HOUSEHOLD WATER INSECURITY EXPERIENCES (HWISE) SCALE: THE PROTOCOL OF CULTURAL ADAPTATION AND STATISTICAL VALIDATION

Abstract

Annually Sri Lanka experiences substantial rainfall; but, the availability of water within the island nation is unbalanced. Lack of an appropriate system view, suitable national-level policy, and bimodal rainfall have resulted in Sri Lankans experiencing medium to high water stress. Considering the impact individual households have to endure due to the unavailability of water, the following study presents a protocol to culturally adapt and statistically validate the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) scale to the Sinhala language. The protocol critically discusses the application of classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) and documents all relevant steps for the scale validation process. Through this study protocol, the authors attempt to demonstrate the procedural rigor of the adaptation and validation process of the HWISE scale to the Sinhala language in Sri Lanka. The availability of a valid scale to evaluate household water insecurity experiences will assist public health experts, policymakers, and the government in understanding the nature and severity of water stress and the consequences across health, economic, and psychosocial contexts. Similarly, preventative interventions and key policies could be implemented to further support the initiatives of responsible authorities.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>