Backward Translation Research Articles

Development of a German version of a single-question restless legs syndrome screening questionnaire

Abstract Background The “Single Question for the Rapid Screening of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS Single Question) ©” is a questionnaire specifically designed to screen for restless legs syndrome (RLS). This research article describes the process of development and cultural adaptation of the German version of the questionnaire. Objective The primary objective of this study was to create a culturally appropriate and linguistically precise tool for evaluating RLS symptoms within German-speaking populations. Materials and methods The translation process involved meticulous forward and backward translations coupled with cognitive interviews conducted with patients to ensure the linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance of the instrument. Results The resultant final version of the questionnaire demonstrated an optimal level of comprehension and is anticipated to serve as an asset for the early detection and effective management of RLS among individuals who speak German. Conclusion The study highlights the successful development of the RLS questionnaire for the German-speaking context. Patient involvement in cognitive interviews proves pivotal in resolving minor comprehension issues. Its successful adaptation underscores the significance of comprehensive translation in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, ultimately enhancing patient care. Future research will explore the validation of the test in larger populations and its integration into holistic diagnostic strategies.

Translation and validation of Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale - Children and Adolescents (BDEFS-CA) in Azerbaijani

BackgroundDiagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders can sometimes be challenging, especially when the clinical presentation is different from what is normally observed. Evaluating executive functions can provide valuable information about children’s and adolescents’ mental states. There is no available executive function rating scale for Azerbaijani. From this perspective, there is great utility in translating and validating the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale – Children and Adolescents (BDEF-CA). For this research, we decided to use the short form of the BDEF-CA. The rating scale was translated into the Azerbaijani by a bilingual clinical psychologist and by a professional translator. After performing backward translation, the final version was prepared, read and approved by two professors in the psychology department at the university. The study population included 148 parents of children aged 6-17 years (78 males and 70 females).ResultsThe findings of this research support the validity and reliability of the Azerbaijani translation of the BDEF-CA short version (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficient were both greater than 0.9, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) results indicated an adequate fit).ConclusionThe short version of the Azerbaijani translation of the BDEF-CA could be used for assessing executive functioning deficits in children and adolescents.

Translation and validation of the Persian version of the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale (NPRS) for new graduate nurses

BackgroundThe clinical readiness of newly graduated nurses is crucial in meeting the growing demand for health services. Consequently, it is essential to develop a scale that accurately evaluates the clinical readiness of these novice nurses.AimThis study aimed to translate and psychometrically evaluate the Persian version of the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale (NPRS) for new graduate nurses.MethodsThis methodological and cross-sectional study was conducted on new graduate nurses from June to November 2023 in Kermanshah City, Iran. The translation of the scale was performed using the forward–backward translation method. Construct validity was assessed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with a sample of 180 participants and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with a sample of 318 participants, both employing the convenience sampling method. The internal consistency of the tool was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Additionally, the tool’s reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27 and LISREL version 8 software.ResultsThe results of EFA and CFA confirmed the tool’s structure, comprising five factors and 35 items. The CFA results showed a well-fitting model (CFI = 0.96, NNFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.893, RMSEA = 0.062, SRMR = 0.049). Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated a significant relationship between the items, subscales, and the main scale. Additionally, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the tool was 0.932, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.891(0.724–0.957).ConclusionThe Persian version of the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale (NPRS) is a valid and reliable tool, comprising 35 items and five factors. This scale can be effectively used to evaluate the clinical readiness of newly graduated nurses within the Iranian community.

Validity, Reliability and Psychometric Properties of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire among Physically Active Young Adults

Background: Exercise Dependence (ED) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable exercise behaviors leading to physiological and psychological symptoms. Valid assessment tools are crucial for identifying ED in understudied populations. The present study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) among physically active young adults in Iran. Methods: This psychometric validation study used a cross-sectional design with 200 participants aged 18-35 years (49% male, 51% female) recruited through clustered random sampling from sports clubs in Tabriz, Iran. The EDQ was administered between May-July, 2021. Validity was assessed through forward backward translation, content validity analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and testretest (intraclass correlation, ICC) methods. Ceiling and floor effects, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were also determined. Results: The EDQ demonstrated good content validity (CVI=0.88, CVR=0.73). EFA yielded a 7-factor model explaining 59.45% of variance. Key factors were withdrawal symptoms, exercise for health/social reasons, positive reward, interference with life, insight into problems, and stereotyped behavior. CFA showed moderate fit. Internal consistency was adequate overall (α=0.8) but lower for some subscales. The ICC confirmed good test-retest reliability (0.80, 95% CI 0.76-0.84). No ceiling and floor effects were detected. SEM and SDC were 0.52 and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that the Persian version of the EDQ is a valid and reliable scale for assessing ED.

