Semantic Adaptation for Spanish Version of the Scale of Professional Care (SPC)

Abstract

Objective: To forward how semantics are adapted for the Spanish version of Dr. Kristen Swanson (CPS) 2.000’s scale of professional care. Method: Using the pre-test or field survey technique, a methodological study with a quantitative approach was undertaken to explore the clarity and comprehension of the statement for each item in the scale and how they are measured from the perspective of pregnant women. The sample was represented by 60 pregnant women to whom the Spanish version of the scale was applied; additionally, it was represented by 50 more pregnant women to whom the semantically adapted scale was applied. Results: Only 3 of the items in the scale (1, 7, 14) attained a 100 % or close to 100 % clarity and understanding rate; as a result, these statements did not require semantic adaptation. Semantic adaptation was necessary in items with clarity and understanding rates between 60 and 80 %; the items attaining less than 60 % in understanding and clarity rates, underwent a process of radical semantic adaptation; this means linguistic signs (words) were changed completely in order to make them more understandable and clear but without affecting their conceptual equivalence or interpretability. Conclusion: In any semantic adaptation process many items can vary to make the wording clearer and more understandable. In semantic adaptation processes for a scale, it is necessary to determine how acceptable the wording and changes are; this will ensure that the adaptation will not become a semantic barrier that can lead to interpretation mistakes.