Danish translation and cultural adaptation of the LYMPH-Q upper extremity lymphedema worry and impact on work scales

BackgroundBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) significantly affects health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). The LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity (UE) Module is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to assess HRQL in individuals with BCRL. Recently, two new scales, Lymphedema Worry and Impact on Work, were developed to expand the module’s comprehensiveness. This study aimed to perform a translation and cultural adaptation of these scales for use in Denmark.MethodsThe translation process followed best-practice guidelines from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The methodology included a forward and back translation, an expert panel review, and cognitive debriefing interviews with patients to ensure linguistic and cultural equivalence.ResultsThe forward translations revealed eight minor discrepancies in terminology, which were resolved through discussion. The back translation identified one item requiring refinement to align with the original English meaning. The expert panel participants suggested modifications regarding three items to enhance cultural relevance. Cognitive debriefing interviews with patients (n = 10) confirmed that the translated items were clear and comprehensible. The final proof reading led to minor modifications which resulted in the final Danish version of the LYMPH-Q Lymphedema Worry and Impact on Work scales.ConclusionsThe rigorous translation and cultural adaptation process resulted in a conceptually equivalent Danish version of the LYMPH-Q UE module Lymphedema Worry and Impact on Work scales. These scales will provide valuable insight into the occupational and psychological burdens of BCRL among Danish patients.Level of evidenceNot ratable.