Translation into Spanish Language (México), Transcultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Female Pattern Hair Loss (WAA-QoL-Sp)

Abstract

Background: The Women's Androgenetic Alopecia Quality of Life (WAA-QoL) questionnaire is the only available specific instrument to evaluate QoL in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) patients. It is made of 16 questions with 6 alternatives, is self-administered, and has not yet been adapted or validated to Spanish.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to translate into Spanish, culturally adapt, and validate the WAA-QoL questionnaire.

Methods: The translated version (WAA-QoL-sp) was submitted to 453 general population women by e-mail after authorization by the author, translation, and adaptation to Spanish of the WAA-QoL questionnaire.

Results: A total of 453 women were evaluated; the median age was 39 years, and there was high internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha was 0.969 for the WAA-QoL-sp.

Study limitations: Sampling of subjects was from diverse Spanish-speaking countries (such as Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Cuba, and Spain) but not from all Spanish-speaking countries.

Conclusions: A Spanish version of the WAA-QoL questionnaire was translated and adapted, which proved to be consistent and a valid tool for assessment of FPHL.

Keywords: Female alopecia; Female pattern hair loss; Quality of life; Surveys and questionnaires; Validation studies.