Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale in Patients with Burns

Objective: To evaluation reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) in patients with burns.\udMethods: This is a methodologically study. Data were collected using POSAS, survey form and plexiglas. Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) was completed by patients (n=53) and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS) was completed by two observers separately. The test-retest was measured applying the scales in 25 patients after two weeks. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Content validity was determined using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, Barlett’s test and structure validity was performed by explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). \udResults: Factor weights were in appropriate range according to EFA, 6 items single factor structure of the original scale was valid and had high consistency index according to CFA, ICC between the 7th item and the total points was proportional, inner consistency was highly reliable (PSAS α=0.992, OSAS α=0.993), consistency between the observers was high (α=0.952, r=0.909). It was determined OSAS scores increased as the burn degree increased (p<0.05).\udConclusion: POSAS was determined to be a valid and reliable scale in patients with burns in the Turkish society