title: Reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF-C).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF-C) for use in Chinese-speaking countries.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The assessment of fatigue is a challenging task for most researchers because culture may influence perceptions of meaning of fatigue. The lack of examination of the psychometric properties of the fatigue measures across studies limits the scientific rigour for generating additional research on the concept of 'fatigue.'
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study recruited 107 cancer inpatients from two medical centres in Taiwan. The MFSI-SF-C was examined using a two step process: (1) Translation and back-translation of the instrument; and (2) Examination of internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, content validity and construct validity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that the Cronbach's α of MFSI-SF-C total scale and subscales ranged between 0·83-0·92. The content validity index was 0·93. The difference between the fatigue of cancer patients and the comparison group of healthy people in the community was significant. The results demonstrated good convergent validity when comparing fatigue with depression and quality of life. Factor analysis confirmed the four dimensions of fatigue: physical, emotional, mental and vigour. It showed moderate intercorrelation between subscales and high factor loadings also helped to clarify the psychometric meaning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reliability and validity information presented in this article support the use of the Chinese version of the MFSI-SF as a research instrument for measuring fatigue in Chinese populations. This study also provides evidence that the MFSI-SF possesses robust psychometric properties.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MFSI-SF-C is an effective and comprehensive tool for measuring fatigue in Chinese patients with cancer.
authors: Department of Nursing, Acute Psychiatric Ward, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung and Graduate Institute of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Li-Chung
authors: LC
authors: Pien
authors: Hsin
authors: H
authors: Chu
authors: Wen-Chun
authors: WC
authors: Chen
authors: Yu-Shiun
authors: YS
authors: Chang
authors: Yuan-Mei
authors: YM
authors: Liao
authors: Chiung-Hua
authors: CH
authors: Chen
authors: Kuei-Ru
authors: KR
authors: Chou