Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults

BackgroundMedication adherence is crucial for optimal therapeutic outcomes, yet it remains a significant challenge globally, including in Arabic-speaking populations. Existing tools like the “Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20” (ASK-20) questionnaire assess adherence barriers but lack a validated Ar...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mohammed S. Alharthi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1595308/full
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1850141704685879296
author Mohammed S. Alharthi
author_facet Mohammed S. Alharthi
author_sort Mohammed S. Alharthi
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundMedication adherence is crucial for optimal therapeutic outcomes, yet it remains a significant challenge globally, including in Arabic-speaking populations. Existing tools like the “Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20” (ASK-20) questionnaire assess adherence barriers but lack a validated Arabic version. To address this gap, this study evaluated the usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic ASK-20 questionnaire among Arab adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 Arabic-speaking adults aged 18 years or older. The ASK-20 questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted using a rigorous linguistic validation process, including forward translation, expert review, and back-translation. Data were collected from November to December 2024. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while floor and ceiling effects evaluated response biases. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe study sample comprised 69.2% males and 30.8% females, with a mean age of 36.6 years. The Arabic ASK-20 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.751). Key adherence barriers identified included cost-related issues (76.9% ceiling effect) and medication availability (74.6% ceiling effect). The ASK-20 and Total Barrier Count (TBC) scores effectively differentiated between adherence levels, with lower scores observed in the “Good-1” adherence group compared to the “Poor-1” group.ConclusionThe Arabic ASK-20 is a reliable and valid tool for identifying medication adherence barriers in Arab adults. By systematically assessing barriers such as cost, availability, and knowledge gaps, the tool equips healthcare providers to design targeted, patient-centered interventions. These findings highlight the potential of the Arabic ASK-20 to improve chronic disease management, enhance patient outcomes, and inform public health strategies within Arabic-speaking communities.
format Article
id doaj-art-b8d5b3c73ed1490ba0ef8c9064255bd7
institution OA Journals
issn 2296-858X
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Medicine
spelling doaj-art-b8d5b3c73ed1490ba0ef8c9064255bd72025-08-20T02:29:20ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Medicine2296-858X2025-05-011210.3389/fmed.2025.15953081595308Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adultsMohammed S. AlharthiBackgroundMedication adherence is crucial for optimal therapeutic outcomes, yet it remains a significant challenge globally, including in Arabic-speaking populations. Existing tools like the “Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20” (ASK-20) questionnaire assess adherence barriers but lack a validated Arabic version. To address this gap, this study evaluated the usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic ASK-20 questionnaire among Arab adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 130 Arabic-speaking adults aged 18 years or older. The ASK-20 questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted using a rigorous linguistic validation process, including forward translation, expert review, and back-translation. Data were collected from November to December 2024. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while floor and ceiling effects evaluated response biases. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe study sample comprised 69.2% males and 30.8% females, with a mean age of 36.6 years. The Arabic ASK-20 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.751). Key adherence barriers identified included cost-related issues (76.9% ceiling effect) and medication availability (74.6% ceiling effect). The ASK-20 and Total Barrier Count (TBC) scores effectively differentiated between adherence levels, with lower scores observed in the “Good-1” adherence group compared to the “Poor-1” group.ConclusionThe Arabic ASK-20 is a reliable and valid tool for identifying medication adherence barriers in Arab adults. By systematically assessing barriers such as cost, availability, and knowledge gaps, the tool equips healthcare providers to design targeted, patient-centered interventions. These findings highlight the potential of the Arabic ASK-20 to improve chronic disease management, enhance patient outcomes, and inform public health strategies within Arabic-speaking communities.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1595308/fullmedication adherenceASK-20 questionnaireArabic validationadherence barriersreliabilitycultural adaptation
spellingShingle Mohammed S. Alharthi
Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults
Frontiers in Medicine
medication adherence
ASK-20 questionnaire
Arabic validation
adherence barriers
reliability
cultural adaptation
title Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults
title_full Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults
title_fullStr Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults
title_full_unstemmed Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults
title_short Usability, reliability, and validity of the Arabic version of the ASK-20 questionnaire in Arab adults
title_sort usability reliability and validity of the arabic version of the ask 20 questionnaire in arab adults
topic medication adherence
ASK-20 questionnaire
Arabic validation
adherence barriers
reliability
cultural adaptation
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1595308/full
work_keys_str_mv AT mohammedsalharthi usabilityreliabilityandvalidityofthearabicversionoftheask20questionnaireinarabadults