Translation and cultural adaptation of the ICC-compression questionnaire for Portuguese language

Abstract

Introduction: External compression plays a very important role in venous edema and lymphedema treatment, by promoting edema reduction [1]. External compression can be achieved by elastic bandages with different width and low stretch. In the maintenance phase, one layer bandage is applied during the day only [2]. Although compression therapy is important, inadequate compression in the topical area of the affected limb may deteriorate edema. It is also very important in achieving symptoms relieve and well-being [3]. A tool that can assess the comfort level is important for monitoring proper compression. The International Compression Club developed a Compression Questionnaire for that purpose [4]. The fact that it is not translated to the Portuguese language constitutes a limitation for the correct use of the tool by this population. It was our purpose to translate and adapt the ICC -Compression Questionnaire for the Portuguese culture.

Materials and methods: It was used the method of translation/back translation sequential form. The 1st version analysis was made through the Delphi computerized process, by a 5 expert physiotherapists panel (3 female and 2 male), to achieve the linguistic and cultural equivalence. This study follows all the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki

Results: The consensus and equivalence for both cultures was obtained after 4 rounds on the Delphi process. These results ensure the translation and adaptation for the portuguese culture.

Discussion and conclusions: ICC-Compression Questionnaire has demonstrated its linguistic equivalence to ICC-Questionário de Compressão in both cultures as well as the face validity to be used in Portugal. However, it needs future studies to ascertain the remaining psychometric properties and complete the validation process, namely the translated questionnaire should be tested on a small (pilot) sample (about 30–50) of the meant respondents, which allows the investigators to make sure that the translated items have the same meaning as the original ones. After the translated questionnaire pass through this preliminary phase, one should conduct a pilot test for (re)validation in the new population.