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Urdu Translation & Validation of Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised: A Self-Report Tool of Executive Functioning

Executive functions (EF) include skills such as working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility that are required for efficient functioning in all disciplines of life, be it personal, educational or professional. The assessment of EF skills using task-based instruments or self-report forms is a debatable topic in research arena. The current study focused on translation and psychometric analysis of a comprehensive yet short and freely available tool of EF skills; Executive Skills Questionnaire-Revised (Strait et al., 2019) in Urdu language. The study followed a rigorous tool translation procedure including forward and back translation. Data was collected from 294 undergraduate students; both boys (n=142) and girls (n=152) aged 18-21 years (M= 19.2, SD=0.98) enrolled in various public sector higher educational institutes of Lahore, Pakistan. Data collection was followed by analysis which included use of descriptive statistics to analyze demographic characteristics and calculation of Cronbach’s alpha of sub-scales to determine internal consistency. Item total correlation was then calculated. Analysis further included Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results revealed the internal consistency of all sub-scales in acceptable range having Cronbach alpha value ranging from 0.72-0.80. CFA confirmed the 5-factor structure of the translated tool similar to the original tool. All fit indices were found to be excellent. Results revealed the ESQ-R Urdu as a valid and reliable tool to assess EF skills in student population.

ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE INDONESIAN VERSION OF THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL INSTRUMENT FOR PARENTS

Children are a crucial population requiring COVID-19 vaccination. With the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the increasing number of unvaccinated children and adolescents has raised concerns. To was translated, adapted, and validate the Health Belief Model instrument for parents of children aged 6–11 years regarding COVID-19 vaccination in the Indonesian language. Cross-cultural translation and adaptation were conducted according to international standards. The instrument testing process, according to Beaton et al., (2020), involves five stages: forward translation, synthesis of the translation results, back translation, review of the back translation, and readability testing. Respondents were purposively selected from the parents of children aged 6–11 years. Face and content validity were achieved for the Indonesian version of Health Belief Model for parents of children aged 6–11 years. The validity of each statement item was assessed using Pearson Correlation with a significance level of 0.05 and 193 respondents, resulting in an r table value of 0.1406. The constructs within the Health Belief Model were deemed valid based on the Pearson Correlation values, as the coefficient values were greater than the r-table value (r > 0.1406; p < 0.05). The constructs in the Health Belief Model were also reliable, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.657. The culturally adapted Indonesian version of the Health Belief Model instrument for parents of children aged 6–11 years regarding COVID-19 vaccination is considered valid and reliable for use in research among the parent population of children aged 6–11 years in the context of COVID-19 vaccination.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of <i>The Continuous Traumatic Stress Response Scale</i>: Ukrainian version

Adapting and validating diagnostic tools aimed to evaluate the post-traumatic effects of war in low-income countries is essential for assessing needs and planning support programs. This paper will describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Continuous Traumatic Stress Response (CTSR) Scale for war-affected Ukraine. The study includes Phase 1, Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Scale, and Phase 2, Psychometric validation of the Scale. Cross-cultural adaptation goes through four stages: forward translation, expert panel review and back translation (n=3), pretesting and cognitive interviewing mental health professionals (n=8), and final version. Psychometric validation includes exploratory (n=200) and confirmatory (n=219) factor analyses, internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability. Findings from the current research indicate that the components identified through factor analyses differed from those in the original questionnaire. While all original items in the questionnaire were retained, they merged into two new factors: “Exhaustion and Rage” and “Fear and Betrayal”. The results show that the overall Cronbach’s Alpha is .858, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Significant correlations exist between the total CTSR Scale score, the subscale scores, PTSD (PCL-5), moral injury (MISS-C-SF), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms, indicating construct validity. The findings demonstrate the test-retest reliability of the CTSR Scale and have practical implications for how it could be implemented in trauma-informed care. Disclosure Statement The authors reported no potential conflicts of interest. * Corresponding author: Larysa Zasiekina, 0000-0001-8456-0774zasyekina.larisa@vnu.edu.ua

