Development of a scale to measure psychosocial concerns of Mexican women with advanced cancer

This descriptive study was undertaken to explore the perceptions and attitudes of 143 women (mean age +/- Sl)with advanced cancer. Outcome measures were the Perceptions and Attitudes Scale (PAS), a 65-item instrument validated as part of the study, and the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) and factor analytic techniques (principal component and orthogonal rotation) were performed. The scale has an internal consistency of 0.79. Factor analysis revealed six factors which explained 39.6% of the variance (1) loneliness; (2) family and social sphere: (3) limitations and dependence conditions; (4) perceptions about their lives; 5) perceptions about their health and pain; and (6) perceptions of pain and anguish. These results point out the necessity of a multivariate approach to women with advanced cancer. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.