In this article we present the results of a transcultural validation of the Moroccan version of CarGoQoL. This questionnaire is well designed and validated to measure and evaluate the quality of life of caregivers of cancer patients. It was developed by a French research team and has an American version conducted in the United States [10, 11].
For the development of our Moroccan Arabic version,we followed a rigorous scientific methodology recommended in the field[13, 16, 17].
The CarGoQoL questionnaire is exclusive in identifying dimensions specific to carers.The cross-cultural adaptation process was carried out in close collaboration with the Mapi Research Trust team that granted the conduct of this study.
The validation was conducted with a diverse sample including spouses, parents and children siblings to identify the different links with the palliative cancer patient and covers all aspects of caregivers' quality of life.
The psychometric properties of the Moroccan Arabic version of CarGoQoL are considered satisfactory. The average time required to complete the questionnaire was similar to that of the two French and American validation studies [10, 11].
Only one dimension of privacy that is unsatisfactory in terms of its Internal consistency (α = 0.14) and missing data rate 29.2%, this is almost similar to the American study [11].
The test-retest time was three to seven days, this meets the recommended guidelines suggesting that the retest interval of 2 to 10 days is usually used[17].
In our study, there were more women than male caregivers. This is similar in the French and American study [10, 11]. In Morocco, it is not surprising that it is women who assume the role of primary caregiver because in our culture they are often expected to be the caregiver.
In our study, caregivers experienced a ripple effect and physical burden when they are the patients' parents .This was also in other contexts [18, 21].
All items were strongly correlated with their own dimensions than with others. Discriminate validity was determined between certain caregiver characteristics and quality of life scores. Previous studies demonstrated that the characteristics of patients impose a significant impact on the need for family care and the level of emotional distress of the family caregivers [19–21].
Our study confirmed that women had lower quality of life scores than men. This was strongly studied and confirmed in the literature [22, 23].
A strong correlation has been demonstrated in our study between the dimensions psychological well-being and physical well-being. This could be justified by the fact that psychological problems have an impact on the caregiver's physical state leading to significant physiological changes.
Also, meanings have been noted in the administrative and financial dimension among female carers and when the duration of the assistance exceeds 24 months. It is explained by the material and moral commitment towards the patient. This has also been demonstrated by a study carried out in Morocco; in most cases it is the family that assists, materially and morally helps the patient. [24]