TRANSLATION, CULTURAL ADAPTATION, AND SEMANTIC VALIDATION OF THE PEDIATRIC NEUROGENIC BOWEL DYSFUNCTION SCORE (NDBS) INTO BRAZILIAN PORTUGUESE AND A PILOT STUDY.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to translate the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score into Brazilian Portuguese, adapting it culturally and validating it semantically.

Methods: The process followed international guidelines for translation, back-translation, cultural adaptation, and semantic validation, involving a committee of specialists and a pre-test with 10 Brazilian pediatric patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction (mean age: 11 years). Participants were divided into two groups, depending on whether they used transanal irrigation for intestinal management. The translated version was evaluated considering its clarity, equivalence (Likert scale), Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance, and applicability.

Results: The Brazilian version of the pediatric Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score, presented here, showed high levels of linguistic and cultural equivalence (Kendall greater than 0.8) according to the specialists, after the second round of evaluations. Furthermore, participants understood the questionnaire very well (mean clarity on a Likert scale: 4.7±0.1). The groups were homogeneous for most variables analyzed. The score of Group 1, which used transanal irrigation, was found to be less severe than that of Group 2 (P=0.004). Group 1 showed more satisfaction with their bowel function control than Group 2 (P=0.008).

Conclusion: The initial validation of the pediatric Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score is a step forward in its integration into the national clinical context. The instrument was found to be reliable and viable for use in clinical practice and research, enabling standardized assessments and global comparisons. Its implementation will help ensure efficient neurogenic bowel dysfunction management and improve the health and quality of life of these children and adolescents.