The psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale for Children

Background: The availability of a valid and reliable instrument that accurately assesses the level of fatigue among childhood cancer survivors is a prerequisite for developing and evaluating interventions designed to reduce fatigue. There is a lack of such an instrument for use in the Hong Kong Chinese context. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale for Children. In particular, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine its factorial structure. Methods: A convenience sample of 200 Hong Kong Chinese children surviving cancer was recruited in an outpatient clinic. The psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale for Children were assessed. Results: The content validity index was 0.83. There was a strong positive correlation between children's level of fatigue and depressive symptoms (r = 0.53) and a strong negative correlation between children's levels of fatigue and quality of life (r = -0.54). The mean levels of fatigue of the survivor group were significantly lower than those of those hospitalized with cancer, but significantly higher than those of their healthy counterparts. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that there were 3 factors underlying the Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale for Children. Conclusion: The study adds further evidence that the Chinese version of the Fatigue Scale for Children can be used as a reliable and valid tool in assessing cancer-related fatigue among Chinese children who have survived cancer. Implications for Practice: The translated scale can be used to develop and evaluate appropriate fatigue reduction interventions.