Validation of a questionnaire on health literacy among Francophones in situation of linguistic minority

This study was designed to develop and test the qualitative validity of a French questionnaire. The questionnaire explored the mechanisms by which Francophone in situation of linguistic minority mobilize their social capital and cultural assets in terms of health literacy. We used evidence derived from a previous qualitative study in which we elaborated the characteristics of social capital and cultural assets. Drawing on models of social capital and self-determination of language behaviour in Francophone in situation of linguistic minority, 21 items were developed and assessed to confirm content validity. For this purpose, cognitive interviews were conducted with 92 natural experts. These cognitive interviews tested the linguistic and content validity of the instrument. Consultations with research professionals were also conducted to increase content validity. Parsimony and simplicity were tested by application of the Flesch test. The results demonstrate that 19 questions (93%) corresponded to the general public, relatively simple, and everyday use categories. Natural experts confirmed the readability and simplicity of the questionnaire. This study addressed a lack of simple and readable questionnaire for collecting data among Francophone in situation of linguistic minority. The findings underscore the lack of evidence related to the familiar construction of health literacy among members of this population.