The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale-Revised (MSSM-R): Persian Version and Psychometric Analysis

Background: Self-management is the most important component in the treatment of chronic diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The Bishop and Frain Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale-Revised (MSSM-R) is one of the valid tools available for self-management assessment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MSSM-R in Iranian people with MS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the 1600 people with MS in Guilan Province, Iran. In this study, 250 people were selected by convenience sampling. The reliability of the Persian version of this scale was examined by internal consistency and test-retest methods, and validity evidence was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis.

Results: The MSSM-R had acceptable face and content validity. Confirmatory factor analysis results showed that 24 items on this scale have factor loadings in five subscales. Other results showed the internal consistency, as measured by Cronbach α and test-retest reliability, for the MSSM-R overall (α = 0.85, r = 0.77) and for the following subscales: Healthcare Provider Relationship and Communication (α = 0.83, r = 0.70), Treatment Adherence/Barriers (α = 0.70, r = 0.71), Social/Family Support (α = 0.79, r = 0.85), MS Knowledge and Information (α = 0.89, r = 0.72), and Health Maintenance Behavior (α = 0.77, r = 0.75).

Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the validity and reliability of the MSSM-R. To further ensure its psychometric properties, additional studies with this scale are suggested.