Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Brazilian version of the dialysis patient-perceived exercise benefits and barriers scale.

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dialysis patients compromises musculoskeletal health and reduces physical activity levels. The Dialysis Patient-Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (DPEBBS) was specifically developed to assess dialysis patients' perceptions of exercise. This study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the DPEBBS (EPAD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted following the COSMIN guidelines. Psychometric properties assessed included reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. Participants were recruited from the hemodialysis department of Unifesp. A total of 112 adults on dialysis completed the DPEBBS, the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36), and underwent anthropometric evaluation. The interval between test-retest was one week. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to test validity and reliability.

RESULTS

The scale demonstrated high test-retest stability, with consistent mean scores across assessments. Internal consistency was strong, and reliability was supported by a low minimal detectable change and a high intraclass correlation coefficient. Convergent validity with the SF-36 Physical Functioning domain was weak but statistically significant (r = -0.326; p = 0.001), and the correlation with the General Health domain was weak and not statistically significant (r = -0.185; p = 0.052). Consistency analysis showed α = 0.885, ICC = 0.794, SEM = 4.96%, and demonstrated the absence of floor and ceiling effects.

CONCLUSION

The EPAD showed robust validity and reliability for dialysis patients. Despite adequate reliability and validity, this study has limitations, including a single-center sample. The EPAD may support individualized exercise counseling and rehabilitation planning in hemodialysis units.