Translation and linguistic validation of 24 PROMIS item banks into French

PurposeThe Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) was developed to provide reliable, valid, and normed item banks to measure health. The item banks provide standardized scores on a common metric allowing for individualized, brief assessment (computerized adaptive tests), short forms (e.g. heart failure specific), or profile assessments (e.g. PROMIS-29). The objective of this study was to translate and linguistically validate 24 PROMIS adult item banks into French and highlight cultural nuances arising during the translation process.MethodsWe used the FACIT translation methodology. Forward translation into French by two native French-speaking translators was followed by reconciliation by a third native French-speaking translator. A native English-speaking translator fluent in French then completed a back translation of the reconciled version from French into English. Three independent reviews by bilingual translators were completed to assess the clarity and consistency of terminology and equivalency across the English source and French translations. Reconciled versions were evaluated in cognitive interviews for conceptual and linguistic equivalence.ResultsTwenty-four adult item banks were translated: 12 mental health, 10 physical health, and two social health. Interview data revealed that 577 items of the 590 items translated required no revisions. Conceptual and linguistic differences were evident for 11 items that required iterations to improve conceptual equivalence and two items were revised to accurately reflect the English source.ConclusionFrench translations of 24 item banks were created for routine clinical use and research. Initial translation supported conceptual equivalence and comprehensibility. Next steps will include validation of the item banks.

Translating the behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 into Spanish: Methodology and validation

Background Precise and unequivocal specification of intervention content is key to facilitating the accumulation and implementation of knowledge. The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is the most widely used classification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), providing a shared, standardized vocabulary to identify the active ingredients of behavioural interventions. However, the BCTTv1 is only available in English and this hampers its broad use and adoption. The aim of the present article is to report the process of translation of the BCTTv1 into Spanish. Methods A bilingual team led the translation of the BCTTv1, involving seven iterative steps: (i) establish a Committee, (ii) forward translation from English to Spanish, (iii) back translation from Spanish to English, (iv) comparison of original BCTTv1 and back translation, (v) opportunistic comparison against an independent BCTTv1 translation, (vi) empirical testing, and (vii) final Committee review. Results Changes as a result of the translation process included relabelling BCTs, amending definitions, and fixing conceptual and grammatical inconsistencies, yielding the final version. Very satisfactory inter-coder reliability in BCT identification was observed as part of the empirical testing (i.e., prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa scores > 0.8). Conclusions This work provides the Spanish-speaking population with a rigorous and validated BCTTv1 translation which can be used in both research and practice to provide a greater level of intervention detail for evidence synthesis, comparison, and replication of behaviour change interventions. The translation process described here may prove helpful to guide future translation efforts in behavioural science and beyond.

Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Digital Burnout Scale.

To investigate the factor structure and verify the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Digital Burnout Scale (DBS) among Generation Z university students. The World Health Organization guidelines were employed in the forward and back translation, synthesis, cross-cultural adaptation, and pre-survey phases to result in the Korean version of the DBS. The Korean version was then used to collect data from 330 university students online. Construct, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity, and internal consistency were assessed. The Korean version of the DBS had three subscales (digital aging, digital deprivation, and emotional exhaustion) and included 24 items. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated adequate model fit indices. Convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity were satisfactory. The Cronbach's ⍺ for the overall scale was 0.95. The Korean version of the DBS has good reliability and validity and can be used as a tool to assess the level of risk of digital burnout and provide appropriate support and intervention. The Korean version of the DBS will serve as a framework for developing healthy digital education by grasping individual characteristics. Longitudinal research is recommended to identify factors that cause digital usage and burnout for various age groups.

