BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)–English is a valid and reliable instrument for disability measurement in low back pain (LBP) patients. There is no existing ODI–Ilokano that evaluates LBP patients. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the ODI–English into Ilokano.

The ODI–English was cross-culturally adapted into Ilokano through a process that included forward translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, expert committee review, and testing of the pre-final version.

Forward translation focused on capturing the essence of terms related to pain intensity, personal care, and daily activities, achieving consensus on phrases that accurately mirrored the original English meanings. Subsequent synthesis refined these translations, emphasizing idiomatic and conceptual equivalence over literal interpretations, particularly in nuanced areas like sleep disturbance and social life activities. Backward translation processes aligned Ilokano and English terms, especially for pain intensity and personal care, ensuring consistency across languages. The expert committee review addressed spelling, word choice, and sentence structure, making strategic adjustments for cultural relevance. Pilot testing with participants from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, Philippines highlighted comprehension challenges with specific terms, leading to adaptations like replacing 'milya' and 'yarda' with metric units and retaining culturally sensitive terms with supplementary English explanations.

This study refined the ODI–English into a culturally adapted Ilokano version, focusing on semantic, idiomatic, and cultural equivalence. Incorporating pilot testing feedback, such as modifying measurement units and addressing sensitive terms, highlighted the thorough adaptation process. The collaborative translation efforts and diverse patient input ensured a culturally resonant ODI version for Ilokano speakers. This adaptation enhances physical therapy practices by improving patient assessments and advocates for adapting patient-reported outcomes to diverse cultures, advancing patient-centered care.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Myeloproliferative disorders are characterized by symptoms that can potentially impair the quality of life of our Filipino patients. The Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form-Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) is used to determine symptoms at baseline and during treatment. A validated Filipino version of this questionnaire would be a helpful tool in assessing the burden of symptoms of Filipino patients with MPN. Understanding the symptom burden and symptom experience of patients with MPN is needed in developing a comprehensive wholistic management plan that addresses the physical and emotional aspects of a chronic disease such as MPN. This study aimed to translate the MPN-SAF TSS to the Filipino language.

Translation, validation, and reliability testing of the MPN-SAF TSS was done following the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines for linguistic translation and validation.

No major discrepancies were found on forward and backward translation of the MPN-SAF TSS tool. The 0-10 scoring scale (where 0 = absent/as good as it can be and 10 = worst imaginable/daily/as bad as it can be) was deemed appropriate and was retained. Content and face validity as evaluated by Filipino hematologists showed that majority of the translated questions were relevant. Some words were further improved according to their valid recommendations. Ten MPN patients voluntarily answered the updated Filipino version of the questionnaire for face validity and cognitive debriefing was done to further refine the translation according to the patient’s perspective. The back translation was identical to the original versions of MPN-SAF TSS.

Validity and reliability testing of the revised and translated MPN-SAF TSS among 30 patients with MPN demonstrated that the MPN-SAF TSS Filipino version was conceptually equivalent with the English version, with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.89); excellent reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98 and convergent validity of r=0.77. 

The Filipino version of the MPN-SAF TSS was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable tool in evaluating the symptom burden of Filipino patients with MPN.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to map the different comprehensive and coordinated school health program (CCSHP) components and topics of published school health research in the Philippines in order to identify gaps and areas with sufficient depth for future research direction.

Databases (PubMed and Herdin), and website (https://ejournals.ph) were searched for published studies on school health in context of Philippine school. Identified records were deduplicated, screened, and assessed for eligibility for inclusion. Information on the characteristics of the published studies were extracted and were presented as frequency and percentages. CCSHP components and topics were mapped in a tree map.

Two hundred sixteen (216) studies were included for characterization and mapping. The two most common school health component studied was counselling, psychological and social services, and health services, with the corresponding topics mental health and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. There were gaps on the topic delivery of services, and school-home-community coordination.

There is an abundance of researches about mental health in Philippine school setting. On the other hand, there is paucity of researches in delivery of health services and school-home-community coordination. Mental health, including suicide and bullying, warrants a systematic review to provide evidences for policy creation. Further studies are needed regarding delivery of services, and school-home-community coordination.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Stigma remains a profound barrier to public health, particularly in managing diseases such as Hepatitis B, which is highly prevalent in hyperendemic regions like the Philippines. The social stigma associated with such health conditions can severely limit access to care and hinder adherence to treatment, exacerbating the overall disease burden. Despite the critical impact of stigma on health outcomes, there is a notable gap in the systematic evaluation of the tools used to measure stigma related to health conditions like Hepatitis B. This study aims to fill this gap by reviewing existing instruments for their methodologies, reliability, and validity to inform the development of a refined tool tailored to the Philippine context.

