Evaluating Face Validity of an Arabic Translation of a Food Security Questionnaire

Abstract

ObjectiveFood security affects at least 1 billion people worldwide. Currently, there is a gap in validated tools available in the Arabic language to assess food insecurity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the face validity of an Arabic-language translation of the Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria (ELCSA), an established food security questionnaire. Our specific aims are (1) to successfully translate the ELCSA into the Arabic language and (2) to examine the face validity of the translated instrument.Design, Setting and ParticipantsThe tool was translated by native Arabic speakers and crosschecked via back-translation into the English language. Face validity was assessed via a convenience sample of 24 to 30 native Arabic-speaking participants divided into 4 to 6 groups, following Kruger's focus group protocol. Focus group interviews method was selected to observe and gather participants' perceptions of food insecurity, language interpretations pertaining to ease of language, and word choice used in the translation.Outcome Measures and AnalysisFocus group data were analyzed via textual analysis and coded into themes to allow identification of key concepts. Similarities and differences in key concepts help provide better understanding of the tool for its adequate adaptation into the Arabic language.ResultsFocus group data identified: (1) question structure must be shifted, allowing the subject of the question to precede the period asked about; (2) terminology must be simplified in most questions; and (3) all questions were considered relevant because they range in degree of food insecurity severity.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study supports the further development of a global household food security scale.FundingNone. ObjectiveFood security affects at least 1 billion people worldwide. Currently, there is a gap in validated tools available in the Arabic language to assess food insecurity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the face validity of an Arabic-language translation of the Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria (ELCSA), an established food security questionnaire. Our specific aims are (1) to successfully translate the ELCSA into the Arabic language and (2) to examine the face validity of the translated instrument. Food security affects at least 1 billion people worldwide. Currently, there is a gap in validated tools available in the Arabic language to assess food insecurity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the face validity of an Arabic-language translation of the Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria (ELCSA), an established food security questionnaire. Our specific aims are (1) to successfully translate the ELCSA into the Arabic language and (2) to examine the face validity of the translated instrument. Design, Setting and ParticipantsThe tool was translated by native Arabic speakers and crosschecked via back-translation into the English language. Face validity was assessed via a convenience sample of 24 to 30 native Arabic-speaking participants divided into 4 to 6 groups, following Kruger's focus group protocol. Focus group interviews method was selected to observe and gather participants' perceptions of food insecurity, language interpretations pertaining to ease of language, and word choice used in the translation. The tool was translated by native Arabic speakers and crosschecked via back-translation into the English language. Face validity was assessed via a convenience sample of 24 to 30 native Arabic-speaking participants divided into 4 to 6 groups, following Kruger's focus group protocol. Focus group interviews method was selected to observe and gather participants' perceptions of food insecurity, language interpretations pertaining to ease of language, and word choice used in the translation. Outcome Measures and AnalysisFocus group data were analyzed via textual analysis and coded into themes to allow identification of key concepts. Similarities and differences in key concepts help provide better understanding of the tool for its adequate adaptation into the Arabic language. Focus group data were analyzed via textual analysis and coded into themes to allow identification of key concepts. Similarities and differences in key concepts help provide better understanding of the tool for its adequate adaptation into the Arabic language. ResultsFocus group data identified: (1) question structure must be shifted, allowing the subject of the question to precede the period asked about; (2) terminology must be simplified in most questions; and (3) all questions were considered relevant because they range in degree of food insecurity severity. Focus group data identified: (1) question structure must be shifted, allowing the subject of the question to precede the period asked about; (2) terminology must be simplified in most questions; and (3) all questions were considered relevant because they range in degree of food insecurity severity. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study supports the further development of a global household food security scale. This study supports the further development of a global household food security scale.