The process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of functional assessment tools for dementia: A systematized review

Freddie O'Donald*, Clara Calia

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Background and Aims

A decline in function related to impairment in cognitive abilities is required for diagnosing dementia. Cultural diversity influences everyday functioning, suggesting that functional assessment tools need to be culturally dependent. Therefore, this systematized review aimed to explore the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of functional assessment tools designed to support dementia diagnosis.

Methods

A systematic search of five electronic databases (CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO) was conducted from inception until September 2023. Quality assessment criteria were then utilized to evaluate the process of cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of identified functional assessment tools.

Results

Fifteen studies relating to adapted functional assessment tools in 11 languages were identified. It was found that less than half of these studies fully adhered to established guidelines for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of instruments. Regarding psychometric properties, while the internal consistency and reliability of included measures were generally strong, there was variability in evaluating other psychometric properties, notably structural validity, measurement error, and cross-cultural validity.

Conclusions

This review underscores the need for researchers and clinicians to follow standardized guidelines for translating and cross-culturally adapting functional assessment tools for dementia and ensuring the comprehensive evaluation of psychometric properties in cross-cultural settings. Researchers and clinicians should consider whether the psychometric properties and characteristics of an adapted functional activity measure are suitable for use in their population of interest.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere70289
Pages (from-to)1-22
Number of pages22
JournalHealth Science Reports
Volume8
Issue number1
Early online date7 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2025

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • cross-cultural adaptation
  • dementia
  • functional activity
  • measures

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