A systematic search was conducted across six databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Open Grey, DissOnline, Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR), and Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN), following PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy focused on identifying quantitative and mixed-methods studies using questionnaires to measure HBV-related stigma and discrimination. Studies published between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2023, were considered. The selection process involved screening for duplicates, reviewing titles and abstracts, and performing a full-text review based on predetermined eligibility criteria.

The initial search yielded 1,198 articles, with 24 duplicates removed. After title and abstract screening, 28 articles were considered for full-text review, resulting in 17 relevant articles in the final analysis with 15 unique instrumentations. The majority of studies employed cross-sectional designs (n=8), with a significant concentration in Asian countries (n=11), indicating a regional focus in HBV stigma research. The review identified a range of questionnaire methodologies, but most studies lacked specificity regarding the type of stigma measured. The Likert Scale was the most commonly used measurement tool, yet few studies provided cut-off values for stigma levels. Validity and reliability testing was reported in 12 articles, including pilot studies, Cronbach’s alpha, and factor analysis.

The lack of a universal methodology and specificity in existing instruments underscores the importance of developing a refined tool that can accurately capture the nuances of stigma and discrimination associated with HBV. The urgent need for standardized, reliable, and culturally sensitive questionnaires is evident, underscoring their importance in developing effective public health strategies and improving treatment outcomes for individuals living with HBV, especially in the Philippines.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)–English is a valid and reliable instrument for disability measurement in low back pain (LBP) patients. There is no existing ODI–Ilokano that evaluates LBP patients. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the ODI–English into Ilokano.

The ODI–English was cross-culturally adapted into Ilokano through a process that included forward translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, expert committee review, and testing of the pre-final version.

Forward translation focused on capturing the essence of terms related to pain intensity, personal care, and daily activities, achieving consensus on phrases that accurately mirrored the original English meanings. Subsequent synthesis refined these translations, emphasizing idiomatic and conceptual equivalence over literal interpretations, particularly in nuanced areas like sleep disturbance and social life activities. Backward translation processes aligned Ilokano and English terms, especially for pain intensity and personal care, ensuring consistency across languages. The expert committee review addressed spelling, word choice, and sentence structure, making strategic adjustments for cultural relevance. Pilot testing with participants from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, Philippines highlighted comprehension challenges with specific terms, leading to adaptations like replacing 'milya' and 'yarda' with metric units and retaining culturally sensitive terms with supplementary English explanations.

This study refined the ODI–English into a culturally adapted Ilokano version, focusing on semantic, idiomatic, and cultural equivalence. Incorporating pilot testing feedback, such as modifying measurement units and addressing sensitive terms, highlighted the thorough adaptation process. The collaborative translation efforts and diverse patient input ensured a culturally resonant ODI version for Ilokano speakers. This adaptation enhances physical therapy practices by improving patient assessments and advocates for adapting patient-reported outcomes to diverse cultures, advancing patient-centered care.

The acupoint name is a core term in traditional Chinese medicine and has its own mysterious and abstruse feature. Designated by the international organizations such as World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, World Health Organization, the phonetic translation method has been adopted for the standardization of acupuncture nomenclature. But this method neglects the cultural attributes of acupoint names. The liberal translation should be considered appropriately. English translation of acupoint name should be composed of two steps, intralingual translation (exegesis) and interlingual translation. During exegesis, the methods for discriminating phonetic loan character, selecting meanings and identifying character patterns should be sufficiently used. The interlingual translation is launched only after the fully understanding of acupoint names (based on intralingual translation).
Acupuncture Points ; Terminology as Topic ; Humans ; Translations ; Language ; Translating ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

This paper provides an interpretation of the "Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hyperammonemia" published in the May 2023 issue of the Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. The interpretation focuses on key aspects such as the neurotoxicity of ammonia, classification of etiologies, diagnosis, nutritional management, and pharmacological treatment. The aim is to enhance awareness about ammonia testing and emphasize that treatment should not be delayed while awaiting etiological investigation, thereby advancing the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hyperammonemia.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Hyperammonemia/etiology* ; Consensus Development Conferences as Topic

