An update on validating the Hong Kong Cantonese version of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (cant-cat)

Abstract

<p>Background: The Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT), a standardized battery with 34 subtests, has been adapted into eight different languages, with other 11 language adaptations close to being finished. Currently, there are no published CAT adaptations in any Asian languages. Aims: Given the paucity of aphasia batteries geared specifically to the Chinese population (Cantonese speakers in Hong Kong, in particular), there is a clinical value in adapting a Cantonese version (i.e., Cant-CAT). Methods & Procedures: Content validity of the translated items in Cant-CAT was conducted. A set of normative data from 72 healthy native Cantonese speakers was established and cut-off scores on each subtest were determined at the lowest fifth percentile of their performances. The influences of age, education, and gender on Cant-CAT performance were also investigated. Thirty-two chronic PWA were recruited and administered the Cant-CAT and Cantonese versions of Oxford Cognitive Screen (HK-OCS), Western Aphasia Battery (CAB), and ASHA-FACS. The psychometric properties, including discriminant validity, aphasia severity indication, content validity, concurrent validity, and reliability, of Cant-CAT were investigated. Outcomes & Results: Cant-CAT was able to discriminate the performance of PWA from healthy individuals in most subtests. Cant-CAT subtests correlated significantly with most corresponding subtests assessing similar domains in the HK-OCS, CAB, and Cantonese FACS. There was also good to excellent intra-, inter-rater, and test-retest reliabilities. Conclusions: Further expansion of this study should involve a larger sample and more diverse PWA types and severities. The final product is believed to benefit clinical assessment of aphasia in Hong Kong and overseas locations with native Cantonese speakers.</p>