Abstract:
Abstract: The objective of this study was to translate and test the
reliability and validity of the Sinhala (Sri Lankan native language)
version of the UFS-QOL. This study was carried out by following
two main steps. First step included the translation process and the
second step focused on the validation of the translation process
of UFS-QOL which was conducted at clinical setup. In the step I
of the study, several minor linguistic differences were identified
between two forward translations. Some of the items showed
considerable variation, especially in question no 1, 9, 23 and 28.
The pre- final version of the Sinhala translated questionnaire was
tested on 30 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids in Step II.
All items had a 100% response rate and no participant experienced
difficulty completing the questionnaire. Out of 30 participants 4
subjects (13%) were unclear with item 33 on the exact meaning
of the question. After discussing with the expert committee on all
the issues rose at clinical setup the questionnaire was modified
and finalized. Statistical analysis shows Cronbach Alpha value is
greater than 0.7, reflect adequate internal consistency. Hence, data
and question/translations are reliable. Understanding the UFSQOL context to the people is acceptable and translation work is
at satisfactory level. This study shows that the Sinhala translated
version of UFS-QOL was linguistically reliable and valid QOL
measure for use in Sinhala speaking community in Sri Lanka.
Levels of compliance were good indicating that the instrument
was well accepted by patients. It could be used in clinical and
epidemiological researches on uterine fibroids as an acceptable
tool
