Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Short Form Stroke Impact Scale (SF-SIS) into Arabic among stroke survivors in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Short Form Stroke Impact Scale (SF-SIS-Ar) in Arabic-speaking stroke survivors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional psychometric study was conducted among 130 stroke survivors. Translation and cultural adaptation followed established guidelines, including forward/backward translation, expert review, and pilot testing. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC95). Construct validity was examined through correlations with the Barthel Index (BI), Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQOL), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 3.1-Ar), Motor Activity Log-Arabic (MAL-30-Ar), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE).

RESULTS

The SF-SIS-Ar demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87-0.97) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.78-0.94), with acceptable measurement error (SEM and MDC95). Strong correlations were found with BI, LIFE-H, and SF-36, while moderate correlations were observed with WMFT, FMA-UE, and MAL-30-Ar.

CONCLUSIONS

The SF-SIS-Ar is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing stroke-related quality of life and functional impact in Arabic-speaking stroke survivors.