Cross-cultural adaptation of the colombian version of the caregiver quality of life index-cancer (CQOLC)

Abstract

Introduction: Most of the scales that evaluate quality of life in cancer caregivers have been designed and validated in languages different from Spanish which limits their utilization in Spanish-speaking population. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC), which evaluated this construct in this specific group, is the most commonly used instrument in assessing quality of life among cancer caregivers. However, it is not validated in Spanish nor in Colombia. Considering the relevance of this construct as part of the comprehensive treatment of cancer patients, we present the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the scale into Colombian Spanish. Methods: We obtained the author’s permission. Then, the instrument was translated and back-translated. After that, we executed a pilot test with a provisional Spanish version, in order to identify difficulties at understanding items. Results: Pilot test was executed in 21 cancer caregivers that visited the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología on May 2016. During the pilot test, there was difficulty at understanding the 5 th item of the scale. Therefore, we paraphrased it. There were not additional problems at understanding the other items, and the final Spanish version of the scale was released. Conclusion: The CQOLC in Colombian Spanish is available. Now, it is possible to use it in the ulterior validation process, in order to estimate quality of life in Colombian cancer caregivers.