Posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Transcultural adaptation of the Brazilian version

Abstract

Background: DSM-5 introduced some modifications on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) criteria. The instruments developed for the assessment of aspects related to PTSD needed a reformulation, as was the case of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL). Objectives: To present the process of transcultural adaptation of the three forms of the PCL-5 to Brazilian Portuguese, as well as its face validity. Methods: The procedure involved independent translations, a synthesis version, back translation by an independent translator, evaluation by the original author, analysis by an expert committee, and a pretesting study (10 subjects with/without experience of a traumatic situation). The last two steps formed the face validity procedure. Results: The synthesis version was approved by the original author and the agreement percentage by the expert committee was excellent, with only two items showing < 90%. The pretesting study showed that the Brazilian version was well understood and linguistically and culturally accepted by the participants, which did not make significant suggestions for changes. Discussion: Transcultural adaptation of the PCL-5 for Brazilian Portuguese followed a rigid and standardized procedure. Therefore, after having its face validity assessed by an expert committee and by the target population, it is apt to be used.