Objectives
To examine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Burden of Stroke Scale (BOSS).
Study design
A prospective cohort of stroke survivors were assessed at 3 (T1, T2), 6 (T3), and 12 (T4) months post onset (MPO) of stroke. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by calculating intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between T1 and T2 scale scores. Convergent validity was evaluated by calculating Pearson product moment correlation coefficients between T1 BOSS, Stroke Impact Scale and MOS SF-36 scale scores assessing similar health concepts. Responsiveness was evaluated using a repeated measures ANOVA and the linear trend test in the full study sample and by calculating standardized response means (SRM) and a probability of change statistic,
\( \hat{p} \) between T1, T3, and T4 scale scores in participants demonstrating change on external criteria.
Results
ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. Pearson coefficients ranged from −0.57 to −0.86. Moderate to high responsiveness estimates were obtained for 9 of 12 subscales with SRM (\( \hat{p} \)) values ranging from .497 (.690) to 1.161 (.877). Composite scale SRM (\( \hat{p} \)) values ranged from .661 (.746) to 1.192 (.883).
Conclusions
The BOSS provided valid and reliable score estimates that were responsive to positive changes in functioning and well-being during the first year of recovery from stroke.