Translation and linguistic validation of the EORTC QLQ-PAN26 questionnaire for assessment of health-related quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis into isiXhosa and Afrikaans

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) parameters have become important components in the holistic management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and are now increasingly incorporated in treatment protocols. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) pancreatic cancer specific questionnaire (QLQ-PAN26) has also been validated for chronic pancreatitis (CP). The objective was to translate the EORTC QLQPAN26 questionnaire into and validate it for isiXhosa and Afrikaans.
Methods: Following the EORTC translation procedure, two forward translations of the English version into isiXhosa and Afrikaans were performed independently by two language practitioners for each language, followed by reconciliation of disagreements. A back translation of the reconciled version into English by a second pair of language practitioners was done. The results of all the steps were summarised with comments in a report for review by the EORTC translation unit. After proofreading by an external proof-reader chosen by the translation unit, pilot testing was performed on a cohort of ten isiXhosa patients and ten Afrikaans patients with PDAC or chronic pancreatitis. Results were summarised in a pilottesting report, and the final version approved by the translation unit.
Results: Thirteen patients diagnosed with PDAC and seven with CP were included in the study. The questionnaire was completed electronically (n = 12) or on paper (n = 8). Median age in the isiXhosa group was 53.7 (range 41–63) and in the Afrikaans group 60.9 (range 35–79). Questions 31–54 had a 100% completion rate, while 35% of respondents did not complete Q55 and Q56. Internal consistency was satisfactory in isiXhosa (alpha = 0.88) and Afrikaans (alpha = 0.89).
Conclusion: The EORTC QLQ-PAN26 used in patients with PDAC and CP has been translated and linguistic validation performed in isiXhosa and Afrikaans. Availability of a questionnaire in patients’ mother tongue should increase the validity of results.