Structured Multidisciplinary work Evaluation Tool (SMET) questionnaire: Translation, cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Persian version
Affiliations: [a] Student Research Committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [b] Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [c] School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| [d] Access Physiotherapy, Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Hamid Reza Mokhtarinia, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Kodakyar Ave. Daneshjo Blvd., Evin, PC: 1985713834, Tehran, Iran. E-mails: [email protected], [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:To assess relevant environmental conditions in any work-setting requires a multidisciplinary perspective that is practical, valid, and reliable. This includes the physical, environmental, and psychosocial risk-factors. The Structured Multidisciplinary work Evaluation Tool (SMET) questionnaire simultaneously considers multiple work-related demands. OBJECTIVE:This study translated and culturally adapted the SMET into Persian and evaluated its psychometric properties in Persian industrial workers. METHODS:Cross-sectional translation and cross-cultural adaptation in five standardized phases. A convenience sample (n = 211) recruited from an industrial-occupation setting completed: the SMET; and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) criteria; plus light and noise levels were concurrently assessed. Psychometric properties included: validity, with face (from confirmed language clarity, simplicity, and readability), content (via the content validity index, CVI, for equivalency and relevancy), criterion (through Pearson’s r correlation with relevant criteria), and construct (through known group validity between participants with/without work-related musculoskeletal disorders, WMSDs); internal consistency (Cronbach’s α); and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2.1). RESULTS:Validity was confirmed with: face through the adaptation; content from suitable CVI values for items (CVI range = 0.78–1.0) and scale-total (CVI = 0.86); criterion from SMET associations with levels for light (r = – 0.42) and noise (r = 0.21), plus RULA (r = 0.42) and NASA-TLX (r = 0.39); and construct through participants with WMSD having significantly higher SMET total-scores (p = 0.01). Internal consistency (α= 0.89) and reliability (ICC2.1 = 0.87) were acceptable and strong. CONCLUSION:This study indicated that the SMET Persian version had acceptable psychometric properties in an industrial occupational setting. Further investigation in longitudinal populations is recommended.
Keywords: Psychosocial demand, physical demand, reproducibility, validation, health outcome
