Validation of Unmet Supportive Care Needs Survey on Partners and Their Caregivers: A Psychometric Approach of the Malay Version

ASM Sc. J., 21(2), 2026

Published on July 24, 2026

https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2026.0307

Author: Nizuwan Azman, Hasnah Hashim, Mohammad Faris Iman Leong Abdullah, Norsuraya Hassan, Noorsuzana Mohd Shariff

Abstract

As efforts to address unmet supportive care needs evolve, increasing attention has been directed toward the well-being of both cancer patients and their caregivers in Malaysia. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Malay version o f the Supportive Care Needs Survey for Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-P&C-M), focusing on the multidimensional needs of caregivers of cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 222 adult partners and caregivers across various healthcare settings in Malaysia. The SCNS-P&C-M encompasses four key domains: psychological, practical, informational, and emotional support needs. Psychometric evaluation included assessments of content validity, internal consistency, construct validity, as well a s convergent and discriminant validity. Content validity indices were high, with S -CVI/UA at 0.88 and S-CVI/Ave at 0.96. Expert ratings indicated strong agreement across relevance (0.99), clarity (0.95), simplicity (0.95), and minimal ambiguity (0.94). The model showed good fit based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), with CFI, TLI, and RMSEA values within acceptable thresholds. Internal consistency was excellent, with composite reliability ranging from 0.760 to 0.971 across domains and 0.983 for the overall scale. Convergent validity was satisfactory, while discriminant validity was supported. In conclusion, the SCNS-P&C-M demonstrated strong psychometric properties, confirming its reliability, validity, and cultural appropriateness for use among Malays ian caregivers. This tool offers a valuable framework for identifying and addressing the specific unmet needs of cancer caregivers in clinical and community settings.

Keywords: caregivers, Malay version, psychosocial oncology, spouses, supportive care