Multicenter Validation of the English Version of the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec: a Cognitive Screening Tool for Atypical Dementias.

Early detection of atypical dementia remains difficult partly because of the absence of specific cognitive screening tools. This creates undue delays in diagnosis and management. The Dépistage Cognitif de Québec (DCQ; dcqtest.org) was developed in French and later validated in participants with atypical syndromes. We report the validation of the English version. This multicentre prospective validation study was conducted in 10 centers across Canada and the United States on 260 English-speaking participants aged over 50. We translated and modified the original French DCQ to add targeted stimuli to the Visusopatial Index and social cognition vignettes to the Behavioral Index. A backward translation was performed and equivalence between languages was assessed by administering both tests to 30 bilingual participants. Mean DCQ total score (out of 100) was 95.0 (SD = 3.6). Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a strong and significant correlation (r = 0.49, p < .001) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Test-retest reliability was good (Spearman's coefficient = 0.72, p < .001) and interrater reliability, excellent (intraclass correlation = 0.97, p < .001). Normative data shown in percentiles were stratified by age and education for a population-based sample of 260 English-speaking controls aged between 50 and 87years old. Similar to the French version, the English DCQ proved to be a valid cognitive screening test. The original version was very sensitive to detect atypical dementias such as primary progressive aphasias, Alzheimer's disease' variants and syndromes along the frontotemporolobar degeneration spectrum. This 20-min test can be administered à la carte and offers an alternative to detailed comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations.

Psychometrics assessment of clinical reasoning competency scale in nurses of critical care units

BackgroundNurses play a crucial role in identifying patients’ needs and assessing their clinical conditions to provide adequate and timely interventions. However, evaluating the clinical reasoning competence of nurses requires valid, specific, and comprehensive tools. The present study aimed to translate and psychometrically assess the Persian version of the Clinical Reasoning Competence Scale (CRCS) for nurses in special care units in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional, multi-axis methodological study involved 630 nurses from critical care departments in 11 Iranian hospitals. The original version of the Clinical Reasoning Competency Scale for Nurses (CRCSN) was translated into Persian using the forward and backward translation method. The psychometric properties of this scale were assessed using COSMIN criteria.ResultsEach item’s content validity ratio (CVR) ranges from 0.69 to 1, the Item content validity index (I-CVI) ranges from 0.82 to 1, while the S-w was 0.95. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the items load on three distinct dimensions—“plan setting,” “intervention strategy regulation,” and “self-instruction”—with loadings ranging from 0.621 to 0.912. These dimensions collectively explain 74.32% of the variance. Confirmatory validity was affirmed without necessitating the removal or reordering of items during the exploratory phase. The scale’s reliability was established with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.91 and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.92. Factor analysis was also conducted.ConclusionThe Persian version of CRCSN has been found to be valid and reliable in critical care units. Therefore, nursing managers can confidently use this tool to evaluate the clinical reasoning competence of nurses. They can also implement appropriate strategies, such as educational interventions, to improve their clinical reasoning skills.

Cross-cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability of the Persian Version of Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Adults

Background and Objectives: Back pain and neck pain are prevalent health concerns, emphasizing the importance of identifying effective risk factors for prevention. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate a tool assessing back and neck pain in adults, with a specific focus on body posture, to the Persian language. Methods: A methodological study was conducted involving forward and backward translation of the original English questionnaire into the Persian language. Face validity was evaluated with feedback from 30 participants, and content validity was determined using content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index based on expert opinions from 10 physiotherapy specialists. A total of 237 participants were involved in the study, with 90 completing the questionnaire again after one week for test re-test reliability assessment. Results: The Persian version of the questionnaire demonstrated high content validity with a CVR above 0.6. The Persian version had suitable face validity. Test re-test reliability, assessed using percentage agreement and the Kappa coefficient, revealed satisfactory results, with all percentages above 70%. Notably, the intraclass correlation coefficient for questions 16 and 20 was 0.898 and 0.878, respectively. Conclusion: The Persian version of the tool exhibits high validity and reliability, making it a valuable instrument for use within the Persian-speaking community.

