Review of the mais published cross-cultural validation guidelines for translation, adaptation and validation of questionnaries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22480/rev.unifa.2025.38.811Keywords:
Cross-cultural comparison, Validation studies, QuestionnairesAbstract
Musculoskeletal complaints such as pain, discomfort, stiffness, tingling, or numbness are common and globally prevalent, associated with decreased professional performance, resulting in absenteeism and
declining quality of life. This impact particularly affects military pilots of combat aircraft and rotor-wing
helicopters due to prolonged exposure to flight conditions causing muscle fatigue and increasing the risk of spinal injuries. Monitoring these complaints among Armed Forces aviators is complex, lacking
reliable surveillance tools for this purpose. The “University of Canberra Fast Jet Aircrew Musculoskeletal
Questionnaire (UC-FJAMQ)”, initially developed for Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilots, has demonstrated validity and robust psychometric properties, surpassing conventional injury surveillance methods. This instrument is now being transculturally adapted for use by Brazilian Air Force (FAB) pilots. This study aims to review guidelines on transcultural adaptation of questionnaires, addressing similarities and controversies in different stages of this process. The methodology included searching MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases using descriptors “cross-cultural” AND “adaptation OR translation OR validation” AND “instruments OR questionnaires” AND “guideline.” A total of 150 articles were identified, and three guidelines were selected for instrument adaptation: Beaton et al. (2000), Reichenheim and Moraes (2007), and Sousa and Rojjanasrirat (2011). The guidelines show similarities but differ in specific aspects, such as discussions with specialists and target populations to ensure equivalence.
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