Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to validate the Modified Brief Fatigue Inventory (MBFI). This is the first instrument designed to measure intensity and frequency of fatigue specifically in head and neck cancer patients, potentially allowing objective measurement in addressing this common symptom in a concise yet thorough fashion.
Method: The 9-item MBFI was administered to 52 consecutive cancer patients and 57 consecutive controls from the outpatient otolaryngology clinic of an academic tertiary medical center. Subject demographics, co-morbidities, cancer site, and cancer stage were recorded. Psychometric properties and predictors of the MBFI were analyzed.
Results: MBFI 1-week test-retest reliability was excellent (r = 0.800, P < .001). Internal consistency was also excellent (Cronbach’s α = .938). Construct validity of the MBFI compared to the previously validated Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory Short Form was excellent (r = 0.814, P < .001). Discriminant validity of cancer versus controls was significant (P = .027). Predictors of increased MBFI score included 1) American Society of Anesthesiologists (comorbidity) score (bivariate analysis r = 0.287, P = .039), 2) cancer stage (analysis of variance P = .007), and 3) adjuvant radiotherapy (t test P = .016). No significant relationship was found with age, gender, marital status, education, ethnicity, feeding tube, tracheostomy, or laryngectomy.
Conclusion: The MBFI is a reliable and valid tool for measuring fatigue levels in head and neck cancer patients. In the context of initial assessment or posttreatment trending, this brief survey can be rapidly administered, providing valuable objective data on a very common and potentially debilitating symptom.
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