Translation and Validation of the Malay Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (MPLC-5)

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly occur following exposure to traumatic events. Since its formal introduction into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 3rd Edition (DSM-III) in 1980, it has seen a few changes to its criteria. Currently in DSM-5, major changes was made and tools such as the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were developed to reflect those changes. Tools to screen and diagnose PTSD is invaluable to properly manage the condition, but to date no measure, in keeping with the DSM-5, has been produced for the Malaysian population. The objective was to translate the PCL-5 into Malay and validate it for use in the Malaysian population. Methods: The PCL-5 was translated according to guidelines. A convenient sample of subject were recruited from those attending the Orthopaedic Ward and Outpatient Departments due to injuries from motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Subjects completed the Malay PCL-5 (MPCL-5) on the day of recruitment and were then interviewed using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Two weeks later they were followed-up to again complete the MPCL-5. Results: 204 subjects participated in the study. The MPCL-5 was found to have good face, content and construct validity. It also demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = .89) and inter-rater reliability (r = .81). Conclusion: The MPCL-5 is a valid and reliable measure for PTSD to be used in the Malaysian population.