Applicability of an Albanian version of the OIDP in an adolescent population

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 289–298 Background. The impact of oral conditions on quality of life of adolescents has not been thoroughly investigated. Aim. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of an Albanian version of the oral impact of daily performance (OIDP) questionnaire. Design. A total of 493 adolescents attending secondary public schools in Albania attended clinical examination and completed a questionnaire that included an Albanian version of the OIDP inventory. The psychometric properties of the OIDP were evaluated in terms of reliability and validity. Results. The validity and reliability of the Albanian version of OIDP were good. Cohen’s Kappa ranged from 0.72 to 0.79. In terms of internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.77. Construct and criterion validity were demonstrated in that the OIDP frequency scores were statistically significant with global measures of self‐rated and self‐perceived oral health status variables and some of the clinical variables used in this study. A total 60.9% of participants reported having at least one oral impact. The most prevalent impact was difficulty in smiling, whereas difficulty in speaking was less prevalent impact. Conclusion. The Albanian version of OIDP seems to be a reliable and valid scale for use in an urban adolescent population.