Development and validation of a fertility information support scale for reproductive-aged patients with breast cancer

This study aims to develop and validate a suitable scale for assessing the level of fertility information support in reproductive-aged breast cancer patients.

We utilized an exploratory mixed methods approach, dividing the study into two phases: scale development and validation. In Phase 1, initial items were generated through literature review and qualitative interviews. In Phase 2, a cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 468 reproductive-aged breast cancer patients to evaluate the scale's validity and reliability. Scale items underwent item analysis, and their validity and reliability were assessed using Cronbach's α coefficient, retest reliability, content validity, structural validity, and convergent validity.

The final scale comprised 17 items, and exploratory factor analysis revealed three common dimensions with internal consistency coefficients of 0.894, 0.816, and 0.869. The overall internal consistency of the scale was 0.908, with a retest reliability Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.937, indicating strong stability and reliability. The construct validity of the scale was excellent (χ² = 198.606, df = 113, χ²/df = 1.758, root mean square of approximation error = 0.055, goodness-of-fit index = 0.917, comparative fit index = 0.979, null fitting index = 0.953, and incremental fitting index = 0.979).

Our fertility information support scale for reproductive-aged breast cancer patients demonstrates favorable psychometric properties. It serves as a valuable tool for evaluating fertility information support levels among these patients, assisting medical professionals in addressing fertility concerns and implementing personalized support programs. However, further research is needed to investigate the applicability of this scale in patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.