Using a decentering framework to create English/Spanish surveys about abortion: Insights into comparative survey research (CSR) for new survey development and recommendations for optimal use

Abstract

The growth of populations for whom English is not a native language has reinforced the need for multilanguage survey data collections. This is particularly true in the study of sexual and reproductive health issues such as abortion. However, the limited number of bilingual surveys about abortion and the lack of information regarding the translation process for bilingual surveys necessitates the development of new surveys specifically attuned to linguistic and cultural nuances in Spanish-speaking communities. To that end, this paper explores various comparative survey research frameworks, with emphasis on simultaneous survey development through decentering. We also highlight the processes, successes, and challenges of our team’s development of a bilingual English and Spanish abortion survey using Erkut’s Dual Focus Model—an approximation of the asking the same question by decentering (ASQD) approach—to co-construct an English and Spanish survey about abortion in the wake of the nomination and confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. We conclude with recommendations, including that comparative survey research be conducted with team-based and systematic translations.