The Japanese version of TOPICOP scale among patients with atopic dermatitis: A translation and feasibility study

Background: The TOPICOP scale was developed previously for atopic dermatitis patients. It comprises 12 questions to assess patients' worries and beliefs about topical corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to translate TOPICOP into Japanese and evaluate its feasibility. Methods: We developed a Japanese version of TOPICOP from the original English version, using a process of forward and backward translation. We performed an anonymous survey using the validated Japanese TOPICOP to evaluate the feasibility of its use amongst patients and parents at two hospitals. Results: A total of 287 participants (83% female age 38 ± 7 years) completed the Japanese TOPICOP and the average score was 41 ± 18. More than half of the participants believed topical corticosteroids pass into blood-stream, damage the skin and affect future health. In addition, more than 60% of participants were anxious about applying topical corticosteroids to certain zones like eyelids, and about applying too much corticosteroid. Participants said that they need reassurance about topical corticosteroids. Among all participants, 68% answered within 5 minutes, 85% answered without any difficulty, and 79% could understand the meanings easily. Conclusions: The Japanese TOPICOP was an easy and quick scale for assessing corticosteroid phobia in Japanese atopic dermatitis patients. It can be used in clinical practice and in future clinical research on atopic dermatitis.