Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of The Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Access Cosmesis Scale into European Portuguese
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI25.78.43475Keywords:
arteriovenous fistula, renal dialysis, body image, validation studies as topic, questionnaires, patient reported outcome measuresAbstract
Background: The cosmesis of vascular access (VA) is a subjective yet clinically relevant aspect of hemodialysis (HD), influencing body image, self-esteem, and adherence to the treatment regime. The Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Access Cosmesis Scale (AVACS) is the only known instrument that evaluates this aesthetic perception.
Objective: To carry out the translation, cultural adaptation, content validity, pretesting, and face validity of the AVACS into European Portuguese.
Methodology: A three-phase methodological study: (1) translation and cultural adaptation; (2) content validity assessment with 14 experts; (3) pretest with 20 patients and 20 healthcare professionals and face validity assessment through semi-structured interviews.
Results: The Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Access Cosmesis Scale – Portuguese version (AVACS-PT) achieved linguistic equivalence with the original version. The items had a Content Validity Index = 0.80 and an excellent Kappa Coefficient. The pretest and face validity demonstrated the clarity, relevance, and clinical applicability of the Portuguese version of the scale.
Conclusion: The AVACS-PT is linguistically and culturally equivalent, clear, and valid for assessing the cosmesis of arteriovenous VA in HD patients in Portugal.
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References
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