Validation of the Moroccan dialectal Arabic version of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the BIS-11

Abstract Impulsivity is at the heart of psychopathologies associated with violence. Forensic psychiatry is particularly concerned about this issue, hence the importance of measuring impulsivity in forensic settings. The aim of this study was to validate the 11th version of the Barratt Scale (BIS-11) in Moroccan dialectal Arabic. Second, we investigated the prevalence and potential factors associated with impulsivity based on the BIS-11 in a specific sample of the Moroccan population. This prospective study included 200 medical students after obtaining their consent. The Moroccan dialectal Arabic version was conducted using the translation-back-translation method. External and internal validity were assessed by calculating the Cronbach coefficient. In a second step, we assessed the prevalence of impulsivity and its potential correlations with sociodemographic factors. The Arabic version of the BIS-11 demonstrated good face validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.73 for cognitive impulsivity, 0.62 for motor impulsivity, 0.50 for unplanned impulsivity, and 0.78 for total impulsivity. The prevalence of impulsivity was 26.5% in our population. Significant correlations were found between impulsivity scores and psychiatric and traumatic events. Our results demonstrated good face and internal validity and reliability of the Moroccan dialectal Arabic version of the BIS-11. This version can therefore be used to assess impulsivity in the Moroccan context.