Translation and validation study of malay version of dizziness handicap inventory (Mydhi)

Abstract

Several outcome measures are in use for dizzy patient to assess change of symptoms, balance performance and disabling effects of dizziness on everyday life. However, yet none of these questionnaires exist in validated Malay version, except for Malay Version of Vertigo Symptoms Scale (MVVSS). Therefore translation and validation of the Malay version of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (myDHI) for use in Malay speaking population was planned. This study had a cross-sectional design and it was performed for translation and validation of the myDHI. In this study, 15 non-dizzy subjects were recruited for validation phase and 14 patients with dizziness (associated with vestibular disorder), aged between 18 and 60 years were recruited for reliability test. The internal consistency of myDHI was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α). Standard translation process (forward and backward) was done and it was successful. Validation process consisted of two components namely content validity and face validity and it showed that myDHI has good content and face validity. At the reliability test, 14 patients filled out the myDHI within the time provided. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS version 21 for reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The myDHI showed acceptable value of internal consistency. As a conclusion, the myDHI demonstrated good validity, acceptable reliability and is recommended as a measure of disability in patients with dizziness and unsteadiness.