One hundred twenty two rheumatoid arthritis patients were consecutively included in the study. Test-retest reliability was assessed in 61 patients based on the intra-class correlation coefficient.
for the 122 patients (104 female and 18 male) the median age was 47 years (18-70). The mean age of the patients who filled in the questionnaire at test and retest times was 45 years (18-70). Test- retest reliability of the HAQ was 0.84. Internal consistency was 0.94. There was a good correlation between the HAQ and the Lee index (r = 0.75, p <10(-4)), the HAQ and the RAQoL (rs = 0.96, p <10(-4)). In a logistic regression model Lee index, RAQoL and age account for the variance of the HAQ.
The Tunisian version of the HAQ preserves the metrological properties of the original version and can be used for measuring and following functional abilities of Tunisian rheumatoid arthritis patients.