Reliability and Validity of a Lithuanian version of Leicester Cough Questionnaire

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cough is the most common presenting symptom in primary practice. [1] Chronic, exhausted cough has a significant impact on the quality of life [2]. Cough questionnaire was developed to evaluate the quality of life for patients with chronic cough. Unfortunatelly, such kind of health status measurement do not exist in Lithuania yet. Methods: The translation of Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) was made using all methods that are required, following a forward-backward translation procedure. The Questionnaire and Visaul Analogue Scale (VAS) was completed by 53 patients with chronic cough (duration of cough > 8 weeks). The Questionnaire was divided into three domains: physical, psychological and social. To validate LCQ we tested three different aspects, i.e. the concurrent validity, the internal consistency and the repeatability. Results: A strong correlation was established among the domains of the questionnaire and a statistically significant correlation established between the questionnaire and VAS. Cronbach`s alpha coefficients for the internal consistency were from 0,787 to 0,927. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the test – retest reliability was 0,89 (p<0,0001). Conclusion: The Lithuanian version of Leicester Cough Questionnaire is ready, compatible with original and understandable for patients. Leicester Cough Questionnaire appears to be valid, reliable and highly responsive.