Adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the MARA questionnaire to assess breast cancer awareness.

Purpose: This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the MARA-Chinese version questionnaire and test its psychometric properties among Chinese women.

Methods: This cross-cultural adaptation and validation study included three processes: cross-cultural adaptation, translation, and psychometric properties analysis. Original version of MARA was translated into Chinese. Content, conceptual, and semantic properties were compared with the original version and validated by an expertise panel. 600 participants, recruited in 16 provinces in China, filled out questionnaires to assess the reliability and the internal structure validity through exploratory factor analysis. 101 participants performed the retest to assess temporal stability.

Results: MARA-Chinese version questionnaire is composed of four scales: risk factors knowledge, signs and symptoms knowledge, risk perception, and barriers. The evidence of accuracy and validity of the scores are adequate both in terms of internal structure (factorial loadings > 0.60; CFI = 0.994; RMSEA = 0.049; RMSR = 0.053) and internal consistency and stability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.75; Pearson correlation > 0.65).

Conclusion: MARA-Chinese version questionnaire has adequate psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool to assess the breast cancer awareness of Chinese women through the assessment of knowledge of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of breast cancer, risk perception, and barriers to participate in breast cancer screening.