Development of three African language translations of the FACT-G

This pilot study investigated the feasibility of translating a quality of l ife instrument, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General versi on (FACT-G) and the breast cancer version (FACT-B), which consists of the F ACT-G plus 10 additional items, into three South African languages (Pedi, T swana, and Zulu). The international, interdisciplinary research team hypoth esized that we could develop reliable and valid translations, and that valu able information could be gleaned from the responses of the three groups of traditional African people, which could inform the Western-trained medical profession. Understanding of cross-cultural views of cancer including its diagnosis and treatment could lead to better communication between the two cultures (Western and Traditional) resulting in increased utilization of We stern medical treatment and increased treatment compliance by three of the underserved black populations. A total of 167 respondents completed one of three translated questionnaires, which assessed the patients' quality of li fe in 5 domains: Physical Well-Being, Social and Family Well-Being, Relatio nship with Doctor, Emotional Well-Being, and Functional Well-Being, plus fo r breast cancer patients the additional items on the FACT-B. However, only the items from the FACT-G (the 'core' of the FACT-B) were statistically ana lyzed for this pilot project. Results showed that it was possible to develo p a reliable instrument in the three languages by modifying the standard tr anslation methodology. Translation of physical and functional concepts was most straightforward. Translation of emotional items posed some difficulty. As expected, based upon observations about cultural differences in social values and functioning, the Social/Family Well-Being subscale was problemat ic. Analysis of this subscale provides information on cultural differences which may be important to physicians desiring to effectively treat this pop ulation with sensitivity and dignity. Methodology may be generalizable to o ther third world patient populations in translation of existing health stat us questionnaires.