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Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Italian Version of SWAL-QOL

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Italian SWAL-QOL (I-SWAL-QOL). The study consisted of five phases: item generation, reliability analysis, normative data generation, validity analysis, and responsiveness analysis. The item generation phase followed the five-step, cross-cultural, adaptation process of translation and back-translation. A group of 92 dysphagic patients was enrolled for the internal consistency analysis. Seventy-eight patients completed the I-SWAL-QOL twice, 2 weeks apart, for test–retest reliability analysis. A group of 200 asymptomatic subjects completed the I-SWAL-QOL for normative data generation. I-SWAL-QOL scores obtained by both the group of dysphagic subjects and asymptomatic ones were compared for validity analysis. I-SWAL-QOL scores were correlated with SF-36 scores in 67 patients with dysphagia for concurrent validity analysis. Finally, I-SWAL-QOL scores obtained in a group of 30 dysphagic patients before and after successful rehabilitation treatment were compared for responsiveness analysis. All the enrolled patients managed to complete the I-SWAL-QOL without needing any assistance, within 20 min. Internal consistency was acceptable for all I-SWAL-QOL subscales (α > 0.70). Test–retest reliability was also satisfactory for all subscales (ICC > 0.7). A significant difference between the dysphagic group and the control group was found in all I-SWAL-QOL subscales (p < 0.05). Mild to moderate correlations between I-SWAL-QOL and SF-36 subscales were observed. I-SWAL-QOL scores obtained in the pre-treatment condition were significantly lower than those obtained after swallowing rehabilitation. I-SWAL-QOL is reliable, valid, responsive to changes in QOL, and recommended for clinical practice and outcome research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Audiology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy

    Daniela Ginocchio

  2. Department of Neurophysiology and Neurorehabilitation, National Institute of Neurology, “C. Mondino” Foundation IRCCS, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Enrico Alfonsi

  3. Phoniatric Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “L. Sacco”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

    Francesco Mozzanica & Antonio Schindler

  4. Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

    Anna Rosa Accornero

  5. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, San Giorgio Hospital, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Antonella Bergonzoni

  6. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Giulia Chiarello & Nicoletta De Luca

  7. Audiology-Phoniatrics Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy

    Daniele Farneti & Valentina Turroni

  8. Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation Service, “Santa Lucia” Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy

    Simonelli Marilia & Paola Calcagno

Authors
  1. Daniela Ginocchio
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  2. Enrico Alfonsi
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  3. Francesco Mozzanica
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  4. Anna Rosa Accornero
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  5. Antonella Bergonzoni
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  6. Giulia Chiarello
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  7. Nicoletta De Luca
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  8. Daniele Farneti
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  9. Simonelli Marilia
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  10. Paola Calcagno
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  11. Valentina Turroni
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  12. Antonio Schindler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Antonio Schindler.

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All the authors belong to Gruppo Italiano Studio Disfagia (GISD).

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Ginocchio, D., Alfonsi, E., Mozzanica, F. et al. Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Italian Version of SWAL-QOL. Dysphagia 31, 626–634 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9720-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9720-z

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