Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of the Malay Version of the Barriers to Access to Care Questionnaire for Assessing the Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Care Among the Health Workforce in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Background Mental health problems among the workforce are a significant concern worldwide, including in Malaysia. Unfortunately, some may perceive various barriers or challenges that prevent them from seeking help. Identifying and addressing these is crucial for enhancing mental services support. The Barriers to Access Care Evaluation (BACE-3) questionnaire valuable tool can be used assessing workers. However, validated Malay version needed. Therefore, this study aims translate, adapt, validate original of into (MBACE). Methods A rigorous process translation adaptation was followed develop BACE-3 cross-sectional conducted assess psychometric properties questionnaire, with purposive sampling employed recruit 188 participants job categories, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, non-clinical staff, such as assistants clerks. analysis using R software 4.2.2 (R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). Construct validity determined confirmatory factor (CFA). To convergent validity, internal consistency, reliability instrument, measures average variance extracted (AVE), composite (CR), Cronbach's alpha values were calculated. Results During CFA process, two items loading less than 0.5 (items 15 16) removed improve model fit. results revealed 2-factor MBACE had good construct (root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) = 0.053; comparative fit index (CFI) 0.939; Tucker-Lewis (TLI) 0.934). consistency supported by ranging 0.92 0.94 stigma non-stigma factor. (AVE) (CR) further questionnaire's validity. Conclusion translated adapted 28-item valid reliable barrier professional care Malaysian workforce. This instrument has potential aid development targeted interventions promote help-seeking behavior enhance well-being