Spanish version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and validation in nursing aides

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study is to translate, culturally adapt, and validate a Spanish version of the Nordic Musculo-skeletal Questionnaire for a sample of nursing assistant aides. Methods. The questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted. Next, it was included in a battery of tests that was completed by 526 nursing assistants working in residential care homes in the Principality of Asturias (Spain). To assess its valid-ity, the Exploratory Factor Analysis and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used. The internal consistency was estimated with McDonald’s Omega coefficient (ω), complemented by the test-retest reliability analysis through the intraclass correlation coefficient. The validity of the criteria was established by the correlation between total score on the test and quality of life measures, job insecurity and psychological demand, and social support at work. Results. The Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis adjustment indices confirmed it is a unidimen-sional test. The internal consistency values indicated very high reliability (ω = 0.81). Similarly, the intraclass correlation coefficient showed statistically significant values and an excellent correlation coefficient (r = 0.95). The validity of the criteria showed a statistically significant correlation with all the con-structs studied, particularly with quality of life. Conclusions. This Spanish version of the Nordic Musculoskele-tal Questionnaire has good psychometric qualities for a population of nursing aides and therefore may be a valid and reliable tool for assessing musculoskeletal disorders.