Evaluating the reliability of Farsi version of Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) among patients with stroke

The aims of this study were to develop a culturally-adapted Farsi version of the SIS (SIS-P) and to evaluate the reliability of the SIS-P in a sample of Iranian patients with Stroke. SIS –P was developed following a forward – backward translation procedure and cultural adaptation based on IQOLA guidelines. A sample of 70 people with Stroke participated in this study. Participants were recruited from outpatient rehabilitation clinics of Kashani and Alzahra Haspitals (Isfahan-Iran) between 2006 and 2008. The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) consists of 64 items and 8 domains which have been developed to measure and assess strength, hand function, ADL/IADL, mobility, communication, emotion, memory and thinking, and life participation. The participants were asked to answer SIS items. The SIS was re-administered 3 weeks after the initial assessment. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed via Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach α respectively. All the participants found the SIS-P items to be clear and unambiguous in this pilot study. The ICC and the Cronbach α were respectively above 0.78 and above 0.69 for each domain. The Farsi version of the SIS is a culturally adapted and reliable instrument to assess disability in Iranian patients with CVA (Cerebral vascular accident).