Cross-cultural adaptation of the Ammer Dizzeness Diagnóstic Scale into Brazilian portuguese: Pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Dizziness is quite prevalent in older adults and is associated with postural instability, poorer functional capacity, and increased risk of falls. Validated instruments in Brazil, such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), assess the extent to which dizziness/vertigo and the feeling of instability interfere with daily life, but they are not intended for differential diagnosis. The Amer Dizziness Diagnostic Scale (ADDS) was proposed for the differential diagnostic screening of vestibular disorders, but there is no adaptation for the Brazilian population. Objective: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the ADDS into Brazilian Portuguese and to assess comprehension (self-administered cognitive debriefing) and preliminary internal consistency of the scored items. Methods: Methodological study of cross-cultural adaptation: direct translation, reconciliation, back-translation, committee review, and preparation of Brazilian version (VB1). A pre-test was conducted with a self-administered cognitive debriefing and application of the translated version. The responses were summarized by item, and the total score was presented. The internal consistency of the scored items was estimated by Cronbach's alpha (main analysis and sensitivity). Results: Twenty-eight individuals participated (27 women; 1 man). Comprehension was high (≥96.4% in 15/17 items) and Cronbach's alpha (main analysis) was 0.703. Conclusion: VB1 showed high comprehension and adequate preliminary internal consistency, supporting advancement to the final version and subsequent validation steps.