Development and initial validation of a dual‐language english–spanish format for the arthritis impact measurement scales

Language, cultural, and educational barriers complicate efforts to validate health status questionnaires that have been translated into Spanish. To overcome these problems, a prototype dual‐language format was developed for the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. Validity testing with 72 patients diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis indicated high levels of test‐retest reliability, item‐to‐scale internal consistency, and construct validity for both Anglo and Hispanic subjects. A technique for developing and pilot‐testing a questionnaire written in a regional Spanish dialect is described. Linguistic considerations, questionnaire design, and other applications are discussed in light of the results obtained.