Validation and Adaptation of the Arabic Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences Questionnaire for Laryngeal Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: The Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences for Laryngeal Cancer (SECEL) remains the most extensively validated and reliable tool, with strong evidence supporting its clinical utility. It has been validated in patients with laryngeal cancer (LC) across different countries and treatment modalities. However, it has not yet translated, adapted, and validated into the Arabic version, highlighting a gap in accessible assessment tools for Arabic-speaking patients.

Objective: The aim of the work was to translate, adapt, and validate the Arabic version of SECEL in patients with LC treated by radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and to investigate the changes in voice and speech over 3-month time after treatment.

Methods: The study population consisted of 62 patients with T1-T4 LC treated by RT or CRT. All participants answered the following questionnaires at three occasions (pretreatment, 1-month post treatment, 3-month post treatment); The Arabic version of the Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngeal Cancer (A-SECEL) and Arabic Voice Handicap Index (A-VHI-30). In addition, auditory perceptual analysis and laryngoscopic evaluation were performed.

Results: The A-SECEL demonstrated strong test-retest reliability and internal consistency for the Environment and Attitude subscales as well as the total subscales. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the three subscales-Environment, Attitude, and General-as well as the total SECEL score, were calculated as 0.93, 0.90, 0.63, and 0.94, respectively. Significant correlations were between the A-SECEL scales and the A-VHI scales. The A-SECEL scales demonstrated significant associations with the grade of dysphonia severity (P < 0.001). Communication dysfunction showed continuous decrease throughout the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion: The A-SECEL shows strong test-retest reliability and excellent internal consistency in the Environment and Attitude subscales. These results highlight the importance of cultural and linguistic adaptation, confirming the A-SECEL as a valid and reliable tool for assessing and follow up communication-related quality of life in Arabic-speaking laryngeal cancer patients.

Keywords: Voice—Communication—Laryngeal cancer—SECEL—Reliability and validity.