The Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale: a tool for assessing the impact of hot flashes on quality of life following breast cancer

Abstract

To assess the psychometric properties of the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS), a sample of breast cancer survivors and an age-matched comparison group completed a questionnaire packet and 2-day prospective hot flash diary at an initial time point and again 6 months later. There were 71 breast cancer survivors and 63 comparators at Time 1, and 54 survivors and 46 comparators at Time 2. The HFRDIS was internally consistent, with alphas of 0.96 at times 1 and 2. Validity was supported through 1) correlations with other hot flash variables, 2) correlations with measures of affect and mood, 3) significant differences between women with hot flashes and those without, and 4) demonstrated sensitivity to change over time. The HFRDIS is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing the impact of hot flashes on daily activities and overall quality of life in clinical practice or research protocols.