Psychometric Properties of the 37-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) scale in Cancer Patients.

Abstract

Background: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) scale is a self-assessment scale validated in routine clinical practice to assess cognitive function in cancer patients. This study aimed to validate the 37-item version of FACT-Cog exploring particularly the psychometric properties of four items related to multitasking that were not previously included in the scoring algorithm and assess its correlates in Lebanese cancer patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 261 patients with breast, colorectal and lung cancers undergoing chemotherapy (Ethics: CEHDF1016). Validity was confirmed using a factor analyses using the principal component analysis technique with a varimax rotation. Analyses of internal consistency, “test-retest" reliability, and convergent validity were also performed. Finally, a multiple linear regression was conducted, using the total cognition scale as a dependent variable.Results: The scale had an appropriate construct validity, and items loaded on subscales with adequate sample adequacy to factor analyses outcomes. The test-retest reliability was appropriate for the total cognition score/all sub-scores except for the FACT-Cog QOL. Moreover, a weak but significant and inverse correlation between the FACT-Cog scores and patient’s pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Finally, better cognition functioning was noted with age and in working patients, whereas lower functioning was observed in previous smokers and in patients with ovary/brain metastasis. Conclusions: The 37-item tool is valid and reliable. Questions related to multitasking could be included in the scoring system.

Impact of psychosocial, behavioral and lifestyle factors on subjective cognitive complaints and perceived quality of life in a large cohort of Italian breast cancer patients

“…Version 3 of the questionnaire is a self-assessment scale composed of 37 items investigating perceived cognitive impairment (PCI), perceived cognitive abilities (PCA), comments of others (OTH), and impact of cognition on perceived quality of life (QoL). Numerous analysis (Cheung et al, 2013;Park 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1015573 Frontiers in Psychology 03 frontiersin.org Costa et al, 2018;Hajj et al, 2020) confirmed the traditional four-factor structure (impairment, abilities, noticeability and quality of life) for the FACT-Cog v3 questionnaire in cancer patients. Further research (Costa et al, 2018), conducted on healthy adults, concluded that FACT-Cog may perform differently in non-cancer population.…”

Diagnosis of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment

“…Funkcjonalna ocena terapii przeciwnowotworowejfunkcje poznawcze (functional assessment of cancer therapy -cognitive function -FACT-Cog) jako jeden z kwestionariuszy grupy FACT, służących do oceny jakości życia pacjentów po zastosowanej terapii przeciwnowotworowej, skupia sią na ocenie zaburzeń poznawczych występujących po chemioterapii. Stworzony został z myślą o pacjentach onkologicznych, co odróżnia go od opisanych powyżej testów, które przeznaczone są do oceny wielu jednostek nozologicznych, w tym również w przypadku chemobrain [21]. Testy FACT coraz częściej stosowane są rutynowo w odniesieniu do jakości życia pacjentów onkologicznych [22].…”

Outcome Measures in Cancer Rehabilitation: Pain, Function, and Symptom Assessment

“…Cronbach alpha was 0.86 (75,76). The test-retest reliability was satisfactory with Intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of 0.762 (72).…”

“…Unique tool to assess both cognitive concerns (impairment or deficiency) and cognitive abilities. Hence giving providers more information about cancer patient's cognitive complaint (75,76).…”