Validation of the Spanish Version of the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) in Patients With Episodic Migraine

Introduction

The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) questionnaire is commonly utilized to assess the impact of headaches in both clinical settings and research. To date, no validated Spanish version of this tool has been published.

Objective

This study seeks to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the HIT-6 questionnaire for use in patients experiencing episodic migraine.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study aimed at validating this measurement instrument. A total of 100 subjects, both male and female, aged 18 to 65 years, diagnosed with episodic migraine, were included in the analysis. Construct validity was assessed using principal component analysis, test-retest reliability via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency, and convergent validity against the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey and the Migraine Disability Assessment.

Results

The principal component analysis revealed a two-component structure. The overall HIT-6 scale demonstrated strong test-retest reliability ([ICC = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.83–0.92]), with high reliability for the indirect subscale [(ICC = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.81–0.91)] and excellent reliability for the direct subscale [(ICC = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.85–0.93)]. Internal consistency was also robust (Cronbach's α = 0.834), and the questionnaire showed a significant correlation with MIDAS (r = 0.512; p < 0.001), as well as a moderate correlation with the physical (r = -0.326; p < 0.05) and mental factors (r = -0.429; p < 0.001) of the SF-12.

Conclusions

The Spanish adaptation of the HIT-6 questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating the impact of episodic migraine on patients' quality of life, confirming the validity of both subscales.