Assessing the Reliability and Acceptability of an Arabic Language Version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a research study aimed at assessing the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI) in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The research was carried out among a population of women attending antenatal care clinics (N = 309) and reports on the prevalence of high scores and assessment of reliability and validity of the Arabic CAPI. A sub‐sample of mothers were interviewed to explore their views about the acceptability of the tool locally.The mean score of the Abuse Scale was 159.6 (range 26–390), which was higher than the US version (mean = 91). Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.911) and test–retest reliability (Pearson's r = 0.89; two‐tailed p 0.00) were both high. With regard to the construct validity, the six‐factor structure of the original version was not replicated; only three factors were obtained. The interview data showed that the CAPI was easy to complete and appropriate for use in Oman.The Arabic version of the CAPI showed a highly satisfactory internal consistency and test–retest reliability. This suggests that the Arabic version of the CAPI is a valid and reliable tool to use to assess potential for child physical abuse within Oman. These results are in concordance with other cross‐cultural versions of the CAPI.‘Reports on the prevalence of high scores and assessment of reliability and validity of the Arabic CAPI’Key Practitioner Messages This research reports a first attempt to assess the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the CAPI and use it among an Arab Muslim population. The results indicated that the tool is culturally acceptable and appropriate within this context, that mothers are able to complete it, and that it was stable over time. The distribution of CAPI scores showed a higher mean score and a greater proportion of mothers scoring above the original cut‐off score.