With the increase in research on the components of Body Image, validated instruments are needed to evaluate its dimensions. The Body Change Inventory (BCI) assesses strategies used to alter body size among adolescents. The scope of this study was to describe the translation and evaluation for semantic equivalence of the BCI in the Portuguese language. The process involved the steps of (1) translation of the questionnaire to the Portuguese language; (2) back-translation to English; (3) evaluation of semantic equivalence; and (4) assessment of comprehension by professional experts and the target population. The six subscales of the instrument were translated into the Portuguese language. Language adaptations were made to render the instrument suitable for the Brazilian reality. The questions were interpreted as easily understandable by both experts and young people. The Body Change Inventory has been translated and adapted into Portuguese. Evaluation of the operational, measurement and functional equivalence are still needed.

Background

Kleptomania is characterized by repetitive stealing and has severe consequences for patients. Stigma, a lack of standardized therapy and a limited number of assessment tools hinder advances in treatment. This study provides preliminary data on the Portuguese-language version of the Kleptomania Symptom Assessment Scale (P-K-SAS) and preliminary data on an outpatient program.

Methods

Experts in the field analyzed an initial P-K-SAS version, produced through translation/back-translation, in order to arrive at a final version. Eight patients currently on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and 10 patients under maintenance CBT were initially assessed, then re-assessed 6months later.

Results

The mean P-K-SAS score was higher among patients initiating CBT than among those under maintenance CBT (21.1±8.0 vs. 11.3±7.5; Mann-Whitney U=15.0, P=.024). The final version of the P-K-SAS presented excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.980; inter-item correlation, 0.638-0.907).

Conclusions

The P-K-SAS presented solid psychometrics and seems ready for use in assessing the effectiveness of treatments for kleptomania. The findings suggest that kleptomania patients need follow-up treatment that goes beyond the traditional 12-session structure.

This study aimed to describe the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and the analysis of conceptual, semantic, and instrumental equivalences and assessment of internal consistency of the Male Body Dissatisfaction Scale (MBDS). The study included the steps of (1) translation; (2) synthesis of translation; (3) back-translation; (4) review by experts - judges - analysis of the semantic and instrumental equivalences; (5) pre-test - assessment of verbal understanding of the instrument by specialists and male students; (6) analysis of the internal consistency by Cronbach's α coefficient. The MBDS was translated and adapted into Brazilian Portuguese maintaining its original 25 items, showed good verbal comprehension, and had an internal consistency coefficient of 0.92. The scale was translated and adapted with satisfactory results, thus confirming its initial psychometric qualities. The instrument requires further analysis of internal and external validity, and reproducibility.