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Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to carefully translate and psychometrically validate the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) in Hindi language for Hindi-speaking head and neck cancer (HNC) and oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) patients., Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-seven HNC and OPMD patients were recruited for this study comprising of 111 oral cancer and 56 OPMD patients. According to internationally accepted guidelines, forward and backward translation procedures were performed, to develop a culturally acceptable version of DASS-21. Validated Hindi version of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaire was used to compare the scores. Internal consistency for construct validity of the DASS-21 was assessed. Related data and the patients' demographics details were recorded. Factor analysis using varimax rotation was also carried out., Results: The Cronbach's alpha values were 0.998, 0.990, and 0.994, respectively, for depression, anxiety, and stress domains, which was comparable to other studies and indicated a strong internal consistency and good construct validity. Factor and varimax analysis revealed items to be well suited to their respective domains. A statistically significant strong correlation was reflected with HADS Hindi questionnaire; Spearman's rank correlation values observed were 0.80 and 0.83 for depression and anxiety, respectively., Interpretation and Conclusions: Hindi version of the DASS-21 questionnaire appears to be culturally appropriate, reliable, and psychometrically valid tool for evaluation of the psychological burden (depression, anxiety, and stress) in Hindi-speaking HNC and OPMD patients., Competing Interests: None

A multi-cluster study (survey) was carried out by department of ENT KG Medical University, Lucknow from July 2003 to August 2004 in rural and urban population of Lucknow district to estimate prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in the community. Data included audiological profile and basic ear examination that was analysed through EARFORM software program of WHO. Overall hearing impairment was seen in 15.14% of rural as opposed to 5.9% of urban population. A higher prevalence of disabling hearing impairment (DHI) in elderly and deafness in 0-10 years age group was seen. The prevalence of sensorineural deafness necessitating hearing aids was 20% in rural and 50% in urban areas respectively. The presence of DHI was seen in 1/2 urban subjects and 1/3rd of rural counterparts. The incidence of cerumen / debris was very common in both types of population and the need of surgery was much more amongst rural subjects indicating more advanced / dangerous ear disease.