Methods: By conveniences sampling, recruited breast cancer survivors were separated into 2 samples (sample 1, n=150, and sample 2, n=162). Three phases were used to validate the CaSUN-SF. First, we translated and modified the CaSUN to take care of the cultural adaptation and the CaSUN-SF was developed. Second, we used statistical methods to eliminate some items, and conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using sample 1 (n=150) to explore the factor structure of the CaSUN-SF. Finally, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using sample 2 (n=162) to confirm the structure suggested by EFA, and tested the concurrent validity and known-group validity of CaSUN-SF.
Results: Four factors including information, physical /psychological, medical care and communication needs were identified in the CaSUN-SF and each factor had acceptable internal consistency reliability in which Cronbach’s Alpha was between .61 to .82. The concurrent validity was supported by the significant correlations between the scores on unmet needs and fear of recurrence and depression. The result of known-group comparison which revealed that women who survived more than 5 years had fewer physical/psychological needs than those less 5 years also demonstrated the validity of CaSUN-SF.
Conclusion: The CaSUN-SF demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for assessing unmet needs among breast cancer survivors in Taiwan. Using this simple assessment tool to target the individual needs of these survivors can help health care professionals to provide more personalized care efficiently.