Linguistic validation of a questionnaire for the screening of OSAS in a paediatric population with Down Syndrome

Aim Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common clinical condition in which the throat narrows or collapses repeatedly during sleep, causing obstructive sleep apnoea events. This disorder is present in the paediatric population with a prevalence estimated between 1.2% and 5.8%. Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal alteration associated with mental disability and characterised by other clinical manifestations, and its incidence is estimated at 1/800 births worldwide. Most of the craniofacial features typical of DS represent a risk factor for the development of OSAS. Routine screening has been recommended in some countries but it is still not a standard practice. The aim of this study is the Italian linguistic validation of a questionnaire for the diagnosis of OSAS in children with Down Syndrome. Methods After careful review of the existing scientific literature, a specific questionnaire was selected for the diagnosis of OSAS in children with DS. The questionnaire was then translated into Italian and administered to 111 parents of children with Down syndrome, for online completion. The last part of the questionnaire was dedicated to the comprehension of the questionnaire itself, with a specific focus on its clarity, accuracy and difficulty in completing it. Results After the translation and back translation processes of the only questionnaire found in the literature for investigation of OSAS in the paediatric population affected by DS, the results on the comprehension of questions were analysed. Understanding of the questionnaire was defined as excellent by 42.3% of the respondents, good by 55.9%, clarity was excellent for 42.3% of the respondents and good for 54.1% of them, while precision of the questions was rated excellent by 26.1% and good by 69.4% of the respondents. Conclusion The positive feedback registered in the comprehension part of the questionnaire, certified the good quality of the Italian translation and confirmed the questionnaire as a useful screening method to identify the comorbidity of OSAS and DS.