Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR)

Abstract Introduction: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. Results: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. Conclusion: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

研究背景：慢性咽鼓管功能障碍（Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction）可引发多种症状及中耳病变，对患者的生活质量造成显著影响。据估算，该病相对常见，约累及5%的成年人群。目前针对该病症的诊断工具仍存在不足。2012年，McCool等人发布了一款用于评估咽鼓管功能障碍的问卷，命名为咽鼓管功能障碍问卷7（ETDQ-7），并证实了该问卷的可重复性与效度。慢性咽鼓管功能障碍的诊断临界值为≥14.5，此时检测的灵敏度与特异度均达100%。
研究目的：对ETDQ-7进行巴西葡萄牙语版的翻译、文化调适与效度验证。
研究方法：本研究将该问卷翻译为巴西葡萄牙语版本，并对50名受试者开展问卷调查，其中20例为慢性咽鼓管功能障碍患者，剩余30例为健康对照者。
研究结果：北美原版问卷的研究结果在巴西葡萄牙语版中得到了验证。该版本的慢性咽鼓管功能障碍诊断临界值为≥14，同样表现出较高的灵敏度与特异度，与原版ETDQ-7的检测效能极为相近。
研究结论：建议将ETDQ-7作为慢性咽鼓管功能障碍患者临床病史采集的补充评估工具，同时也可将其作为该病症诊断、患者随访及治疗管理的重要辅助手段。