Enhancing Nutritional Care in Cancer: Development and Face Validation of the Chemotherapy Dietary Adherence Scale

G Hari Prakash; Sunil Kumar D; Kiran PK; Vanishri Arun; Deepika Yadav; Shwethasree M

doi:10.31557/apjcc.2024.9.3.501-504

Authors

G Hari Prakash Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.
Sunil Kumar D Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.
Kiran PK Department of Medical Oncology, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.
Vanishri Arun Department of IS & E, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru, India.
Deepika Yadav Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.
Shwethasree M Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcc.2024.9.3.501-504

Keywords:

Chemotherapy, dietary adherence, scale development, content validation, cancer nutrition

Abstract

Background: Dietary adherence during chemotherapy is crucial for managing side effects and maintaining nutritional status. However, there is a lack of validated tools to measure dietary adherence in this context. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Chemotherapy Dietary Adherence Scale (CDAS) for assessing dietary adherence among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 2 months. The CDAS was developed through a literature review and expert consultation. Face and content validation were performed with 25 experts in oncology, dietetics, and community medicine. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated at both the item (I-CVI) and scale (S-CVI) levels.

Results: The expert panel comprised diverse professionals (40% public health experts, 20% medical oncologists, and 20% dietitians). Face validation showed 85% agreement on grammar, clarity, and content. The I-CVI was 0.81, and the S-CVI was 0.83, indicating strong content validity.

Conclusion: The CDAS demonstrated robust content validity and relevance for assessing dietary adherence in cancer chemotherapy patients. Further research is needed to evaluate its psychometric properties and clinical utility.