OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the Braden Q scale into a Portuguese version and to test its properties (reliability and validity). METHODS: The Braden Q scale was translated and adapted according to internationally accepted methodology. The instrument was forward and back translated, and the translations were reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee. In the cultural adaptation process, three groups of ten nurses each interpreted the Brazilian version of the Braden Q scale until they fully understood the instrument. In order to evaluate the reliability of the Brazilian version, two other nurses administered the tool to pediatric ICU patients at different time points; the first nurse administered the instrument also in a second time. Statistical analysis was performed using Cronbach's α to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale, and the Spearman and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated as a measure of reliability. RESULTS: There were no differences between scales translated by different translators during the forward and back translation process. All items of the scale culturally adapted by the 30 nurses were considered relevant. Cronbach's α for internal consistency was 0.936; intra-class correlation coefficient for intra-rater reliability was 0.995 and for inter-rater reliability was 0.998, both indicating high reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The Braden Q scale was successfully translated and adapted, and demonstrated validity and reliability.
pressure ulcer; pediatrics; intensive care units
