Validation of the supportive care needs survey-short form 34 with a simplified response format in men with prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective The Supportive Care Needs Survey-short form (SCNS-SF34) is a commonly used instrument that assesses levels of unmet needs in cancer patients across five domains. Participants in a number of recent studies have experienced difficulties with the five-point, two-level response scale. This study aimed to validate the SCNS-SF34 with a simplified four-point response format in a large sample of Australian men with prostate cancer. Methods Three hundred thirty-two men with prostate cancer commencing external beam radiotherapy completed the SCNS-SF34 with revised response format, along with measures of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and quality of life (Expan..