Arabic translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale (BADLS)

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of dementia is expected to increase exponentially in developing countries over the next few decades.1, 2 Arabic language is widely spoken across the middle east and north Africa, where dementia diagnosis remains challenging.3 Many factors contribute to the underdiagnosis of dementia in Arabic speaking countries including the lack of validated functional assessment tools for patients with cognitive impairment.2, 4 The aim of this study is to translate, cross culturally adapt and validate the widely used Bristol Activity Of Daily Living Scale (BADLS)5 to the Arabic language.MethodsFirst the BADLS was translated to the Arabic language by two independent bilingual experts. The Arabic version was then back translated to English by two independent translators. Then reviewed by expert panel including the original author to keep original meanings, check accuracy and standardization. A pilot study was done for Cognitive Debriefing. Expert panel discussion was done to review cognitive debriefing and finalize. Criterion validity is tested against the validated Arabic version of the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and the Arabic version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) test.ConclusionTo our knowledge this is the first study to translate the BADLS to the Arabic language. The Arabic BADLS will enable the early and accurate diagnosis of dementia for Arabic speaking patients and caregivers.