An important tool in lymphedema management: validation of Turkish version of the lymphedema breast cancer questionnaire

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to perform the psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ).

Methods

Patients with BCRL (n = 50) received a Turkish version of the following measurement tools: Lymphedema Functioning, Disability, and Health Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), LBCQ and Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI-20). Patients without BCRL (n = 50) completed only the Turkish LBCQ. Psychometric properties were analyzed with internal consistency, test–retest reliability, ROC analysis, criterion, and discriminant validity.

Results

The internal consistency of the Turkish LBCQ was strong (Cronbach's α coefficient >0.60). Test–retest reliability was also very strong (intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.79 to 1; p < 0.001). Criterion validity was supported by a moderate correlation of LBCQ with volumetric measurement, skinfold thickness, and questionnaires (Lymph-ICF, UEFI, and Quick DASH) (p < 0.05) via the ROC analysis, the cut-off point was found as “6” in distinguishing individuals with lymphedema and those without. There were significant differences in LBCQ total and subscale scores between participants with and without BCRL (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study clinically confirmed the validity, reliability, and applicability of the Turkish LBCQ in the Turkish population. LBCQ will enable the early detection of lymphedema and will save the country financially with early diagnosis.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• The LBCQ was successfully translated, adapted, and validated into the Turkish language.

• Turkish version of the LBCQ was found to be reliable and valid to evaluate the signs and symptoms of lymphedema in Turkish women with breast cancer.

• By using LBCQ, rehabilitation professionals can detect lymphedema at an early stage, reduce the cost of lymphedema treatment and prevent the development of advanced lymphedema in their clinics.

Keywords:

• Lymphedema
• diagnosis
• symptoms
• validity
• Lymphedema Breast Cancer Questionnaire

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Jane Armer for her permission to translate and adapt the LBCQ in Turkish patients.

Disclosure statement

The authors declared no conflict of interest regarding the author and/or publication of this article.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the research ethics committee (2017-KAEK-189_2020.07.29_10).

Author contributions

Hanife Doğan: study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing. Hanife Abakay: data collection, case evaluation, and diagnosis. Ayşe Güç: case evaluation and diagnosis. Halit Karaca: case evaluation and diagnosis, and critical review.

Data availability statement

Data are available in article supplementary material.