Cross-cultural adaptation process and pilot testing of the Arabic version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-Arabic)

Background The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) is a self-administered upper extremity outcome measure questionnaire that has been demonstrated to have sound psychometric properties and wide popularity. It has been cross-culturally adapted and translated into numerous other languages. Objectives This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the DASH into Arabic and pilot test the Arabic version. Method The cross-culturally adapted DASH translated into Arabic was self-administered by 40 Arabic clients with a range of upper extremity conditions. Each client was interviewed face-to-face to assess the relevance of instructions/items to the Arabic language and culture. Face and content validity as well as internal consistency were assessed. Pilot testing of the DASH-Arabic was then performed with 20 Arabic clients with different upper extremity conditions. Results Clarity and understanding of the written language, language barriers, cultural considerations and construction of items were successfully addressed. The cross-culturally adapted DASH showed adequate face and content validity as well as a high internal consistency reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). Pilot testing of the DASH-Arabic showed that items were easily understood without any difficulty in wordings reported. Conclusion Further assessments of psychometric properties of the DASH-Arabic are recommended. Implications for hand therapy practice and research were presented.