Adapting the distress thermometer for cross-cultural research: a method enhanced by Mexican American undergraduate research assistants.
Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans (MAs) need representation in cancer research studies to provide an empirical base for developing culturally relevant health care interventions. One factor that limits research with MAs is the lack of Spanish language measurement tools. Bilingual, bicultural student research assistants (RAs), working with faculty researchers and translation consultants, adapted the English version Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT-PL) tool into the Spanish language. Additionally, RAs assessed tool feasibility with five MA women to determine its usefulness for a later study. The translation process resulted in a distress assessment instrument suitable for use in a low-literacy, Spanish-speaking population. RAs can enhance a process of adapting a measurement tool for use in research. Health care researchers should now pilot the Spanish DT-PL tool to assess its reliability and validity.
Texas Christian University, USA.
Jo Nell
JN
Wells
Tracy J
TJ
Dietz
D000328:Adult; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017058:Mexican Americans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019303:Multilingualism; D012108:Research Personnel; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014175:Translating; D000078329:Workforce