Perceptions of Mesh Use for Pelvic Floor Surgery in Latinas: Face Validity of a Spanish Questionnaire

The aim of the study was to validate a Spanish-translated survey assessing patients' perceptions of mesh use in pelvic floor surgery.

An English-language survey evaluating perceptions of mesh use underwent a process of Spanish translation and validation, using a forward-backward translation validation protocol. Self-identified bilingual Latinas with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders were recruited to participate in cognitive interviews after completing the survey in English and Spanish. κ coefficient and Cronbach α were calculated for measurement of reliability and internal consistency in responses. A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

A total of 30 women were randomized to complete the initial survey in either English or Spanish. Demographics for the 2 cohorts were similar. For the Spanish-translated survey overall, 86% described the questions as "somewhat easy" or "very easy" to understand, and 93% reported that it was "clear" or "very clear" that the survey aimed to investigate their thoughts regarding mesh use. Approximately 63% of the participants expressed confusion over the use of the Spanish medical term "cabestrillo," translated for "sling." There were no significant differences in the responses on cognitive interview between the 2 groups. Overall, the responses between English and Spanish versions of the survey demonstrated good reliability and internal consistency.

This study demonstrated face validity of a Spanish-translated survey assessing perceptions of mesh use in pelvic surgery in a Latina population. Participants' feedback was crucial to optimizing the quality of the survey for future studies that will evaluate Spanish-speaking patients' views of mesh implants in pelvic reconstructive surgery.