Operationalizing the cross-cultural adaptation of epidemological measurement instruments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102006005000035Keywords:
Cross-cultural comparison, Semantic differential, Translating, Epidemiologic measurements, Diagnostic techniques and procedures, Validation studiesAbstract
The objective of the article was to offer an operational framework to assess cross cultural adaptation processes of instruments developed in other linguistic, social and cultural contexts. It covers the need for using robust measurement tools; the importance of 'universal' instruments that permit cross cultural fine-tuning; and stresses the need for adapting existent instruments rather than developing new ones. Existing controversies and proposals for different procedures in current literature are reviewed and a model for adapting instruments is presented. This synthesis covers the operational steps involved in evaluating concepts, semantic and operational items, and presents psychometric analysis guidelines that underlay an evaluation of measurement equivalence. Finally, the need for adequately controlling the quality of information presented in epidemiological studies, including a meticulous cross-cultural adaptation of research agendas, is reinforced.Downloads
Published
2007-08-01
Issue
Section
Special Article
How to Cite
Reichenheim, M. E., & Moraes, C. L. (2007). Operationalizing the cross-cultural adaptation of epidemological measurement instruments . Revista De Saúde Pública, 41(4), 665-673. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102006005000035