Cross-Cultural Adaptation of English Version of Vertigo Symptom Scale in Punjabi

Abstract

Introduction: The Vertigo Symptom Scale mainly focuses on symptoms of vestibular disorders, that are anxiety and autonomic symptoms. Till now valid and culturally adapted Punjabi version of Vertigo Symptom Scale has not been produced yet, this study will describe the translation of the original 34-item version of VSS into Punjabi language and its Psychometric analysis in individuals with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The Cross-Cultural adaptation of a health status self-administered questionnaires for use in a new region, culture or language requires a distinctive methodology in order to reach equivalence between the original source and target languages. The adaptation of psychological scale is a complex task that requires orderly planning regarding its content maintenance, psychometric properties, and general validity for the intended population. Methods: The study has been split into two parts. The English version of Vertigo Symptom Scale will be translated into Punjabi language following guidelines given by of Beaton. In the second phase the translated Vertigo Symptom Scale will be then tested for its reliability in persons with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Results: Test retest reliability and internal consistency was calculated to check internal consistency Cronbach’s alpha, Split-Half (odd-even) correlation and Spearman-Brown Prophecy were calculated from the reading taken on Punjabi Vertigo Symptom Scale twice after the 48 hour. Calculated readings of Cronbach’s alpha are 0.998, Split- Half (odd even) correlation is 0.996, Spearman-Brown Prophecy is 0.997. Test retest intra-rater reliability calculated for Punjabi Vertigo Symptom Scale in group A is 0.998 (95% CI: 0.996-0.998). Conclusion: The translated version of Vertigo Symptom Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid, acceptable and simple to understand by the patients. Data analysis show satisfactory high internal consistency and also the translated version was able to differentiate population with dizziness and without dizziness.