Michael Quittan, Günther F. Wiesinger, Richard Crevenna, Martin J. Nuhr, Martin Posch, Martin Hülsmann, Dorothe Müller, Richard Pacher, Veronika Fialka-Moser
DOI: 10.1080/16501970121386

We performed a cross-cultural adaptation of the "Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire" (LHFQ) for use in German-speaking chronic heart failure patients. The instrument was translated and back translated, pre-tested and reviewed by a committee. The German version was tested in 114 patients with chronic heart failure. Reliability was assessed by a test-retest procedure and Cronbach's coefficient alpha of internal consistency (0. 94). To assess concurrent validity, we compared the LHFQ sum scores with the New York Heart Association classification rating (r = 0. 53; p < 0. 0001), the 6-minute walk (r = -0. 39; p < 0. 0001), the left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0. 24; p = 0. 011) and big-endothelin (r = 0. 27; p = 0. 004). Construct validity on the LHFQ scores in comparison with the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 Health Survey (MOS SF36) was significant (-0. 41 to -0. 74; all p < 0. 0001). The reliability and validity of the German version of the LHFQ was proved; the questionnaire can be recommended for use in future clinical trials.