Validation of the Modified Brief Fatigue Inventory in head and neck cancer patients.

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.

STUDY DESIGN

Survey validation.

SETTING

Academic tertiary medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The 9-item MBFI was administered to 52 consecutive cancer patients and 57 consecutive controls. Demographics, comorbidities, cancer site, and cancer stage were recorded. Psychometric properties and predictors of the MBFI were analyzed.

RESULTS

The MBFI 1-week test-retest reliability was excellent (r = 0.800, P < .001). Internal consistency was also excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.938). Construct validity of the MBFI compared with the previously validated Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form was excellent (r = 0.814, P < .001). Discriminant validity of cancer patients vs controls was significant (P = .027). Predictors of increased MBFI score included American Society of Anesthesiologists (comorbidity) score (bivariate analysis, r = 0.287, P = .039), cancer stage (analysis of variance, P = .007), and adjuvant radiotherapy (t test, P = .016). Cancer stage and comorbidity were further correlated with a multiple regression linear model. No significant relationship was found with age, sex, 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.