Predictor Scales of Cognitive Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Individuals Surviving Cancer: Psychometric Properties of Turkish Versions

Background: Increasing physical activity in individuals surviving cancer is crucial in reducing treatment-related side effects and recurrence. Valid and reliable measurement tools are needed that will enable the factors affecting exercise to be addressed holistically and theoretically. This study aimed to adapt the Exercise Goal-Setting Scale, Exercise Planning and Scheduling Scale, Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale, and Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale into Turkish language and to explore psychometric properties of the Turkish versions of these scales in individuals surviving cancer. Methods: This methodologically designed research collected data from 153 participants at a hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. The scales used in the study were adapted to the Turkish language through forward and backward translation and expert opinion. Content validity was assessed with a 2-week test-retest reliability, Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient for stability, item-total correlation, and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The scales showed good content validity (CVI = 0.95-0.99). Internal consistencies were acceptable to excellent (Cronbach’s α = .79-.94), and moderate to good reproducibility estimates were observed (r = .67-.84). The MOEES factor structure also showed excellent fit. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the adapted scales evaluated are valid and reliable for examining physical activity based on social cognitive processes in individuals surviving cancer in Türkiye. The scales examined in the study can be used to determine the cognitive factors affecting activity and to plan effective programs when providing physical activity counseling to individuals surviving cancer in Türkiye.

Swedish Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist: An Instrument to Screen for Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Clinical Practice and Research.

The Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist (HNSC) is a validated 2-part instrument used to ask patients with head and neck cancer about the nutrition impact symptoms they experience (part 1) and how these interfere with their eating (part 2). The purpose of this work was to translate and culturally adapt the HNSC into Swedish in accordance with the guidelines of the International Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). The ISPOR guidelines include 10 steps, and these were thoroughly followed. In step 7, 9 health care professionals from the field of head and neck cancer assessed the perceived relevance (content validity) of each item in the HNSC, as well as the full HNSC. A total of 522 participants with head and neck cancer were included and followed up on 7 occasions using the HNSC to assess internal consistency. The HNSC was translated from English into Swedish, ensuring accuracy through forward and backward translation and harmonization in the research team. Content validity for each part of the HNSC was rated excellent (scale content validity index 0.96). Internal consistency demonstrated a good Cronbach's alpha score (>0.8) across the 7 follow-up time points (from baseline [before the start of treatment] and up to 24 months posttreatment). The HNSC has been successfully translated and culturally adapted into Swedish. The HNSC can be used in both clinical practice and research to screen for nutrition impact symptoms and symptoms that interfere with eating in patients with head and neck cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03343236 (date of registration: November 17, 2017).

The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Emotional Abuse Questionnaire

Objective: Intimate partner emotional abuse is a serious issue that can lead to catastrophic outcomes for victims. Emotional abuse involves psychological tactics to control, manipulate, and degrade a person within an intimate relationship. This research aimed to translate the Emotional Abuse Questionnaire (EAQ) developed by Jacobson and Gottman into Persian for use among Iranian university students. Method: The translation of the 66-item EAQ involved a meticulous forward and backward translation process, linguistic matching, and a pilot review. In this cross-sectional study, 346 university students from Rasht, Iran, completed the EAQ. The mean age of participants was 26.78 ± 8.10 years, with most being female (89.0%). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest analysis while content and face validity were assessed by a panel of experts. Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency measures. Divergent validity was assessed by comparing the EAQ with the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS). Results: Impact scores for face validity ranged from 2.33 to 3.92, based on respondents' ratings of frequency and importance. Content validity assessment led to removing four items with a CVR below 0.62, resulting in 62 valid items. The EAQ showed strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.97, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70. CFA results confirmed the validity of the second-order factor model of the EAQ (χ2/df = 4.34, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.098, SRMR = 0.077). The EAQ demonstrated a strong correlation with EMS measures, confirming divergent validity. Conclusion: The Persian version of the EAQ is a reliable instrument for assessing emotional abuse among Iranian university students. Future research should explore the cultural sensitivity of the questionnaire and investigate associations between emotional abuse and other variables of interest, such as mental health outcomes or relationship dynamics. These avenues promise valuable insights into the frequency and effects of emotional abuse across diverse cultural contexts.

