Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) for Persian-speaking populations, ensuring its applicability and reliability in both clinical and research settings in Iran. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation process involved forward and backward translations, expert panel reviews, and pre-testing. A total of 60 post-surgical patients participated in the study. Psychometric evaluations included content validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Content Validity Ratios (CVRs) and Content Validity Indices (CVIs) were calculated, with thresholds set at 0.51 and 0.79, respectively. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficients (≥0.7) and test-retest stability over a two-week interval. RESULTS: The Persian POSAS demonstrated robust psychometric properties. All items exceeded the CVI threshold, achieving strong expert consensus (CVR ≥0.51). Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.88 and 0.81 for the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS) and Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS), respectively, indicating high internal consistency. Test-retest reliability confirmed stability over time. These results were consistent with previous adaptations in other languages, including Arabic and Italian. CONCLUSION: The Persian adaptation of POSAS is a valid and reliable tool for scar assessment, filling a critical gap in patient-centered care for Persian-speaking populations. This tool enables standardized evaluation of scars and supports clinical research. Future studies should explore its responsiveness to therapeutic interventions and its applicability across diverse patient demographics.