The Chinese language version of the abbreviated Burn Specific Health Scale: A validation study

BackgroundThe Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS) is designed to measure burn-specific, health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the abbreviated BSHS (BSHS-A).MethodsThe English version of the BSHS-A was translated into Chinese using a standardised procedure. The participants were 457 patients classified into three severity groups (mild, moderate and severe). All patients completed the Chinese BSHS-A questionnaire, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D). To evaluate clinical utility of the BSHS-A, we used Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; test–retest reliability) and construct validity (using the SF-36 and EQ-5D).ResultsCronbach's alpha for all subscales was >0.80, demonstrating high internal consistency of the BSHS-A (Chinese version). The ICC was >0.70 for each patient group. Strong correlations were observed between the BSHS-A and SF-36 and EQ-5D scales. Neither floor nor ceiling effects were found.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that the BSHS-A (Chinese version) has good psychometric properties, showing suitable internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The BSHS-A may, thus, be useful for assessing HRQoL in Chinese burn victims. However, adaptations may be required to reduce its length.