Reflux Symptom Index: Translation to the Kazakh Language and Validation

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Translation

Background:

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) diagnosis requires validated symptom assessment tools.
• The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) is a widely used measure for LPR symptoms.
• A Kazakh language version of the RSI is needed for the Kazakh-speaking population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate and validate the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) into the Kazakh language, creating the Kz-RSI.
• To assess the reliability and validity of the Kz-RSI in distinguishing LPR patients from asymptomatic individuals.

Main Methods:

• Standard translation procedures were used to convert the original English RSI to Kazakh.
• A cohort of 248 participants (124 LPR patients, 124 controls) was enrolled.
• The Kz-RSI was administered twice to assess test-retest reliability and internal consistency.

Main Results:

• The Kz-RSI demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94).
• Good retest reliability was confirmed by an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.90.
• LPR patients exhibited significantly higher Kz-RSI scores than controls, and scores decreased significantly post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• The Kz-RSI is a successfully translated and validated instrument for LPR symptom assessment in Kazakh speakers.
• The Kz-RSI is a cost-effective tool with high reliability and clinical validity.
• This validated tool aids in the diagnosis and management of LPR within the target population.