Purpose: In this study, we aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Persian version of the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (NPQ-P).
Methods: We translated the NPQ to the Persian language based on the recommended guidelines. Measurement properties (internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), construct validity (compared to DN4 questionnaire), and discriminant ability (Receiver operating curve analysis)) of the NPQ-P were evaluated. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study.
Results: No modification was needed in the translation and cultural adaptation process. High Cronbach's alpha (0.81) and ICC (0.94) supported good reliability of the NPQ-P. The correlation coefficient between the NPQ-P and DN-4 questionnaires was 0.42, indicated moderate construct validity of the NPQ-P. The NPQ-P demonstrated acceptable discriminant ability (AUC: 0.76 (95% CI: 0.66-0.84)). A total score of -0.3 indicated the highest Youden index with a corresponding sensitivity of 0.84 and specificity of 0.64 for the NPQ-P.
Conclusion: The NPQ was successfully translated to the Persian language and indicated acceptable reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and discriminant ability. The NPQ-P can be used in a clinical setting adjunct to physical examinations and electrodiagnostic tests for a quick screening to distinguish between patients with neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONNeuropathic Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) can be used for a quick screening to discriminate between patients with neuropathic and nociceptive pain.Persian version of the NPQ (NPQ-P) is a reliable and accurate tool with acceptable discriminant ability.The NPQ-P should be used in clinical setting adjunct to physical examinations and electrodiagnostic tests.
Keywords: Diagnostic tool; Neuropathic pain; Non-neuropathic pain; cross-cultural adaptation; psychometric properties.