Translation and Validation of Drug-related Locus of Control in Urdu for Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) poses significant public health challenges globally. Understanding factors influencing SUD development, such as Locus of Control (LoC), is crucial for effective intervention strategies. The Drug-related Locus of Control (D-LOC) Scale measures beliefs regarding control over drug-related behaviors but lacks validation in Urdu-speaking populations.

Methods

This cross-sectional study translated and validated the D-LOC Scale into Urdu for individuals with SUD. The translation was completed through a rigorous process using MAPI guidelines. The translated version was initially pilot-tested with five participants and refined as necessary. Data was collected from 200 Urdu-speaking adults aged 18 and above with SUD diagnoses, using nonprobability purposive sampling.

Results

CFA results indicated the Urdu version of the D-LOC Scale (15 items) had acceptable fit indices p < 0.01 and good internal consistency (? = 0.878). The results also supported the reliability and convergent validity of the translated scale.

Conclusion

The study underscored the scale’s linguistic precision and cultural relevance for assessing D-LOC in individuals with SUD, enhancing accessibility and applicability in clinical and research settings. The rigorous translation process ensured linguistic accuracy and cultural sensitivity, bridging gaps in psychometric tools for SUD research. Findings support the scale’s reliability and validity in Urdu, facilitating comprehensive assessments of the target population.