Development and validation of the cancer symptoms discrimination scale: a cross-sectional survey of students in Yunnan, China

Abstract

Background This study aimed to devise a Cancer symptoms Discrimination Scale (CSDS) suitable for China based on a cross-sectional survey. Methods The CSDS was developed using the classical measurement theory. A total of 3610 students from Yunnan province, China, participated in the cross-sectional survey. The test version of the scale was modified by the item analysis method, and after the official version of CSDS was developed, its reliability and validity were verified. A univariate analysis of variance and a multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of cancer symptoms discrimination among the university/college students. Results There were 21 items in total for the CSDS, including 3 subscales --- common clinical manifestations (11 items), physical appearance defects (6 items), and drainage tube(s) wearing (4 items). This CSDS had good validity (GFI = 0.930, AGFI = 0.905, RMR = 0.013, I-CVIs> 0.80, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was satisfactory.) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.862, spearman-brown coefficient = 0.875). The multiple linear regression showed that certain factors may affect the students’ discrimination level against cancer symptoms (P < 0.05), including gender, major, current education degree, guardian’s highest record of formal schooling, self-rated health status, history of care for cancer patients, family relationship, ways of cancer knowledge acquisition, good/poor understanding of cancer-related information, degree of cancer fear, and their perception of cancer infectiousness. Conclusion This CSDS, with good reliability and validity, can be used for the evaluation of the discrimination risk and levels against cancer symptoms among healthy students.

Psychometric Characteristics of the Chinese Version of the Tuberculosis Related-Stigma Scale in a Population of Medical Students and Its Correlation with Selected Demographic Characteristics

“…The following metrics were used to assess model fit, including root of mean square residual (RMR), root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA), the goodness of fit index (GFI), normed fit index (NFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) and comparative fit index (CFI). [38][39][40][41] The critical values for acceptable model fit used in the present study were SRMR<0.08, RMSEA≤1.0, GFI≥0.80, NFI≥0.80, TLI≥0.80, CFI≥0.85. [42][43][44] Composite Reliability (CR), Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio (HTMT) values of scale were calculated to test convergent and divergent validity.…”

Development and reliability and validity test of the Fear of Cancer Scale (FOCS)

“…The questionnaire was a self-evaluation questionnaire designed and compiled by our team, which included six parts: ① a table for the collection of social demographic data of the college students; ② a form for health information collection; ③ Chinese version of FOCS; ④ Chinese version of Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); ⑤ Chinese version of Cancer Symptom Discrimination Scale (CSDS) [ 16 ]; and ⑥ Chinese version of Trait Coping Style questionnaire (TCSQ) [ 17 ].…”