Validation and clinical applicability of the Screening Visual Complaints questionnaire-acquired brain injury (SVCq-abi) in individuals with acquired brain injury

Abstract

The 23-item Screening Visual Complaints questionnaire-acquired brain injury (SVCq-abi) was constructed to assess visual complaints in individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). This cross-sectional study determines the validity and clinical applicability of the SVCq-abi in an ABI sample. The SVCq-abi was administered to 156 individuals with ABI (mean [SD], 58 [13] years, 36% female) following a neurorehabilitation programme (65% inpatient, 35% outpatient). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to determine the fit of a 5-factor model, and scale reliability was examined. Additionally, we assessed the distribution of responses on the SVCq-abi and the effect of key clinical variables on SVCq-abi subscale scores. CFA confirmed a 5-factor model with good fit statistics, except for the Standardized Root Mean-square Residual. Scale reliability ranged from weak to good. Most individuals (78%) reported at least one visual complaint. Outpatients reported more luminance-related and ocular discomfort complaints than inpatients. No significant effect was observed on subscale scores based on administration method, history of ophthalmic disease, time since ABI diagnosis, and age. CFA determined a 5-factor structure of the SVCq-abi, with sufficient scale. Individuals with ABI experienced a range of visual complaints. The SVCq-abi showed broad clinical applicability and may be a valuable tool for clinical practice.

Keywords: Acquired brain injury; questionnaire; screening; visual complaints; visual rehabilitation.