Translation of health surveys using mixed methods.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a process-based translation method for a health survey instrument, Searching for Hardships and Obstacles to Shots (SHOTS), using a community-based participatory approach with the Hmong community. DESIGN: The study was based on a cross-sectional survey to assess the reliability and validity of the SHOTS immunization survey, an instrument used in the Hmong community, who are refugees originally from Laos living in the United States. METHOD: Process-based universalistic health survey translation methods were used in a six-step procedure to translate the instrument. Mixed methods were used to analyze results, including cognitive interviewing, content validity indexing, Cronbach's α, t tests, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. FINDINGS: Participants were able to accurately complete the SHOTS survey in either Hmong or English, depending on participant preference. CONCLUSIONS: Universalistic, process-based, mixed methods used to analyze language translation, in combination with the principles of community-based participatory research, provide effective methods to translate health surveys. Involvement of the community strengthens the quality of translation and improves reliability and validity of survey results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Healthcare providers require accurate and reliable information from evidence-based health surveys to plan for culturally responsive care. Cross-cultural research often relies on language translation. Translation of a health survey instrument may be improved with universalistic, process-based methodology.

Intimate partner violence: systematic review of literature focused on the cultures of Hawai'i.

Although research on intimate partner violence (IPV) categorizes populations broadly; there is great diversity within the broad categories of Asian and Pacific Islanders. This paper reviewed the literature published between 1996 and 2005 focused on the intersection of IPV and culture within specific cultures in the State of Hawai'i. The current research literature related to IPV against women and these specific populations is summarized.

Intimate-partner violence: a retrospective review of records in primary care settings.

PURPOSE: The goals of this study were (a) to gather data regarding the documentation of disclosure of battering in primary care settings and (b) to collect demographic data, including ethnicity, of women who disclose intimate partner violence (IPV) in primary care settings in Hawaii. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a retrospective chart review focusing on documentation of IPV in four community health centers on Oahu. The review included 337 charts. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 337 records reviewed, IPV was reported in 31 (9.1%). Documentation of reported IPV differed among members of the various ethnic groups seen in the clinics. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Practitioners should develop a common area for documenting reports of IPV. The level and depth of resources available within the setting and the community may affect providers' willingness to screen for IPV.