BACKGROUND: Self-care is increasingly recognized as the foundation of person-centered healthcare and a key driver for simultaneously improving population health outcomes and reducing healthcare expenditures. While the Self-Care Inventory (SCI) has been validated in several languages, Japan lacks a standardized instrument for assessing self-care in the general adult population. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the SCI reflects culturally specific self-care behaviors and retains its psychological measurement properties in non-Western contexts. Addressing both aspects, this study aimed to evaluate the Japanese version of the SCI (JSCI) in terms of its psychometric properties and its association with concrete health behaviors. METHODS: We adapted the JSCI following COSMIN guidelines using forward/backward translation, expert review, and cognitive debriefing. Psychometric evaluation was based on two samples: a nationwide web-based survey (n = 504) and a community-based paper survey (n = 75). Structural validity was examined via CFA; internal consistency via Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega; and test-retest reliability via ICCs. Convergent and criterion validity were assessed through correlations with relevant psychological constructs. Measurement invariance and DIF across modes were tested, and associations with five external self-care behaviors were evaluated using AUC. RESULTS: The hypothesized three-factor structure of the JSCI was supported across both administration modes (CFI = 0.926-0.942; SRMR < 0.06), although some subscales had elevated RMSEA. Internal consistency was acceptable to high (α = 0.75-0.85; ω = 0.81-0.92). ICCs indicated moderate to good temporal stability. JSCI scores correlated with self-care efficacy and other related constructs, supporting convergent and criterion validity. Configural invariance was confirmed, and no significant DIF was detected across modes. JSCI scores modestly discriminated individuals engaging in concrete self-care behaviors such as physical activity, strength training, Helicobacter pylori testing, and having a regular primary or dental care provider (AUCs = 0.62-0.80). CONCLUSIONS The JSCI demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and structural validity across diverse research settings. Its observed associations with a range of meaningful self-care behaviors support the scale's ecological and practical relevance in the Japanese context. The JSCI may serve as a reliable tool for evaluating and promoting self-care in both research and population health initiatives.
Humans ; Japan ; Self Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Psychometrics ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Health Behavior ; Translations ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVES: Pelvic floor dysfunction is common among pregnant and postpartum women and significantly impacts quality of life. This study aims to translate the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire for Pregnant and Postpartum Women into Chinese and to evaluate its reliability and validity in the Chinese population. METHODS: The questionnaire was translated using the Brislin model. A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant and postpartum women to assess the content validity, construct validity, Cronbach's α coefficient, test-retest reliability, and split-half reliability of the Chinese version. RESULTS: A total of 72 women were included, with 6.9% being pregnant and 93.1% postpartum; the age was (32.3±3.6) years. The Chinese version of the questionnaire contains 4 dimensions and 45 items. The content validity index of individual items ranged from 0.833 to 1.000, with a scale-level content validity index of 0.977 and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) exceeding 0.90. The overall Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.891, with subscale coefficients ranging from 0.732 to 0.884 (all ICCs>0.70). The test-retest reliability of the total scale was 0.833, and for the 4 dimensions, bladder, bowel, prolapse, and sexual function, the values were 0.776, 0.579, 0.732, and 0.645, respectively. The split-half reliability was 0.74. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese version of the questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity, indicating its applicability in assessing pelvic floor dysfunction and associated risk factors during pregnancy and postpartum.
Humans ; Female ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Postpartum Period ; Psychometrics ; Pelvic Floor Disorders/diagnosis* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Quality of Life ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Reproducibility of Results ; China ; Translations ; Young Adult

Objectives: This study aimed to map the different comprehensive and coordinated school health program (CCSHP) components and topics of published school health research in the Philippines in order to identify gaps and areas with sufficient depth for future research direction. Methods: Databases (PubMed and Herdin), and website (https://ejournals.ph) were searched for published studies on school health in context of Philippine school. Identified records were deduplicated, screened, and assessed for eligibility for inclusion. Information on the characteristics of the published studies were extracted and were presented as frequency and percentages. CCSHP components and topics were mapped in a tree map. Results: Two hundred sixteen (216) studies were included for characterization and mapping. The two most common school health component studied was counselling, psychological and social services, and health services, with the corresponding topics mental health and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. There were gaps on the topic delivery of services, and school-home-community coordination. Conclusion There is an abundance of researches about mental health in Philippine school setting. On the other hand, there is paucity of researches in delivery of health services and school-home-community coordination. Mental health, including suicide and bullying, warrants a systematic review to provide evidences for policy creation. Further studies are needed regarding delivery of services, and school-home-community coordination.
research ; publications