Adaptation and Validation of Clinimetric Tools: Validation Process and Transcultural Adaptation of the Fybromyalgia Participation Questionnaire to Spanish Patients

Abstract

Quality tools for the assessment of social and functional participation in patients suffering from fibromyalgia are few and far between. The Fibromyalgia Participation Questionnaire (FPQ) achieves reliable results in its original version in German and this project aims to achieve a translated, culturally adapted and validated version of it in Spanish.

The questionnaire has been translated according to the FACIT methodology and tested at the Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental (mental health department) in North Almería. Once the preliminary tests were carried out, the final version of the questionnaire was created. The final version underwent a validation process, during which its psychometric properties were analysed, and its reliability evaluated through internal consistency and test-retest, Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Several different types of validity were also analysed including external validity, construct and convergent validity estimated using correlation coefficients, content validity using empirical evaluation and discriminant validity using a DIF analysis. Floor and ceiling effects were also evaluated. The process in its entirety has been approved by the Comité Ético de Investigación Clínica (research ethics committee for clinical investigation) in Almería.

The validation of the FPQ into different languages will provide medical professionals with a new tool for the assessment of patients with fibromyalgia, which will allow for improved treatment methods based on results.