Persian version of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL): Reliability and Validity Study

Ali  Pouresmaeil; Saeed  Sohrabpour; Behnaz  Aghaei; Reza  Erfanian; Leyla  Noury; Amirmohsen  Asadi Kiapey; Anahit  Shoormeij; Mina  Abdolahi; Abolghasem  Yousefi

doi:10.18502/aacc.v10is1.17198

Ali Pouresmaeil Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeed Sohrabpour Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Behnaz Aghaei Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Reza Erfanian Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Leyla Noury Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Amirmohsen Asadi Kiapey Medicine School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Anahit Shoormeij Medicine School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mina Abdolahi Department of Clinical Nutrition, Amir Alam Hospital Complexes, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abolghasem Yousefi Department of Anesthesiology, Amir Alam Hospital Complexes, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v10is1.17198

Keywords: UW-QOL questionnaire; Validity; Head and neck cancer; Reliability

Abstract

Background: The University of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QOL) is widely used to evaluate the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. The purpose of this study is translation of the UW-QOL questionnaire's into Persian.

Methods: After translation and cultural adaptation of the UW-QOL, the questionnaire was distributed among 100 head and neck cancer patients. Internal reliability of the translated UW-QOL was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The validity was determined by Spearman correlation coefficient between UW-QOL and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12). The test – retest reliability was measured by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) after one week.

Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was more than 0.75 and ICC coefficient was more than 0.80 in all variables. The UW-QOL questionnaire composite score had a positive significant association with SF-12 questionnaire total score (Spearman's Correlation Coefficient= 0.70, P< 0.0001).

Conclusion: In conclusion Persian translation of the UW-QOL questionnaire has acceptable reliability and validity and is as valid as the original English version in evaluating the quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer.