Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the bowel function in the community instrument

PURPOSE: We sought to translate the Bowel Function in the Community instrument into the Portuguese language and to culturally adapt it to Brazilian society. We also aimed to test the validity and reliability (content validity, and interrater and test-retest reliability) of this adapted version. INSTRUMENT: The original instrument comprised 70 items grouped into 6 principal areas: general bowel habits, fecal incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms, anorectal diseases and surgical history, medical care utilization, and potential contributing medical disorders. METHODS: The instrument was translated into Portuguese, and assessed by a committee of specialists. Content validity of the translated version was verified by testing and via feedback from a focus group. The adapted version incorporated both semantic and idiomatic alterations. The instrument then underwerit testing for interrater and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Interrater reliability testing revealed a 94% level of agreement between interviewers and researchers. Test-retest reliability testing revealed a slightly higher than 60% level of agreement when the same subjects completed the instrument twice, during a baseline measurement and a second time following a 1-week interval. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted version of the Bowel Function in the Community instrument demonstrates adequate validity and reliability for use in research in the Brazilian population.