Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Paediatric Cancer Coping Scale (PCCS)

To determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Paediatric Cancer Coping Scale, a scaling tool that has three subscales (cognitive coping, problem-oriented coping and defensive coping) and was developed to examine the coping strategies of children with a cancer diagnosis.

This psychometric evaluation study focused on validity and reliability assessment of a scale between November 2018 and May 2019.

Study sample consisted of 165 children with cancer aged 7- to 18-years followed up in the outpatient clinics of a children's hospital. The retest sample consisted of 85 children. Data were collected using a Descriptive Characteristics Form and the Turkish version of the Paediatric Cancer Coping Scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and total item correlation were calculated for internal consistency reliability. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine construct validity.

The total Cronbach's alpha (α) of the Turkish version of the Paediatric Cancer Coping Scale was 0.77. According to exploratory factor analysis, the Paediatric Cancer Coping Scale has three subscales (cognitive coping, problem-oriented coping and defensive coping). Our results showed a positive and statistically significant correlation between the scale total, cognitive coping and problem-oriented coping scores (p < 0.01).

The Turkish version of the Paediatric Cancer Coping Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to assess coping styles in paediatric cancer patients.

What is already known about this topic? There is no measurement tool in Turkey to examine coping skills of children with a cancer diagnosis. The number of children diagnosed with cancer is increasing day by day. The children who use coping methods effectively during the disease may be better adapted to treatment. What this paper adds? This study is used to define coping skills of children diagnosed with cancer. Defining the level of children's coping with cancer can enable the child to be guided to receive psychosocial support. The implications of this paper Once the coping skills/levels of children can be measured, those who need help/assistance can be helped. This study will help nurses to identify coping levels of children with a cancer diagnosis. Nurses will be able to evaluate the psychosocial status of children using an objective measurement tool and make a care plan.