Hausa translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and assessment of psychometric properties of the motor activity log

Abstract

Aim

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Motor Activity Log (MAL) into Hausa Language.

Method

Forward and backward translations of the questionnaire were done by independent language experts who are fluent in Hausa and English language respectively. The experts reviewed the translation process according to Beaton’s guidelines. The psychometric properties of the final version were assessed using 68 stroke survivors.

Results

There was large (r = 0.932 for AOU, and 0.921 for QOU) and significant (p < 0.01) concurrent validity between the Hausa and English versions of MAL. The questionnaire has excellent and significant (p < 0.001) internal consistency between its individual items (r = 0.97 for AOU, and 0.93 for QOU), intra-rater (r = 0.98 for AOU, and 0.97 for QOU) and inter-rater reliability, (r = 0.806 for AOU and 0.789 QOU). For the unidimensionality, the infit and outfit mean square and standardized fit statistics values for the AOU subscales were (0.99, Z= −0.2) and (1.03, Z = 0.2) respectively; while for the QOU, they were (0.98, Z= −0.5) and (1.04, Z= −0.2) respectively.

Conclusion

Hausa version of MAL is valid and reliable at assessing real world arm use in stroke survivors.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The world is shifting towards Evidence Based Practice in the rehabilitation of conditions such as stroke.

• This entails selecting research backed treatment modalities, and tracking their efficacy using reputable outcome measures.

• However, these measures need to be valid for the particular population, culture or context.

• Consequently, the Hausa version of Motor activity log (MAL) can be used to assess real world arm use in stroke survivors who speak Hausa language.

Keywords:

• Motor activity log
• upper extremity function
• validity
• reliability
• Hausa
• rasch analysis

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the staffs of the physiotherapy departments of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital for their support during patient recruitment and application of the outcome measure.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.