Cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of the Nepali version of the DASH (disability of arm, shoulder and hand) in patients with shoulder pain

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important tools in both clinical practice and research. However, no upper extremity PROM to assess physical disability is available in Nepali. The most commonly used and recommended questionnaire for the shoulder is the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Therefore, the aim of the study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the DASH into Nepali and determine its measurement properties. METHODS: The translation and cultural adaptation process followed international standard procedures. The translated Nepali version of the questionnaire (DASH-NP) was completed by 156 patients with shoulder pain from three Nepali hospitals at an initial assessment and by 121 at follow-up. A Nepali version of Global Rating of Change (GROC-NP) was completed at follow-up to dichotomise improved and stable participants. Measurement properties testing included: internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC), Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), construct validity - factor analysis, hypothesis testing with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) (Pearson Correlation = r) and responsiveness - Area Under the Curve with minimal important change. RESULTS: Significant adaptations such as changing measurement units, activities and terminology were incorporated to improve cultural relevance. Internal consistency (α = 0.92) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–0.98, p < 0.001) were excellent. The MDC was 11 out of 100 points. There were moderate-high positive correlations with the SPADI pain and disability items (rs = 0.63 and 0.81, P < 0.001). Four factor solution was retrieved for the DASH-NP. The Area Under the Curve was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57 - 0.81, p < 0.001) with minimal important change of 11.2/100 points. CONCLUSIONS: The Nepali translation of the DASH is comprehensible, easy to administer via self-report or interview. It is found to be a reliable, valid, and responsive measure in patients with shoulder pain in Nepal. The DASH-NP can be used to assess shoulder pain related disability in Nepal for clinical practice or research. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12955-019-1105-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.