Validation of the Japanese version of the Fatigue Barriers Scale (JFBS)

Background: The Fatigue Barriers Scale (FBS) is an instrument to identify patient-derived barriers to fatigue management. Objective: To assess the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the FBS (JFBS). Methods: Participants were 112 cancer patients. Reliability was determined through internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and through test-retest reliability using Spearman's intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct, convergent, criterion-referenced, and concurrent validities were assessed. The Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS), Patient Fatigue Knowledge Tool (PFKT), and Kessler 6-item distress scale (K6) were used for comparisons. Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.74, 0.78, 0.72, and 0.54 for the JFBS total and for each subscale, respectively. All ICCs exceeded 0.65 (P<0.05). The JFBS had a weak negative correlation with the PFKT and a positive correlation with the CFS. The K6 scores showed weak positive correlations with the JFBS total and fatalism subscale scores. Conclusions: The JFBS can be used to measure fatigue barriers in Japanese people with cancer.