Need for Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self-Reported Health Measures: Review Study

Abstract

Background: Most of the self-reported health measures are designed in English speaking countries and according to western culture. Need arises for the tools of measurement in non-English speaking population and different cultural background. The purpose of the study is to highlight the need for either development of new measure or cross-cultural adaptation of existing measures according to differences in daily activities and considering the language. Relevance: Guidelines will help physiotherapists in deciding whether to develop a new measure or to adapt the existing one. Method: Literature was reviewed and studies were found out from search engines and databases like Google scholar, PubMed, Cochrane review from the year 1990 to 2019. Studies recommending need for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported health measures were identified. PRISMA and STROBE checklist were used for analyzing and reporting articles. Analysis: Studies were qualitatively analyzed. Method implied in translation and adaption process were critically reviewed. Scenarios in which language and cultural difference exist were ruled out. Guidelines and criteria for cross-cultural adaptation were found out. Results: The current study shows that cross-cultural adaptation saves resources. It is also less extensive and offers standard measure for assessment. However, extensive guidelines must be followed and adapted tool must undergo validation process. Conclusion: Cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported health measure is advisable as compared to the development of new measure.