Smartphone application to report awake Bruxism: Norwegian translation and cultural adaptation

Abstract

Introduction: A smartphone application based on ecological momentary assessment reminding the patient to report awake bruxism (AB) behavior in real-time and store this information has been developed in a cooperation with more than 50 universities. Objectives: This paper aims to present the process of translating the application into Norwegian and consequently, presents the principles of the application. Material and methods: A collection of strings, sequences of alphanumeric texts important for functioning of the application as well as introductory guide were translated individually by two Norwegian dental students, using internet platform for translation (POEditor). The final translation was reviewed for approval and back-translated to English by a Norwegian dentist specializing in temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. The back-translation was compared with the original text by a member of the BruxApp team. Finally, the application was tested by an individual third party, a group of Norwegian dental students, emphasizing the language, cultural concurrence and the experience of the application. Results: After testing the application, some alterations based on a feedback were made to the translation to improve the language to be more natural and adapted to a Norwegian user. Several parts of the text itself were considered unnecessary or too advanced, therefore were simplified. Conclusions: The official Norwegian translation and cultural adaptation of the application was accepted by the international BruxApp consortium, which defines diagnostic standards and treatment in the field of awake bruxism. The application constitutes a valuable tool for diagnosis of AB in Norway.