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Italian Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the 7-Item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7)
Alessandro Marcocci1,2, Antje-Maren Heyer1, Maria Emanuela Schiraldi2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Meran/Merano, South Tyrol, Italy.
Introduction:
Chronic dysfunction of the Eustachian tube is a common complaint, affecting approximately 1-5% of adults and significantly reducing quality of life. This condition may give rise to various symptoms and disorders of the middle ear. To date, the diagnostic tools for this dysfunction remain inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction, known as the ETDQ-7, and demonstrated its validity and reliability.
Objectives:
To prove an in Italian translated version of the ETDQ-7.
Methods:
The ETDQ-7 was translated into Italian and administered to two groups: 68 patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and 50 healthy controls. Statistical analyses included test-retest reliability, item-total score correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and assessment of internal consistency.
Results:
Analysis of the Italian version of the ETDQ-7 confirmed the findings of McCoul et al. (2012). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.838 for the entire questionnaire. The Spearman's rho coefficient for test-retest was 0.804, indicating good temporal stability in patients' responses. Both total and item scores were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group.
Conclusion:
The Italian version of the ETDQ-7 demonstrates high validity and reliability. Its use is recommended for diagnosing and monitoring patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.