Validation of the Spanish Version of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Adult Form (S-FAQLQ-AF)

Abstract

Introduction: Specific food allergy quality of life questionnaires have been developed within the context of the EuroPrevall project. We aimed to adapt and validate the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Adult Form (FAQLQ-AF) in the Spanish language.

Methods: The original English questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted into Spanish following World Health Organization guidelines. The final Spanish version of the FAQLQ-AF (S-FAQLQ-AF) was approved by the original authors. Consecutive patients ( 18 years old) who fulfilled the following criteria were recruited: 1) diagnosis of food allergy defined as immediate allergic symptoms and a positive prick test or IgE against the culprit food(s) and 2) physician-assessed ability to complete the questionnaires. Patients completed the S-FAQLQ-AF and a Spanish version of the SF-12 questionnaire. Reliability was assessed 10 to 14 days after completion of the first questionnaire.

Results: Eighty-two consecutive outpatients were recruited and cross-sectional validity was.assessed based on the correlation between the S-FAQLQ-AF and the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) in this population (rho = 0.83, P < .0001). The S-FAQLQ-AF showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach α, 0.95). S-FAQLQ-AF domains also had excellent internal consistency: α = 0.93 for allergen avoidance-dietary restrictions; α = 0.83 for emotional impact; α = 0.85 for risk of accidental exposure, and α = 0.66 for food allergy related health. Limited correlation was found between the S-FAQLQ-AF and the SF-12.

Conclusion: The S-FAQLQ-AF is a valid, short, easy-to-use, and reliable instrument that discriminates between patients with different atopic phenotypes and is suitable for assessing the impact of IgE-mediated food allergy on patient quality of life.