The forward‐backward and dual‐panel translation methods are comparable in producing semantic equivalent versions of a heart quality of life questionnaire.

Aim: To investigate semantic equivalence between two translated versions of the heart quality of life (HeartQoL) questionnaire produced by the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods. Methods: The forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of HeartQoL were self‐administered among 60 participants who met the inclusion criteria of being a native Bahasa Malaysia‐speaking Malay, aged 18 and older, having an indexed diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease and being cognitively fit. The administration sequence of the two versions was randomized. Additionally, three sociolinguists, who were blinded to translation processes and survey findings, rated the translated versions against the source version on three aspects of semantic equivalence. Results: Textual content in both translated versions was considerably similar (n = 9/14 items, ≈64%). The overall results from weighted kappa, raw agreement, intraclass correlations, and Wilcoxon signed‐rank as well as experts' ratings were confirmative of semantic equivalence between the forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of the HeartQoL. However, some mixed findings were indicative of potential gaps in both translated versions against the source version. Conclusion: Both the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods produced semantically equivalent versions of HeartQoL; but translation alone is insufficient to narrow the subtle gaps caused by differences in culture and linguistic style. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? The lack of empirical evidence and consensus creates uncertainties surrounding best practices on establishing equivalence between a translated questionnaire and its source.There is a lack of supportive evidence on the extent to which the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods of translation produce semantically equivalent versions of the source questionnaire.What this paper adds? The forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods of translation are potentially comparable with each other as they have produced semantically equivalent versions of the heart quality of life (HeartQoL) questionnaire.Feedback from sociolinguists reveals potential gaps in both versions and offers insights to enhance translation equivalence.The implications of this paper: Translation of questionnaires for use in nursing research and practice can employ either the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods or both.Regardless of methods used and the personnel involved in the translation process, the potential sources of equivalence gaps may persist. This warrants further examination using the quantitative and qualitative approaches of inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]