An Adapted Self-screening Tool for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in Haiti

Abstract

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is considered rare in the United States; however, the literature notes that the disease has a higher prevalence in developing countries such as Haiti. Dr. James D. Fett, a US cardiologist, developed and validated a self-assessment measure for PPCM in the United States to aid women to easily differentiate the signs and symptoms of heart failure from those related to a normal pregnancy. Although this instrument was validated, it lacks the adaptation necessary to account for the language, culture, and education of the Haitian population. Objective: The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Fett PPCM self-assessment measure for use among a Haitian Creole speaking population. Methods: A preliminary Haitian Creole direct translation was developed from the original English Fett self-test. A total of four focus groups with medical professionals and 16 cognitive interviews with members of a community advisory board were conducted to refine the preliminary Haitian Creole translation and adaptation. Results: The adaptation focused on incorporating cues that would be tangible and connected to the reality of the Haitian population while maintaining the intended meaning of the original Fett measure. Conclusions:The final adaptation provides an instrument suitable for administration by auxiliary health providers and community health workers to help patients distinguish symptoms of heart failure from symptoms related to normal pregnancy and further quantify the severity of signs and symptoms that might be indicative of heart failure.