Effect of method of administration on the oral health\u2013related quality of life assessment using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-G)

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ObjectivesThe influence of the administration method used to collect oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether the OHRQoL information obtained using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) differed with different methods of data collection (face-to-face interview, telephone, or self-administered questionnaire).Materials and methodsThe OHRQoL of 38 preschool children, aged 1 to 5 years, was measured using the German version of the ECOHIS. The instrument was administered to the caregivers of these children using three different methods, with an interval of 1 week between each administration. Test-retest reliability for the repeated ECOHIS-G assessments across the three methods of administration, agreement, and convergent validity was determined.ResultsKappa coefficients for agreement between two different methods of administration, respectively, ranged from moderate to substantial (0.47 to 0.65). Test-retest reliability was moderate (ICC 0.65–0.79).ConclusionIn conclusion, the three methods of administration (face-to-face interview, telephone interview, or self-administered questionnaire) of the ECOHIS-G were comparable in 1- to 5-year-old preschool children.Clinical relevanceAll three methods of administration can be used to obtain valid and reliable OHRQoL information in German speaking countries.