Psychometric evaluation of a Chinese version of Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema in women with gynaecological cancer surgery

Abstract

The prevalence of lower limb lymphoedema and its impact in gynaecological cancer patients is underestimated. However, a valid and reliable scale to measure lower leg lymphoedema in Taiwan has not been available. The purpose of the study was to translate the English version of Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema into a Chinese version (Lymph‐ICF‐LL‐C), and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Lymph‐ICF‐LL‐C in Taiwanese women with gynaecological cancer surgery. A total of 170 women with gynaecological cancer surgery were recruited to examine the Lymph‐ICF‐LL‐C. The Lymph‐ICF‐LL‐C shows satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas ≥ 0.84) and stability test–retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.55–0.90) at a 2‐week interval. Exploratory factor analysis showed that 68.53% of the total variance was explained by a five‐factor solution. The concurrent validity of the Lymph‐ICF‐LL‐C was evidenced by a significant correlation with a fatigue scale (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and with the bilateral difference of lower limb circumference (r = 0.24–0.36, all p < 0.01). The Lymph‐ICF‐LL‐C can be used for assessing the life impact of lower limb lymphoedema, allowing appropriate interventions to prevent further deterioration and complications.

Alt Ekstremite Lenfödem Hastalarında Kinezyofobi, Fiziksel Performans ve Denge Arasındaki İlişki

“…In literature, there are limited studies that show significant physical performance decrease in lower extremity lymphedema patients (3,15). It is indi-cated that functionality has decreased 30% in this patient group (15).…”

“…Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive and debilitating condition that occurs with the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in interstitial tissue spaces as a result of abnormal development or damage of the lymphatic system (1,2). The most frequent symptoms in lower extremity lymphedema are cosmetic deformities, sensory deformities, an inclination to infections, fatigue, decreased joint range of motion, and fullness feeling due to edema (3,4). It is a known fact that if lymphedema is not treated, it will deteriorate (5).…”

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in gynaecologic cancer survivors with lower limb lymphedema: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

“…The HRQoL was assessed using the Chinese-language version of the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) [ 37 ], developed by Devoogdt et al [ 38 ]. The Lymph-ICF-LL consists of 28 items measuring five domains: physical function (6 items), mental function (6 items), general tasks and household (3 items), mobility (7 items), and life and social life (6 items).…”

Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire

“…[6, 8-11, 37, 38] Wang et al translate and validate the Lymph-ICF-Lower Limb subscale (the Lymph-ICF-LL) among the Chinese lower limb lymphedema patients in 2018. [45] Generally speaking, a lymphedema-specific tool is more ideal to be used as the criterion than a generic measure. The study do not choose Lymph-ICF-LL as the criterion due to: 1.…”