Validation of the spanish version of the dermatology life quality index and skindex-16 instruments in a U.S. latine population

Summary: The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-16 are validated tools for assessing quality of life in dermatology patients and are frequently used in routine practice and clinical trials. However, these tools have not been validated for Spanish-preferring populations in the United States (U.S.). This study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the DLQI and Skindex-16 into U.S. Latine Spanish, enabling greater participation of Spanish-preferring individuals in dermatology research. We translated the tools using forward and backward translation methods with a panel of 3 bilingual dermatologists and 4 medical students from five Latin American countries. We then conducted 25 cognitive interviews between August 2024 to November 2024 with Spanish-preferring Latine adults at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital to assess comprehension. The participants' mean age was 43.6 (SD=13.3); 56% were women, 47% men, and most had origins from Mexico (44%). The interviews revealed that 14 participants (56%) expressed confusion of at least one term. Commonly misunderstood terms included <i>recurrencia </i>(recurrence) [32%], <i>influido </i>(influence) [20%], and <i>persistencia </i>(persistence) [16%]. Based on feedback, we revised the tools and administered the updated versions to 200 Spanish-preferring Latine adults between December 2024 to March 2025. We analyzed the data using psychometrically robust methods, including factor analysis and convergent validity, to validate both instruments. The translated and culturally adapted DLQI and Skindex-16 will facilitate more inclusive dermatology studies, ensuring better representation of Spanish-speaking Latine populations in the U.S. Maria Elena Sanchez-Anguiano¹, Yanel Hernandez³, Grecia Ortiz Flores³, Nathaly Gonzalez⁴, Elsy Compres², Eduardo Torre Valdivieso², Erin Amerson², Herbert Castillo² 1. UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States. 2. Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States. 3. University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States. 4. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research