Validation of the French Version of the Informal Caregiver Burden Assessment Questionnaire (QASCI) in Caregivers of Patients With COPD (VALQASCI)
This study aims to validate the French version of the QASCI questionnaire, initially written and validated in Portuguese language by Hipolito et al., to assess caregiving burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The realization of this validation is significant on several levels. First, since COPD is a systemic condition, it affects not only the lungs but also many other organs and systems in the body. It leads to various complications that go beyond respiratory symptoms, creating major challenges not only physically but also in terms of participation and involvement for patients and their caregivers. The lack of validated tools in French to specifically assess the quality of life of caregivers in this context represents a gap that this study seeks to fill. This study is also justified by the fact that, although the QASCI has been validated in other languages and contexts, it is essential to linguistically and culturally adapt this tool for the French-speaking population. Validation in French is crucial to ensure the fidelity of the results obtained and the validity of the conclusions drawn from this instrument for caregivers of patients with COPD in France. In summary, this study addresses a specific need by contributing to the prevention of pathologies among caregivers. It enhances early detection and support for caregivers of patients with COPD while paving the way for future research on this often-overlooked population.
• Being a caregiver of a relative with COPD (according to the GOLD criteria).
• Being 18 years old or older.
• The patient under the caregiver's care must be in stable condition (no exacerbations in the previous month).
• Being a family member of the patient or living with the patient.
• Being able to complete the French questionnaires.
• Non-opposition statement provided.