Ridner SH, Dietrich MS, et al.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Car.... Date of publication 2015 Oct 1;volume 23(10):3103-12.
1. Support Care Cancer. 2015 Oct;23(10):3103-12. doi: 10.1007/s00520-015-2684-y.
Epub 2015 Mar 10.
Development and validation of the Lymphedema Symptom and Intensity Survey-Arm.
Ridner SH(1), Dietrich MS.
Author information:
(1)Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 461 21st Avenue South, Godchaux Hall,
Nashville, TN, 37240, USA, sheila.ridner@vanderbilt.edu.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this instrument development project was to create a
self-report tool to evaluate arm lymphedema and associated symptoms in breast
cancer survivors.
METHODS: The Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Arm (LSIDS-A) was
developed and tested in three phases: phase 1-literature review and expert panel;
phase 2-preliminary validation; and phase 3-final validation.
RESULTS: Phase 1: The most common symptoms experienced by breast cancer survivors
with lymphedema were identified. A 52-item scale was developed. Phase 2: 128
community-dwelling breast cancer survivors (64 with lymphedema, 64 without
lymphedema) completed the LSIDS-A. Feedback from the participants was that the
format was "clear" and "made sense"; therefore, the response structure was left
intact. Sixteen items were deleted leaving a 36-item revised instrument. Phase 3:
Subsequent testing in a total sample of 236 breast cancer survivors with
lymphedema was undertaken. The Cronbach's alpha reliability values for the
overall intensity and distress scores were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively. The
Kuder-Richardson values ranged from 0.66 to 0.92. Divergent validity evaluated
against Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirebility Scale overall was acceptable
(intensity, r s = 0.08; distress, r s = -0.12). Convergent validity was
acceptable as tested with multiple instruments (e.g., Functional Assessment of
Cancer Therapy-Breast +4, overall intensity r s = -0.44, overall distress r s
= -.48) CONCLUSIONS: The 30-item LSIDS-A is a valid and reliable instrument that
can be used to assess arm lymphedema and its associated symptoms.
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-2684-y
PMCID: PMC4554806
PMID: 25752884 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
