Chinese translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the return-to-work self-efficacy scale among Chinese female breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer is the leading cancer type among women globally. Since breast cancer has a high survival rate, most survivors are likely to return to work (RTW). In recent years, breast cancer cases have risen significantly in younger age groups. As self-efficacy is an important factor in the success of RTW, this study performed a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Chinese version of the Return-To-Work Self-Efficacy Scale (CRTWSE-19) and examined its psychometric properties in patients with breast cancer. This validation study followed standard guidelines, including forward translation, back translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing. The results of this study show that the CRTWSE-19 met reliability standards, including high internal reliability for the total scores and subscales. An exploratory factor analysis of 19 items extracted 3 factors showing consistency with the original version of the RTWSE-19. Criterion validity was demonstrated by comparing subdomains with the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Furthermore, the known-group validity was studied by comparing mean scores among the unemployed group and the employed group. We conclude that the CRTWSE-19 has very good screening accuracy and is able to discriminate between working and unemployed populations. It can facilitate health care professionals in triaging, planning, and evaluating interventions in clinical practice.