Validation of the modified Chinese Information and Support Needs Questionnaire (ISNQ-C) for daughters of mothers with breast cancer

Background Adult daughters concerned about getting breast cancer throughout their lives and required support because their mothers had breast cancer. Objectives This article aims to examine the revised Information and Support Needs Questionnaire (ISNQ) and validate it in a Taiwanese community population comprising daughters of mothers with breast cancer. Methods Using convenience sampling, daughters of mothers with breast cancer were recruited and were separated into 2 samples (Sample 1, n = 102, and Sample 2, n = 118). First, we translated and modified the ISNQ to ensure cultural adaptation and formed ISNQ Chinese version (ISNQ-C). Second, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis using both samples to explore the ISNQ-C factor structure. Finally, we tested the criterion validity and known-group validity of the ISNQ-C using Sample 2. Results Thirty-two items addressing 5 factors were identified for the ISNQ-C. Each factor had good internal consistency. The criterion validity was supported by significant correlations between the ISNQ-C scores and scores on the impacts of an event, anxiety, and depression. Known-group comparisons revealed that the group with deceased mothers reported significantly more unmet needs related to releasing my anxiety compared to the group where the mother was stable and undergoing regular follow-ups. Significance of results The ISNQ-C demonstrated good reliability and validity in terms of assessing needs among daughters of mothers with breast cancer in Taiwan. Using this assessment tool before genetic counseling to target the individual needs of this population at risk for breast cancer would be helpful to provide personalized care.