Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Turkish Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire (LKQ-Tr)

Background Knowledge about low back pain (LBP) may influence disability, beliefs, and self-management, but no validated Turkish instrument is available to assess this construct. Objective To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire in adults with LBP. Methods The questionnaire was translated and cross-culturally adapted using established procedures. The pre-final version was pilot tested in 30 adults with LBP. Psychometric testing was performed in 186 adults, and 25 participants completed the questionnaire again after 7 to 14 days. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, structural validity, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects were examined. Results The Turkish version showed high internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.896, and good test-retest reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.871. Structural validity supported the original three-factor structure and showed acceptable model fit. All predefined hypotheses were confirmed. Higher knowledge scores were associated with lower disability, more positive back beliefs, younger age, higher education level, and being a health professional. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusion The Turkish version of the Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire showed evidence of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, structural validity, and construct validity in Turkish-speaking adults with LBP. It may be a useful instrument for assessing LBP-related knowledge in clinical and research settings. Further studies in more diverse populations and evaluation of responsiveness are warranted.