The Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale in Patients With Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema

Abstract

Background Health-related quality of life is measured to detect the influence of lymphedema on physical, functional, and social aspects of life in patients with breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL). Objective This study aimed to perform the psychometric evaluation of the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) in Turkish patients with BCRL. Methods Patients with BCRL (n = 78) filled out the Turkish LLIS, Lymphedema Quality of Life, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30, and Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scales. Breast cancer survivors without BCRL (n = 35) completed only the Turkish LLIS. Psychometric properties were analyzed with the internal consistency, test-rest reliability, construct, criterion, and discriminant validity. Results The internal consistency of the Turkish LLIS was strong (Cronbach’s α coefficient >.70). Test-retest reliability was strong to very strong (intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.88 to 0.93; P < .001). Similar to the original structure of the scale, exploratory factor analysis identified 3 factors. Criterion validity was supported by moderate to strong correlations between the LLIS, Lymphedema Quality of Life, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30, and quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand. There were significant differences in the total and subscale scores of the LLIS between participants with and without BCRL (P < .05). Conclusions The present study provided the evidence to confirm reliability and clinical validity of the Turkish LLIS. Implications of Practice The Turkish LLIS is a reliable and valid condition-specific scale to measure the physical, functional, and psychological aspects of health-related quality of life in patients with BCRL.

Psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the lymphedema life impact scale in breast cancer patients

“…In the present study, the results of EFA supporting the structure of the original structure, EFA of the Arabic version of LLIS identified three factors namely physical, psychological, and functional. Similar to the results obtained in the original study, Turkish and Persian versions of LLIS …”

“…Furthermore, the current findings indicated that there were strong positive relationships between LLIS subscales and symptom domain of EORTC QLQ-C30 (0.73, 0.81, and 0.81, respectively). Similar findings were obtained byOrhan, C., et al (2019). Moderate relationships were found between LLIS subscales and symptom domain of EORTC QLQ-C30 among Turkish patients (0.68, 0.67, and 0.67, respectively) 9.…”

“…Similar findings were obtained by Orhan, C., et al (2019). Moderate relationships were found between LLIS subscales and symptom domain of EORTC QLQ‐C30 among Turkish patients (0.68, 0.67, and 0.67, respectively) …”

Upper limb sensory evaluations and ultrasonographic skin measurements in breast cancer–related lymphedema receiving complex decongestive physiotherapy

“…For instance, breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is commonplace in musculoskeletal practice and has the potential to cause significant disability during daily activities [1]. Therefore, in addition to lymphedema, breast cancer patients might also suffer other conditions after surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, such as neuropathy up to 30%, myofascial pain up to 44%, fatigue up to 94%, 20-40% upper body problems, and 18-54% functional limitations [2][3][4][5][6][7][8], which contribute to patients' particular complaints, such as arm pain, numbness, or feeling of heaviness [9,10]. Women with lymphedema more frequently report pain and demonstrate bilateral impairments in shoulder range of motion, greater restrictions in upper limb activities and upper limb strength, and sensory disturbances compared to women without lymphedema [9,11].…”

Upper Limb Sensory Evaluations in Women With Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Receiving Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy: An Ultrasonographic Study

“…sensory disturbances due to neuropathic problems after surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy) that contribute to patients' particular complaints like arm pain, numbness or feeling of heaviness, etc. [2,3]. While there are already/several studies in the literature on physical, functional, emotional problems; the effects of lymphedema on sensory parameters have not been explored until now.…”