The cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Employment Barrier Questionnaire (EBQ) for Arabic-speaking workers

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the newly translated Arabic Employment Barrier Questionnaire (A-EBQ), designed to identify obstacles faced by People with Disabilities (PWDs) in securing and maintaining employment. A total of 90 participants aged 18–64 years (Med = 31.70, IQR = 16) were recruited, comprising 60 participants without hand injuries (HI) and 30 participants with HI. The EBQ was translated into Arabic utilizing a forward-backward translation method. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was evaluated by comparing responses between participants with and without HI, while concurrent validity was examined by correlating the A-EBQ with the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire-A (WORQ-A). The A-EBQ demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.847–0.950; ICC = 0.795–0.950). Construct validity was supported by significant group differences: participants with HI reported higher physical barriers and restrictions ( p  < 0.001), while those without HI reported higher environmental, communication, and cognitive barriers ( p  ≤ 0.05). The findings confirm that the A-EBQ is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing employment barriers within Arabic-speaking populations. It demonstrates strong ecological validity, capturing real-life challenges faced by individuals with HI. Physical barriers and restrictions emerged as the most prominent challenges for this group, often overshadowing other potential barriers.