Validation of the Persian Version of Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire

Introduction: Lower-limb varicose is a common disorder, which is caused in some occupations and is exacerbated over time, imposing direct and indirect costs on individuals and the community. The present study aimed to validate the Persian version of Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 patients with varicose veins referring to Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran in 2014. The subjects were selected via census sampling. The AVVQ was translated into Persian, and its reliability and validity were assessed using face, content, criterion, and construct validity and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for reliability. To evaluate content validity, the content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated, and the criterion validity was determined based on Pearson’s correlation-coefficient. In addition, the correlation of the obtained score of each questionnaire item with the total score was verified. Results: The mean age of the patients was 43±16 years. Content validity was assessed based on Lawshe’s method and CVR index of >0.7. The mean score achieved in the AVVQ was 62.3± 8.8, and significant correlations were observed between the total score of AVVQ and physical domain (P<0.001; r=-0.62), mental domain (P<0.001; r=-0.39), and mean total score of SF-36 (P<0.001; r=-0.56). Moreover, the Cronbach’s alpha for the internal consistency of the questionnaire was estimated at 0.71.Conclusion: According to the results, assessment of the score of quality of life in varicose patients could be an effective approach to the development of proper interventions to improve their quality of life.