Preliminary Content Validation and Translation of the Modified Initial Measurement of Patient-Reported Pelvic Floor Complaints Tool Short Form in Kannada

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are globally prevalent conditions with significant regional variations, necessitating culturally specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Validated PROM, such as the Initial Measurement of Patient-Reported Pelvic Floor Complaints Tool Short Form (IMPACT-SF), quantify pelvic floor symptoms, but do not assess toileting behaviours or all the Rome IV criteria. Thus, the study aimed to adapt the original tool and translate the modified IMPACT-SF into Kannada. Methods: The study was conducted in three phases: (i) Phase 1: Adaptation of IMPACT-SF, (ii) Phase 2: Content validation of modified IMPACT-SF and (iii) Phase 3: Translation of modified IMPACT-SF to Kannada. This study followed the guidelines of the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) and those of Beaton et al. (Spine 2000;25(24):3186–91). The 11 experts were asked about comprehensiveness, relevance, sentence formation, clarity and suggestions during the content validation. The item- and scale-level content validity indices (I-CVI and S-CVI) were finalised following the third round of expert evaluation. Five female participants were included for the critical review of questions. The translation of the modified IMPACT-SF was completed following cognitive debriefing of 30 female participants. Results: The modified IMPACT-SF demonstrated excellent content validity (S-CVI 0.92–0.97). Minor amendments were made to the Kannada version of the modified IMPACT-SF. Conclusion: The modified IMPACT-SF was culturally adapted and content-validated; however, complete psychometric validation remains outstanding. As a preliminary screening tool, it addresses gaps unmet by existing PROMs, warranting field testing in a clinically diverse PFD population.