Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the 12-Item Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire

Abstract

Background and Aim: Tinnitus creates socioeconomic challenges. Questionnaires are widely used to assess their impact on daily life. This study aimed to validate the Persian version of the 12-item Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (P-TPFQ) to provide a culturally appropriate tool for evaluating tinnitus-related disability in Persian speakers.

Methods: This study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 56 adults experiencing tinnitus. The TPFQ was translated according to the international quality of life assessment protocol. Content validity and face validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR), Content Validity Index (CVI) and the Face Validity Index (FVI). Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent validity was tested by assessing the correlation with the scores of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) examined the construct validity.

Results: Content and face validity were excellent (CVR=1.0, CVI=1.0, FVI=1.0). The CFA confirmed a four-factor structure with high loadings (0.85–0.97). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α=0.956 for the overall scale; 0.922–0.969 for the subscales). The total P-TPFQ score had a strong and significant correlation with the THI score (r=0.845), and a moderate and significant correlation with BDI-II (r=0.600) and PSQI (r=0.416) scores (p<0.001). Test–retest reliability was high (ICC=0.956).

Conclusion: The P-TPFQ with 12 items and four subscales has excellent reliability and validity. As a multidimensional tool, it can be used for assessing tinnitus-related behavioural aspects.