Abstract
Introduction: Somatic awareness as well as anxiety may be assessed with the Modified Somatic Awareness Questionnaire (MSPQ). The present study validates and adapts the Greek version of the MSPQ (MSPQ-GR) in individuals with chronic low-back pain. Methods:The MSPQ-GR along with the Greek versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs-GR) and the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-GR) were completed by 69 consecutive individuals suffering from chronic low-back pain. Test-retest reliability was tested 48 hours later. Construct validity was studied with the correlation of MSPQ- GR to the FABQ-GR as well as to the HADs-GR. Analysis included the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), the Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results:Most patients were females (82.6%), while the cohort's mean age was 40.2 years. Cronbach's alpha was 0.87 and ICC was found to be 0.92. MSPQ-GR and the HAD-GR anxiety correlation was r=0.36, p=0.002, while MSPQ-GR and HAD-GR depression correlation was r=0.42, p<0.001. Correlation of the MSPQ-GR and FABQ were non-significant (FABQ-work r= 0.19, NS, FABQ physical r= 0.2, NS), confirming the discriminant construct validity of the MSPQ-GR. Conclusions:The present study provided initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the MSPQ-GR and thus, it may be used in clinical practice in patients with chronic LBP.