Translation and Content Validation of the Dementia Communication Difficulties Scale (DCDS) in Bahasa Melayu

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The impact of communication challenges on dementia patients’ quality of life is profound and multifaceted. Originally designed in the English language, the Dementia Communication Difficulties Scale (DCDS) required translation and content validation to suit the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of Malaysia, where culturally appropriate assessment tools are essential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translation of DCDS into Bahasa Melayu was done using a careful, methodical approach consisting of five stages: (1) forward translation, (2) synthesis, (3) backward translation, (4) expert review, and (5) cognitive debriefing. Cultural adaptation was done by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. The Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were used by medical professionals to confirm and measure the content validity. RESULTS: The translated DCDS is evidenced to have excellent content validity by achieving an I-CVI score of 0.95 and 0.96 on relevance and clarity, respectively. The translation and its linguistic and cultural updates ensured the DCDS is suitable in a clinical setting and appropriately relevant for the multicultural Malaysian population. CONCLUSION: The DCDS in Bahasa Melayu has content validity in assessing communication problems among dementia patients in Malaysia. The DCDS has the potential to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients, yet its clinical applicability is limited, and more psychometric assessments (reliability and construct validity) are needed to establish its true value.