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Translation and cultural adaptation of the FertiQoL questionnaire into Luganda: A comprehensive report

Douglas Makumbi(1), Anthony Kayiira(2), Gilbert Tumwine(3), Romano N. Byaruhanga(4), Daniel Zaake(5),


(1) Uganda Martyrs University, Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kampala, Uganda
(2) Uganda Martyrs University, Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kampala, Uganda. Lifesure Fertility and Gynecology Centre, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Kampala, Uganda. Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Kampala, Uganda
(3) Uganda Martyrs University, Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kampala, Uganda
(4) Uganda Martyrs University, Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kampala, Uganda
(5) Uganda Martyrs University, Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Kampala, Uganda. Lifesure Fertility and Gynecology Centre, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Kampala, Uganda. Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
Corresponding Author

Abstract


The FertiQoL questionnaire is globally recognized to assess quality of life (QoL) among infertile individuals. To make this tool accessible to Luganda-speaking populations in Uganda, it was necessary to translate the questionnaire into Luganda, ensuring cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy. The translation process followed a rigorous forward-backward translation methodology. Two separate translations were performed by native Luganda speakers. The unified version was translated back into English to find discrepancies. Experts validated the translated questionnaire, showing high agreement on most items, confirming its cultural and linguistic suitability. The translated questionnaire was pilot tested on 20 infertile patients at St. Francis Nsambya Hospital to assess the clarity and comprehensibility. The pilot study indicated that most items were understood, with no significant difficulties reported. However, four items required minor modifications. The Luganda FertiQoL questionnaire effectively measures the quality of life in individuals experiencing infertility in Uganda.

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