The Hypoglycaemia Symptom Rating Questionnaire (HypoSRQ) is potentially
useful for local research on hypoglycaemia. However, it requires adaptation and
validation in local settings. This study reports the process and results of cross-cultural
adaptation and linguistic validation of HypoSRQ for Malay and English versions in
our local setting. The HypoSRQ underwent forward and backward translation and
adaptation with support from professional translators and a clinical psychologist.
Cognitive debriefing was done among patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
mellitus from varying sociodemographic backgrounds. Discussion was done
together with the original developers of the HypoSRQ to decide on the best version
for local use. The finalised versions were proofread and formatted with the help
of Health Psychology Research. Cognitive debriefing for Malay version involved 7
patients and for the English version5 patients. Direct literal translation into Malay
language was unsuitable due to technical terms which were difficult for laypersons
to understand. Amendments were made based on findings from the cognitive
debriefing process. Participants found the questionnaire fairly easy to understand.
The HypoSRQ-My (Malay) and HypoSRQ-EMy (English) is easily understood by
local participants. These tools may undergo psychometric evaluation for future
use in local settings.