Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Quality of Life encompasses physical, functional, emotional, and social well-being, often assessed via self-reported questionnaires. The University of Washington Quality of Life instrument, designed for Head and Neck Cancer patients, is a validated, concise, and practical tool widely used in clinical settings. The objective of the study was to translate and assess the content and face validity of the Nepali version of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4.1-N and evaluate its psychometric properties in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and BP Memorial Cancer Hospital, enrolling 203 patients. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we translated the original questionnaire into Nepali and validated its face and content validity. In the second phase, we assessed its internal consistency, reliability, construct, and discriminant validity in Head and Neck Cancer patients. RESULTS: The University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4.1-N demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87), and excellent test-retest reliability and stability (r = 0.93). A strong correlation (r > 0.50) was observed between similar domains of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4.1-N and EORTC QLQ-C30 and HN355. UWQOL composite scores demonstrated a strong correlation with all domains of global questions at admission, as well as after 3 and 6 months of treatment (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Nepali version of University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire version 4.1-N is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients patients in Nepal.