Turkish Validation of the Simplified Omaha System Terms for Use Within a Mobile Health Application

Background and Purpose: Most mobile health applications may be unstandardized and have not been simplified for use by a wide range of community users. Therefore, it can potentially affect data quality due to a lack of validated translation and cross-cultural adaptation. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the Turkish version of the Simplified Omaha System Terms (T-SOST) for use within a consumer-facing application, MyStrengths MyHealth (MSMH). Methods: The descriptive study comprised three phases: (a) language validity, (b) content validity, and (c) readability assessment and pilot testing. A total of 20 experts assessed the content validity. The Ateşman Readability Formula was used to conduct the readability assessment of T-SOST. The MSMH was used by 74 participants to test the T-SOST in the study. Results: The scale-level content validity index of T-SOST ranged from 0.963 to 0.999. The reading level of T-SOST averaged 82.66 ± 15.62. In the pilot test, the most frequently reported strengths were Speech and Language (f = 67) and Cleaning (f = 63). The most frequent challenges were for Emotions (f = 177) and Income (f = 95). Information/guidance was the most frequent need for Emotions (f = 19). Check-ins were the most frequent need for Income (f = 17). Implications for Nursing Practice: The T-SOST had acceptable psychometric properties and was found to be understandable for secondary education. It is suitable for self-reported strengths, challenges, and needs embedded in MSMH. Consumer-generated data may allow individuals to directly participate in their own health and provide insight for nurses and other clinicians to tailor interventions from a patient-centered perspective.