Validation of the Sinhalese Version of Brief COPE Scale for patients with cancer in Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND: Coping strategies play a vital role in cancer management and has been an integral part in the recovery process of cancer patients worldwide. Coping refers to specific efforts; both behavioral and psychological, that diminishes stresses emerged in cancer patients. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Sinhalese version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (S-BC) which was developed based on the Brief COPE scale for cancer patients in Sri Lanka. METHODS: The original Brief COPE is a self-administered tool with 28 items designed to measure coping methods used by people in stressful life events. It consisted of statements related to adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies. Forty patients with cancer who were registered at the Oncology ward, Teaching Hospital, Galle, Sri Lanka were included in the study. A cross-cultural adaptation of the Brief COPE was done using WHO guidelines. Reliability of the S-BC was assessed using test–retest and internal consistency procedures. The construct validity of the tool was assessed by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent and discriminant validity of the S-BC was tested using World Health Organization-Quality of Life-Brief scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D). RESULTS: The mean (± SD) age of the sample was 61(± 12) years, and 52.5% (n = 21) of the participants were men. Eighty percent (n = 32) of the participants were more than one year of treatment from diagnosing as a cancer patient. The test–retest reliability of the S-BC was 0.66, and the internal consistency of the S-BC was good (Cronbach’s alpha - 0.819). Both EFA and CFA revealed a structure comprised of seven factors. Such factors were Avoidance/Behavioral disengagement, Religious faith/Acceptance, Seeking support, Planning, Substance use/Venting, Self-blame and Active/positive coping. The scores of the adaptive coping of the S-BC was negatively and the scores of the maladaptive coping of the S-BC was positively correlated with the CES-D score. The scores of the adaptive coping of the S-BC was positively correlated with the total score of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire indicating the S-BC’s convergent and discriminant validity properties. CONCLUSION: The Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE is found to be a valid and a reliable measure to assess coping strategies used by patients with cancer in Sri Lanka. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00863-z.