Reliability and validity of the Persian version of the 12-items Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire
Abstract
Background and Aim: Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, creates social, psychological, and economic challenges. Questionnaires are widely used to assess its impact on daily life. This study aimed to translate and validate the Persian version of the 12-item Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (P-TPFQ-12) to provide a culturally appropriate tool for evaluating tinnitus-related disability in Persian speakers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 56 adults experiencing chronic tinnitus. The P-TPFQ-12 was translated using the International Quality of Life Assessment protocol. Content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) based on ratings from 10 audiologists. The Face Validity Index (FVI) was calculated with input from 10 experts and 10 patients. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach’s alphaand item–total correlations. Convergent validity was tested by correlating P-TPFQ-12 scores with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Test–retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in 21 participants after two weeks. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined two structural models.
Results: Content and face validity were excellent (CVR=1.0, CVI=1.0, FVI=1.0). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s α=0.956 overall; subscales=0.922–0.969). Strong correlations were found with THI (r=0.845), moderate with BDI-II (r=0.600) and PSQI (r=0.416). Test–retest reliability was strong (ICC=0.956). CFA supported a four-factor structure with high loadings (0.85–0.97).
Conclusion: The P-TPFQ-12 showed excellent reliability and validity, confirming its suitability as a concise, multidimensional tool for assessing tinnitus-related disability among Persian speakers.
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