This project evaluated the psychometric properties of a translated version of the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI) for use with Japanese patients. The HNCI is a measure for assessing the quality of life (QoL) of head and neck cancer patients and survivors. The present study was aimed at investigating the reliability and validity of this translated instrument.

Some 165 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) were enrolled at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. The instrument's internal consistency and test–retest reliability were evaluated. Criterion-related validity was assessed by correlations between the HNCI and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Head and Neck (FACT–H&N) scales.

Some 29 of the 30 items in the original version were selected to comprise the Japanese version of the HNCI (Japanese HNCI). Investigation of criterion-related validity using the FACT–H&N demonstrated significant correlations (Spearman's ρ = 0.47–0.63). The value of Cronbach's α for each subscale ranged from 0.84 to 0.87. Test–retest reliability showed an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.62–0.79.

The reliability and validity of the Japanese HNCI were evaluated. Although its classification is different from the original U.S. version, the Japanese HNCI is a self-administered questionnaire that can assess quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck cancer.