OBJECTIVES: The Versus Arthritis Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ) was developed as a generic, single musculoskeletal outcome measure that can be used throughout the healthcare pathway and with patients with different musculoskeletal conditions. We aimed to develop the Hungarian language version of the MSK-HQ and assess its validity and reliability.

METHODS: The Hungarian language version of the MSK-HQ was developed following the protocol of the University of Oxford. A cross-sectional online survey was performed (year 2020) among the general adult population (N=2004, women: 53,1%; mean age 48.3 SD=16.6 years). Musculoskeletal health (MSK-HQ), physical functioning (HAQ-DI) and general health status (EQ-5D-5L) of the respondents were measured, as well as their well-being (ICECAP-A/-O, WHO-5 index, happiness VAS). Test-retest was performed in a subsample of 50 persons. Descriptive analyses were performed, Spearman’s rank correlations, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied. The research was supported by the Higher Education Institutional Excellence Program, within the framework of the 'Financial and Retail Services' thematic program of the Corvinus University of Budapest.

RESULTS: The average (SD) MSK-HQ index score was 44.1 (9.9), EQ VAS 75.8 (20.1) and HAQ-DI 0.28 (0.47). Significant strong correlation was found between MSK-HQ index and HAQ-DI (r=-0.698) and EQ VAS (r=0,644) scores, and moderate correlations with the well-being measures (ICECAP-A r=0.471; ICECAP-O r=0.460; WHO-5 r= 0.443; happiness VAS r=0.317). MSK-HQ index score was significantly (p=0.000) lower in subgroups living with health limitations or musculoskeletal problems and in worse general health status. Cronbach-alfa was 0.924 and correlations between test-retest results were strong (r=0.884).

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to assess MSK-HQ status of the general population. The Hungarian language version of the MSK-HQ was proved to be a valid and reliable measure. Further studies are encouraged involving specific patient samples for which our results can be used as population normative reference data.