[The Diagnostic Interview Schedule in Spanish: its translation and adaptation in Puerto Rico]

Abstract

The process and results of the Puerto Rico's DIS Spanish translation and adaptation are described in this paper. The process is presented in the context of cross cultural research on psychiatric diagnoses and the translation and adaptation of diagnostic instruments for use across cultural boundaries. Several translation techniques were employed (bilingual committee, back-translation and instrument testing) to obtain an instrument in correct Spanish, comprehensible for most Spanish-speaking people as well as linguistically and culturally adapted to the Puerto Rican population. Its semantic, technical, contents and criterion equivalence with the English DIS were considered. The resulting instrument is not only a translation and adaptation of the original but it also presents some additional features which aim to enhance its diagnostic accuracy. A descriptive and quantitative comparison with the Karno et al's Spanish DIS version is also included as well as a discussion of its possible contribution to DIS transcultural use, specially in Hispanic cultures.