THINKING STYLES INVENTORY ADAPTATION AND STANDARDIZATION IN LATVIAN

Thinking styles are defined as consistent individual differences in preferred ways of organizing and processing information and experience, thus bridging the gap between personality traits and cognitive processes, meaning, it is more important to understand what abilities people prefer to develop and use, rather than what abilities they have. Thinking styles remain an ongoing area of research in education and psychology, providing insights into students’ experiences and informing educational practices. Latvia still faces a shortage of validated and standardized tests, thus to determine thinking styles, a questionnaire titled “Thinking Style Inventory – Revised II” was selected. This research is a part of a much wider study, which is based on the idea that nowadays the use of the internet and technology form and develop young people’s habits of mind that have not yet been explored. Based on this idea, a research project was established whose overall goal is to discover the impact of young people’s (age 16-25) internet use patterns on cognitive functioning (The impact of internet usage patterns on the development of youth’s cognitive styles, No.: lzp-2021/1-0357). The goal of the specific stage of the study and thus this article is to adapt and standardize the Thinking Style Inventory–Revised II in Latvian. To reach the goal, the questionnaire underwent back and forth translation, then was piloted (n=30), checked for internal consistency, thus concluding the first stage of adaptation. For standardization (n=2169) factoranalysis, discrimination indexes and norms were determined. The results show an overall good internal consistency and the factoranalysis shows similar structure to the original questionnaire. The obtained results indicate that Thinking Style Inventory – Revised II Latvian version can be successfully used to determine thinking styles in Latvia.

Adaptation of the Student Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale to the Turkish Context: Validity and Reliability Study

This study aimed to adapt the Student Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (SATAI) Scale to the Turkish Context both at secondary and high school levels. The research was conducted with two study groups: the first group of 384 secondary school students and the second group of 295 high school students. Data were collected from these participants in the 2023–2024 academic year. The scale consists of 26 items and three factors; behavioral, affective, and cognitive, and serves the purpose of measuring the students’ attitude toward artificial intelligence. The behavioral factor assesses students’ AI-related actions while the affective factor captures their emotional reactions, and the cognitive factor, in turn, evaluates their knowledge of the topic at hand. By determining students’ attitudes about AI, this measurement guides learning processes, contributes to the development of teaching materials, and increases interest in the field of AI. Language validity, construct validity, criterion validity, conceptual and experiential equivalence, and reliability studies were carried out in the process of adapting the scale to Turkish. To ensure the language validity of the Turkish form of the scale, translation back translation technique was applied and expert opinions were sought. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied to test the construct validity. To test the criterion validity, the correlation between the whole scale and each sub-factor was examined. Within the scope of reliability studies, Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients of the scale, half-test reliability, item total correlations, and item discrimination values were calculated. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the Student Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence (SATAI) Scale Turkish Form is a valid and reliable assessment tool.

An Assessment of Strategies Adopted in Translating Selected Chapters of Atwans's Memoir: “A Country of Words” into Arabic

This study explored the strategies adopted in translating selected chapters from Abdelbari Atwan's political memoir A Country of Words by Husam Al-Din Mohammad. Back translation was used as a method. That is, an Arab Palestinian refugee endeavors to interpret his thoughts and transfer his experience of the Arabic culture to English as a SLT, and then the translator transfers those thoughts back into the original Arabic language as a TLT. The translation is analyzed in terms of its cultural, religious and political orientations endorsed by the researcher who seeks to identify and analyze the main problematic outcomes of the translation by means of observing the contextual and cultural concordance of the two texts. The analysis attempts to figure out if the translation retains the pragmatic and semantic orientation of each expression, the problems that the translator comes across in the process of translation, and the strategic issues adopted by the translator to retain the functional-equivalence of each expression. The study concluded that the strategies enable both the writer and the translator to preserve the Arabic language, which is the essence and the distinguishing feature of the Arabic culture. Atwan, as a bilingual writer, captured the Arabic aesthetic taste in his original text by preserving the Arabic cultural content and form in the original text.

Linguistic, Content and Face Validity of the Swedish Version of a Quality-of-Life Assessment for Children, Teenagers and Adults with Spina Bifida.

