Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Arabic Version of the "Readiness to Alter Sun-Protective Behaviour" Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: Ultraviolet radiation exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer development, and sun protection remains the primary prevention strategy. The Readiness to Alter Sun-Protective Behaviour (RASP-B) questionnaire was developed to assess individuals' readiness to engage in sun-protective behaviours. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate an Arabic version of the RASP-B for use in Arabic-speaking populations.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Three independent translators conducted forward translation of the questionnaire into Arabic, followed by back translation by three additional translators. A consensus version was developed after review by the study team, pilot-tested for clarity and acceptability, and shared with the original instrument developer. Participants completed demographic items, the Arabic RASP-B, and the Sun Exposure and Behaviour Inventory (SEBI). Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and convergent validity.

RESULTS

A total of 152 Arabic-speaking participants were enrolled from dermatology clinics at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Most participants were Saudi nationals (97.4%), and 54.6% were female. The Arabic RASP-B showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.81) and test-retest reliability (overall ICC = 0.84; item-level ICC = 0.72-0.86). The data were suitable for factor analysis (KMO = 0.78; Bartlett's test: χ2 = 620, p < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor structure corresponding to precontemplation, contemplation, and action stages. RASP-B scores correlated significantly with SEBI behaviours, including shade-seeking (ρ = 0.32), wearing long sleeves (ρ = 0.35), sunscreen use frequency (ρ = 0.26), and intentional tanning (ρ = -0.31; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Arabic RASP-B demonstrated promising preliminary reliability and validity in a single-center dermatology clinic sample. Further multicenter validation, including confirmatory factor analysis, is needed before broader clinical implementation.