A Linguistic Validation Study on the Filipino Dizziness Handicap Inventory

Objective: To determine the validity and reliability of the Filipino Dizziness Handicap Inventory (FDHI) questionnaire among geriatric patients with dizziness. Methods: Design: Linguistic Validation Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Participants: Twenty-five (25) patients Results: The dizziness handicap inventory was translated into Filipino by a Filipino language specialist and an ENT specialist who are experts in their field. The translated version was easily understood by the 25 geriatric patients with Cronbach α scores of .957 overall [M = 2.16; SD = 1.93]. Sub-domain item-total correlation scores (physical M = 2.6, SD = 1.90, Cronbach α = .860; emotional M = 1.66, SD = 1.84, Cronbach α = .901; and functional M = 2.5, SD = 1.97, Cronbach α = .902) demonstrated validity of the respective subdomains. Conclusion: The Filipino Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire is an internally valid tool for assessment of dizziness among geriatric patients. External validity and reliability can be evaluated in future studies employing corroborative measures and repeated testing.