Moroccan validation of the dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (DBAS-16) scale

Purpose

The international DBAS-16 questionnaire is an instrument that measures dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes toward sleep in the general population. It was initially developed in English in Canada by Charles Morin's team.

Objective

This study aims to translate and adapt the DBAS-16 questionnaire on beliefs and attitudes toward sleep into Moroccan languages (Tamazight and Arabic) and validate it on 174 participants.

Materials and methods

From September 2019 to March 2020, 174 Moroccan participants in three cities -Fes, Kénitra, and Khémisset- participated in the adaptation and validation of DBAS-16. We translated, adapted, and validated the test into Moroccan Tamazight and Arabic according to the recommendations of “Beaton et al.” We evaluated the acceptability, reliability, central tendency, and validity of DBAS-16 in the Moroccan Arabic dialect version.

Results

Acceptability and reproducibility were satisfactory. The internal coherence was strong (Cronbach α = 0.773). The average overall score (standard deviation) on the Moroccan DBAS-16 scale was 1.71. The sub-scale scores were 2.20 for Consequences, 2.07 for Worry/Helplessness, 2.75 for Sleep Expectation, and 2.23 for Medication.

Conclusion

Our study's results were similar to those of other countries. Moroccan versions of DBAS-16 will facilitate further studies on sleep attitudes in Morocco and elsewhere.