Malay Language Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Pilot Testing of the SARC-F Questionnaire for Screening Sarcopenia Among the Malaysian Population

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Published: Jun 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21315/mjms-12-2025-912
Keywords:
sarcopenia, muscular atrophy, health surveys, geriatric assessment, reliability, validity

Main Article Content

Muhammad Akmal Hakimi Mohd Aris
Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Mohamad Sayyidil Irfan Mohd Sufian
Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Haziq Zahiruddin
Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Wan Fatein Nabeila Wan Omar
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Hazulin Mohd Radzuan
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Nurul Amirah Mustapa
Department of Physical Rehabilitation Sciences, Kulliyyah Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Wei Xin Gan
Silvercare Project, ALPRO Group Head Office and Distribution Centre, Unit V1-A, Lot 45880, Jalan Techvalley 3/2, Sendayan Techvalley, 71950 Bandar Sri Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Nur Munirah Mat Salleh
Department of Library and Information Science, Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology, International Islamic University Malaysia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Muhammad Harith Rosdi
IIUM Sports Medicine Clinic, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Mohd Zulkifli Mohamad Zahir
Department of Internal Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Mohamad Suhaizi Suhaimi
Department of Malay Language, Kulliyyah of Sustainable Tourism and Contemporary Languages, International Islamic University Malaysia Pagoh Edu Hub, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, 84600 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Nazira Zubir
Department of Biology, Centre for Foundation Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
Hanifah Eydel
Department of English Language, Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD), Centre for Foundation Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, 26300 Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
Nur Fazlen Zainul Abidin
Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia is an increasing concern among ageing populations as it contributes to frailty, falls, and reduced quality of life. Early screening is critical to prevent this disorder. The SARC-F questionnaire is known as a simple tool that can be used to screen for sarcopenia. It has been translated and validated in multiple languages. However, no validated Malay version currently exists, creating a critical gap for sarcopenia screening among Malay-speaking adults who primarily communicate in the Malay language. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the SARC-F questionnaire into a Malay version and to validate it preliminarily.


Methods: The questionnaire was subjected to forward–backward translation, followed by expert panel evaluation (n = 8). Face validity was carried out among 25 Malay-speaking community-dwelling adults to assess the clarity and comprehensibility of the Malay SARC-F questionnaire using the Face Validity Index (FVI). Reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) and test–retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC).


Results: A translated Malay SARC-F was agreed after the forward translation. The backward translation of the Malay SARC-F showed minimal discrepancy from the original version. Expert panels agreed to revise certain phrases and terms to better suit the Malaysian context to optimise clarity and comprehension. Face validity was also excellent (I-FVI = 1.00; S-FVI = 1.00). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.78), and test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.92).


Conclusion: The Malay SARC-F demonstrates preliminary evidence of reliability as a culturally appropriate screening instrument for sarcopenia among Malaysian adults. Although this study establishes its preliminary psychometric soundness, larger studies are warranted to confirm construct and criterion validity.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Mohd Aris MAH, Mohd Sufian MSI, Zahiruddin H, Wan Omar WFN, Mohd Radzuan H, Mustapa NA, et al. Malay Language Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Pilot Testing of the SARC-F Questionnaire for Screening Sarcopenia Among the Malaysian Population. Malays J Med Sci [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 30 [cited 2026 Jul. 25];33(3):131–142. Available from: http://ejournal.usm.my/mjms/article/view/mjms_vol33-no3-2026_11
Issue
Vol. 33 No. 3 (2026)
Section
Original Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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