Psychometric Properties of the Farsi Version of “Spiritual Needs Questionnaire” for Cancer Patients in Iran: A Methodological Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Spiritual needs are very important requirements to cancer patients. A valid and<br />reliable instrument is needed for evaluation. This study was conducted to psychometrically evaluate a Spiritual Needs<br />Questionnaire (SpNQ) for cancer patients in Iran. Methods: In this study, the methodology and psychometric properties<br />of the Farsi version of the SpNQ (Büssing et al., (2010)) were evaluated, based on the model proposed by Wilde et al.,<br />(2005). The study population included cancer patients referred to the largest referral center in Iran. Some 400 subjects<br />were selected. Then, the content, face and construct validity, as well as the internal consistency and reliability of the<br />Farsi version were assessed. Findings: In the confirmatory factor analysis, the original four-factor version with 19<br />phrases was not confirmed. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out in which phrases were<br />included in three dimensions (peace and active giving, religion, and existence) that explained 48.1% of the variance.<br />Later, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, which showed a good fit of the model (CFI=0.94, GFI=0.94,<br />RMSEA=0.071, and AGFI=0.96). Cronbach's alpha was α=0.91 for the whole SpNQ. Cronbach's alpha values ranged<br />from 0.76 to 0.86 for the three factors. The intra-class correlation coefficient was ICC=0.82 between two tests performed<br />with a two-week interval. Conclusion: The modified Farsi version of the SpNQ shows good psychometric properties<br />for patients and can be used to investigate the spiritual needs of Iranian cancer patients.