Language adaptation and psychometric estimation of measures of fear of and susceptibility to prostate cancer among Haitian-American men

Abstract

Three previously validated instruments were translated into Haitian-Creole and Haitian-French. After face validity was assured, data were collected from 143 men to test the psychometric properties. Analyses determined that the translated scales are appropriate to measure fear and susceptibility to prostate cancer among this vulnerable population.

Background: Haitian-American men have a very high rate of prostate cancer, yet they generally do not participate in prostate cancer screening activities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to adapt, translate, and test the psychometric properties of two previously developed scales and one index to assure their appropriateness for use in research among Haitian-American men.

Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework was an integrated model consisting of a component of the health belief model, perceived susceptibility, and a component of the extended parallel process model, fear.

Methods: Three phases of research activities were conducted to translate the study instruments. Each instrument was translated into Haitian-Creole and Haitian French. Construct validity and face validity of the translated instruments were assured and data were then collected from 143 Haitian-American men.These data were used to determine construct validity and reliability as internal consistency.

Results: Psychometric testing determined that the translated scales and index had face validity, the index had content validity, and the scales were conceptually unidimensional. These analyses supported that the translated instruments were appropriate to measure the constructs among the target population.