Validity of health status measurement with the Dutch Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 in individuals with severe haemophilia

The aim of this study was to investigate the validity of the Dutch Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 (D-AIMS2). Hence, D-AIMS2 data of individuals with severe haemophilia were correlated with clinical and perceived health-related quality of life data. Patients with severe haemophilia, who visit the Van Creveldkliniek on a regular basis, were administered the D-AIMS2. In addition, health-related quality of life was measured by the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). As clinical indices, range of movement (which was converted into Joint Alignment and Motion scores) and muscle strength were recorded during the routine visit. Extensive descriptive and correlational (linear) analyses between corresponding datasets were performed. Thirty-one individuals with severe haemophilia were included. Their scores on the D-AIMS2 demonstrated moderate to very high internal consistency for scales and components (Cronbach's alpha = 0.62-0.92). The physical health components of the D-AIMS2 and the SIP were significantly correlated (Pearson's r = 0.53; P <0.05). The psychological health and social interaction components of the D-AIMS2 did not correlate significantly with the psychosocial component of the SIP. The physical health component of the D-AIMS2 correlated significantly with the clinical data for the lower extremities (r = 0.52 and r = -0.45; P <0.05). These data support the reliability and validity of the physical aspects of the D-AIMS2 in patients with severe haemophilia, The next step should be to extend the investigation of psychometric qualities of this health-related questionnaire in a larger population.