Development and validation of a speech pathology-specific questionnaire for persons with multiple sclerosis (SMS)

<i>Purpose</i>: The aim of this study was to develop and validate the <i>Speech pathology-specific questionnaire for persons with Multiple Sclerosis</i> (SMS). <i>Method</i>: Forty-one items were generated through a literature review. Items were submitted to a preliminary psychometric validation process consisting of principal component analysis, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and floor and ceiling effects using data from 164 participants. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the SMS with the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Participants were recruited internationally through online channels and questionnaires were completed online. <i>Result</i>: The SMS contains 16 items describing three components: speech and voice, language, and swallowing. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) of the three components was satisfactory (<i>α</i> = 0.89–<i>α</i> = 0.91). Criterion validity was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (<i>ρ</i>). A statistically significant weak to moderate correlation between the SMS and the SF-12 was identified (<i>ρ</i> = –0.004–<i>ρ</i> = –0.359). No floor or ceiling effects were present. The SMS demonstrated strong test-retest reliability. All items had an intra-class correlation coefficient ≥0.70. <i>Conclusion</i>: The SMS is a psychometrically robust patient-reported outcome measure to assess speech-language pathology symptoms in persons with MS.