Translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing of the Supportive care needs survey for partners and caregivers for Swedish family members of persons diagnosed with colorectal cancer

BackgroundColorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis globally and is increasing in both incidence and prevalence. Despite evidence showing that family members of persons diagnosed with cancer have supportive care needs, no validated questionnaire measuring the needs of family members of persons diagnosed with CRC exists in Swedish. Thus, the objective of the present study was to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties the Supportive Care Needs Survey - Partners and Caregivers 45.MethodsThe translation and cultural adaptation followed a systematic yet iterative process. Firstly, the questionnaire was translated using a forward-backward approach. Secondly, face and content validity and comprehensibility were evaluated by two expert panels of colorectal cancer specialist nurses and family members, respectively. Lastly, the psychometric properties, validity, and reliability of the translated questionnaire were evaluated among 45 Swedish family members of persons diagnosed with colorectal cancer.ResultsThe face, content, and construct validity of the translated questionnaire were evaluated as satisfying. Moreover, psychometric evaluations showed high data quality and satisfactory internal consistency. However, the results also revealed unsolved issues regarding relevance, targeting, and internal consistency, as well as a probable scaling failure.ConclusionThe translated and adapted questionnaire can be used to identify family members unmet needs of support throughout the colorectal cancer trajectory. The questionnaire showed promising validity and reliability in the target population. However, it needs to be further evaluated in a larger sample, preferably involving factor analysis and stability over time. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnose globally. At times of cancer, also the health and wellbeing of the surrounding family members is negatively affected. As a result, family members of persons diagnosed with cancer report that they too need support. Still, no validated questionnaire that enable measurement of family members needs of support throughout the colorectal cancer trajectory existed in Swedish. Thus, the present study undertook the process of translation of a questionnaire from English to Swedish. Thereto, evaluated it among Swedish family members of persons diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The evaluation showed a successful translation and the translated questionnaire appeared reliable and useful for measuring the family members ' needs of support throughout the colorectal cancer trajectory. However, it requires further evaluation.