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

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.