Validity and reliability of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire in Kosovar adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Objective To test the validity and reliability of the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ)-Albanian version in Kosovar adolescents and assess gender-based differences of malocclusion on PIDAQ subscales. Methods A sample of 200 adolescents aged 12–15 years were evaluated for orthodontic treatment need by a previous calibrated dental examiner, using the aesthetic component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need-Aesthetic Concern (IOTN-AC) and the dental aesthetic index (DAI). Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, discriminant validity and gender-based impact of malocclusion on psychosocial impact was assessed. Results The Albanian version of the PIDAQ shows satisfactory internal consistency (α ranging from 0.73 to 0.90) with high test-retest reliability (r > 0.83). The discriminant validity revealed that subjects with minor and severe malocclusion according to dichotomous DAI categorization had different PIDAQ scores. No significant gender-based differences were noted on the impact of malocclusion on psychological and social aspect or Dental Self-confidence (DSC); however, significant gender-based difference was noted on the impact of malocclusion on AC. Conclusion The Albanian version of the PIDAQ demonstrated good psychometric properties and applicability to this age group in Kosova.