Spina bifida includes a spectrum of different neural tube defects. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type and is associated with a risk of paralysis and sensory dysfunction below the affected level, bladder/bowel dysfunction, brain dysmorphology, and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to describe the establishment of linguistic, content and face validity of the Swedish version of a Quality-of-Life Assessment for children (QUALAS-C, n = 10 items), teenagers (QUALAS-T, n = 10 items) and adults with spina bifida (QUALAS-A, n = 15 items) based on the original US English versions. The process included close collaboration with the original instrument developer and complied with international standards on patient-reported outcome measurements. The procedure includes forward translation, expert and patient/parent review and reconciliation, back translation, back translation review and cognitive debriefing interviews with 16 people with spina bifida aged 8 to 33, providing them with the possibility of evaluating the clarity, adequacy, and comprehensiveness of QUALAS-C, QUALAS-T and QUALAS-A, respectively. The interviews lasted a median of 15 min (range 8-16) for QUALAS-C, 10 min (range 9-15) for QUALAS-T and 24 min (range 9-38) for QUALAS-A. Four main issues/topics needed attention and discussion after both the forward and back translation. Following the back translation review, all issues were resolved. The patient feedback revealed recognition of the HRQoL issues included in QUALAS, and also difficulties in understanding some questions. After the patients' evaluation, four items were reworded for clarity. No study participant reported a wish to add to or remove questions from QUALAS. Hence, the Swedish versions of QUALAS became conceptually equivalent to the original US English versions and achieved linguistic, content and face validity. While empowering the voices of people with spina bifida, these results also enable their HRQoL to be properly assessed in research and clinical care in Sweden and in international studies.

Examining the reliability and validity of the arabic version of the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES).

Sleep effort refers to the cognitive and behavioral exertion involved in initiating and maintaining sleep. High sleep effort is increasingly recognized as perpetuating insomnia and poor sleep quality. Validated sleep effort scales enable the quantification of this construct in clinical and research settings. However, no Arabic version has been available. This study translated and validated the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES) into Arabic to assess sleep effort in Arabic-speaking populations. The GSES was translated into Arabic using the forward-backward translation approach. This involved an initial Arabic translation from the source followed by a back translation into English to ensure accuracy. A total of 369 participants were recruited to assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the GSES, specifically its reliability and validity. The reliability analysis included Cronbach's α, McDonald's ω, and test-retest reliability. Validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the unidimensionality of the scale and assess model fit. Convergent validity was also assessed through correlation analysis with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7). The Cronbach's α reliability coefficient and McDonald's ω for the scale were found to be 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85-0.89). The test-retest reliability was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93 - 0.97) after two weeks. The one-factor model showed an acceptable fit, with a CFI of 0.96, a TLI of 0.94, and an SRMR of 0.04. Invariance analysis revealed that male and female participants conceptualized and responded to the GSES items similarly, without differences in factor loadings or scale characteristics between the sexes. The Arabic version of the GSES has good convergent validity, as shown by the significant correlation between the AIS and the GSES (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Similarly, the GAD-7 score was significantly correlated with the GSES score (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). This is the first study in which the GSES was validated in Arabic. This allows the scale to reliably gauge sleep effort among Arabic speakers, providing new clinical and research opportunities to understand how maladaptive sleep effort may contribute to insomnia and suboptimal sleep in this demographic population.

Dutch translation and cultural adaptation of new LYMPH-Q- scales measuring impact on work and lymphedema worry

BackgroundBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a significant complication of breast cancer treatment that can impact patients’ quality of life. This study focuses on the translation and cultural adaptation of two new LYMPH-Q scales ‘Impact on Work’ and ‘Lymphedema worry’ into Dutch to assess the work-related challenges and worries experienced by patients with BCRL in the Netherlands.MethodsThe translation process followed established guidelines from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Forward and back translations, expert panel reviews, cognitive debriefing interviews with patients with BCRL, and proofreading were conducted to refine the Dutch translation of the scales. The translation aimed to ensure conceptual equivalence and cultural relevance.ResultsThe translation process resulted in the Dutch versions of the LYMPH-Q ‘Impact on Work’ and ‘Lymphedema worry’ scales. The forward translation revealed discrepancies in meaning, word order and synonyms. The back translation and review resulted in changes in item formulation. The expert panel meeting and cognitive debriefing interviews provided valuable input for further refinement.ConclusionThe translated LYMPH-Q ‘Impact on Work’ and ‘Lymphedema worry’ scales provide healthcare professionals with an instrument to assess and monitor the impact of BCRL on work-related challenges and on worries. This comprehensive translation process, involving patients with BCRL and experts, ensured the linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance, and clarity of the Dutch versions. The translated scales will contribute to a better understanding of the multifaceted impact of BCRL and facilitate the development of tailored interventions to improve patients’ well-being and functional outcomes.Level of Evidence:Not ratable

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of Measurement Instruments: A Practical Guideline for Novice Researchers.

Cross-cultural validation of self-reported measurement instruments for research is a long and complex process, which involves specific risks of bias that could affect the research process and results. Furthermore, it requires researchers to have a wide range of technical knowledge about the translation, adaptation and pre-test aspects, their purposes and options, about the different psychometric properties, and the required evidence for their assessment and knowledge about the quantitative data processing and analysis using statistical software. This article aimed: 1) identify all guidelines and recommendations for translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation within the healthcare sciences; 2) describe the methodological approaches established in these guidelines for conducting translation, adaptation, and cross-cultural validation; and 3) provide a practical guideline featuring various methodological options for novice researchers involved in translating, adapting, and validating measurement instruments. Forty-two guidelines on translation, adaptation, or cross-cultural validation of measurement instruments were obtained from "CINAHL with Full Text" (via EBSCO) and "MEDLINE with Full Text". A content analysis was conducted to identify the similarities and differences in the methodological approaches recommended. Bases on these similarities and differences, we proposed an eight-step guideline that includes: a) forward translation; 2) synthesis of translations; 3) back translation; 4) harmonization; 5) pre-testing; 6) field testing; 7) psychometric validation, and 8) analysis of psychometric properties. It is a practical guideline because it provides extensive and comprehensive information on the methodological approaches available to researchers. This is the first methodological literature review carried out in the healthcare sciences regarding the methodological approaches recommended by existing guidelines.

An Empirical Study on the Application of Data Augmentation Techniques to Enhance the Performance of CNN Models in Spam Detection

Spam detection is a critical task in cybersecurity, aiming to filter out unsolicited and potentially harmful communications. This study investigates the impact of various data augmentation techniques on enhancing the performance of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models for spam detection. Utilizing the Enron Email Dataset, we implemented several augmentation methods, including synonym replacement, random insertion, random swap, random deletion, back translation, and noise addition. Our results indicate significant performance improvements with these techniques. The baseline CNN model achieved an accuracy of 87.5%, precision of 85.2%, recall of 83.7%, and F1-score of 84.4%. The application of back translation, the most effective technique, increased accuracy to 90.3% and F1-score to 88.0%. These findings demonstrate the potential of data augmentation in improving spam detection systems, providing a robust foundation for future research. The study also highlights the importance of combining augmentation techniques and adapting them to different languages and real-world scenarios for even greater performance gains.

Determining Sustainable Food Choice Motives: Validity and Reliability of the Sustainable Food Choice Questionnaire (SUS-FCQ) in Turkish Adults

Understanding sustainable food choices is key to shifting consumer behavior toward sustainable food consumption. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Sustainable Food Choice Questionnaire (SUS-FCQ) in 602 Turkish adults. The linguistic equivalence of the SUS-FCQ was provided using the standard translation–back translation method, content validity, and pilot testing. Then, the convergent, discriminant, and construct (exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)) validity and reliability (test–retest and internal consistency) were evaluated. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be excellent (0.961) and the intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be moderate (0.689) using the test–retest method. As a result of the EFA, two-factor structures were found, and the factor loadings of the items were 0.651 and 0.878. These factors explained 79.17% of the total variance, and discriminant and convergent validity was provided for both factors. The results of this study suggest that the adapted SUS-FCQ is valid and reliable for determining sustainable food choice motives in the Turkish population. Therefore, the SUS-FCQ can be a useful instrument to encourage people to shift toward and adhere to sustainable food consumption.

