Linguistic and cultural adaptation of the National Quality of Life Survey in Colombia for the deaf population

Abstract

This article reports on the linguistic and cultural adaptation of Items of the National Quality of Life Survey (NQLS 2018), which are included in a National Survey that explores the availability of reasonable accommodation for Deaf users in a health care setting as well as health care access. We document the cultural and linguistic adaptation step-by-step, guided by a literature review, participatory group discussions, and qualitative testing. This research addresses the dearth of accessible research instruments for D‍/‍deaf persons in low and middle-income countries. This lack of accessible tools leads to double layers of exclusion, and data gaps often lead to erroneous generalizations that do not accurately represent D‍/‍deaf populations. Evidence gaps may result in poor service planning and inadequate policymaking. This study contributes to good practices in language interpreting in research settings, disability research, and global health.