[Translation and cultural adaptation of the quality of life assessment instrument for chronic renal patients (KDQOL-SF)].

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to translate from English into Portuguese and to perform cultural adaptation of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form--KDQOL-SF to make possible its validation in Brazil.
METHODS: This instrument was translated from the original English version into Portuguese language by the authors and it was also translated by a certified translator and revised by a specialized translator who evaluated the level of difficulty for translation. Thirty end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis were randomly selected to participate in the study.
RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 47 +/- 9 years (23 to 60 yr), and the predominant education level was incomplete elementary school (1st to 8th grade=53%); 60% of the patients were female. The majority of patients (63%) were undergoing hemodialysis and the period of treatment within the last 30 days was 12 hours or more per week. The time of dialysis treatment was 0-2 years for 70% of the patients. The feasibility of the instrument and the difficulties found by the patients were evaluated by a panel of experts and changes were made regarding difficulties of comprehension. Some activities were substituted since they were not regular for the Brazilian population. There were modifications in expressions of translation for terms suggested by patients and Brazilian experts and, for five items it was suggested to include an explanation in parentheses. Common words used in the Portuguese language were chosen.
CONCLUSIONS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the KDQOL questionnaire to Portuguese were concluded, having been accomplished this important stage for its validation and use in our environment.