Validation Analysis of the Polish-Translated Version of EmPHasis-10 Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) impacts various aspects of patients' lives. Some questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life are specific to PAH patients. The aims of the study were to translate and investigate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Polish version of the EmPHasis-10 health-related quality of life questionnaire in a group of adults with PAH. Construct validity was explored by the relationship with results of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and non-invasive prognostic factors: WHO functional class, 6 min walk distance (6MWD) and NTproBNP level were measured. Methods: In a single-center study, PAH patients were included. The diagnosis of PAH was confirmed by right heart catheterization. The demographic and clinical data were obtained. The EmPHasis-10 and the SF-36 questionnaires were administered to all patients. Results: Data from 120 PAH patients, median age 57 (IQR 45-68.7) years, 88 (73%) women, were obtained. Most of the patients suffered from IPAH (73, 61%). Results revealed a unidimensional structure of the EmPHasis-10 questionnaire and demonstrated satisfactory reliability (Cronbach α = 0.94). The EmPHasis-10 showed an adequate relationship with both SF-36 dimensions and three non-invasive prognostic parameters, i.e., WHO functional class, 6MWD and NTproBNP level. Regression analysis indicated that the 6MWD was the only predictor of the EmPHasis-10. Conclusions: The obtained results showed very good psychometric properties and adequate internal consistency of the Polish version of EmPHasis-10 in PAH patients. The results showed a unidimensional structure and very good psychometric properties, including satisfactory internal consistency and external validity of the Polish version of the EmPHasis-10 scale in patients with PAH.