Psychometric properties of a simplified Chinese version of the cancer predisposition perception scale

OBJECTIVE: Cancer predisposition perception refers to the subjective estimation of the likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer in the future. It affects people's behavior concerning cancer screening and prevention. At present, there is no available tool to evaluate cancer predisposition perception. The aim of this study was to translate the cancer predisposition perception scale into simplified Chinese (C-CPPS), and then test its psychometric properties among Chinese patients. METHODS: In phase I, the CPPS was translated into Chinese, and validated by an expert panel. In phase II, data on reliability and validity was evaluated in terms of construct validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and item-total correlations, with a convenience sample of 208 patients recruited from the colorectal cancer surgical ward. RESULTS: The C-CPPS had desirable validity and reliability. The scale-level content validity index was 0.96. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the six-factor structure of the C-CPPS was good fit to the data. Correlation between the C-CPPS and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire was statistically significant. Cronbach's α for the entire scale was 0.90 and 0.71–0.95 for five of the six subscales. Item-total correlations ranged from 0.309 to 0.775, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The C-CPPS appears to be culturally appropriate, reliable, and valid for assessing cancer predisposition perception among patients with colorectal cancer in China.