Measurement properties of Chinese-version assessment tools of health-related quality of life in patients with stroke: a systematic review

Purpose To systematically evaluate the measurement properties of Chinese versions of HRQOL scales for stroke and provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical and research use. Methods Ten databases (e.g., CNKI, VIP, PubMed, Embase) were searched from inception to September 2024. Studies evaluating the measurement properties of Chinese HRQOL scales for stroke patients were included. Two researchers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed measurement properties and methodological quality using COSMIN standards. Results Thirty-seven studies were included, reporting on content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, hypotheses testing for construct validity, responsiveness, and measurement error. Two tools demonstrated sufficient content validity and at least low-quality evidence of sufficient internal consistency (Category A), while 17 were classified as Category B. Conclusions Although diverse, the overall quality of Chinese versions of HRQOL scales is suboptimal, and further studies are needed. MHIEC-ST and SAQOL-39 g are recommended, with further measurement properties studies needed to refine and enhance these tools.