Tobacco Craving Questionnaire Short Version: Translation and Validation in Urdu

Tobacco Craving Questionnaire is a very important measure and is widely used in many countries to measure tobacco craving among cigarette smokers. But unfortunately, most of the cigarette smokers in Pakistan do not know about English language and therefore it was a need to translate the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire into the Urdu language. Cross-Sectional survey design has been used. Forward and backward translation was conducted on a sample of 40 cigarette smokers. Both SPSS (Version-26) and AMOS (Version-10) have been used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and alpha reliability analysis were conducted on the scale. To verify the validity of the scale, 500 smokers were included in a sample and subjected to Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The scale's Cronbach alpha reliability was 0.73 which indicated satisfactory reliability. 11 items from the translated Urdu version of the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire were validated by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. In CFA item number 9 was excluded from the model because it explained zero regression weight. Reliability and validity were confirmed in the findings of the study of the translated Urdu version of the questionnaire. Tobacco Craving Questionnaire Short Version (TCQ-SF) among Pakistani habitual smokers has been verified by translation and cross-lingual validation of the Pakistani version of the scale and confirmed its cross-cultural use. The findings have significant implications for Pakistan's indigenous population.

Validation of the Jamaican version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) in adults: JAM-OHIP study

Background: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) is a widely used tool for measuring the effects of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). However, the validity of the OHIP-14 in the Jamaican context, referred to as the Jamaican Oral Health Impact Profile (JAM-OHIP), has yet to be established. Purpose: To determine the validity of the Jamaican language version of the OHIP in evaluating the OHRQoL of Jamaican adults. Methods: The original English version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was translated into the Jamaican language using forward and backward translation. The JAM-OHIP was used to evaluate the OHRQoL of 236 individuals at the University of the West Indies Dental Polyclinic. The overall fit was checked using a chi-square test (p &gt; 0.05), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker–Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR). Results: More DMFT (p &lt; 0.01) was associated with high JAM-OHIP scores, and the most impacted domain was physical pain. Cronbach’s alpha and the standardized item alpha for the JAM-OHIP were 0.82. The overall fitting results for the CFA were χ²(68) = 80.558, p = 0.142, and χ²/g.l. = 1.185. The CFI and TLI were 0.996 and 0.994, respectively. The SRMR was 0.072 and the RMSEA was 0.028 (CI95% = [0.000; 0.050]) p = 0.953. Conclusions: The JAM-OHIP instrument was shown to be reliable and valid for the assessment of OHRQoL in the Jamaican adult population.

Questionnaire Translation and Validation of Problem-Focused Coping in Increasing Work to Family Enrichment in Context of Laos

This study aims to translate and validate a questionnaire of problem-focused coping in increasing work to family enrichment in the context of Laos. The questionnaire is translated by using forward and backward translation process with two Lao bilingual translations: then this questionnaire is evaluated through three validity criteria (content validity, face validity, and construct validity) and reliability process. The findings show that the questionnaire translation is available locally, culturally acceptable, and conceptual equivalence for Lao language. Lao questionnaire version is fulfilled acceptable standards of validity and reliability analysis. This study suggests that the Lao questionnaire version is locally accepted to proceed for further actual study in Lao context.

Knowledge and practices on home medication storage and disposal in Syria: a population-based, cross-sectional study

