Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the linguistic and cultural validity of the translated Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in Persian, ensuring that the nuances of social support are adequately captured and comprehended by Iranian cancer patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 400 cancer patients from Iran were assessed using the MSPSS. By using exploratory factor analysis (with Maximum Likelihood factor analysis and Promax rotation) and confirmatory factor analysis, the construct validity of this scale was assessed. To check for internal consistency, the average inter-item correlation, Cronbach's alpha, and McDonald's omega coefficients were used. RESULTS: Most of the participants ranged in age from 49 to 59 years (n = 102, 34%). Two factors were extracted from EFA and the total cumulative variance explained by these factors was 61% of the total variance. Item factor loadings varied between 0.613 and 0.949. Internal consistency coefficients were considered acceptable (>0.7). CONCLUSIONS: The Farsi version of the MSPSS as a self-report measure showed acceptable reliability and validity. Consequently, the scale can be used by nurses to evaluate perceived social support among Farsi-speaking cancer patients that can help them to take necessary actions to decrease the level of concern in these patients.