CROSS CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE URDU PEDIATRIC VESTIBULAR SYMPTOM QUESTIONNAIRE (URDU PVSQ) FOR SCREENING VESTIBULAR DISORDER IN URDU SPEAKING CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Urdu version of the Paediatric Vestibular Symptom Questionnaire (Urdu PVSQ) for screening vestibular symptoms in Urdu-speaking children. Methods: Following international cross-cultural adaptation guidelines, the PVSQ was forward- and back-translated by bilingual experts and reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel for semantic and conceptual equivalence. Pilot testing and cognitive interviews were conducted with 50 Urdu-speaking children aged 6–17 years to ensure cultural and linguistic appropriateness. Psychometric validation was performed to assess internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity using factor analysis. Results: The Urdu PVSQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.977) and strong test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.91). Content validity indices indicated strong agreement among experts (I-CVI = 0.85; S-CVI/Ave = 0.91). Sampling adequacy for factor analysis was high (KMO = 0.949, Bartlett’s p < 0.001), with a single dominant factor explaining 83.5% of the variance. Face validity and feasibility were excellent, with a 98% completion rate and average administration time of 9.2 ± 2.1 minutes. Conclusions: The Urdu PVSQ is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate tool for assessing vestibular symptoms in Urdu-speaking children. It provides clinicians and researchers in Pakistan with an effective instrument for early screening and evaluation of paediatric vestibular disorders, addressing a critical diagnostic gap in this population