Translation, adaptation, and initial validation of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Parent Form (0–12 years) in Ukrainian language

Introduction
The objective of this study was aimed at the translation, adaption, and initial validation of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF) (0–12 years) into Ukrainian language.

Material and methods
Sixty patients with cow’s milk allergy and their parents were involved in the study. The FAQLQ-PF translated into Ukrainian language and the Ukrainian version of the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) were used. Forward and backward translations were done. One independent Ukrainian translator produced forward translations, and 2 other bilingual translators worked on the backward translation according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Construct validity of the Ukrainian FAQLQ-PF (U-FAQLQ-PF) was checked by calculating correlation coefficients between FAIM and U-FAQLQ-PF. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and corrected item-total correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the originally proposed 3-factor structure with our data.

Results
Feasibility of the U-FAQLQ-PF was 100%, all questionnaires were fully completed by the parents. The total U-FAQLQ-PF scores correlated significantly with the total FAIM. The factor analysis resulted in 3 factors that confirmed the original ones. All the factors had strong loadings from 0.575 to 0.840. Cronbach alphas were 0.72 for the total U-FAQLQ-PF and 0.76–0.84 for its subscales. Corrected item-total correlation was between 0.27 and 0.67 for the total U-FAQLQ-PF, but for each subscale it was > 0.300. Cronbach`s alpha was not increased for the scale and subscales after deletion of any item.

Conclusions
The Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Parent Form (0–12 years) in Ukrainian language has satisfactory validity and reliability and can be used to improve the management of children with food allergies and in clinical trials.