A pragmatic approach ensuring accuracy in language translation in tuberculosis research.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.
Rennie
Timothy W
TW
Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, 29-39, Brunswick Square, London, UK. timothy.rennie@pharmacy.ac.uk
Engova
Dita
D
Bates
Ian
I
D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000523:psychology