Development of the health behaviour scale for cancer patients (HBSCP), analysis of its factorial structure and evaluation of its psychometric properties

Objective: The development and validation of a health behaviour scale for cancer patients (HBSCP). Methods: An 11-item scale was developed based on existing literature on health behaviour and cancer prevention and care. Identified dimensions include the following: nutrition and weight, physical activity, nicotine and alcohol use, stress, and adherence to medical health services. Experts rated the items in regard to content and wording. The scale was tested in two cross-sectional datasets of n = 4626 and n = 4558 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Psychometric properties were assessed (internal consistency, item discrimination, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis). Correlations with physical functioning (EORTC QLQ-C30) and personality traits (Big Five Inventory) were computed (full assessment of construct validity was not possible). Results: A two-factor structure (1. adherence to medical health services; 2. Individual protective health behaviour) with nine items (item reduction due to findings in the factor analyses) with good item properties and reliability was identified. The scale showed significant associations with physical functioning and the personality traits of conscientiousness. Conclusion: The HBSCP is an instrument with good psychometric properties that measures cancer patients' health behaviour. Healthcare providers and researchers can use the HBSCP in the context of health promotion and prevention.