Understanding the Social Dimensions and Context in HIV Research: Instrument Adaptation is More Than Just Translation

Abstract

There is a shortage of health-related questionnaires developed specifically for African countries' cultural contexts and local languages. Researchers have translated some tools to the target local languages. However, poor-quality or even high-quality translation can lead to an instrument that is not comparable with the original language if linguistic nuances, and cultural differences are not considered. This can affect the validity and reliability of the research data. The objective of this commentary was to highlight limitations of the commonly accepted forward–backward translation approach and the importance of more rigorous cultural and linguistic adaptation processes in social and behavioral research related to HIV.