Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Tamil Version of the Central Sensitization Inventory

Background: The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a reliable and widely used self-reported questionnaire for assessing symptoms related to central sensitization (CS). This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and translate the CSI into the Tamil language and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: The Tamil version of the CSI was developed following recommended guidelines for translation and cultural adaptation. The final CSI-Tamil version was administered to 209 patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions to assess its psychometric properties. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a subsample of 96 participants. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure of the CSI-Tamil. Results: The CSI-Tamil demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha (α) value of 0.88. Test-retest reliability was acceptable, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.78. The mean age of the participants was 50.27 ± 11.86 years, and the majority presented with low back pain. Convergent validity demonstrated moderate positive correlations with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and strong negative correlations with the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL- BREF) scale. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure, supporting the multidimensional nature of the CSI-Tamil. Conclusion: The CSI-Tamil version was successfully cross-culturally adapted and translated and demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. It can be used as a reliable and valid tool for clinical practice and research among Tamil-speaking populations.