Adaptation and initial results of the Polish version of the GA2LEN Chronic Urticaria Quality Of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL)

Background: Strong negative influence upon the quality of life in chronic urticaria is well proved. Before the GA(2)LEN Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q(2)oL) was introduced, the quality of life in chronic urticaria had been measured with general or dermatology specific questionnaires. CU-Q(2)oL was initially developed in Italy and consisted of 23 items divided into 6 quality of life dimensions. Objective: The aim of our study was to adapt the Polish version of CU-Q(2)oL and to provide initial results from the Polish sample. Methods: To prepare the Polish version forward and back translation was prepared. After cognitive debriefing, we collected a group of 126 chronic urticaria patients who completed Polish CU-Q(2)oL, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29 questionnaire. Disease severity was assessed with Urticaria Activity Score (UAS). We performed the factorial analysis to identify CU-Q(2)oL subscales in our study, internal consistency and convergent validity assessment as well as factors driving the results. Moreover, we analysed tool's reproducibility and responsiveness. Results: The factor analysis resulted in six subscales of Polish CU-Q(2)oL version with satisfying face validity: Itching, Swelling/Mental status, Functioning, Sleep, Eating/Limits, Embarrassment. All subscales presented recommended internal consistency and convergent validity. Disease severity was the only factor predicting results of all the subscales. Polish CU-Q(2)oL version was reproducible and sensitive to change. We noticed the highest quality of life impairment in Itching and Embarrassment subscales whereas Eating/Limits was the least affected. Conclusions: Our study supports reliability, responsiveness and validity of the Polish version of CU-Q(2)oL - easy in use, non time-consuming instrument to be used in research, clinical management and treatment outcome assessment and is one more step to confirm quality of life impairment in chronic urticaria. (C) 2011 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.