Content Validation of a Bilingual Screening Tool for Identifying Stage-Specific Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms and Work Patterns Among Computer Professionals.

BACKGROUND

Computer professionals are at increased risk of cervical spine disorders due to prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, and occupational exposure. Early identification of stage-specific symptoms and associated work patterns is important for preventive physiotherapy and occupational health planning. A bilingual (English-Hindi) self-reported screening tool was developed to identify eligible participants, detect stage-specific symptoms of cervical spondylosis, and identify work patterns.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the expert content validity of a bilingual screening tool designed to identify stage-specific cervical spondylosis symptoms and work patterns among computer professionals.

METHODOLOGY: A descriptive content validation study was conducted using 11 clinical and academic experts. The tool followed a progression-based structure to identify Stage 1 (cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD)) and Stage 2 (cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR)) symptoms, with work patterns recorded as sedentary, mobile, and hybrid. Content validity was assessed using Item-Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Scale-Content Validity Index (S-CVI/Ave), with an acceptable threshold of ≥0.78 for six or more experts. Modified kappa statistics were calculated to account for chance agreement.

RESULTS

All items demonstrated high expert agreement. I-CVI values ranged from 0.91 to 1.00, and S-CVI/Ave was 0.99, indicating acceptable CVIs according to established benchmarks. Modified kappa values indicated agreement beyond chance. Qualitative feedback indicated clarity and perceived usability of the instrument for self-reported screening.

CONCLUSIONS

The bilingual screening tool demonstrated high expert agreement and acceptable CVIs for identifying stage-specific symptoms and work patterns among computer professionals. Its structured progression-based design may support occupational screening and practical application in workplace and community settings.