Validity and Reliability of the Filipino Reflux Symptom Index

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gastroenterology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) presents diagnostic challenges.
• Validated symptom assessment tools are crucial for LPR management, especially in diverse populations.
• The Filipino Reflux Symptom Index (FRSI) was developed to address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the validity and reliability of the Filipino Reflux Symptom Index (FRSI).
• To evaluate the FRSI's effectiveness in tracking symptom changes in patients with LPR undergoing treatment.
• To assess the FRSI's utility as a screening tool in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 35 LPR patients and 30 controls.
• Administration of the FRSI and Filipino Voice Handicap Index (FVHI) for reliability testing.
• Videostroboscopy and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS) were used for objective assessment.
• Patients received rabeprazole 20 mg twice daily for 6 months, with repeated assessments.

Main Results:

• The FRSI demonstrated good item-total correlations, indicating sound psychometric properties.
• Significant differences in FRSI scores were observed between LPR patients and controls.
• FRSI scores significantly decreased after 6 months of rabeprazole treatment, indicating symptom improvement.
• The FRSI showed greater sensitivity to treatment-induced changes compared to the FVHI.

Conclusions:

• The FRSI is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing LPR symptoms in Filipino individuals.
• The FRSI can be utilized for primary care screening of LPR.
• A positive response to a short proton pump inhibitor trial may suggest LPR, while non-response necessitates further specialist evaluation.