Nigerian (Yoruba) version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH-Y): Cross-cultural adaptation and initial validation

Abstract

Introduction The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a widely used upper extremity outcome measure. However, it is yet to be translated into any of the major languages in Nigeria, thus limiting its utility in the Nigerian clinical setting. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the DASH questionnaire into Yoruba, a major Nigerian language and investigate its initial validation. Methods The English version of DASH was adapted into Yoruba through forward–back translations, experts’ committee meetings, pretesting and cognitive debriefing interview in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the developers of DASH. Fifty-two purposively selected patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders participated in a cross-sectional survey. Factor analysis was performed to ensure structural validity of Yoruba version, and construct validity was investigated with Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results The Yoruba version of DASH has semantic, idiomatic, linguistic and conceptual equivalence with the English DASH. Thirty linear components were identified within the data set. Principal factor analysis of the Yoruba DASH revealed a seven factor scale, having fulfilled all the necessary conditions. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.61, and Barlett’s test of Sphericity was adequate and significant (χ2 (1066) = 435, p = 0.001). Significant correlation (r = 0.994, p = 0.001) exists between scores obtained on English and Yoruba versions of DASH. Conclusion A cross-culturally adapted, valid Yoruba version of DASH is available for use in in south western Nigeria and other similar populations.