CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC INVENTORY (NPI) INTO 74 LANGUAGES

Author(s)

Cummings J1, Giroudet C2, Dulac M3, Anfray C3, Vasarri S4
1Reed Neurological Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2Mapi, Lyon, France, 3Mapi Research Trust, Lyon, France, 4Mapi, Yardley, PA, USA

OBJECTIVES: The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was developed in US English to assess, through interviews with caregivers, ten behavioral disturbances occurring in dementia patients: A. Delusions, B. Hallucinations, C. Agitation/Aggression, D. Depression/Dysphoria, E. Anxiety, F. Elation/Euphoria, G. Apathy/Indifference, H. Disinhibition, I. Irritability/Lability, and J. Aberrant Motor Behavior. Two neurovegetative areas were added afterwards: K. Sleep, and L. Appetite and Eating Disorders. Screening questions assess the presence or absence of changes in behaviors in the patient. If the behavioral change is present, then, subquestions (n=7 to 9) are asked to evaluate behaviors in terms of frequency, severity, and distress. The objective of this study was to present the challenges faced during the translation of the NPI-12 into 74 different languages representing ten language families. METHODS:  The NPI was translated in most languages with a process including: 1) Concept definition with the developer 2) Forward/backward translation step; 3) Final reconciliation; 5) Clinician review; and 6) Proof-readings. RESULTS:  The translation process did not reveal any cultural issues since most of the concepts assessed were cross-culturally relevant. The psychiatric terms (e.g., delusions, euphoria, etc.) were carefully translated with the clinician input in each country. When a literal translation was impossible, synonyms or periphrases were used. Most of the challenges identified were linked to the use of idiomatic/colloquial content, such as the use of “talk big” in subquestion 6 (Does the patient “talk big”) in section F, or the use of “flying off the handle” in subquestion 1 (Does the patient have a bad temper, flying “off the handle”…) in section I. In some languages, idiomatic expressions were available to express the same notions. However, in many languages either a synonym or a circumlocution was needed. Examples are presented. CONCLUSIONS:  A rigorous methodology was essential in producing NPI translations conceptually equivalent to the US English original.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2017-05, ISPOR 2017, Boston, MA, USA

Value in Health, Vol. 20, No. 5 (May 2017)

Code

PRM137

Topic

Methodological & Statistical Research

Topic Subcategory

PRO & Related Methods

Disease

Mental Health

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