Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form 1.3 in an African Country

Abstract

BackgroundThe impact of dialysis on patient quality of life has been recognized as an important outcome measure. The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study compared quality of life in 4 continents [1], but very scarce information is available about dialysis patients' quality of life in Africa. The objective of this study was to translate the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form (KDQOL-SF) into Moroccan and measure its psychometric properties. MethodsThe questionnaire was first translated into Moroccan by 2 independent translators, and then 2 backward translations into English were performed after pretesting in 10 dialysis patients. The final questionnaire was then administered to 80 dialysis patients. Reliability was estimated by internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Validity was assessed using known group comparisons and correlations between overall health rating and scales scores. ResultsSome activities were substituted since they were not common in Morocco. All subscales had a Cronbach α above the recommended value except for 3 scales. All of the items showed good test–retest reliability. Correlation of items within subscales was higher than that of items outside subscales in 87% of cases. Regarding construct validity, all KDQOL-SF scales had significant correlation with overall health rating except for sexual function and dialysis staff encouragement. Furthermore, the questionnaire could be used to discriminate between subgroups of the patients. ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of the KDQOL-SF resulting from this first-time administration of the instrument support the validity and reliability of the KDQOL-SF as a measure of quality of life of patients having hemodialysis in Morocco.