Validation of an Arabic version of the OIDP index

Background: In the past few decades, several oral health related quality-of- life measures were developed, all based on David Locker's model of oral health. The OIDP (Oral Impacts on Daily Performance) is one of the more frequently utilized indicators, and has been applied in various societies and age groups. In Israel there is a large Arab community, 20% of the total population, which is often considered to have relatively inferior oral health care. As yet, the OIDP has not been translated into Arabic. Objective: To validate an Arabic version of the OIDP. Methods: The sample consisted of 104 Arab youth (mean age: 17). Data collection included clinical examination: DMFT and OHI-S; and self-completed questionnaires including: reported pain, satisfaction with appearance and function, OIDP. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and was face validated by back translation. Clinical examinations were preceded by calibration. Results: Only 38.3% of the subjects had acceptable oral hygiene, only 2% were caries-free; 81% had at least one tooth with untreated caries; 35% reported dental pain in the last month; 76% reported at least one OIDP impact. There were significant associations between the OIDP scores and the levels of caries and pain. Conclusions: The content validation of the Arabic version of OIDP could be considered as successful. The measure was found as predictive for dental status of the studied population. Similar studies should be repeated among other and larger Arabic speaking populations.