OBJECTIVES: Prior to use in an international clinical trial in 15 countries involving individuals suffering from HIV, the 87-item HIV PATIENT SYMPTOMS PROFILE (HPSP), underwent linguistic validation in 21 languages to ensure conceptual equivalence, cultural relevance and harmonisation across languages. Special care had to be taken when producing the 5 translations for Israel (Arabic, Amharic, English, Hebrew and Russian) to adequately address the nuances associated with the diverging cultural heritage of these languages. METHODS: The following standardized methodology was employed: after a definition of the original concepts by the developer, the translation process was coordinated by a specialist for each target language involving the following steps: 1) two forward translations by professional translators, native speakers of the target language and fluent in English; 2) comparison and reconciliation of the translations; 3) backward translation by a native English speaker; 4) comparison of source and backward version; and (5) comprehension test on 6 HIV patients for each language. RESULTS: Linguistic and conceptual issues emerged during the translation process in Israel, when addressing the issues outlined above. The most recurrent challenge was the absence of words in the target languages for specific concepts described in the English original. The translations had to resort to paraphrases and descriptions to provide the most appropriate approximation of the original notion in the target languages. Examples and their solutions will be described in the presentation. CONCLUSIONS: The 5 languages for Israel were produced according to a rigorous methodology to ensure conceptual equivalence, cultural relevance and harmonisation across countries whilst addressing the specific challenges of multiple languages spoken in one country. The rigorous methodology used to translate the HPSP will be necessary for the future psychometric analyses once international data are obtained for this instrument.

Brunel V, Salmassi L. Translation of the hiv patient symptoms profile into 5 languages spoken in Israel. Value in Health. 2009;12(7):A431.

https://www.valueinhealthjournal.com/article/S1098-3015(10)75130-5/abstract