Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the McCabe Cold Sensitivity Severity scale (CSS) and Potential Work Exposure scale (PWES) to Norwegian

Abstract

Introduction The McCabe Cold Sensitivity Severity scale (CSS) is one of the most used questionnaires for measuring cold sensitivity in patients with hand injuries. The Potential Work Exposure scale (PWES) measures cold exposure at work. Good reliability and validity have been reported for the Swedish translations. No version in the Norwegian language has been available. Methods The CSS and PWES were translated forward and backward, and then tested for content validity in patients with hand injuries ( n = 23 and 12, respectively). We categorised the CSS scores (0–400) into five severity levels, from none to extreme cold hypersensitivity, and asked each patient how the categories matched their perceived cold hypersensitivity levels. Results Good content validity was confirmed for the Norwegian version of the CSS to assess cold sensitivity in patients with hand injuries. Preliminary findings support the categorisation of scores into five severity levels. Conclusions The Norwegian CSS is an appropriate instrument to assess cold sensitivity after hand injury.