Feasibility and Psychometric Properties of the Adjusted DSWAL-QoL Questionnaire for Dysphagic Patients with Additional Language and/or Cognitive Impairment: Part I

Abstract

The Swallowing Quality-of-Life questionnaire (SWAL-QoL) is considered the gold standard for assessing health-related quality of life in people with dysphagia. However, many dysphagic patients struggle to complete this questionnaire because of additional functional sequelae such as language impairment and cognitive disorders. In this study, we sought to develop an adjusted Dutch version of the SWAL-QoL (aDSWALQoL) and to evaluate its psychometric properties and feasibility compared with the original questionnaire. We developed the aDSWAL-QoL based on recommendations from previous literature. The feasibility, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and criterion validity of the aDSWAL-QoL were evaluated in 78 dysphagic patients, among whom 43 had additional language and/or cognitive impairments (DysLC). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. The aDSWAL-QoL had a higher degree of feasibility for the DysLC group. We obtained high Cronbach's α coefficients for total scale and for almost all subscales. Total aDSWAL-QoL scores showed excellent testretest agreement and good criterion validity with respect to the DSWAL-QoL. Almost all subscales showed significantly moderate to good test–retest agreement and criterion validity. However, the psychometric properties of the 'Food selection' subscale were inadequate. The aDSWAL-QoL is a feasible, reliable, and valid tool for use with DysLC patients. Conversion of the aDSWAL-QoL into an audio computer-assisted self-administered format should be investigated. The construct validity of the aDSWAL-QoL will be evaluated in a separate report.

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