BackgroundMedications are commonly found in every household. In Syria, where healthcare infrastructure faces significant challenges, improper storage can lead to reduced medication efficacy and increased health risks. Additionally, inappropriate disposal practices pose serious environmental concerns, especially in a region already grappling with environmental degradation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate storage and disposal of home medications.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 22 to October 20, 2023, using an online survey distributed via social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) in Syria. The questionnaire, adapted from a similar study in Saudi Arabia, was translated to Arabic using the forward–backward translation technique. A convenience sampling technique was used. Inclusion criteria were participants over eighteen with expired or unused medications at home. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 2,217 responses were analyzed, with the majority of participants being female (79%) and aged between 21–30 years (56%). The study found that 90.7% of respondents dispose of expired medications in the garbage, while 95% keep medications in their original containers. Additionally, 30% consult pharmacists for storage instructions, and 64% read storage information on medication leaflets. Logistic regression analysis revealed that males were less likely to check expiration dates before use (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.84) and periodically (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54–0.85). Participants aged 31–40 years were less likely to check expiration dates periodically (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–0.68), while those with children under six years old were more likely to do so (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.67). Males were also less likely to read storage instructions (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50–0.76) but more likely to ask pharmacists about them (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.57). There was no significant difference in these practices between medical professionals and the general population.ConclusionThis study reveals gaps in the practices related to the storage and disposal of medications among the Syrian public. The findings suggest a need for targeted public education and awareness programs to improve these practices and reduce the associated health and environmental risks.

Hindi translation and validation of the English version of the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale questionnaire: An observational study.

The gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) is a questionnaire in English language which is designed to assess the clinical symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcer disease. This validated scale has questions on around 15 items and has been validated in patients with dyspepsia and IBS. To translate and validate the English version of the GSRS questionnaire to the Hindi version. The purpose of the present work was to create a Hindi version of this questionnaire for use in the Indian population. The process involved various steps as per the World Health Organization methodology including initial forward translation, backward translation, and assessment by an expert committee. Initial pilot testing was followed by testing in healthy and diseased individuals. The Hindi translation was pilot tested in 20 individuals and further validated in healthy controls (n = 30, 15 females) and diseased individuals (n = 72, 27 females). The diseased group included patients with functional dyspepsia and IBS. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency on the final translated GSRS questionnaire was 0.715 which is considered adequate. Twelve questions significantly differentiated the diseased population from the healthy population (P value < 0.05) in the translated Hindi version of the GSRS. The translated Hindi GSRS can be used to evaluate gastrointestinal function in clinical trials and community surveys in Hindi speaking populations.

Translation and validation of the Thai Version of the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P)

PurposeThis study aimed to translate and validate the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers (JSQ-P) into a Thai version and to evaluate factors associated with sleep problems in preschoolers. MethodsThe cross-cultural adaptation of JSQ-P into Thai version of JSQ-P (TH-JSQ-P) was performed including forward translation, reconciliation, backward translation, and final approval by the original creator. Children aged 2–6 years from community and clinical settings were enrolled. The TH-JSQ-P was completed by parents of preschool children twice within 10–14 days to assess its reliability and validity. Six validity tests including face validity, content validity, structural validity, construct validity, criterion validity and predictive validity were assessed. Demographic data, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), medical and behavior problems, and socioeconomic status were collected for analysis. ResultsA total of 2613 participants completed the TH-JSQ-P, with 1207 completing it twice to assess test-retest reliability. The TH-JSQ-P had good internal consistency reliability and test-retest ability with Cronbach's alpha value of 0.898 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.814. The content validity was acceptable. The ESS had correlation with sleep problems in almost all subscales except for sleep habit. ConclusionsThe TH-JSQ-P is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating sleep problems in preschool children in Thailand. It has the potential to be extensively utilized to screen for sleep problems, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to identify them early and implement prompt management.

Psychometric evaluation of the Afaan Oromo version of the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale among Ethiopian women

ProblemThere is a lack of validated tools for assessing social support for Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice in Ethiopia. BackgroundValidating instruments ensures culturally appropriate and reliable data collection for effective research and interventions. AimThis study aimed to translate the exclusive breastfeeding social support scale into the Afaan Oromo language (EBFSS-AO) and test its psychometric properties among Ethiopian women. MethodsThe scale was first subjected to forward and backward translation before undergoing psychometric evaluation. Then, a cross-sectional study was conducted on convenience sample of 160 postpartum women. Content validity was assessed via Content Validity Index (CVI), and construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with maximum likelihood estimation. The scale's reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). FindingsThe CFA verified that the EBFSS-AO for Ethiopian women is a three-dimensional scale with satisfactory fit indices; x2/df: 2.76; Comparative fit index: 0.917; Tucker-Lewis Index: 0.902; Standardized Root Mean square residual: 0.061; and Root mean square error of approximation: 0.105. Item-level CVI ranged from 0.86 to 1.00, and scale-level CVI was 0.98. The overall scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95 while instrumental, emotional, and informational support subscales had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89, 0.92, and 0.93 respectively. After a 4-week re-test, the ICC yielded a value of 0.94. Partner support on EBF showed no socio-demographic differences except for income. ConclusionThe EBFSS-AO showed satisfactory psychometric properties, suitable for assessing social support among Ethiopian women in both research and clinical contexts.

