Pilot testing and vernacular translation of the English version of self-reported EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire in an Indian brain tumor cohort

Background: Brain tumors (BNs) and their treatment(s) can lead to physical and functional impairments in several patients rendering them incapable of independent self-care. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) BN module is a 32-item questionnaire in English that measures the ability of BN patients to carry out activities concerned with an individual’s capacity to deal with his/her context including adaptive tasks essential for autonomous functioning in society. Materials and Methods: We performed pilot testing of the English version of the self-reported EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire in 10 BN patients with basic proficiency in English language. Subsequently, the questionnaire was translated into two commonly spoken Indian languages (Hindi and Marathi) using EORTC methodology. Translated versions were administered to 10 patients each (fluent in respective vernacular language) for pilot testing including pilot testing through semi-structured interviews. Results: Pilot testing of English version of IADL BN32 did not pose any major difficulty to patients leading to subsequent translation into both target languages (Hindi and Marathi). Reconciliated version of the translated questionnaires was arrived at after incorporating suggestions and proof-reading by EORTC translation group. During pilot testing of the reconciliated questionnaires, some patients found few vernacular words/phrases (in Hindi and Marathi) difficult to understand and recommended modifications/corrections which were incorporated in the final translated versions for further validation testing. Conclusion: We have successfully translated the patient version of EORTC IADL-BN32 questionnaire into Hindi and Marathi languages using standardized methodology.