Validating a short Bulgarian version of a psychometric instrument for multidimensional noise sensitivity assessment

Noise sensitivity (NS) is a key construct in the fields of hygiene, planning and occupational medicine. It refers to a personality trait representing the reactivity to noise and is associated with various psycho-physiological health outcomes.

This study aimed to develop a shorter version of the original Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire (NoiSeQ), retaining its dimensions and assess its validity and reliability.

A test-retest study was carried out in a convenience sample of 56 participants. A short 15-item form of the original NoiSeQ (NoiSeQSF) questionnaire was developed and then administered. All major analyses were based on the coefficient of equivalence and stability, the generalizability theory and linear regression.

Relative (rho = 0.83) and absolute ((phi = 0.80) G coefficients for global NS exceeded the lower reliability limit according to G- and D-studies. Sleep subscale can readily be used to assess sleep-related NS (rho = 0.76/phi = 0.75). Moreover, NoiSeQSF predicted some cardiac symptoms (with age of participants as a moderator factor), which demonstrated nomological validity.

NoiSeQSF is a reliable estimate for global NS and NS related to sleep quality. It might prove useful to experts in environmental hygiene, urban planning and occupational diseases when dealing with noise-impaired occupational, social or psycho-physiological functioning.