The Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ): Validation and Cultural Adaption in Greek.

Introduction

Somatic awareness as well as anxiety may be assessed with the Modified Somatic Awareness Questionnaire (MSPQ). The present study validates and adapts the Greek version of the MSPQ (MSPQ-GR) in individuals with chronic low-back pain.

Methods

The MSPQ-GR along with the Greek versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs-GR) and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-GR) were completed by 69 consecutive individuals suffering from chronic low-back pain. Test-retest reliability was tested 48 hours later. Construct validity was studied with the correlation of MSPQ- GR to the FABQ-GR as well as to the HADs-GR. Analysis included the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), the Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

Results

Most patients were females (82.6%), while the cohort's mean age was 40.2 years. Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 and ICC was found to be 0.92. MSPQ-GR and the HAD-GR anxiety correlation was r=0.36, p=0.002, while MSPQ-GR and HAD-GR depression correlation was r=0.42, p<0.001. Correlation of the MSPQ-GR and FABQ were non-significant (FABQ-work r= 0.19, NS, FABQ physical r= 0.2, NS), confirming the discriminant construct validity of the MSPQ-GR.

Conclusions

The present study provided initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the MSPQ-GR and thus, it may be used in clinical practice in patients with chronic LBP.