The european organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-BR 23 breast cancer-specific quality of life questionnaire: psychometric properties in a Moroccan sample of breast cancer patients

Abstract

BackgroundQuality of life (QOL) and its measurement in cancer patients is becoming increasingly important. Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are often associated with psychological distress and reduced QoL. In Arabic-speaking countries, QoL of patients with cancer is inadequately studied.The aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23).MethodsAfter translation and cross-cultural adaptation, the questionnaire was tested on breast cancer patients. The participants’ number for the test and the retest were 105 and 37 respectively. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α), the test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was assessed by examining item-convergent and divergent validity.ResultsThe questionnaire was administered to 105 patients. The mean age of patients was 48 years (SD: 16), 62.9% were married. 68.6% of all participants lived in urban area.The average time to complete the QLQ- BR23 was 15 min. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, were all >0.7, with the exception of breast symptoms and arm symptoms. All items exceeded the 0.4 criterion for convergent validity except item 20 and 23 related to pain and skin problems in the affected breast respectively.ConclusionIn general, the findings of this study indicated that the Moroccan Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-BR23 is a reliable and valid supplementary measure of the QOL in breast cancer patients and can be used in clinical trials and studies of outcome research in oncology.

Body Image Concern and its Correlates among Male and Female Undergraduate Students at Assuit University in Egypt

“…An expert committee (three members of staff from Assiut University) also reviewed the translated questionnaire to ensure face validity. In addition, the research team’s native Arabic speakers (WEA and SL) examined the translation quality, scrutinized the content of the translated questionnaire, reviewed any instances of disagreement, misunderstandings, mistranslations or inaccuracies, and made decisions accordingly ( El Fakir et al, 2014 ). The translations focused on and ensured the equivalence of meaning, and the assessment of the same attributes, i.e., cross-cultural and cross-language equivalence ( Beaton, Bombardier, Guillemin, & Ferraz, 2000 ).…”

Quality of Life among Moroccan Women Undergoing Treatment of Breast Cancer

“…The EORTC QLQ breast cancer-specific module (EORTC QLQ-BR23) is used to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the QOL measurement of patients with breast cancer. This questionnaire is a valid and reliable questionnaire for evaluation of quality of life in Morocco [13]. It is composed of 23 questions assessing functional scales (body image, sexual activity and future perspective) and symptom scales related to treatment (systemic therapy side effects, breast symptoms, arm symptoms and upset by hair loss) [17].…”

“…Even though these actions give hope to more and more women in terms of prognosis and access to treatment, it is important to make sense of and look at QOL of these women. Indeed, limited data exist on quality of life of women with breast cancer in Morocco [13].…”

Quality of life of early stage colorectal cancer patients in Morocco

“…A multicentre cohort study was held in Morocco, designed to evaluate the quality of life of Moroccan cancer patients, including colorectal, cervical, breast and lung cancer [ 3 , 4 ]. It is a prospective multicentre cohort study, performed in the ten existing oncological centers in Morocco.…”