Content Validation of a Bilingual Screening Tool for Identifying Stage-Specific Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms and
Anupam Garg1, Jasmine Anandabai2
1Physiotherapy, Jyotirao Phule Subharti College of Physiotherapy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, IND.
Background:
Computer professionals are at increased risk of cervical spine disorders due to prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, and occupational exposure. Early identification of stage-specific symptoms and associated work patterns is important for preventive physiotherapy and occupational health planning. A bilingual (English-Hindi) self-reported screening tool was developed to identify eligible participants, detect stage-specific symptoms of cervical spondylosis, and identify work patterns.
Objective:
To establish the expert content validity of a bilingual screening tool designed to identify stage-specific cervical spondylosis symptoms and work patterns among computer professionals.
Methodology:
A descriptive content validation study was conducted using 11 clinical and academic experts. The tool followed a progression-based structure to identify Stage 1 (cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD)) and Stage 2 (cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR)) symptoms, with work patterns recorded as sedentary, mobile, and hybrid. Content validity was assessed using Item-Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Scale-Content Validity Index (S-CVI/Ave), with an acceptable threshold of ≥0.78 for six or more experts. Modified kappa statistics were calculated to account for chance agreement.
Results:
All items demonstrated high expert agreement. I-CVI values ranged from 0.91 to 1.00, and S-CVI/Ave was 0.99, indicating acceptable CVIs according to established benchmarks. Modified kappa values indicated agreement beyond chance. Qualitative feedback indicated clarity and perceived usability of the instrument for self-reported screening.
Conclusions:
The bilingual screening tool demonstrated high expert agreement and acceptable CVIs for identifying stage-specific symptoms and work patterns among computer professionals. Its structured progression-based design may support occupational screening and practical application in workplace and community settings.
