Turkish Adaptation of Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ)

Dt. Saffet Başaran, Turkish Adaptation of Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ), Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, 2015. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and the validity of the Turkish version of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ) and to investigate the influence of degree of dentine hypersensitivity, gender and age on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Firstly, DHEQ translated to Turkish and cross-cultural adaptation performed. 251 patients diagnosed with dentine hypersensitivity were recruited to complete the questionnaire. The reliability of the Turkish version of the DHEQ was evaluated using internal consistency and test–retest methods. Construct validity was determined based on factor analysis by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent validity was tested through correlating DHEQ total score and subscale scores both with the global rating of oral health question and effect on life overall. Discriminative validity was tested by comparing the total and subscale scores difference in the degree of sensitivity being investigated. The impact scale had high values for internal consistency (all item-total correlations >0.2 and Cronbach's alfa = 0.95). Intra-class correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.73. Construct validity was determined by factor analysis. All items had factor loadings of >0.4. In terms of convergent validity, the impact scale was significantly correlated to the global oral health rating and effect on life overall. In addition, the Turkish version of the DHEQ was found to be valid for distinguishing patients with varying degrees of dentine hypersensitivity. Higher impact scores were observed among patients with the highest degree of hypersensitivity (degree 3). In terms of gender and age, women and older patients (>40 years old) are found to have significantly more OHRQoL impairment. As a conclusion the results suggested that the Turkish version of the DHEQ has satisfactory psychometric properties and is applicable for patients with dentine hypersensitivity in Turkey. Key Words: Quality of life, dentine hypersensitivity, DHEQ, reliability, validity