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Jacob E1, Swai E1,2
1Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Physiotherapy, Moshi, Tanzania, 2Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Physiotherapy, Moshi, Tanzania
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a condition of high prevalence and the burden of pain related disability is a public health concern in Tanzania. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) has been extensively used and validated outcome measure for disability in LBP. However, no validated Swahili version of the instrument was in place when the study was launched. In general, paucity of culturally adopted and validated instruments for LBP in Swahili speaking patients is unquestionable; thus, assessing psychometric characteristics of various instruments in Swahili language is recommended.
Purpose: To translate and culturally adapt a Swahili version of the Oswestry Disability Index and to validate its use in Swahili speaking patients.
Methods: The design was translation and cross - cultural adaptation of ODI. A cross - sectional study design was used to assess validity and reliability of the Swahili version of ODI. Validity and reliability of Swahili version of ODI was assessed by recruiting a sample of 60 bilingual adult patients with LBP for at least 6 weeks. Internal consistency reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) and item total correlation. Construct validity was assessed by Pearson's product moment correlation (r) of Swahili version of ODI with original ODI and visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Twenty six male (43.3%) and 34(56.7%) female adults with LBP were involved; their mean age was 46(±11.9) years. Majority 35(58.3) had LBP for more than 12 weeks and a quarter presented with severe pain related disability. Good and acceptable internal consistency reliability of Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.73) was found, with positive item correlation among items of the scale. The Swahili version of ODI showed high positive correlation with the original ODI (r = 0.98; P 0.001) and relatively moderate positive correlation with VAS (r = 0.45; P 0.001).
Conclusion(s): The process of translation, cross - cultural adaptation of the Swahili version of ODI 2.1a was successful, showing a good and acceptable internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Thus, the Swahili ODI is acceptable to be used for assessment and evaluation of outcome of intervention in clinical practice.
Implications: Oswestry Disability Index is the first translated and culturally adopted instrument for assessing LBP related disability in Swahili speaking patients. We recommend frequent use of the instrument in clinical settings. Moreover, wide range of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, may use the instruments in their clinical practice. The availability of this version of ODI online is expected to stimulate further reliability studies and translation of more outcome measures in Swahili language.
Keywords: Oswestry disability index, Low back pain, Swahili
Funding acknowledgements: Higher Education Students Loan Board
Purpose: To translate and culturally adapt a Swahili version of the Oswestry Disability Index and to validate its use in Swahili speaking patients.
Methods: The design was translation and cross - cultural adaptation of ODI. A cross - sectional study design was used to assess validity and reliability of the Swahili version of ODI. Validity and reliability of Swahili version of ODI was assessed by recruiting a sample of 60 bilingual adult patients with LBP for at least 6 weeks. Internal consistency reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) and item total correlation. Construct validity was assessed by Pearson's product moment correlation (r) of Swahili version of ODI with original ODI and visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: Twenty six male (43.3%) and 34(56.7%) female adults with LBP were involved; their mean age was 46(±11.9) years. Majority 35(58.3) had LBP for more than 12 weeks and a quarter presented with severe pain related disability. Good and acceptable internal consistency reliability of Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.73) was found, with positive item correlation among items of the scale. The Swahili version of ODI showed high positive correlation with the original ODI (r = 0.98; P 0.001) and relatively moderate positive correlation with VAS (r = 0.45; P 0.001).
Conclusion(s): The process of translation, cross - cultural adaptation of the Swahili version of ODI 2.1a was successful, showing a good and acceptable internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Thus, the Swahili ODI is acceptable to be used for assessment and evaluation of outcome of intervention in clinical practice.
Implications: Oswestry Disability Index is the first translated and culturally adopted instrument for assessing LBP related disability in Swahili speaking patients. We recommend frequent use of the instrument in clinical settings. Moreover, wide range of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, may use the instruments in their clinical practice. The availability of this version of ODI online is expected to stimulate further reliability studies and translation of more outcome measures in Swahili language.
Keywords: Oswestry disability index, Low back pain, Swahili
Funding acknowledgements: Higher Education Students Loan Board
Topic: Outcome measurement; Musculoskeletal: spine; Disability & rehabilitation
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Kilimanjaro Chrisitian Medical University College (KCMCUCo)
Ethics committee: Faculty of rehabilitation medicine research ethics committee & author copyright
Ethics number: TU/KCMUCo/BSc.PHYSIO/2013/17/135 and agreement #73469
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
