Spinal appearance questionnaire: Italian cross-cultural adaptation and validation

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of an adapted Italian version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). This is the prospective validation study of a cross cultural adaptation of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ). METHODS: The translation and adaptation processes were conducted according to published guidelines for the cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures. The Italian version of the SAQ was administered to 70 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, along with other previously validated scales (SRS-22, SF-12). Reliability and validity assessments were conducted using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach's α values and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The internal coherence was statistically significant (Cronbach's α=0.876; P<005). A randomized group (N.=35) was involved in a test-retest procedure to evaluate the reliability (ICC=0.876; P<0.05 e <0.05 in each domain). Pearson's correlation coefficient shows a significant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian version of the SAQ showed a satisfactory reliability and validity in Italian adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis of varying degrees of severity. It also provides useful information for the clinical management of patient with AIS.