Author/Authors :
Kobeissi، Loulou نويسنده College of Public Health- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies- Center for Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ, USA , , Abou Saad، Maya نويسنده Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon , , Doumit، Myrna نويسنده Faculty of Nursing, Lebanese American University, Chouran Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon , , Mohsen، Raed نويسنده Faculty of Arts and Sciences Lebanese American University, Chouran Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon , , Salem، Ziad نويسنده Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut-Medical Center , Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon , , Tfayli، Arafat نويسنده Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon ,
Abstract :
Background: Breast cancer affects over one million women annually and is the most
common global malignancy among women. Extensive improvements have taken
place in the management of breast cancer in recent years and a higher percentage of
women are cured from this disease. A proper assessment of the quality of life of
women with breast cancer is an essential component in disease management. The
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Breast Symptom Index has been commonly
used and well-validated among English speaking populations as well as other
populations. To date, no formal translation and evaluation of the Functional Assessment
of Cancer Therapy-Breast System Index exists in Arabic. Therefore, this study intends
to translate, adapt and face-validate the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast
System Index into Arabic, specifically in the context of the Lebanese culture.
Methods: We conducted forward and backward translation in Arabic, combined with
face validity by clinicians. This was followed by pre-testing to ensure the instrument’s
adequacy and cultural sensitivity conducted by the administration of face-to-face
interviews with individual breast cancer patients (n=33) and two focus groups (4
women/group) to evaluate the relevance and appropriateness of each item and words
used in the questionnaire.
Results: Study results reinforced the value of the Arabic translated version of the
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast System Index in capturing the
quality of life of women with breast cancer in Lebanon.
Conclusion: The instrument was perceived to be adequate, appropriate for use,
culturally sensitive, simple as well as exhaustive. Suggestions have been made to enrich
the instruments’ ability to incorporate other quality of life dimensions not captured, as
well to enhance the cultural specificity of the Functional Assessment of Cancer
Therapy-Breast System Index, when administered among Lebanese women diagnosed
with breast cancer who are specifically beyond therapy.
