Arabic Translation and Validation of the Drooling Impact Scale Questionnaire

Abstract Objectives: Sialorrhea is common in pediatric patients with neurological disorders and negatively affects quality of life. Although it has been previously evaluated, no studies have specifically examined its impact in Arab populations. This gap is addressed through the validation of an Arabic version of the drooling impact scale (DIS), enabling meaningful assessment of quality of life in Saudi patients with sialorrhea. Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilized a validated assessment tool to gather clinically meaningful insights into the impact of sialorrhea. Between January 2023 and November 2023, the study recruited 72 pediatric patients aged ≤18 from the Riyadh region who had been diagnosed with drooling or exhibited related signs. Results: The Arabic DIS validation procedure included 72 participants. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.915), and item-total correlations were strong ( r = 0.30). Factor analysis extracted two reliable factors (α = 0.79 and 0.90). Conclusion: The validation of the Arabic DIS enables accurate assessment of the impact of drooling on the quality of life in Arabic-speaking patients. This supports more personalized care through effective outcome measurement. In addition, the validated scale fills an important gap by facilitating research aimed at improving the clinical management of sialorrhea. Continued refinement of the tool will enhance its utility and help provide better support for affected children and their families.