OBJECTIVETo translate the original English version of oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 into Chinese version and to test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version for use among the Chinese adults.

METHODSThe original English version of OHIP-14 was translated into Chinese, and pre-tested and cross-cultural adapted. Subsequently the Chinese version with a general questionnaire was administered to adults aged 18 approximately 65 years by a trained interviewer. Reliability of the translated scale was assessed in terms of internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and corrected item-total correlation. Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis and criterion-related validity was evaluated by examining the associations between perceived oral health status, perceived need for dental care and OHIP-14 scores. Formal psychometric properties were tested according to the standard procedure of the international quality of life assessment (IQOLA) project.

RESULTSA total of 592 adults were surveyed. There were 550 valid questionnaires involving 38 ones with missing data. Cronbach's alpha of the translated scale was 0.93, corrected item-total correlation ranged from 0.53 to 0.71. The 14 items were divided into four domains. There was certain logical relation between the items in the same domains. There was highly significant association between perceived oral health status, perceived need for dental care and OHIP-14 scores.

CONCLUSIONSThe translated Chinese version of OHIP-14 demonstrated good reliability and validity. Its good psychometric properties provide the theoretical evidence for further use in Chinese population. It is available for use by researchers in oral health related quality of life studies in Chinese adults.