Abstract
IntroductionPatients submitted to radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer have several symptoms, predominantly oral. The Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 is an American tool developed to evaluate oral symptoms in head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy. ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to translate the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-culturally adapt this tool for subsequent validation and application in Brazil. MethodsA method used for the translation and cultural adaptation of tools, which included independent translations, synthesis of the translations, back-translations, expert committee, and pre-test, was used. The pre-test was performed with 37 head and neck cancer patients, who were divided into four groups, to assess the relevance and understanding of the assessed items. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. ResultsThe overall mean of the content validity index was 0.79 for semantic and idiomatic equivalence, and it was higher than 0.8 for cultural and conceptual equivalence. The cognitive interview showed that patients were able to paraphrase the items, and considered them relevant and easily understood. ConclusionThe tool was translated and cross-culturally adapted to be used in Brazil. The authors believe this translation is suited for validation.
Highlights
Patients submitted to radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer have several symptoms, predominantly oral
The reliability measured by Cronbach’sis suitable, ranging from 0.70 to 0.94.22 the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey (VHNSS) 2.0 was selected for translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, using a method of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the assessment tool, performed in the following five steps: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation process: The process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the VHNSS 2.0 into Brazilian Portuguese was performed according to the international guidelines.[24,25]
The suggestions given by the expert committee were discussed and incorporated into the tool in order to adapt it to Brazilian culture
Summary
Patients submitted to radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer have several symptoms, predominantly oral. The Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 is an American tool developed to evaluate oral symptoms in head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy. Objective: The aim of the present study was to translate the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-culturally adapt this tool for subsequent validation and application in Brazil. Therapeutic options for HNC, including radiotherapy, contribute to significant adverse symptoms and loss of function.[4] Such symptoms may occur immediately, soon after the treatment, or may appear later.[5] The oral alterations are prominent, and include mucositis, dysphagia, taste and mucosal sensitivity alterations, xerostomia, teeth alterations, and excess mucus.5---9. Half of surviving HNC patients have problems and complications five years after the primary treatment, which include pain, problems with teeth, problems with chewing and swallowing,[10] or high scores for symptoms such as xerostomia, mucus production, and swallowing alterations related to treatment.[11]
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