Validation of a Dutch Version of the Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS) in Three Populations of Women

Abstract

We investigated the psychometric properties of a Dutch version of the Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS). Questionnaires (N = 515) were administered to 90 women with breast cancer, 227 women with fertility problems, and 198 healthy controls. Principal axis factor analysis suggested a one-factor structure with 11 items (breast cancer patients R(2) =.48, α =.87, ICC =.95; women with fertility problems R(2) =.45, α =.89, ICC =.86). Women with fertility problems reported the most concerns (M = 21.8, SD = 9.6), followed by breast cancer patients (M = 14.8, SD = 10.0) and healthy controls (M = 6.4, SD = 7.0). Theoretically related constructs were correlated to the RCS (.33 < r >.73). The RCS seems to be a valid tool for assessing women's reproductive concerns.

Reproductive concerns and psychosocial adjustment of young breast and gynecologic cancer patients

“…In terms of reproductive concerns, the results found in this and in other studies (Garvelink, ter Kuile, Louwé, Hilders & Stiggelbout, 2015) demonstrate that young breast and gynecologic cancer patients reported more concerns of this type that healthy women. Considering that reproduction and, consequently, achievement of parenting are life cycle tasks, the onset of a cancer disease and the treatments arising can represent an additional threat.…”

Feasibility and effects of a decision aid about fertility preservation

“…Reproductive concerns were measured at T0/T1/T2 with a Dutch version of the Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS) (Garvelink, Ter Kuile, Louwe, Hilders, & Stiggelbout, 2015;Wenzel, Berkowitz, Robinson, Bernstein, & Goldstein, 1992;Wenzel, Dogan-Ates, et al, 2005). The Dutch version of the scale consists of 11 of the 14 original items, measured on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much).…”

The psychological impact of gestational trophoblastic disease: a prospective observational multicentre cohort study

“…Nevertheless, patient characteristics such as age and parity which may influence the psychological wellbeing of patients, were not comparable in GTD patients and patients with breast cancer 33 . Lastly, when we compared our results with women facing fertility problems, GTD patients reported less fertility concern than women with concerns about fertility 26 . However, GTD patients reported more concerns than healthy women did 26 …”

“…The Dutch version of the RCS was used to assess women’s reproductive concerns 25,26 . The instrument contains 14 items on the 5‐point Likert scale (0–4) resulting in scores ranging from 0 to 56.…”

“…23,24 Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS) The Dutch version of the RCS was used to assess women's reproductive concerns. 25,26 The instrument contains 14 items on the 5-point Likert scale (0-4) resulting in scores ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate more reproductive concerns.…”