Validation of Berlin questionnaire for assessment of adult obstructive sleep apnea in Urdu language

Zeenat Fatima; Kausar Ilyas; Mehwish Shaheed; Afeef Umar Zia; Amjad Mahmood; Zainab Hayat Raja

Validation of Berlin questionnaire for assessment of adult obstructive sleep apnea in Urdu language

Authors

Zeenat Fatima BDS; Post-graduate resident, Department of Orthodontics, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences.
Kausar Ilyas BDS, FCPS; Assisstant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences.
Mehwish Shaheed BDS, M. Orth RCSEd; Assisstant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences.
Afeef Umar Zia BDS, FCPS, M. Orth RCSEd, FDTFEd; Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences.
Amjad Mahmood BDS, FDS RCSEd, FDTFEd; Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences.
Zainab Hayat Raja BDS; Post-graduate resident, Department of Orthodontics, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences.

Keywords:

Language, obstructive sleep apnea, translations

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a serious condition specified by disturbance of normal sleep architecture by complete or partial obstruction of airflow which leads to decrease in normal blood oxygen saturation level known as hypoxemia. Obstructive sleep apnea is an overlooked problem in Pakistan. Berlin questionnaire (BQ) is a valid tool to screen patients who are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. This study aims to translate and validate the Berlin Questionnaire in Urdu language, so that it can be used in clinical settings for screening of patients for OSAS.

Material and methods: Established guidelines by Beaton et al were used for translation of the questionnaire. Pearson correlation and interclass correlation coefficient were applied to determine test-retest reproducibility. Cronbach alpha were used to determine the internal consistency of the translated questionnaire.

Results: The results showed significant test-retest reproducibility. Cronbach alpha was .706 indicating moderate to good internal consistency.

Conclusions: Berlin Questionnaire has been successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted to Urdu language and has been found to be valid and reliable statistically.