Title:Translation and French Linguistic Validation of the Bath Ankylosing
Spondylitis Functional Index and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Global
Score in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Author(s): Julie Soulard*, Jacques Vaillant, Athan Baillet and Nicolas Vuillerme
Affiliation:
- AGEIS, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Rheumatology Department, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
Keywords:
Ankylosing, spondylitis, spondylarthritis, physical function, BASFI, BAS-G.
Abstract:
Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may lead to functional and physical disturbances.
Self-administered questionnaires can measure functional limitations associated to axSpA.
If these questionnaires are currently used in clinical practice and research, the French version of
these questionnaires has not been validated. The aim of this study was to translate and perform a
linguistic validation of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the Bath
Ankylosing Spondylitis Global score (BAS-G) in French.
Methods: The study has been approved by local ethic committee and is registered in Clinical Trial
(NCT04212806). The translation process was performed through a forward/backward validation
process, followed by clinician experts validation and patient cognitive interviews.
Results: The two questionnaires were translated into a French version by two independent translators.
Translators then agreed on sentences being different between the two translations. The backward
translation was equivalent to the initial English version except for two questions. Five French
clinician experts on rheumatology made essential changes in sentences constructions of the translated
questionnaire. The last version of the questionnaires was presented to 5 patients with axSpA
which all found them clear and understandable.
Conclusion: BASFI and BAS-G would be a generally reliable instrument for patients with axSpA.
These questionnaires can be widely used in clinical practice and research in French-speaking population.
The use of these questionnaires is expected to have a positive impact on patient care to better
understand physical consequences of axSpA.