Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire in Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease in Lithuania

Abstract

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) is known to be impaired in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in those after a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Heart failure (HF) is a common burden in this population that significantly contributes to worsening HRQoL. To accurately measure the level of HRQoL in individuals with CAD after ACS, disease-specific scales, such as the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ), are recommended. Nevertheless, to date, there has not been a study that would comprehensively evaluate the psychometric properties of the MLHFQ in a large sample of individuals with CAD after ACS. The debate regarding the internal structure of MLHFQ is also still present. Hence, this study aimed to translate the MLHFQ and evaluate its internal structure, reliability/precision, and validity in individuals with CAD following ACS in Lithuania.MethodsIn the cross-sectional study, 1,083 participants (70% men, age M = 58, SD = 9) were evaluated for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. HRQoL was measured using the MLHFQ and the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36). In addition, exercise capacity (EC) was also evaluated in the study patients, using a standardized computer-driven bicycle ergometer.ResultsThe internal consistency of the MLHFQ subscales (0.79−0.88) was found to be good. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided the support for the three-factor model (“physical domain,” “social domain,” and “emotional domain”) of the MLHFQ and showed acceptable fit [comparative fit indices (CFI) = 0.894; goodness-of-fit (GFI) = 0.898; non-normal fit index (NFI) = 0.879, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.073]. Regarding convergent evidence, significant associations were found between the MLHFQ domains and the SF-36 domains and EC (r’s range 0.11−0.58).ConclusionThe current study completed cultural validation and provided further information on the psychometric characteristics of the MLHFQ in Lithuania, suggesting MLHFQ as a valid and reliable instrument to measure HRQoL. The Lithuanian version of MLHFQ is best described by a three-factor solution, measuring physical, social, and emotional dimensions of HRQoL among individuals with CAD following ACS.

A follow-up program in patients after hospitalization for heart failure: long-term health related quality of life and associated factors

“…Quality of life assessment encompasses the use of generic and specific questionnaires. Notably, within the realm of specific assessments, the MLHFQ, pioneered by Rector, is the preeminent choice (14). Our results revealed that patients with an unchanged or increased MLHFQ score of less than 10 points at the fourth visit exhibited a statistically significant history of previous myocardial infarction (MI) and significant coronary artery disease (CAD).…”

Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of short-form 36 health survey (SF-36) in patients with sick sinus syndrome

“…However, these studies did not evaluate the validity and reliability of the SF-36 scale in these patients. While previous research has demonstrated good validity and reliability of the SF-36 in assessing the quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease, [ 6 ] there is a lack of such evaluation in patients with sick sinus syndrome. Given the importance of understanding outcomes across age groups and disease stages from HRQoL in clinical decision-making, further investigation into HRQoL in sick sinus syndrome (SSS) patients is warranted.…”