Validation of the German-language version of the Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation Questionnaire version 3 and evaluation of oral-health-related quality of life among patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract

The aim of this study was to translate the Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation Questionnaire version 3 (LORQv3) into German and validate this version in order to assess oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among head and neck cancer patients.This study was conducted at a German university clinic among patients who had completed therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). The original English-language LORQv3 was translated into German according to the forward–backward approach. Validity and reliability were evaluated using further questionnaires related to OHRQoL and psychological impairments. Subgroups were built with reference to oral rehabilitation status and type of cancer therapy. Furthermore, OHRQoL was evaluated. Test–retest reliability was assessed by weighted kappa with a 10–14 day interval. Data were analysed by using Spearman's correlation and the following tests: Shapiro–Wilk, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U and Cronbach's alpha. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Analysis of the LORQv3 evaluations revealed excellent Cronbach's alpha and high test–retest reliability. Construct validity were supported by the data. LORQv3 summary score and domains were significantly affected by status of oral rehabilitation (p = 0.003, p = 0.008, p = 0.024) and treatment approach (p < 0.001, p = 0.025, p = 0.035). The German version of the LORQv3 showed high reliability and validity and an impaired OHRQoL of HNSCC patients. It can therefore be recommended for the assessment of OHRQoL.