Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Head and Neck version 2.0 (LSIDS-H&N v2.0) in head and neck cancer patients.

PURPOSE: This study aims to cross-culturally validate the Dutch version of the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Head and Neck version 2.0 (LSIDS-H&N v2.0). This questionnaire assesses the impact of lymphedema and fibrosis symptoms in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in terms of symptom intensity and related distress.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The convergent validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of the Dutch LSIDS-H&N v2.0 were investigated in 30 HNC patients. Convergent validity was examined by correlating LSIDS-H&N v2.0 scores with four other questionnaires: the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30 v3.0), Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 (VHNSS v2.0). Eleven hypotheses were tested.

RESULTS

Ten out of 11 hypotheses (91%) were accepted, confirming very strong convergent validity. The Dutch LSIDS-H&N v2.0 demonstrated strong to very strong test-retest reliability (ICCs of 0.792 to 0.963). Very strong internal consistency was demonstrated (Cronbach's α ranging from 0.883 to 0.981).

CONCLUSION

The Dutch LSIDS-H&N v2.0 proved to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing symptom burden and distress in HNC patients with potential lymphedema and/or fibrosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05256238 (S65549).