Validity and Reliability Study of Bahasa Malaysia Version of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patient

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects 14% of the general population. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) is a reliable instrument assessing the impact of CRS. This study aimed to examine the reliability and construct validity of the translated Bahasa Malaysia version of SNOT-22.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology clinic in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Seventy CRS respondents and 39 healthy participants were included. The Bahasa Malaysia translated SNOT-22 (bmSNOT-22) was produced using rigorous forward and backward translation. Statistical analyses used included feasibility, Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, Pearson's correlation coefficient and factor analysis.

The feasibility was 97.2% in the initial test and 100% in the retest. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 in the initial test. The average intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.90, indicating good test-retest reliability. The bmSNOT-22 discriminated between the control group and patients (t = 15.33; P < 0.001).

The bmSNOT-22 is reliable, and validity established therefore recommended for Malaysia's clinicians and researchers as a measurement tool for the outcome in sino-nasal disorders such as rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.