Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of Foot Health Status Questionnaire

Foot disorders, especially pain and deformities, are common patient complaints. Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) was developed to assess general and foot health specifically in chronic foot disorders. The purpose of the current study was the cross-cultural adaptation of the FHSQ to Persian and evaluating the psychometric properties of the translated version.

As per the International Quality of Life Assessment guideline, the forward and backward translations of the questionnaire were conducted by two independent translators. Accordingly, the final version was approved by a committee and confirmed by the developer. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the FHSQ were tested in 101 participants (Mean±SD age: 42.98±15.03 y) with chronic foot disorders. Face validity by impact score calculation; criterion validity through correlation to the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) scores; internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and test-retest reliability by calculating intra-class correlation were tested to describe the psychometric features of its Persian version.

Face validity was confirmed by impact scores of >1.5 for all items. The FHSQ was significantly correlated with the MOXFQ domains, supporting the criterion validity of the instrument, except for the shoe domain of the Persian FHSQ, i.e., not correlated with the pain domain of the MOXFQ (r=0.26). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for pain, function, shoe, and general foot health were measured as 0.93, 0.92, 0.90, and 0.96 respectively. Thus, it suggested an excellent internal consistency for all domains. The intra-class correlation coefficient ranged from 0.73 to 0.93 for all domains, reflecting its good to excellent reliability.

The Persian version of the FHSQ is a valid and reliable patient satisfaction measurement instrument for evaluating foot conditions. Moreover, the current study results supported the potential of applying it as an appropriate instrument in research and clinical setting. Implementing this tool could help to evaluate the effects of an intervention or estimate the prevalence of a disorder in Persian-speaking populations.