Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Head and Neck version 2.0 (LSIDS-H&N v2.0) in head and neck cancer patients

This study aims to cross-culturally validate the Dutch version of the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Head and Neck version 2.0 (LSIDS-H&N v2.0). This questionnaire assesses the impact of lymphedema and fibrosis symptoms in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in terms of symptom intensity and related distress. The convergent validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of the Dutch LSIDS-H&N v2.0 were investigated in 30 HNC patients. Convergent validity was examined by correlating LSIDS-H&N v2.0 scores with four other questionnaires: the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30 v3.0), Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0 (VHNSS v2.0). Eleven hypotheses were tested. Ten out of 11 hypotheses (91%) were accepted, confirming very strong convergent validity. The Dutch LSIDS-H&N v2.0 demonstrated strong to very strong test-retest reliability (ICCs of 0.792 to 0.963). Very strong internal consistency was demonstrated (Cronbach's α ranging from 0.883 to 0.981). The Dutch LSIDS-H&N v2.0 proved to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing symptom burden and distress in HNC patients with potential lymphedema and/or fibrosis. ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05256238 (S65549).