Validation and reliability testing of the BREAST-Q expectations questionnaire in Swedish

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge about preoperative expectations and how they affect satisfaction with breast reconstruction are key in improving care. A prerequisite for such studies are methodologically sound ways to define and measure expectations. The aims of this study were to translate and culturally adapt BREAST-Q Expectations for Sweden, and to perform a psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire. A cross-sectional study was performed. BREAST-Q expectations was translated according to current guidelines and sent to all patients on the waiting list for a breast reconstruction in our department. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s α. Inter-item correlations were calculated, and convergent validity was evaluated using a subjective comparator. Bland–Altman plots were drawn to evaluate test–retest reliability. Floor and ceiling effects were calculated. The questionnaire was sent to 198 patients, of which 129 responded (65%). Internal consistency was acceptable for all domains (Cronbach’s α 0.71–0.85) and all except one inter-item correlations were within the predefined intervals. Bland–Altman plots indicated that the agreement is variable. Ceiling effects were high for most domains. The results of the study support that the Swedish version of BREAST-Q expectations has a good content and face validity and internal consistency. Convergent validity and known-group validation cannot be adequately examined for expectations. Further studies are needed regarding test–retest reliability. High ceiling effects indicate that the instrument cannot discriminate between patients with high expectations and very high expectations. More studies are needed on how we can evaluate if expectations are realistic or not. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04714463, 19 January 2021 Patient and public contribution: All the data were generated directly from patients.