BETY-BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE IN PARTİCİPANTS RECEIVING RADIOTHERAPY

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE BETY-BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE (BETY-BQ) IN PARTİCİPANTS RECEIVING RADIOTHERAPY

The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of BETY-BQ as a biopsychosocial assessment tool in individuals receiving radiotherapy.

It is known that psycho-physiological processes affect the results of medical treatment in chronic diseases [1]. In oncological rehabilitation, the psychological, social and functional problems of individuals with cancer are considered together, and goals of the treatment are determined based on this [2]. Biopsychosocial being of human is the main reason for this approach. BETY-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ) originates from the Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (CETA) which is an innovative exercise approach that targets a holistic treatment techniques in accordance with the biopsychosocial model [3]. This approach contains concepts including function-oriented trunk stabilization exercises, pain management, mood management (dance therapy-authentic movement), sexual knowledge management which are combined with each other. It was first used in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and was observed that besides its positive effects on disease activity, and also provided positive changes in anti-inflammatory parameters [4]. CETA has taken its place in the literature as a biopsychosocial exercise model that can be applied safely in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis [5]. Patients with rheumatism, who have participated in CETA training since 2004, described their recovery characteristics in 2013. The questionary was finalized in 2017 by applying these feedbacks to repetitive statistics and rheumatic patients who did not participate in the group [6]. Validity and reliability studies of the developed scale were conducted in individuals diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and individuals with chronic neck and chronic low back pain [3, 7].

Radiotherapy reduces the recurrence rate and provides disease control in patients with cancer [8, 9] However, studies have shown that individuals receiving radiotherapy may experience treatment-related problems such as pain, limitation of movement, and even fractures [10-12]. Cognitive changes such as learning and memory, attention to the painful area, which develop with the influenced limbic system, increase the avoidance of movements. Herewith, the developing muscle spasm, pain and negative mood which results in vicious circle, can be experienced that leads to limitation of movement. Therefore, physical and psychosocial factors are also associated with musculoskeletal disorders [13]. Determining the biopsychosocial status of individuals receiving radiotherapy should be considered when evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. However, when the literature in this field is examined, it is clear that there is a need for biopsychosocial assessment tools.

In the line with this information, the aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of BETY-BQ as a biopsychosocial assessment tool in individuals receiving radiotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having been diagnosed with cancer
• Receiving radiotherapy from cancer treatments
• Cancer stage between 1-3
• Being between the ages of 18-70
• Having a Mini Mental Test Score of 24 and above

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not being able to read and/or understand the questionaries
• Not being willing to participate in the study
• Having a neurological disease which affects the cognition
• History of orthopaedic surgery in the last three years
• Presence of psychiatric diagnosis