Nepali Translation, Validity and Reliability Study of the Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms for Utilization With Bhutanese Refugees

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Language-appropriate outcome measurements help to improve health equity. The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Cohen-Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms (CHIPS) in Nepali for Bhutanese refugee utilization. Methods: English-Nepali forward and back translations of CHIPS were completed by an official translator and evaluated by three content experts. A scaled rubric measured the following constructs: neurogenic stress response (NSR), somatic stress response (SSR), and visceral stress response (VSR). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Results: The Nepali version of CHIPS reported good content validity, strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .94), and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.91). Kappa statistic reported 88% to 96% agreement. Constructs of NSR (0.91), SSR (0.94), and VSR (0.94) reported strong internal consistency. Conclusions: The Nepali translated version of CHIPS showed strong validity and reliability for utilization in the Bhutanese refugee population and improves health access to outcome measurements for a vulnerable population.