Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Swedish Thanatophobia Scale

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Swedish Thanatophobia Scale.MethodsForward and back translation, cultural adaptation, content validation, and psychometric testing were undertaken through interviews with experts and surveying of healthcare professionals.ResultsThe results from expert ratings (n = 7) for the Item Content Validity Index were calculated for scale understandability (mean, 0.90), clarity (mean, 0.91), sensitivity (mean, 0.94), and relevance (mean, 0.96). Interviews (n = 10) confirmed the importance of the scale questions and subject matter. The scale was tested among a sample of 386 participants (physicians = 104; registered nurses = 282). No significant differences were found between ratings from physicians and registered nurses. Exploratory Factor Analysis supported the unidimensionality of the scale. The Cronbach's alpha for the total scale was 0.89, indicating good internal consistency.ConclusionsThe Swedish Thanatophobia Scale appears to be a valid and reliable measure of healthcare professionals' attitudes toward caring for patients in palliative care.