Translation and validation of the Hindi version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index.

PURPOSE: To translate the original English version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Hindi and assess its validity and reliability for use among people in India.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: After translation into Hindi, a total of 385 participants aged 55+ demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability when used for people in India. Individual GOHAI items were recorded and summed as originally recommended. The questionnaire sought information about socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported perception of general and oral health. Clinical examination included assessment of periodontal status and number of decayed teeth, missing teeth, filled teeth and crowned teeth.

RESULT: Mean GOHAI score was 40.9 (SD, 10.6; range, 12-60). Cronbach's alpha for the GOHAI score was 0.88, indicating a high degree of internal consistency and homogeneity between the GOHAI items. The test-retest correlation coefficient for add-GOHAI scores was 0.72, indicating good stability. Add-GOHAI scores increased with poorer perceived general and oral health. Convergent validity, construct validity and discriminant validity of the GOHAI were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

It could therefore be used as a valuable instrument for measuring oral health-related quality of life for people in this region.