Measurement properties of the Arabic Version of the multidimensional dyspnea profile in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Abstract

Objective: The multidimensional dyspnea profile (MDP) is a self-reported instrument validated in several languages but not Arabic. The study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the MDP into Arabic (A-MDP) and test its measurement properties in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Materials and methods: The MDP was translated and culturally adapted into Arabic based on published guidelines. A sample of 127 patients was recruited to assess the construct validity [correlating the A-MDP with the Arabic Numeric Pain Rating Scale (ANPRS), the Arabic version of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment test (Arabic-CAT), and the Arabic Dyspnea-12 scale (D-12-A)] and structural validity (the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis). Internal consistency [(Cronbach's alpha (α), corrected item-total correlation], test-retest reliability [Spearman's correlation (rho), Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI)], standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC95% and MDC%), the limit of agreement, and floor/ceiling effects were calculated. A-MDP responsiveness was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results: A-MDP's content validity was excellent. The scale showed highly significant positive correlations with the Arabic-CAT and ANPRS (rho = 0.83 and 0.78, respectively) and a moderately significant positive correlation with D-12-A (rho = 0.69). A model with a two-factor construct showed an acceptable fit (comparative fit index = 0.0.95). Excellent internal consistency (α = 0.93) and acceptable corrected item-total correlations (rho = 0.57-0.84) were found. The test-retest reliability was satisfactory (ICC2.1 = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91-0.96, rho = 0.79). The SEM of the total score was 1.76 with an MCD95 of 4.8 (12.4%) with no systematic error or proportional bias. The area under the curve was 0.80. At the cut-off point of 40.5/110, specificity and sensitivity were 88% and 61%, respectively. No floor or ceiling effects were observed.

Conclusions: The MDP-A elaborated excellent measurement properties. It is recommended for its clinical utility.