INSTRUMENT FOR ASSESSING DYSPNEA IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER: Validation of the Cancer Dyspnoea Scale for the Brazilian population
Cancer. Validation study. Dyspnea.
Objectives: To translate, cross-culturally adapt to Brazilian Portuguese, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Cancer Dyspnea Scale (CDS) in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This is a methodological and exploratory study involving the validation process and psychometric analysis of the Cancer Dyspnea Scale (CDS) instrument. For the translation and cross-cultural adaptation, we followed international recommendations for this type of study. The stages of translation and cross-cultural adaptation have been completed, and the psychometric properties will be further assessed using a sample population diagnosed with cancer, to whom the questionnaire is being administered. Sociodemographic data; anxiety, depression, and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21 validated for the Brazilian population); fatigue (Fatigue Pictogram validated for the Brazilian population); quality of life and fatigue (Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy FACT-F, validated for the Brazilian population); and dyspnea (Cancer Dyspnea Scale - CDS) are being collected. Subsequently, content validity, reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, divergent validity, and concurrent validity will be analyzed. Expected Results: It is anticipated that the validation of this instrument will provide the Brazilian population and healthcare professionals with a scale that assists in identifying and measuring dyspnea in a multidimensional way in cancer patients, enabling better management, care, and resolution of this symptom.