Assessment of symptom severity and functional status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: reliability and functionality of the Turkish version of the Boston Questionnaire

The aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the Boston Questionnaire and assess its reliability and validity. Sixty-seven patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were included in the study. The Turkish version of Boston Questionnaire was obtained after translation process, and was then administered to subjects twice within seven days. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation), and reproducibility. Validity was examined by correlating the Boston Questionnaire scores to general health status (Short Form-36), pain severity (Visual Analogue Scale) and pinch and grip strength measures. Reliability of the Turkish version was very good, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.82 for symptom severity scale, and 0.88 for functional status scale), and reproducibility (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.60 for symptom severity scale, and 0.77 for functional status scale). The Boston Questionnaire scores were correlated with Visual Analogue Scale, physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain and emotional role subscales of Short Form-36, pinch and grip strength scores to obtain coefficients for external construct validity. Adaptation of the Boston Questionnaire for use in Turkey was successful. Our results seem to support previous finding of the English version, indicating that it is valid and reliable.