# Reliability and Validity of the Serbian Version of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life Questionnaire (HSQoL-24)

## TL;DR

This study confirms that the Serbian version of the HSQoL-24 questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for measuring quality of life in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

## Contribution

The paper provides validation of the Serbian version of the HSQoL-24 for use in clinical and research settings.

## Key findings

- The Serbian HSQoL-24 showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.907).
- Strong convergent validity was found between HSQoL-24 and DLQI scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.806).
- The questionnaire effectively discriminates between patients with different disease severities.

## Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts in apocrine gland-rich areas, leading to significant impairment in patients’ quality of life (QoL). Persistent symptoms affect physical functioning, psychological well-being, social interactions, and intimate relationships. Therefore, validated disease-specific instruments are essential for accurate QoL assessment in different populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the Serbian version of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life Questionnaire (HSQoL-24). Methods: The validation process followed established methodological guidelines for psychometric evaluation. The Serbian HSQoL-24 version demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. Internal consistency was excellent, with a Cronbach α of 0.907. Test–retest reliability was confirmed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.986 for the total score, demonstrating satisfactory reproducibility over time. A strong positive correlation was observed between the HSQoL-24 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total scores (Spearman’s ρ = 0.806, p < 0.001), confirming good convergent validity, particularly in domains related to symptoms and feelings, occupational or educational functioning, and interpersonal relationships. Moreover, total HSQoL-24 scores increased significantly with disease severity, indicating the questionnaire’s ability to discriminate between patients with different Hurley stages and confirming its discriminant validity. Conclusions: The Serbian version of the HSQoL-24 questionnaire exhibits appropriate internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. These results support its use as a reliable and valid disease-specific instrument for assessing QoL in Serbian-speaking patients with HS in both clinical practice and research settings.