Validation of the VERITAS-Pro treatment adherence scale in a Spanish sample population with hemophilia

Abstract

PurposeWe aimed to conduct a validation in Spanish of the Validated Hemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale – Prophylaxis (VERITAS-Pro) questionnaire for use in patients with hemophilia under prophylactic treatment.Patients and methodsThe VERITAS-Pro scale was adapted through a process of back translation from English to Spanish. A bilingual native Spanish translator translated the scale from English to Spanish. Subsequently, a bilingual native English translator translated the scale from Spanish to English. The disagreements were resolved by agreement between the research team and translators. Seventy-three patients with hemophilia, aged 13–62 years, were enrolled in the study. The scale was applied twice (2 months apart) to evaluate the test–retest reliability.ResultsInternal consistency reliability was lower on the Spanish VERITAS-Pro than on the English version. Test–retest reliability was high, ranging from 0.83 to 0.92. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found between test and retest scores in subscales of VERITAS-Pro. In general, Spanish patients showed higher rates of nonadherence than American patients in all subscales.ConclusionThe Spanish version of the VERITAS-Pro has high levels of consistency and empirical validity. This scale can be administered to assess the degree of adherence of prophylactic treatment in patients with hemophilia.

The behaviour and perception of illness: modulating variables of adherence in patients with haemophilia

“…However, we have not yet established other fundamental aspects that cause whether the patient follows treatment. As shown in our work and in other studies , the patients’ perception of their illness is essential in knowing how they will cope with the disease, including treatment.…”

“…Some studies estimate rates between 80-87%, with a higher percentage in children and a lowest peak at between 20 and 45 years, then rising again after 60 years of age [10][11][12][13]. Other studies support these results but do not find many differences between ages [14,15].…”

“…The aim of this study was to assess adherence to treatment in adult patients with haemophilia in prophylactic treatment, using the Spanish version of the VERITAS-Pro scale [14], and to analyse the influence of variables such as disease behaviour, disease perception and the coping strategies employed.…”

Effectiveness of the Medtep Hemophilia online platform for adherence to prophylactic treatment in haemophilia patients: Results from a 1‐year observational study

“…VERITAS‐Pro is a 24‐item questionnaire divided into 6 (4‐item) subscales: “Timing,” “Dosing,” “Planning,” “Remembering,” “Skipping” and “Communicating.” VERITAS‐Pro has been proven to be a reliable and feasible tool to quantify adherence to haemophilia treatment in the USA and in Western European countries where prophylactic treatment is common . In this study, the validated questionnaire in Spanish was used …”

“…21,22 In this study, the validated questionnaire in Spanish was used. 23 The SF-36 is a multi-purpose, short-form health survey with 36 questions for QoL assessment. It yields an 8-scale profile of functional health and well-being scores as well as psychometrically based physical and mental health summary measures and a preferencebased health utility index.…”