Hungarian adaptation of the cerebellar cognitive affective/Schmahmann Syndrome Scale

Recent studies have reported that cerebellar lesions can cause cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms. This constellation is called the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS). A bedside instrument, the CCAS-Scale, has been developed to screen for this clinical presentation. The aim of this study is to adapt the CCAS-Scale to Hungarian according to international cross-cultural guidelines. In cooperation with the senior author of the original CCAS-Scale, we defined a five-step adaptation protocol (license number 6758-1/2021). Step 1: translation of the scale from English to Hungarian by two separate teams. Step 2: comparison of the two translated versions, synthesis (preliminary version). Step 3: back translation by an independent professional translator. Step 4: authorization, revision, and correction. Step 5: pre-testing the scale, measuring the test times. Following our protocol, we produced the CCAS-H and the instructions booklet. We pre-tested healthy (n = 10) and cerebellar stroke patients (n = 10) and finalized the scale. Although not significantly, but cerebellar patients reached lower raw scores compared with healthy subjects. Testing times differed significantly between the two groups. A meticulous validation protocol was outlined to assess the validity and reliability of the newly adapted test. CCAS-H is a quick and adequate scale to examine the cerebellar-cognitive affective syndrome, which will be available for Hungarian professionals. Our main challenge was to define the stimuli and cues with adequate psycholinguistic and psychometric properties. As a next step, we are gathering data for the validation with the help of six other Hungarian Neurology departments.

Cultural Adaptation of the Functional External Memory Aid Tool for Use in the United Kingdom and Australia

Purpose: The Functional External Memory Aid Tool (FEMAT) is a performance-based measure of applied cognitive-linguistic abilities and attempted use of compensatory aids and strategies (e.g., using a calendar to recall an appointment) through completion of simulated everyday living tasks. The FEMAT was originally developed in the United States (US), and a need arose from clinicians to adapt the FEMAT for use in other countries. The aim of this study is to describe the cultural adaptation process that resulted in the United Kingdom (UK) and Australian (AU) versions of the FEMAT via international clinical research partnerships. Method: The FEMAT was adapted into UK and AU cultures using established guidelines for cultural and linguistic adaptation. The adaptation was completed by researchers and clinicians from the US, UK, and AU, and we followed a six-step process: (a) preparation, (b) forward translation, (c) back translation, (d) committee review, (e) field testing, and (f) finalization. Results: The FEMAT items and materials were successfully adapted from the source culture (i.e., English-US) to the target cultures (i.e., English-UK, English-AU). Through the adaptation process, the FEMAT items were determined to be conceptually appropriate for each culture and minimal modifications were made to the FEMAT materials (e.g., voicemail recordings recorded in target dialect). The finalized FEMAT-English-UK and the FEMAT-English-AU versions are available for free on the FEMAT website. Conclusions: Through successful international clinical research collaborations, the FEMAT was successfully adapted for use in other English-speaking cultures. This work provides guidance to streamline future FEMAT cultural adaptations. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25564461

Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS-I) in patients with acquired brain injuries.

