Validation of the arabic version of the score for allergic rhinitis (SFAR)

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Almaha A. Alqabbani, Sami Al Harethy, Mawaheb Al Wedami, FalahSyouri, Tamer A Mesallam and Turki Al Drees

King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia

: J Otol Rhinol

Abstract

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Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is inflammation of the nasal mucosa in response to allergen exposure. AR is a common disease affecting 5–40% of the global population. Objectives: The Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) is a non-invasive self-administered tool that evaluates eight items regarding allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the SFAR questionnaire into Arabic, and assess the validity, consistency, and reliability of the translated version in an Arabic-speaking population of patients with suspected AR. Methods: This cross-sectional study performed at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Arabic version of the SFAR was administered to 173 patients with suspected AR and 75 control participants. The AR and control groups were compared, and the tool’s test-retest reliability and internal consistency were evaluated. Results: The Arabic version of the SFAR provided satisfactory internal consistency, based on a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.7. The testretest reliability was excellent for the total score of the Arabic SFAR (r=0.836, P<0.0001). The AR and control groups had significantly different Arabic SFAR scores (P<0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the Arabic version of the SFAR is a valid tool that can be used to screen Arabic speakers with suspected AR. Limitations are absence of objective testing for allergy.

Biography

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Almaha A AlQabbani, MBBS ORL-H&N Surgery Resident at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Participation in scientific conferences presentations:presenter in 12thAnnual Surgery Research Day Conference, held on March 6, 2013 at college of medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Presenter in the 23rd Saudi ORL Annual Conference, held on April 20-21, 2017, AlBaha province, Saudi Arabia.