Translation into Greek, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to translate, adapt, and validate a Greek version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire. The English version of DASH was translated into Greek (DASH-GR) and cultural adaptation was performed. Subsequently, psychometric properties and validity were assessed in 106 consecutive eligible patients presenting with a variety of unilateral upper limb disorders. All patients completed the Short Form 36 Health Survey questionnaire and the DASH-GR. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup of 35 patients who filled in the questionnaire seven days later. The internal consistency of the 30 items of the DASH-GR, estimated by the internal consistency coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.96. The difference between the individual scores of the initial assessment and reassessment of the DASH ranged from -6.5 to 14.5 (mean difference was 3.74 (SD+/-6.1)). The correlation coefficient between total scores of the initial assessment and reassessment was high (Pearson's r=0.918, p<0.0005) (Kentall tau-b=0.72, p<0.001). The correlation coefficient between the DASH-GR and SF-36 total scores was 0.625 (p<0.001), showing a strong correlation between the two questionnaires. The Greek version of the DASH retains the characteristics of the English original and is a reliable and valid instrument that can provide a standardized measure of patient-centered outcomes in Greek-speaking patients with unilateral disorders of the upper limb.