Validation of the Bangla version of the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and severe psychiatric illness which affects about 1-3% of the population across the globe. The Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS) is a 20-item self-report instrument that assesses the severity of OCD in four dimensions.

Objectives: We aimed to adapt and validate the DOCS in Bangla.

Methods: This validation study was conducted from January 2016 to July 2017 using purposive sampling technique. A total of 100 OCD patients were recruited from OCD clinic of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We applied Bangla version of DOCS to collect data and assessed different forms of validity and reliability.

Results: Cronbach's alpha of DOCS Bangla was 0.93 which signifies a good internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha of contamination domain was 0.92; responsibility domain 0.94, thought domain 0.91 and symmetry domain was found 0.93. Four factors were extracted from exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation. Pearson correlation was 0.73 between the DOCS Bangla total global score and the Y-BOCS total score which signifies good criterion validity.

Conclusion: DOCS Bangla is a psychometrically reliable and valid tool for use in clinical settings, research and primary care setting to diagnose and manage OCD for Bangla speaking population.

Keywords: Bangladesh; DOCS Bangla; DOCS validation; OCD.