The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65476

Colleen M. Davison, MPH, OTC, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, 2-1028 13th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R0L6, Canada, (403) 245 1412, cmdaviso@ucalgary.ca

Significant improvements in information technology, communication and transportation have contributed to increased international collaborations, travel and multiculturalism. Although health related research takes place in many countries and with diverse groups, the majority of established measurement tools are Anglo-American in origin. There is a growing and significant need for culturally appropriate measurement instruments in health research. Cultural adaptation has been defined as the process that looks both at language (termed translation or linguistic validation) and the evaluation of psychometric properties of a measurement tool for use in new settings. An extensive review of relevant literature was conducted, and although many cultural adaptation methods exist, a gold standard method has not yet arisen. Appropriate methods, which could represent at least minimum standards, do not appear to be widely known. Three existing methods of cultural adaptation will be examined and discussed. The author argues for the establishment and dissemination of minimum standards, in relation to cultural adaptation of measurement instruments, which should be recognised by health researchers conducting multicultural and international work.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objectives-
• By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:
•  identify why the cultural adaptation of quantitative instruments is an important issue in health research
•  recognise terminology associated with cultural adaptation and translation
•  be aware of the difference between, and appropriate use of, symmetrical versus asymmetrical translation
•  understand the processes, strengths and weaknesses of three current cultural adaptation methods
•  identify potential minimum and gold standard cultural adaptation methods

Keywords: International Health, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.