This study reveals significant advancements in our ability to assess emotional challenges faced by men after radical prostatectomy, particularly as they relate to alexithymia—a condition marked by difficulty expressing emotions and recognizing feelings. Researchers successfully translated the Brief Form of the Normative Male Alexithymia Scale (NMAS-BF) to Chinese, aiming to improve mental health outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men globally, with surgery often leading to complications like sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence. These physical struggles are known to exacerbate emotional distress among survivors, but little attention has been paid to the psychological ramifications of such experiences. Alexithymia, found at elevated rates among cancer patients, relates to increased anxiety, depression, and impaired relational dynamics.
To effectively identify and intervene with the nearly 60% of prostate cancer patients experiencing alexithymic traits, this study involved translating the NMAS-BF using Brislin’s guidelines. A survey was administered to 430 men across four hospitals in Henan Province, with 30 participants completing the survey twice to determine test-retest reliability.
Data analysis revealed strong psychometric attributes for the NMAS-BF. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.856, indicating high internal consistency, and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total scale was 0.938, highlighting good stability of the translated measure. Exploratory factor analysis established content validity, with one-factor model accounting for 58.965% of variance, reinforcing the scale’s construction. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable fit indices, affirming its efficacy.
The research identified significant socio-economic factors influencing levels of alexithymia among patients post-surgery, with education, income, and family dynamics playing key roles. Patients with lower educational backgrounds often exhibited higher alexithymia scores, which contrasts with findings from some Western populations where greater education correlates with lower alexithymia. Rural patients also displayed higher scores compared to urban counterparts, potentially related to social stigma and fewer support mechanisms for discussing emotional difficulties.
Understanding these influencing factors is imperative for creating targeted interventions aimed at alleviating alexithymic symptoms post-prostatectomy. The study indicates the need for health services to address not only the physical outcomes of prostate cancer treatment but also the emotional health of patients. Emotional health interventions, such as psychotherapy and support groups, could greatly benefit this demographic.
Prior studies suggested alexithymia's prevalence and its impact on the overall well-being of patients post-cancer treatment necessitate validated tools, particularly focusing on gender-specific experiences. Therefore, the NMAS-BF has emerged as a valuable asset for clinicians seeking to facilitate communication and improve mental health care.
Through this research, we hope to improve emotional expression and mental well-being for the patients involved. This form of measurement offers significant opportunities to identify and address emotional deficits, paving the way for more compassionate care strategies. The findings indicate significant socio-economic factors influencing levels of alexithymia among patients post-surgery, prompting the need for public health initiatives targeting these determinants.
Overall, the Chinese version of the NMAS-BF, with its established reliability and validity, stands as a reliable tool for assessing alexithymia among men after radical prostatectomy. It presents unprecedented clarity and specificity by adhering to cultural nuances, enabling healthcare providers to implement timely, effective strategies for emotional support.