Validation of the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ) in a cohort of head and neck cancer patients

Impairment of swallowing function is a common multidimensional symptom complex seen in 50–75% of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Although there are a number of validated swallowing-specific questionnaires, much of their focus is on the evaluation of swallowing-related quality of life (QOL) rather than swallowing as a specific function. The aim of this study was to validate the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ) as a swallowing-specific instrument in HNC patients.

Fifty-four consecutive patients in follow-up for oral and oropharyngeal cancer completed the SSQ and MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Thirty-one patients completed both questionnaires again four weeks later to address test–retest reliability. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, respectively. Construct validity (including group validity) and criterion validity were determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, group validity and criterion validity of the SSQ was found to be significant (P<0.01).

We were able to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the SSQ in HNC patients. The SSQ is a precise, reliable and valid tool for assessing swallow in this patient group.