine the two-factor structure proposed by Hobart, Lamping, Fitzpatrick, Riazi, & Thompson (2001). Although the original MSIS-29 factor structure did not fit the data exactly, the hypothesized two-factor model was partially supported in the current data. Implications for future instrument development and rehabilitation practice in US are discussed.

Authors

• Shawn M. Fitzgerald, Kent State University

• Jian Li, Kent State University

• Phillip D. Rumrill, Kent State University

• William Merchant, Kent State University

• Malachy Bishop, University of Kentucky