An Arabic version of the Oral Health Impact Profile: translation and psychometric properties

Abstract

Objectives: To translate the original English version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) into an Arabic version, and to investigate the psychometric properties of the translated instrument among adults in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The original English version of OHIP with 49 items was translated into Arabic following accepted cultural adaptation technique guidelines using a forward-backward method. After pilot testing, the instrument was administered to 426 adults in Saudi Arabia.

Results: A priori hypothesised associations between the OHIP summary score, self-reported oral health and five oral disorders were confirmed in a convenience sample of the general population (n = 356). These associations were interpreted as support for construct validity. The instrument's responsiveness, as indicated by a mean OHIP summary score change from 62.27 to 14.00, was established in 30 consecutive patients treated for complete and removable partial dentures. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated by intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.75 - 0.90 for dimensions and summary score (n = 40). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha > 0.74) in the general population sample.

Conclusion: Sufficient psychometric properties of the OHIP-A make the instrument suitable for assessment of oral health-related quality of life in Saudi Arabia.