Cross-cultural translation and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) in patients with low back pain.

Abstract

To cross-culturally translate the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) in Italian and to assess its psychometric properties in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). BBQ was cross-culturally translated into Italian (BBQ-I) language. The BBQ-I, together to other measurement instruments was administered to adult subjects with chronic LBP. Psychometric properties structural validity (explanatory factor analysis [EFA]) internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), measurement error (standard error of the measurement [SEM], minimal detectable change [MDC]), and construct validity (hypothesis testing) were studied. 119 subjects with chronic LBP were included. The BBQ-I demonstrated high acceptability. EFA revealed a four-factor structure; however, only first factor was considered for the psychometric analyses. High internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.804) and moderate test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.728) were obtained. A SEM of 3.9 points and a MDC of 10.8 points were reported. Construct validity was moderate, with four out of six (66.7%) hypotheses were met. The BBQ-I exhibited moderate psychometric properties, providing clinicians and researchers with a valuable tool for assessing beliefs about LBP in Italian-speaking populations. However, limitations include data collection in a single setting and the need for further assessment of content validity and responsiveness.