An important tool in lymphedema management: validation of Turkish version of the lymphedema breast cancer questionnaire
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Published on: February 6, 2020
Hanife Doğan1, Hanife Abakay1, Ayşe Güç2
1Sarıkaya School of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey.
Insights
The Turkish Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ) is a valid and reliable tool for early detection of lymphedema in Turkish women with breast cancer, aiding in timely rehabilitation and cost reduction.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Oncology
- Medical diagnostics
Background:
- Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) significantly impacts quality of life.
- Accurate and early detection of lymphedema is crucial for effective management and rehabilitation.
- Validated assessment tools are essential for clinical practice and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To psychometrically evaluate the Turkish version of the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ).
- To establish the reliability and validity of the Turkish LBCQ for assessing lymphedema in breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- The Turkish LBCQ was administered to patients with and without BCRL (n=50 each).
- Psychometric properties including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity were analyzed.
- Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine a cut-off point for lymphedema detection.
Main Results:
- The Turkish LBCQ demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α >0.60) and very strong test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.79-1).
- Criterion validity was supported by moderate correlations with volumetric measurements and other functional questionnaires.
- ROC analysis identified a cut-off score of "6" for distinguishing individuals with and without lymphedema.
Conclusions:
- The Turkish LBCQ is a valid, reliable, and applicable tool for the Turkish population.
- Early detection of lymphedema using the Turkish LBCQ can lead to reduced treatment costs and improved patient outcomes.
- Rehabilitation professionals can utilize the Turkish LBCQ to detect lymphedema early, manage costs, and prevent advanced stages.
Purpose:
This study aimed to perform the psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ).
Methods:
Patients with BCRL (n = 50) received a Turkish version of the following measurement tools: Lymphedema Functioning, Disability, and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), LBCQ and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI-20). Patients without BCRL (n = 50) completed only the Turkish LBCQ. Psychometric properties were analyzed with internal consistency, test-retest reliability, ROC analysis, criterion, and discriminant validity.
Results:
The internal consistency of the Turkish LBCQ was strong (Cronbach's α coefficient >0.60). Test-retest reliability was also very strong (intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.79 to 1; p < 0.001). Criterion validity was supported by a moderate correlation of LBCQ with volumetric measurement, skinfold thickness, and questionnaires (Lymph-ICF, UEFI, and Quick DASH) (p < 0.05) via the ROC analysis, the cut-off point was found as "6" in distinguishing individuals with lymphedema and those without. There were significant differences in LBCQ total and subscale scores between participants with and without BCRL (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
This study clinically confirmed the validity, reliability, and applicability of the Turkish LBCQ in the Turkish population. LBCQ will enable the early detection of lymphedema and will save the country financially with early diagnosis.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe LBCQ was successfully translated, adapted, and validated into the Turkish language.Turkish version of the LBCQ was found to be reliable and valid to evaluate the signs and symptoms of lymphedema in Turkish women with breast cancer.By using LBCQ, rehabilitation professionals can detect lymphedema at an early stage, reduce the cost of lymphedema treatment and prevent the development of advanced lymphedema in their clinics.
