Validation of a Portuguese version of the Groningen radiotherapy-induced xerostomia questionnaire

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to validate and determine at pretest level the reliability of the Portuguese version of the Groningen radiotherapy-induced xerostomia questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study employed 37 head and neck cancer patients. Each patient signed an informed consent and responded to the Portuguese version of the questionnaire in the form of an interview. This was repeated again after 2 weeks. A standard single question provided a validity check. Data were analyzed using Cronbach’s α to test its reliability and total and interitem correlation, and intraclass correlation to determine its internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity supported by objective measurements as salivary secretion was also investigated. Significance was set at .05. RESULTS: Cronbach’s α was 0.91 and 0.89 for the first and second test administrations, respectively, which indicates that the internal consistency was excellent. The intraclass correlation coefficient value for the test-retest reliability was 0.70. The correlation between the total score of the questionnaire and standard single dry mouth question was 0.72 for the first round, indicating a good correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Demonstrating very good psychometric properties, the Portuguese version of the Groningen radiotherapy-induced xerostomia questionnaire is a valid tool and can be considered a reliable instrument to measure xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients. Key words:Xerostomia, quality of life, xerostomia questionnaire, transcultural validation, head and neck cancer, radiotherapy, saliva.