The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the lipedema screening questionnaire

Objectives Lipedema is a progressive adipose disorder affecting women, with diagnosis often delayed due to symptom overlap and lack of validated tools. This study assesses the Turkish version of the Lipedema Screening Questionnaire (T-LSQ) through cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate selected psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Lipedema Screening Questionnaire (T-LSQ). Methods The study involved 59 female volunteers diagnosed with lipedema/lipolymphedema by a cardiovascular surgeon. Key demographics such as age, onset age, lipedema types and stages, clinical features, and Body Mass Index were recorded. The Turkish adaptation of the LSQ was performed in accordance with the protocol of Beaton et al. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed for structural validity. Convergent construct validity was assessed by examining the correlations between T-LSQ scores and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS), and Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Extremity Lymphedema (Lymph-ICF-LL). Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were also evaluated. Results Significant correlations were found between the T-LSQ and the LEFS, LLIS, and Lymph-ICF-LL (r = −0.407, r = 0.613, and r = 0.548, respectively). Test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.994–0.998), while Cronbach’s alpha was 0.60. CFA findings provided mixed evidence regarding structural validity. Conclusion The Turkish version of the LSQ showed excellent test–retest reliability and evidence of convergent construct validity.