Work

Validation and reliability testing of the Persian translation of the Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ) is a well-established instrument for assessing the physical and psychosocial impact of vertigo. To facilitate its use in Persian-speaking populations, this study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Persian version of the VHQ. Materials and Methods: The VHQ was culturally adapted into Persian using forward–backward translation, expert review, and cognitive interviews. Psychometric evaluation included 470 patients and 101 controls. Validity assessed face, content, construct (exploratory factor analysis then confirmatory factor analysis [CFA] with path diagram), discriminant ( t -test/analysis of covariance/receiver operating characteristic), and convergent (correlation with Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI]) validity. Reliability was measured by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha/omega) and test–retest (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC (3,1)] over 1 week; n = 128). Results: The Persian Version of the VHQ (VHQ-P) showed a four-factor structure (restriction of activity, social anxiety, fear of vertigo, and severity of vertigo). CFA confirmed good model fit (χ 2 /df = 2.85, comparative fit index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation = 0.063) with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.65 to 0.95 ( P < 0.001). Discriminant validity was excellent (AUC = 0.99; cutoff = 19.5; sensitivity = 97%, specificity = 100%). Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with DHI subscales (ρ = 0.88–0.90). Test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC [3,1] = 0.98), and internal consistency was outstanding (Cronbach’s α = 0.985; subscales: 0.898–0.972). Conclusion: The Persian version of the VHQ is a valid and reliable tool for clinical use. The efficacy of medical or surgical treatment of vertigo can be assessed using VHQ-P. The VHQ-P appears to be an appropriate tool for evaluating patients’ perceived handicaps and advantages after rehabilitation interventions.

Source: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_743_25

Authors: Yousef Reyhani, Mansoureh Adel Ghahraman, Mir Mohammad Jalali, Shadman Nemati, Shohreh Jalaie

Institutions: Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Vestibular and auditory disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $200