Cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the Fear of Cancer Scale

This study aims to investigate cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the Fear of Cancer Scale.

The study was conducted via an online survey across all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using a cross-sectional validation design. A non-probability consecutive sampling method was used to recruit 71 non-cancer adults aged 18 years or older. The Fear of Cancer Scale was translated and adapted into Arabic in accordance with published guidelines after obtaining permission from the developers. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Following the established content validity of the Fear of Cancer Scale Arabic translated version, the scale depicted a very good internal consistency. Overall, with 95% CI = (0.777, 0.858), indicating a high level of reliability. Based on the principal component analysis method and using the average variance extracted (F1: 0.480, F2: 0.328) and composite reliability (F1: 0.901, F2: 0.783), the scale depicted an acceptable discriminant validity.

The validation of the Fear of Cancer Scale in Arabic can help in identifying cancer-related fear/anxiety among the Arabic-speaking population. This study fills a gap in the literature and provides a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians in the Arabic-speaking community. Decision-makers are encouraged to integrate the Arabic Fear of Cancer Scale into cancer clinics to enhance cancer care strategies and better understand the psychological consequences of cancer on patients and their families.