Validation of the Persian version of the Burn Specific Health Scale – Brief

Abstract Background The Burns Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) is easy to apply, can be self-administered, and is considered a suitable instrument to measure general health and the physical, mental, and social aspects of burn victims’ life. Aim The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the BSHS-B into the Persian language and to investigate its psychometric properties. Methods The BSHS-B was translated and adapted for Iranian patients. 200 patients (94.34%) filled out the questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the scale, including its internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity through the known-groups technique were evaluated. Results The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of total scores of the questionnaire was 0.94, demonstrating reasonable internal consistency of the instrument. The test–retest coefficients were reported to be between 0.81 and 0.96. The scale's construct validity was statistically significant. Principal components’ factor analysis was used to derive an instrument called the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief in eight domains. The domains described patients’ functions in terms of “Heat sensitivity”, “Affect”, “Hand function & simple abilities”, “Treatment regimens”, “Work”, “Sexuality”, “Interpersonal relationships”, and “Body image”. Conclusions The reliability and validity of the adapted version of the BSHS-Brief was shown to be satisfactory. Thus, it can be used to investigate quality of life of Iranian patients suffering from burn.