Translation and Reliability of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) in Bell’s Palsy

Background: Bell's palsy, a sudden-onset facial paralysis linked to the facial nerve, is often poorly assessed in non-English-speaking populations due to culturally insensitive tools. The Facial Disability Index (FDI) is traditionally used but lacks adaptations for Urdu-speaking patients, leading to potential disparities in care. Objective: This study aimed to translate and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Urdu Facial Disability Index (UFDI) for assessing facial impairment in Bell's palsy patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed over four months, recruiting 203 Urdu-speaking patients with Bell's palsy from rehabilitation clinics. The UFDI underwent rigorous translation and cultural adaptation processes, including forward and backward translation and expert committee reviews. Participants completed the UFDI and the House-Brackmann Facial Grading Scale (HBFGS) for validity assessment. Descriptive statistics and reliability analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25, with Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest reliability. Results: The UFDI showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.77 and an ICC of 0.99, indicating good internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability. Spearman’s rho showed significant correlation with HBFGS (r = 0.508, p &lt; 0.05), confirming convergent validity. Conclusion: The UFDI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing facial disability in Urdu-speaking patients with Bell’s palsy, enhancing culturally sensitive clinical care.

Adaptation and validation of the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS) in healthcare settings of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundSince health literacy is known to be related to health outcomes, it should be measured to explain how it is associated with the health status of the population. Health literacy tools are designed to measure different dimensions of health literacy of individuals based on their objective. The AAHLS tool is comprehensive and can cover all aspects of health literacy. Overall in Ethiopia, there is no standard health literacy tool that has been developed or/and validated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to adapt and validate the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS) in healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia.MethodsA mixed-method, facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa city from February 1, 2022, to May 30, 2022. The study was conducted in three phases: forward and backward translation and expert review, cognitive interviews and survey administration. For the cognitive interviews, a total of 16 participants and for the survey administration, 199 participants were involved. Coding and analysis of the qualitative data were performed using OpenCode 4.03 computer software. Then, pretesting (survey administration) was conducted to check the validity and reliability of the tool. CFA was conducted using SPSS version 26 and Stata version 14.Results and discussionThe original three response categories were revised to five response categories based on the cognitive interview findings and expert reviews. The survey was administered to 199 participants, 55.8% of whom were males. The Kaiser‒Meyer‒Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.685, with a significant difference according to Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p < 0.001). After removing the empowerment factor model fit indices, the internal reliability and convergent and divergent validities improved. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit indices of the tool were satisfactory. The overall internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.71.ConclusionThe three response categories of the tool were revised to five response categories. The AAHLS tool was revised to include 10 items. The tool has exhibited adequate model fitness. The validated tool can be used for future health literacy assessments and interventions.

Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Meaning in Life Questionnaire (Ar-MLQ) among Prison Inmates in the Saudi Arabian Context

Objectives: This study aims to validate the translated Arabic version of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) developed by Steger et al. (2006) for use with prison inmates. Methods: The participants are 400 Saudi and non-Saudi prison inmates from the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia, 250 (62.5%) males and 150 (37.5%) females, aged 18 years and older. The researchers translate the original (English) version of the MLQ (Steger et al., 2006) into Arabic following forward to backward translation procedures, and the participants then complete the Arabic MLQ (Ar-MLQ). Further, then they examine the Ar-MLQ’s psychometric properties using reliability and factor analyses. Results: Our findings indicate that the hypothesized two-factor model of the MLQ fits the data well for the study sample. In the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), the two-factor solution is supported, and adequate reliability indexes are achieved. For the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the two-factor model (the MLQ-P and MLQ-S sub-scales) presents better goodness-of-fit indexes than the one-factor model. Conclusions: The findings suggest the Ar-MLQ’s applicability for further research on Meaning in Life in the Saudi Arabian context within similar groups.