A pragmatic approach ensuring accuracy in language translation in tuberculosis research

Timothy W. Rennie, Dita Engova, Ian Bates

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: To research patient perceptions of medicines and illness in a multicultural setting, it is appropriate to translate research materials. However, the translation procedures should be valid and reliable to assure accuracy. Objectives: To translate into 3 languages-Turkish, Urdu, and Bengali-a research questionnaire investigating illness and medicines perceptions of tuberculosis patients and to validate the translation. Methods: A 4-stage protocol for the translation and validation of research questionnaires investigating illness and medicines perceptions was designed and implemented. This involved forward and back-translation, group-validation, and post hoc conceptual equivalence rating in 3 different languages. Results: The translation protocol was found to be very useful in identifying discrepancies between original and translated versions; a total of 83 amendments were required. Post hoc evaluations also demonstrated improvements for 2 of the 3 language translations. Some redundancy was apparent and an improved protocol was suggested by the authors. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that including a protocol for translation and validation of the translation is crucial to assure accuracy in multicultural research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)417-421
Number of pages5
JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Accuracy
  • Cross-cultural adaptation
  • Perceptions
  • Translation
  • Tuberculosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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