Arabic validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the facial clinimetric evaluation scale for peripheral facial palsy patients

Objective This study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Arabic version of the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) Scale for assessing the quality of life in patients with facial palsy. Methods We performed cross-cultural adaptation for the original English version of the FaCE scale according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of health-related QOL measures. The validation study was conducted. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient tested internal consistency. Criterion validity was tested by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient correlation between the FaCE scale score and House-Brackmann, Short Form 12 (SF-12). Test–retest reliability was done after 2 weeks. Results A total Of 64 patients were included. Cronbach’s alpha for total domain scores Of the FaCE scale was 0.933 at baseline and 0.922 at 2 weeks, indicating excellent internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was excellent (Spearman’s ρ = 0.982). The total FaCE score showed very strong correlations with HB ( r = − 0.839), SF-12 PCS ( r = 0.809), and SF-12 MCS ( r = 0.873; all p < 0.001). The social function domain showed a moderate correlation with HB ( r = − 0.574). Conclusion The Arabic version of the FaCE scale is a valid, reliable, and easy-to-practice tool for evaluating QoL for patients with peripheral facial palsy. It demonstrates good psychometric properties with high validity and reliability, which is a helpful tool for clinical situations and research purposes for Arabic speakers.