Translation and Validation of the Reflux Symptom Index to Spanish

In this study, we have created and validated the Spanish translation of the Reflux Symptom Index (Sp-RSI).

RSI was translated according to the World Health Organization recommendation for the translation and adaptation of instruments. The final version of the Sp-RSI was administered twice (day 0 and day 7) to 150 participants with and without laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms. Reliability was measured with Cronbach α, and temporal stability was measured with intraclass correlation coefficient.

One hundred fifty participants were included. Internal consistency of the Sp-RSI measured with Cronbach α was 0.872. A subgroup analysis was performed according to age (<55 and >55 years) and sex (female, male), with Cronbach α values of 0.854, 0.869, 0.852, and 0.897, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.987. According to age (<55 and >55 years) and sex (female, male), the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.990, 0.984, 0.987, and 0.987, respectively.

The Sp-RSI reported a very high internal consistency and reliability. It is, therefore, a valid, inexpensive, and reliable tool for assessing laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms and may be used for screening among the Spanish-speaking medical community.