Translation and validation of the Role Checklist into the Malay version among retirees

Retirees undergo role transition after leaving their job. Hence, occupational therapists may assess retirees’ roles to identify their current roles’ satisfaction and anticipation. As Malaysian culture and language differed from the origin of the Role Checklist, this study aimed to translate and validate the Role Checklist into the Malay version cross-culturally. A forward–backwards translation was conducted, followed by pilot testing among 9 experts and 20 retirees. A cross-sectional study was done among 122 Malaysian retirees to identify the translated instrument’s test–retest reliability, discriminant and convergent validity. The Role Checklist – Malay achieved almost perfect Average Content Validity Index (0.95–0.98) and Average Face Validity Index (0.92–0.96), good to excellent test–retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.654–0.976, and moderate to perfect agreement of Cohen’s kappa (0.620–1.00). Additionally, there were significant differences in the total number of roles ( p < 0.001) and total desired future roles ( p < 0.001) between retirees living in the community and institution. The total number of roles was positively correlated with the SWLS – Malay ( rs = 0.593, p < 0.001), EQ-5D-3L – Malay ( rs = 0.366, p < .001) and MSPSS – Malay ( rs = 0.314, p < 0.001). The Role Checklist – Malay was a valid and reliable instrument among Malaysian retirees.