Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Condition-Specific Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire for the Malayalam-speaking Population—A Psychometric Scale Validation Study

Objectives The study aimed to develop a regional version of the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ-Malayalam) for Malayalam-speaking Indian population. Methods English MIQ was translated into Malayalam through rigorous translation process, followed by cross-cultural adaptation. Young people aged below 18 years who were just about start orthodontic treatment invited complete along with available native Psychosocial Dental Aesthetics (PIDAQ). MIQ-Malayalam readministered after 14 days assess test-retest reliability. Treatment need assessed normatively using Health Component Index Orthodontic Need (IOTN-DHC) and subjectively Aesthetic (IOTN-AC). Results A total 210 subjects completed questionnaires (males = 47.2%; females 52.8%; age 12-17 years, mean 15 3 months; standard deviation 1.9) 50 repeat questionnaires. Internal consistency reliability high (Cronbach’s alpha 0.952; Intra-class Correlation Coefficient 0.93). Exploratory factor analysis derived 4 factors exclusion 1 item. There significant differences ( P < .05) in scores between IOTN-DHC subgroups, ensuring discriminant validity. correlation PIDAQ (rho 0.884), while low IOTN-AC 0.203). Conclusion found be valid reliable can serve as useful condition-specific measure oral health-related quality life.