Validation of the Malay Version of Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ Version 2.1-M)

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Published: Sep 30, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.5.11
Keywords:
Headache, Quality of life, Migraine, Validity, Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire

Main Article Content

Wan Aliaa Wan Sulaiman
Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Nur Ain Amir
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Hazwan Mat Din
Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Hayati Kadir Shahar
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Liyana Najwa Inche Mat
Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Haswini Narayanasamy
Centre for the Advancement of Language Competence, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Mohd Hazmi Mohamed
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Ching Siew Mooi
Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Vasudevan Ramachandran
Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University College of MAIWP International, Taman Batu Muda, 68100 Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: The Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MSQ) version 2.1 (MSQv2.1) is a migraine-specific instrument containing 14 items that measures the impact of migraine on an individual’s quality of life. However, to date, MSQv2.1 is still unavailable in the Malay language. This study aimed to translate and validate the Malay version of the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQv2.1-M). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to translate and validate the MSQ version 2.1-M within the Malay adult migraine population residing in the Serdang community, Selangor, Malaysia. The initial MSQv2.1, comprising 14 items, underwent translation from English to Malay, followed by an evaluation to ensure content and linguistic equivalence. Between April 2019 and August 2019, a cohort of 92 participants was recruited to complete a comprehensive questionnaire set that included the MSQv2.1-M. The study involved an analysis of multiple parameters of the MSQv2.1-M within this cohort, encompassing factor analysis and assessment of convergent and discriminant validity, reliability, criterion and predictive validity. Results: For the 92 eligible patients, the value Cronback’s alpha for the three dimensions of the Malay version MSQ v. 2.1 (Role of function-Restrictive, Role of function – Preventive and Emotional-function) were 0.96, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively. Factor analysis revealed that the adapted MSQv2.1-M questionnaire comprises 13 items, compared to the original 14-item MSQv2.1. Multitrait scaling analysis demonstrated strong convergence and discrimination for the 13-item Malay version, with robust reliability evidenced by Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 (internal consistency). Predictive validity was confirmed and logistic regression showed that migraine type significantly predicted the quality-of-life score, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion: The study affirms that the Malay-adapted MSQv2.1 serves as a dependable and valid migraine-specific measure of quality of life for Malay-speaking individuals living with migraines. The MSQv2.1 has the potential to enhance clinical care and drive research advancements for Malay-speaking migraine sufferers.

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How to Cite
Wan Sulaiman, W. A., Amir, N. A., Mat Din, H., Kadir Shahar, H., Inche Mat, L. N., Narayanasamy, H., Mohamed, M. H., Mooi, C. S., & Ramachandran, V. (2025). Validation of the Malay Version of Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ Version 2.1-M). Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21(5), 85–90. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.5.11
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 5 (2025)
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Original Articles
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Europe PMC

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