Psychometric properties of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) in Chinese patients with prostate cancer

The aim of the study was to assess the validity, reliability and sensitivity of the FACT-P (version 4) in Chinese males with prostate cancer.

Construct validity was assessed using Spearman’s correlation test against the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12v2). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficient, respectively. Sensitivity was determined by performing known-group comparisons by independent t test.

FACT-P subscale scores had a moderate correlation with the corresponding SF-12v2 domain score that conceptually measures the similar construct providing evidence for adequate construct validity. Internal consistency was acceptable (α: 0.687–0.900) for all subscales aside from the Prostate Cancer Subscale (α: 0.505) and Trial Outcome Index (α: 0.562). FACT-P subscale and total scores showed good test–retest reliability (range 0.753–0.913). All total scales and most of the subscales were sensitive in detecting differences between patients with different levels of functional impairment but not different cancer stages or levels of prostate-specific antigen.

The measure is a valid and reliable measure to assess the health-related quality of life of Chinese males with prostate cancer. The FACT-P is sensitive to detect difference between patients with varying functional status.