Translation and Validation of the Persian Version of the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life Questionnaire (RC‐QOL): A Cross‐Cultural Adaptation Study

TL;DR

This study translated and validated a Persian version of a questionnaire to assess quality of life in people with rotator cuff injuries, ensuring it works well in Persian-speaking regions.

Contribution

The paper introduces a culturally adapted and validated Persian version of the RC-QOL questionnaire for use in Persian-speaking populations.

Findings

The Persian RC-QOL showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.84–0.88) and test-retest reliability (ICC 0.82–0.88).

Construct validity was confirmed with RMSEA = 0.04 and CFI = 0.97.

Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with DASH and WOSI questionnaires (ranging from −0.863 to −0.895).

Abstract

Rotator cuff injuries have a significant impact on shoulder function and life quality. The Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC‐QOL) questionnaire is a validated tool designed to assess this impact. This study aimed to translate the RC‐QOL into Persian, adapting it culturally, and evaluate its psychometric properties in Persian‐speaking patients.

The Persian version of the RC‐QOL was developed through a rigorous translation and cultural adaptation process, including forward translation, expert review, back‐translation, and pilot testing. The final version underwent thorough content and face validity checks. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach'α, test‐retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), construct validity was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent validity was assessed by correlating the RC‐QOL with the DASH and WOSI questionnaires.

Among the 176 Persian‐speaking participants, the average age was 38.01 ± 9.36 years. The Persian RC‐QOL displayed outstanding internal consistency, with Cronbach'α values ranging from 0.84 to 0.88, and strong test‐retest reliability, with ICC values between 0.82 and 0.88. Convergent validity was affirmed by significant correlations with DASH and WOSI questionnaires (ranging from −0.863 to −0.895, p < 0.001). Construct validity was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis, with favorable fit indices: RMSEA = 0.04 and CFI = 0.97.

The Persian version of RC‐QOL proves to be a reliable and valid tool for evaluating the quality of life in Iranian patients with rotator cuff injuries. Its successful cross‐cultural adaptation enhances its applicability in Iranian clinical and research domains, potentially extending to other Persian‐speaking regions.

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