PASHTO TRANSLATION, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF LEEDS ASSESSMENT OF NEUROPATHIC SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS (LANSS) IN SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The aim pf this study was to translate to translate English version of Leeds assessment of Neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) pain scale into Pashto language and to determine the validity and reliability of Pashto version of LANSS pain scale in spinal cord injury patients. Material & Methods: LANSS was translated from original language into Pashto and then back translated to English. It was reviewed by ten physical therapy experts for face and content validity. The scores of the Pashto version of the LANSS were studied in a sample of 113 spinal cord injury patients having pain from Pashto speaking region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Comparison between Pashto LANSS and DN4 Questionnaire score was done to check for concurrent validity. Intra-class correlation coefficient, Cohen’s kappa agreement and internal consistency were estimated to check the reliability of Pashto version of LANSS. Results: For a p-value of <0.01, the overall mean score of Pashto-LANSS was higher in patients suffering from neuropathic pain. The ICC score for Pashto-LANSS was 0.76, kappa value 0.76 and Cronbach’s alpha 0.83 indicating significant scores. The results of Pearson’s correlation showed significant correlation between Pashto-LANSS and DN4. Conclusion: Pashto LANSS is a reliable and valid tool to identify neuropathic pain in SCI patients. Pashto version of LANSS can be used in differentiating neuropathic pain from nociceptive pain in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Key terms: LANSS, Neuropathic pain, DN4 Questionnaire, Spinal cord injury, Pashto version of LANSS (Pashto-LANSS).