Validation of the Modified Thai Cancer Survivor’s Unmet Needs (T-CaSUN) for Cholangiocarcinoma Patients

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors frequently experience of unmet demands that are linked to psychological illness, anxiety, and quality of life. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) survivors, on the other hand, still lack of validated tool to assess their particular requirements. The aims of this study were to adjust the Cancer Survivors’ Unmet Need Scale (CaSUN) to a shorter form and to examine its psychometric scale-specific features for the Thai CCA survivors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 231 CCA survivors and randomly split them into 2 groups (group 1, n =115, and group 2, n =116). Firstly, we modified and translated the CaSUN to ensure Thai cultural adaptation. Secondly, we used the statistical methods to reduce some items, then an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using group 1 to explore the factor structure of the T-CaSUN was done. Finally, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using group 2 was conducted to confirm the modified structure suggested by the EFA and to test for the construct validity of the T-CaSUN. RESULTS: Participants consisted of 231 CCA survivors. EFA and CFA organized the four components construct T-CaSUN, which included intensive care, information, relationship, and medical care. The T-CaSUN’s internal reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.75). Furthermore, construct validity was linked to bodily consequences, anxiety and depression, support care needs, stage of cancer, and age. For assessing unmet needs among CCA survivors in Thailand, the T-CaSUN exhibited acceptable reliability and validity. CONCLUSION: The T-CaSUN demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity for assessing unmet needs among CCA caregivers in Thailand. This short form measurement can assist healthcare practitioners in providing successful individualized care by focusing on the particular requirements of these survivors.