Reliability and validity of the caregiver quality of life index‐cancer (CQOLC) scale in Turkish cancer caregivers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to translate the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer into Turkish and test the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer in Turkey. Cancer is a chronic illness that affects the entire family and deteriorates the quality of life of cancer caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer is a widely used instrument to measure quality of life in cancer caregivers. Therefore, identifying and increasing quality of life benefits of cancer caregivers. Methodological research design. This study describes the translation process of The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer into Turkish and testing its reliability and validity on quality of life in cancer caregivers. The questionnaire was translated using a back-translation technique. The statistical analysis was carried out using Cronbach's alpha to test the internal consistency of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer scale while confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were carried out using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser Normalization to test its construct validity. The Cronbach's alpha was found to be reliability for the total scale was 0.88 and subscale alpha coefficients ranged from 0.73-0.83. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in four factor structure: burden, distruptiveness, positive adaptation and financial concerns. The effects of providing care for patients with cancer on caregiver quality of life have not yet been adequately explored in Turkey. The results of this study suggest that the Turkish version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer is a reliable and valid supplementary measure of the quality of life in cancer caregivers in Turkey. RELEVANCE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE: In research and practice, valid measurement instruments are needed to assess Quality of Life in Turkish cancer caregivers. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer scale is simple to administer and nurses by using this equipment in routine appointments will be able to better identify caregiver at risk for developing cancer related distress and worse Quality of Life.