ABSTRACT
Background: Patient reported treatment outcomes is a better way to measure the quality of life (QOL). This study was undertaken to translate the speech handicap index (SHI) and voice handicap index (VHI) in Marathi language and its linguistic validation and cross-cultural adaptation in patients of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Methods: SHI and VHI were translated into Marathi with prior permission from the respective authors of original English questionnaire (RAs). The translation procedure for each tool included two forward translations (English to Marathi), the formation of first intermediate Marathi translation (FIT), two back translations (Marathi to English) of FIT, and interim Marathi translation (IT) formation. The second intermediate Marathi translation (SIT) was prepared after face validation of IT by a subject expert. Pretesting of SIT was done in 20 patients of HNSCC to validate linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation. By incorporating the patient’s suggestions, the final Marathi translation was prepared and sent to primary authors for approval. Results: The grammatically and conceptually acceptable and face validated SIT was prepared and administered to HNSCC patients. The patients of the oral cavity and larynx were in SHI and VHI group, respectively (ten patients in each group). The questionnaire was well understood reflecting its linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation. Some of the patients suggested changes in a few words which were then corrected, rechecked with back translation, and final Marathi translated questionnaire was prepared. It was approved by RAs. Conclusion: Marathi translation of SHI and VHI are well accepted and comprehensible. It can be used for future studies.
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension causes morbidity as well as increases mortality either by acting independently or by affecting multiple organ system. Risk factors of hypertension are categorized as modifiable or non-modifiable risk factors. Early identification of these risk factors is not only essential for prediction of hypertension and but also to reduce effect associated with it.Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at field practice area of tertiary care teaching hospital of western Maharashtra. Total 1537 sample sized was achieved using systematic random sampling technique. All the village individuals, both male and female, over 18 years of age were included in the study whereas, pregnant women, extremely debilitated persons and subjects who were not willing to give informed consent were excluded. A pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection.Results: In present study the prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 11.49% (117). On regression analysis risk factors like age, BMI, high salt intake, family history of blood pressure etc., were found to be associated with hypertension.Conclusions: The present study showed a higher prevalence of both hypertension among the rural population and risk factors such as age, obesity, elite social class, high salt intake, family history of blood pressure were the predictors of the hypertension.