Cross-cultural adaptation to Spanish of the Signs of Depression Scale (SODS) to the early assessment of mood in patients admitted to a Stroke Unit

Introduction. Stroke hospitalization negatively affects mood. Clinical guidelines recommend early evaluation of mood disorders. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate scale in Spanish language. Aim. The objective of the study is the cross-cultural adaptation of the Signs of Depression Scale (SODS) in patients admitted to the stroke unit of the Hospital del Mar. Materials and methods. The work scheme for transcultural adaptation into Spanish was: a) direct translation; b) reconciliation and synthesis of translations; c) reverse translation into English; d) consensus of the back-translated version with original author; e) cognitive interrogation; f) revision and consensus version in Spanish; g) reading test, spelling, and grammar check; h) final version. Analysis and descriptive summary of the adaptation process was performed. Results. There were no differences between direct translation versions. The back-translation version was accepted by the author of the original questionnaire. A convenience sample of patients with/without aphasia (n = 22) was included for cognitive interview from which no major problems were identified in the implementation of the questionnaire. Inclusive language was used in the final version. Conclusion. The transcultural adaptation of the scale allows in a simple and early way the evaluation mood in patients admitted to the stroke unit. The Spanish version is equivalent to the original instrument. This adaptation can be incorporated into care in the Stroke Unit and is extrapolated to other Spanish-speaking centres.