The objective of this study was to produce a cross-cultural adaptation in Italian of the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), originally developed in English, as the first of two stages that also include cross-cultural validation and allow a clinical scale to be used in the proper setting such as rehabilitation units. In order to adapt the ABS scale to a different cultural environment, five consecutive steps were performed: (1) forward translations (n = 8), (2) synthesis of the 8 forward translations to obtain a first shared italian version (ABS_I_trial), (3) back translations (n = 3), (4) creation of an expert committee to evaluate forward and back translations and finally (5) the cognitive debriefing. After the five steps, including forward translations and back translations, the process of committee verification and judgement and the evaluative step of cognitive debriefing, high comprehensibility of all items was found, resulting in an Italian translation version of ABS suitable for application in a clinical setting. ABS translation was produced by means of a standardized procedure aimed at minimizing cross-cultural gaps. The expert committee evaluated the version produced as highly understandable in Italian. Further steps, such as the subsequent validation of its psychometric properties, are needed to employ this translation in a clinical setting.

Measuring refugees’ capabilities: translation, adaptation, and valuation of the OxCAP-MH into Juba Arabic for use among South Sudanese male refugees in Uganda

BackgroundForcibly displaced populations are highly vulnerable to psychosocial distress and mental disorders, including alcohol misuse. In an ongoing trial that seeks to develop a transdiagnostic intervention addressing psychological distress and alcohol use disorders among conflict-affected populations, we will carry out a cost-effectiveness evaluation using a capability-based Oxford Capabilities Mental Health (OxCAP-MH) measure. The OxCAP-MH is a 16-item questionnaire developed from the Capability Approach, that covers multiple domains of functioning and welfare. The aim of the current paper is to present the results of the translation, cultural adaptation and valuation of the OxCAP-MH into Juba Arabic for South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda.We adhered to the official Translation and Linguistic Validation process of the OxCAP-MH. To carry out the translation, the Concept Elaboration document, official English version of the OxCAP-MH, and the Back-Translation Review Template were used. Four independent translators were used for forward and back translations. The reconciled translated version was then piloted in two focus group discussions (N = 16) in Rhino refugee settlement. A most important to least important valuation of the sixteen capability domains covered in the OxCAP-MH was also done.ResultsThe Juba Arabic version of the OxCAP-MH was finalized following a systematic iterative process. The content of the Juba Arabic version remained unchanged, but key concepts were adapted to ensure cultural acceptability, feasibility, and comprehension of the measure in the local context of Rhino refugee settlement. Most participants had low levels of literacy and required support with filling in the tool. Participants suggested an additional capability that is currently not reflected in the OxCAP-MH, namely access to food. Furthermore, discussions around the valuation exercise of the sixteen domains led to two separate importance scales, which showed relevant differences.ConclusionsIn this context, the OxCAP-MH was considered culturally acceptable. The valuation exercise proved cognitively demanding. Participants voiced confusion over how to answer the questions on the OxCAP-MH instrument due to low levels of literacy. These concerns invite consideration for future research to consider how measures such as the OxCAP-MH can be made more accessible to individuals with low literacy rates in resource poor settings.

Adapting and translating the 'Hep B Story' App the right way: A transferable toolkit to develop health resources with, and for, Aboriginal people.

In 2014 the 'Hep B Story App', the first hepatitis B educational app in an Aboriginal language was released. Subsequently, in 2018, it was assessed and adapted before translation into an additional 10 Aboriginal languages. The translation process developed iteratively into a model that may be applied when creating any health resource in Aboriginal languages. The adaptation and translation of the 'Hep B Story' followed a tailored participatory action research (PAR) process involving crucial steps such as extensive community consultation, adaptation of the original material, forward and back translation of the script, content accuracy verification, voiceover recording, and thorough review before the publication of the new version. Iterative PAR cycles shaped the translation process, leading to a refined model applicable to creating health resources in any Aboriginal language. The community-wide consultation yielded widespread chronic hepatitis B education, prompting participants to share the story within their families, advocating for hepatitis B check-ups. The project offered numerous insights and lessons, such as the significance of allocating sufficient time and resources to undertake the process. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of implementing flexible work arrangements and eliminating barriers to work for the translators. Through our extensive work across the Northern Territory, we produced an educational tool for Aboriginal people in their preferred languages and developed a translation model to create resources for different cultural and linguistic groups. SO WHAT?: This translation model provides a rigorous, transferable method for creating accurate health resources for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.