Validation of the Japanese version of the Fatigue Barriers Scale (JFBS)

The Fatigue Barriers Scale (FBS) is an instrument to identify patient-derived barriers to fatigue management.

To assess the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the FBS (JFBS).

Participants were 112 cancer patients. Reliability was determined through internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and through test-retest reliability using Spearman's intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct, convergent, criterion-referenced, and concurrent validities were assessed. The Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS), Patient Fatigue Knowledge Tool (PFKT), and Kessler 6-item distress scale (K6) were used for comparisons.

Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.74, 0.78, 0.72, and 0.54 for the JFBS total and for each subscale, respectively. All ICCs exceeded 0.65 (P<0.05). The JFBS had a weak negative correlation with the PFKT and a positive correlation with the CFS. The K6 scores showed weak positive correlations with the JFBS total and fatalism subscale scores.

The JFBS can be used to measure fatigue barriers in Japanese people with cancer.