Translation and validation of translation in cross-cultural research: Strategies used in a study of cervical cancer screening among ethnic minorities.

Abstract

A discussion of the challenges encountered during instrument translation and validation while researching cervical cancer screening among ethnic minorities and the strategies used to overcome them. Given the increasing ethnic and cultural diversity of populations in different countries, culturally sensitive instruments are needed to evaluate people's attitudes, perceptions, and health practices. Often, such instruments are lacking in the study population's language. Discussion paper. The discussion is based on our previous experience including the challenges encountered in the translation process and in the semantic and content validation and the strategies used to overcome them. Seeking help from community centres or translation agencies to use translators with a health care background and of the same cultural origins as the target participants is effective. Actively contacting potential experts through email addresses obtained from published research articles is another effective way to find suitable experts. Field testing of the study questionnaire is important in validation, as it uncovers difficulties that go beyond translation. Good planning and preparation before the translation and validation work begins is always required. Working closely with translators and experts through discussion is the key to success.