The reliability of the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQbrace) in adolescents with scoliosis during brace treatment

BACKGROUND: A new instrument to assess stress scoliosis patients have whilst wearing their brace has been developed. Aim of this study was to test the reliability of this new instrument. METHODS: Eight questions are provided focussing on this topic only, including two questions to test the credibility. A max. score of 24 can be achieved (from 0 for most stress to 24 for least stress). We have proposed a subdivision of the score values as follows: 0–8 (strong stress), 9–16 (medium stress) and 17–24 (little stress). 85 patients were invited to take part in this study and to complete the BSSQbrace questionnaire twice, once at the first presentation and a second after a further three days. 62 patients with an average age of 14,5 years and an average Cobb angle of 40° returned their fully completed questionnaires. RESULTS: The average stress value was 12,5/24 at the first measurement and 12,4/24 at the second measurement. Ceiling value was 23; floor value 2. The average stress value was 12,5 / 24 at the first measurement and 12,4 / 24 at the second measurement (from 0 for most stress to 24 for least stress). Ceiling value was 23; floor value 2. There was a correlation of 0,88 (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) between the values of the two measurements. Cronbach alpha was 0, 97. CONCLUSION: The BSSQbrace questionnaire is reliable with good internal consistency and reproducibility. It can be used to measure the coping strategies a patient uses and the impairment a patient feels to have, whilst wearing a brace.