Study on the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Gugging Swallowing Screen

Abstract

Objective To verify the reliability and validity of Chinese version of Gugging Swallowing Screen （ GUSS ） on dysphagia screening for stroke patients .Methods The English version of GUSS was translated and back-translated, as well as discussed with original author , by speech-language pathologists , neurological physicians and nursing specialists , to develop the Chinese version of GUSS , which was tested on the interrater reliability , criterion validity and discrimination validity .Results The correlation coefficient of interrater reliability between two nurses for stroke patients was 0.926 （P〈0.01）.The assessment result of GUSS was significantly correlated with the assessment result of Standardized Swallowing Assessment （ SSA） used by neurologist （r=0.72, P〈0.01）.The result of comprehensive assessment showed that there were significant differences in GUSS scores among patients who had different clinical judgement outcomes （ F=143.02, P〈0.01）.Conclusions The Chinese version of GUSS has good reliability and validity , which can be used to carry out dysphagia screening bedsidely in stroke patients in China . Key words: Stroke; Dysphagia; Reliability; Validity; Swallowing assessment tool