Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the "Adult eosinophilic esophagitis quality of life questionnaire".

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic type 2-mediated disease that impairs Quality of Life (QoL). Our aim was the transcultural adaptation and validation of the Adult Eosinophilic Esophagitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (EoE-QoL-A) for the Italian population.

METHODS

Seventy participants (53 males, >18 years), completed the Italian version translated from the original EoE-QoL-A and validated scales to measure depression, anxiety and QoL. The reliability of total and sub-dimensions' scores, internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability were assessed. The socio-demographic subgroups differences, mood and EoE-QoL-A correlations and the impact of sub-dimensions of EoE-QoL-A on mental and physical QoL were analyzed.

RESULTS

The Italian EoE-QoL-A demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α=0.966), with all sub-dimensions had α-values>0.826 and test-retest reliability (ICC=0.982). Specifically, the Cronbach's α was 0.936 for Eating/diet impact, 0.826 for Social impact, 0.938 for Emotional impact, 0.852 for Disease anxiety, and 0.879 for Choking anxiety. Female patients reported significantly higher EoE-QoL-A than males (p < 0.05). Younger patients showed a higher score in the Social Impact dimension than older patients (p = 0.006). High scores on EoE-QoL-A were linked with high mood symptoms. The Emotional Impact domain was a significant predictor of mental health status (R2=0.418).

CONCLUSIONS

The Italian EoE-QoL-A is a valid, reliable and responsive tool for assessing QoL in adults with EoE. Emotional impact was the most affected dimension in the health-related QoL, highlighting the necessity for clinical strategies.