Instrument For Subjective Assessment Research Articles

Home Exercise Program is an effective tool in improving upper limb function and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: A retrospective observational study

Background: Home Exercise Program is a mainstay of upper limb dysfunction prevention in breast cancer survivors. However, only subjective assessment instruments have been used until now in order to prove its effectiveness. In the present observational retrospective study, we assessed, for the first time, the effects of Home Exercise Program on the upper limb function of breast cancer survivors via tridimensional motion analysis. We also aimed to show that good upper extremity performance positively influenced the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Methods: From the 2016 database of breast cancer survivors who underwent upper limb tridimensional motion analysis 1 and 3 months after modified radical mastectomy, we enrolled 15 patients who spontaneously refused to undergo the post-surgical 14-day Home Exercise Program (group A). In addition, 15 patients who were homogeneous to those of group A, but who agreed to normally undergo Home Exercise Program were selected from the same database, in order to compare upper limb performance (group B). The Constant-Murley, Brief Fatigue Inventory and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life scores during follow-up were analysed and compared. Results: Compared to those in group A, on tridimensional motion analysis, patients in group B showed a wider range of motion of the upper limb, with consequently better shoulder and elbow performance, lower incidence of lymphedema, minor fatigue, and better quality of life. Conclusions: We show objectively, by means of tridimensional motion analysis, that Home Exercise Program is an effective tool for preventing upper extremity dysfunction in breast cancer survivors. Hence, it should always be recommended to such patients as it positively influences their quality of life.

The Female Sexual Function Index: Translation and Validation of an Iranian Version

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent problem in the female population in Iran. A subjective assessment instrument that allows cross-cultural comparison of FSD is urgently needed. The aims of the study were to translate, validate, and enhance cross-cultural comparability of an Iranian version (IV) of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)-the IV-FSFI. A total of 448 women (19-54 years, mean 29.7, standard deviation 7.3) from five different Iranian outpatient obstetrics and gynecology clinics were eligible for this study. The IV-FSFI was developed through forward and backward translation, revision by a research team, and a subsequent pilot study. After an interview for clinical diagnosis of FSD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, all participants completed the IV-FSFI for the validation study. Three hundred sixty-two women completed the IV-FSFI again, 4 weeks after the first visit. Test-retest reliability was determined by Pearson's product-moment correlations. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by principal component analysis using varimax rotation and by subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Discriminant validity was assessed with between-groups analysis of variance. The overall test-retest reliability coefficients were high for each domain of the IV-FSFI (r ranging from 0.73 to 0.86) and the internal consistencies within the acceptable range (α from 0.72 to 0.90). Principal component analysis with varimax rotation revealed a best fitting five-factor structure similar to the original FSFI (χ(2) = 2.1, degree of freedom = 17, P < 0.001). CFA confirmed the underlying domain structure, supporting the factorial validity of the IV-FSFI. In conclusion, the newly developed IV-FSFI has demonstrated to be a reliable and valid instrument with good psychometric properties that allows a quick and accurate preliminary screening of women with unknown sexual health status in clinics and other medical settings.

Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms (MVS) Survey for Assessment of Hot Flashes

During the menopause, 65%-80% of women experience hot flashes. Hot flashes can also occur after hysterectomy and may be experienced during cancer therapy. A very limited assessment of hot flashes is provided by currently available menopausal instruments. This study was performed to evaluate a new Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms (MVS) survey as an instrument for a comprehensive and subjective assessment of hot flashes. The MVS survey was designed to assess multiple dimensions of hot flashes and to be simple and easy to administer. Hot flashes and associated conditions were addressed with 39 closed-ended questions. Sixty-one qualified women, 40-58 years old, from the Dallas, Fort Worth Metroplex area were enrolled. Women experiencing hot flashes took the survey at baseline and then 14 days, 2 months, and 6 months later. Factor analysis was performed. Face and content validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and sensitivity to changes were evaluated. Fifty-two women (85.2%) completed all study sessions. The MVS survey was found to have good face and content validity and good internal consistency (rhoKR = 0.87). Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients at the 14-day retest varied from 0.58 to 1.00. As a result of these analyses, the MVS survey was further refined. The MVS survey was found to be comprehensive, simple, valid, reliable, sensitive, and a convenient instrument for subjective assessment of various characteristics of hot flashes. The MVS survey may serve as a valuable clinical and research tool for measurement of hot flashes.