Translation, validation, and reliability of the questionnaire titled “Quality of Life Rating for Dizziness – A self‑reporting questionnaire”

Purpose: Dizziness can affect individuals of all ages, but it is more common in older adults and women. Dizziness often leads to depression, anxiety, and fear-induced behavioral changes, which diminish the quality of life (QoL). Traditional vestibulometric tests, while important, do not fully capture the broader effects of dizziness on daily activities and overall well-being. This study aims to translate, validate, and assess the reliability of the “Quality of Life Rating for Dizziness: A Self-reporting Questionnaire” in Hindi to evaluate the impact of dizziness on QoL among Hindi-speaking individuals. Methods: The questionnaire was translated through a forward and backward process by two experts in Kannada and two in Hindi, each working individually. It was then subjected to content validation by three audiologists and two ENT specialists. A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling was used to recruit 10 participants. The finalized questionnaire was completed by individuals experiencing dizziness, aged 18–60 years, and was tested for internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Results: The final questionnaire for this study had 42 questions. With a scale content validation index (S-CVI) of 0.94, it was demonstrated to be good. At 0.803, the internal consistency value demonstrated high overall reliability. It was found that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the independent and overall scores of the test and retest sessions. There was “high” test–retest reliability indicated by intraclass coefficients for individual domain and total score. Conclusion: The translated questionnaire demonstrates strong validity and reliability, making it a valuable tool for assessing QoL in individuals with dizziness. It aids in validating assessment procedures, monitoring treatment, and understanding dizziness’s impact on QoL.