Psychometric Evaluation of the Turkish Adaptation of the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore the construct validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form (SCNS-SF34), which was developed by Boyes, Girgis, and Lecathelinais (2009), to assess the needs of cancer patients in Turkey.

METHODS: The SCNS-SF34 has been translated and tested in various studies in other countries and cultures. The current study examined the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of this survey among Turkish cancer patients. The instrument was translated using a back-translation technique, which includes the use of a panel of experts and interpreters to translate the items from the source language to the target language and then back-translate them into the source language. The study was conducted in Samsun, a city in north Turkey. A total of 573 cancer patients participated in this study. Statistical analyses were made using R program and SPSS, and included internal consistency, reliability, confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses.

RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis adjusted a 5-factor structure (psychological, health systems and information, patient care and support, physical and daily living, and sexuality) explaining 74% of the variance. Cronbach's α ranged from .71 to .90.

CONCLUSION: Psychometric testing demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and validity of the instrument for cancer patients. The Turkish version of the SCNS-SF34 can be used in planning and testing interventions to improve supportive care needs for cancer patients in Turkey.