Validation of the Lithuanian translation of the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Questionnaire (NEI RQL-42)

Jaruseviciene R; Matuleviciute I; Zaliuniene D

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Validation of the Lithuanian translation of the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Questionnaire (NEI RQL-42)

Jaruseviciene R, Matuleviciute I, Zaliuniene D

Abstract :

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Lithuanian version of the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Questionnaire (NEI RQL-42) among Lithuanian patients with refractive errors.

METHODS: The linguistic translation was made according to the international guidelines of forward and backward translation.47 subjects who reported refractive disturbances were included in the study, they filled the Lithuanian version of the NEI RQL-42. 37 patients completed the Lithuanian version of the NEI RQL-42 for the second time within 1-2 weeks. For assessment of concurrent validity 16 participants completed the Lithuanian version of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Test-retest and internal consistency reliability as well as concurrent validity were calculated.

RESULTS: The Lithuanian version of the NEI RQL-42 and its subscales showed good internal consistency (Cronbach�s a = 0.757–0.971) except two subscales: activity limitations (a = 0.538) and worry (a = 0.653). Test-retest reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and was high (ICC = 0.810–0.948) with the exception for the subscales: activity limitations (ICC = 0.599) and worry (ICC = 0.622). Almost all subscales showed significant intercorrelations. Very low to moderate correlations were found between the subscales of the NEI RQL-42 and the SF-36 survey.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the Lithuanian version of the NEI RQL-42 is a reliable and valid measure of vision-related quality of life in patients with refractive error.