Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the functional rhinoplasty outcome inventory-17 (FROI-17) in Turkish-speaking patients: a prospective validation study.

Abstract

Background: Functional rhinoplasty aims to improve nasal airflow and patient satisfaction, yet standardized assessment tools for outcome evaluation in Turkish-speaking patients are lacking.

Aims/objectives: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory-17 (FROI-17) for use in Turkish-speaking patients undergoing functional septorhinoplasty.

Material and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 35 adult patients scheduled for functional septorhinoplasty. Translation and cultural adaptation followed established guidelines via forward-backward translation, expert review, and pilot testing. Patients completed the Turkish version of the FROI-17 (FROI-17-TR) and SNOT-22 preoperatively and at the third postoperative month. Internal consistency, inter- and intra-rater reliability, convergent validity, and responsiveness were evaluated.

Results: The FROI-17-TR demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.828). Reliability analysis showed excellent agreement (ICC > 0.95 for inter-rater and intra-rater assessments, p < 0.001). Convergent validity with SNOT-22 was strong both preoperatively (ρ = 0.847) and postoperatively (ρ = 0.864) (p < 0.001). Both FROI-17-TR and SNOT-22 scores decreased significantly following surgery, reflecting clinical improvement.

Conclusions and significance: The findings of this study suggest that the FROI-17-TR appears to be a valid, reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcome measure for Turkish-speaking populations. Its implementation may enhance standardized patient-centered outcome assessment in both clinical practice and research.