[Italian validation of the Chemotherapy Induced Taste Alteration Scale]

Abstract

. Italian validation of the Chemotherapy Induced Taste Alteration Scale. Introdution. Taste alterations (TAs) are an underestimated side effect despite affecting 75% of chemo-radiotherapy patients. TAs may cause discomfort and food aversions up to loss of appetite and anorexia. The available instruments do not discriminate the different types of TAs.

Aim: The aim of the study is to validate the Italian version of CiTAS, a 18-items scale that assesses specific TAs, symptoms of discomfort and their impact on patient nutrition.

Methods: A convenience sample of 243 patients with chemotherapy-induced taste alterations were enrolled. Data were analyzed for item consistency using Cronbach alpha and construct validity using factor analysis.

Results: The factor analysis identified four dimensions that explained a total variance of 67%: decline in basic taste, discomfort, phantogeusia and parageusia, and general taste alterations. The scale showed good validity (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82).

Conclusions: The CiTAS enabled the valid and reliable measurement of specific symptoms of chemotherapy-induced TAs. It can be used both as a clinical tool and in future studies to evaluate the effectiveness of specific TAs treatments.