The Turkish Version of the Self Evaluation of Breathing Questionnaire: Cross-cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability.

Abstract

Investigating the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Breathing Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SEBQ), a tool for measuring dysfunctional breathing. Ninety-two healthy adults (mean (range) age 29.4 (19-56) years; 39 males) were analysed. The SEBQ was translated and adapted into Turkish. At baseline, data were collected using the SEBQ, Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ), breath-holding time, and Short Form 36 (SF-36). The SEBQ was repeated within 7-14 days. SEBQ validity was assessed through content, structural, and convergent/divergent validity analyses, while reliability was evaluated for internal consistency, stability, and reproducibility. One item was removed based on exploratory factor analysis. The SEBQ has a two-factor structure and explains 50.1% of total variance, confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. It has a positive correlation with the NQ and a negative correlation with SF-36 subscales, but not with breath-holding time and general health. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.931, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.814. The Standard Error of Measurement and Smallest Real Difference were 5.06 and 15.03, respectively. The SEBQ is well-structured, valid, internally consistent, stable, and reproducible for assessing subjective unexplained respiratory symptoms in the Turkish population.