The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22: translation and validation in an Estonian population

Abstract

Background: The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) is widely used to assess symptom severity and quality of life for chronic rhinosinusitis patients. No translated version of the tool is available for the study and care of Estonian patients. Thus, the present study aimed to a) translate the SNOT-22 to Estonian and b) validate its adaptation and application to Estonian patients. Methods: The SNOT-22 was translated to Estonian following standard procedures. Fifty CRS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited after application of stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-seven patients provided responses at the re-test stage (14 days after first test). Internal consistency, test-retest stability and validity were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The overall mean score was significantly higher in the CRS group relative to healthy volunteers, indicating strong test validity. Internal consistency was good for both the initial test and the re-test. Test-retest reproducibility was excellent showing robust response stability over time. Conclusions: The SNOT-22 was successfully translated to Estonian and well-received by a cohort of Estonian subjects. The validation reported here shows that it is a reliable outcome measure for the study of CRS in Estonia.

Keywords

• nasal polyps
• nasal obstruction
• quality of life
• rhinitis
• sinusitis