Translation and adaptation of the UCLA prostate cancer index for use in Japan

PURPOSE: To translate the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA PCI), which is designed to measure Quality of Life (QOL) of patients with prostate cancer, and to adapt it as needed for use in Japan. METHODS: We translated the original English version into a preliminary Japanese version in a multi-stage procedure according to established guidelines. Then, we tested the preliminary Japanese version on 6 patients with prostate cancer, and we revised the Japanese version based on the findings of the pilot test. RESULTS: The back-translation of the preliminary Japanese version was reviewed by its original developer, and some wordings were revised. In the pilot testing, the average time required to complete the questionnaire was 5.5 minutes. Four of the 20 items frequently had missing data (> 15%). This is believed to have been due to inappropriate wording of the response choices, which were revised accordingly. CONCLUSION: We conducted translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Japanese version of UCLA PCI. Pilot testing proved to be useful in refining items and response choices.