The Chinese version of the Ohkuma questionnaire: reliability analysis and diagnostic value

While the Ohkuma questionnaire is a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use tool to assess dysphagia, none of its versions can be used by the Chinese population.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the internal consistency, reliability and clinical validity of a newly made Chinese version of the Ohkuma questionnaire, and to provide some objective basis for its application in screening dysphagia.

From September 21 to June 2022, 96 patients with dysphagia and 89 asymptomatic subjects were recruited from three hospitals in China to form an observation and a control group, respectively. All subjects completed the Ohkuma questionnaire, Eating Assessment Tool-10, and a Video Fluoroscopy Study of Swallowing.

The Cronbach's α coefficient measured in the questionnaire was 0.867, indicating acceptable internal reliability. The analysis of variance generated four main factors to be assessed, showing a good aggregation effectiveness of the questionnaire. The AVE square root values of three factors were greater than the maximum absolute value of the correlation coefficients between factors, indicating good differentiation effectiveness. The sensitivity and specificity scores, together with the positive and negative likelihood as well as diagnostic odds ratios indicate a good reactivity of the questionnaire. Lastly, after adjusting for age and sex, the results of the stepwise linear regression analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the Ohkuma questionnaire and the penetration aspiration scale.

The Chinese version of the Ohkuma questionnaire has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a rapid and effective screening tool for dysphagia.