Assessing the Reliability and Acceptability of an Arabic Language Version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a research study aimed at assessing the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI) in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The research was carried out among a population of women attending antenatal care clinics (N = 309) and reports on the prevalence of high scores and assessment of reliability and validity of the Arabic CAPI. A sub-sample of mothers were interviewed to explore their views about the acceptability of the tool locally. The mean score of the Abuse Scale was 159.6 (range 26-390), which was higher than the US version (mean = 91). Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.911) and test-retest reliability (Pearson's r = 0.89; two-tailed p 0.00) were both high. With regard to the construct validity, the six-factor structure of the original version was not replicated; only three factors were obtained. The interview data showed that the CAPI was easy to complete and appropriate for use in Oman. The Arabic version of the CAPI showed a highly satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability. This suggests that the Arabic version of the CAPI is a valid and reliable tool to use to assess potential for child physical abuse within Oman. These results are in concordance with other cross-cultural versions of the CAPI.

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“…The scores were more in keeping with those in studies in other Mediterranean countries such as Turkey and Greece. Al Abduwani et al (2020) comment that 'It is not safe to assume that higher scores computed by the CAPI indicate that Omani mothers are more abusive in nature or necessarily carry a higher potential for perpetrating child physical abuse' (p. 487). Rather, they state that 'It seems likely that the discrepancy may be, at least partly, due to differences in parenting styles, practices and expectations' (p. 487).…”

“…As with all the research papers in this themed issue, the research by Al Abduwani et al (2020) emphasises the crucial importance of engaging with local communities, learning to listen, and adapting our approaches to safeguarding children to take account of and draw on the strengths of the cultures and contexts within which children are living.…”

“…In our final research paper, Jumana Al Abduwani and colleagues (2020) also take a culturally sensitive approach to adapting an assessment tool – an Arabic language version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI). The CAPI is a well‐validated screening tool that assesses the potential for physical abuse by parents.…”