Translation and cultural adaptation of the Illness Invalidation Inventory for use in Sweden

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study describes the translation and cultural adaptation procedure and guidelines for the Illness Invalidation Inventory for use in Sweden. Invalidation includes responses to negative social interactions and to the lack of positive social interactions, responses that can negatively affect health and suffering. Although invalidation is a recognized phenomenon, in Sweden no instruments exist that describe and measure invalidation. To this end, this study evaluates the translation and adaptation of the Illness Invalidation Inventory as an instrument for measuring invalidation in a Swedish context. METHODS: Internationally recognized ten-step guidelines were used. Both forward and back translations were performed. Patients from a patient organization for chronic pain were recruited and cognitive interviews were performed using concurrent think aloud protocols, probing techniques and observations of behaviour. Analysis of data collected from cognitive interviews was inspired by the generic response model and a centralized review procedure and thorough documentation was emphasized. RESULTS: Although difficulties regarding concepts were found, these issues were solved during the process. The Swedish version contains the same number of items as the original questionnaire. Four of eight items required revision after cognitive interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the importance of using guidelines to produce translations and to ensure validity and results. The results indicate that the Illness Invalidation Inventory can be used in Sweden to measure invalidation.