Gürses, EmreBeukes, Eldre W.Cesur, SıdıkaAndersson, GerhardManchaiah, Vinaya2024-03-252024-03-252023-05Gürses, E., Beukes, E., Cesur, S., Andersson, G. & Manchaiah, V. A comparative study of readability, acceptability, and the adaptation of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus. Journal of International Advanced Otology 2023;19(3): 182-190. DOI: 10.5152/iao.2023.221023.2148-3817 (online)10.5152/iao.2023.221023http://hdl.handle.net/2263/95334BACKGROUND : Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy has shown effectiveness in managing chronic tinnitus. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is currently available in only a few languages (English, Swedish, Spanish, and German). The current study aimed to adapt, evaluate, and compare the readability and acceptability of the Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy materials compared to previous versions. METHODS : Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy materials were adapted from the preexisting American English to the Turkish population in a 4-step process: (1) cultural adaptations, (2) acceptability adaptation of materials to the Turkish-speaking population, and (3) literacy-level adjustments. Experts (n = 11) and patients (n = 11) rated the intervention materials and the ePlatform for acceptability, including usability, content, presentation, and suitability (4). RESULTS : Literacy-level adjustments generated acceptable and readability levels of the Turkish version of the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program. The average readability score was 76.15 ± 0.35. The Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (Mdn: 7.00) was statistically lower compared to the Swedish (Mdn: 9.00) but higher when compared to the American English and Spanish (Mdn: 5.00) versions. There were no statistical differences between the British English and Turkish versions in readability scores. Acceptability in the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy platform was rated favorably. CONCLUSION : The Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was found to be user-friendly and easy to understand, with navigations that are straightforward, have clear information, and are supported by audiologists. The readability score of the Turkish internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is within recommended limits to ensure comprehensibility. We suggest that an online cognitive behavioral therapy program is adaptable for other languages for countries with a limited number of clinicians focused on cognitive behavioral therapy and tinnitus.enContent of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.Cognitive behavioral therapyInternet interventionsTinnitusTinnitus treatmentInternet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT)SDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle