Translation, validity and reliability of the Turkish Chronic Illness Job Strain Scale (CIJSS) in people with inflammatory arthritis

Objective This study aimed to adapt the Chronic Illness Job Strain Scale (CIJSS) into Turkish and evaluate its validity and reliability in individuals with rheumatologic conditions. Methods The CIJSS was culturally adapted following Beaton’s protocol. Construct validity was assessed using Rasch analysis. Concurrent validity was examined through correlations with work-related [Work Limitation Questionnaire-Short Form (WLQ-SF), Rheumatoid Arthritis Work Instability Scale (RA-WIS), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment General Health V2.0 (WPAI-GH)] and health-related [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID)] measures. Test–retest reliability was assessed two weeks later. Results The CIJSS demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.96) and excellent test–retest reliability (Spearman’s r = 0.886; ICC(2,1) = 0.88). The scale met Rasch model requirements for fit. Significant correlations were observed between the CIJSS total score and the WLQ total score (r = –0.61), WPAI scores (r = 0.19–0.47), HAQ (r = 0.33), and RAID (r = 0.61), supporting concurrent validity. Conclusions The Turkish CIJSS is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate tool for assessing job strain in individuals with inflammatory arthritis. It can support both clinical assessment and vocational rehabilitation planning for Turkish-speaking populations.