• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제15권6호
• /
• pp.2739-2745
• /
• 2014

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a fundamental outcome in oncology patients and quality of life (QOL) assessment requires clinically relevant questionnaires. The purpose of this study was translation and definition of measurement properties and the clinical validity of Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-OG25 module in Persian patients with oesophagus, oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) or gastric cancers. Materials and Methods: The translation procedure followed European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines. Both EORTC QLQ-OG25 and a core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) were administered to patients with oesophagus (150), OG junction (93) and gastric (32) cancer undergoing multi-modal treatments. Convergent and discriminant validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and known-groups comparisons were used to examine reliability and validity. Results: In all, 275 patients (mean age 62 years) completed both questionnaires. Compliance rate was high and the questionnaire module was well accepted. We found good reliability for multi-item subscales of QLQ-OG25 (Cronbach's alpha coefficients 0.76-0.89). About 73% had TNM staging and scales distinguished between clinically distinct groups of patients. However, patients in palliative group experienced compromised functional status and worse treatment-associated symptoms than those in the potentially curative group. Test-retest scores were consistent. Multi-trait scaling analysis demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions: Overall, the Persian version of QLQ-OG25 demonstrated psychometric and clinical validity that supports its application as a supplement to the original tool (EORTC QLQ-C30) when assessing HRQL in patients with upper-gastrointestinal (GI) cancer both in curative and palliative phases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권2호
• /
• pp.873-876
• /
• 2016

Background: Studies of quality of life (QoL) of oncological patients is carried out using questionnaires approved in many international clinical studies. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC QLQ-C30 (Quality of Life Questionnary-Core 30) and its special brain cancer module EORTC QLQ-BN20 are widely used in the world neurooncologic practice. They are available in more than 80 official versions of 30 languages of the world. Previously we used the official versions in Russian, which often causes difficulty in understanding for native Kazakh language speakers, who comprise more than 60% of our respondents. This was the reason for creating a version of Kazakh language. Therefore, in 2014 for the first time the process of adaptation of questionnaires to the Kazakh language was initiated. Materials and Methods: The translation process of questionnaires to Kazakh language was held in accordance with the requirements of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC on QoL and consisted of the following stages: preparation - translation - pilot testing - approval. The official permission of authors and "Guideline on translation" was obtained which was developed by the working group of the EORTC on QoL. The pilot testing of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 questionnaires was conducted on the basis of the Department of Central Nervous System Pathology of the "National Centre for Neurosurgery" in patients with malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Results: The official versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 questionnaires in Kazakh language were introduced and adapted in practical neurosurgical operations in Kazakhstan. Conclusions: The approved versions of the questionnaires in Kazakh language are now available for mainstream use on the official website EORTC.com. The versions of these questionnaires can be used in domestic cohort studies and clinical practice in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The use of these tools for assessing QoL will help professionals in the planning of individual treatment strategies and selection of the necessary therapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제15권13호
• /
• pp.5377-5381
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in quality of life in patients who received breast conserving surgery (BCS) or modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 women with breast cancer who underwent either BCS or MRM between September 2011 and April 2012 at a private health center and completed their chemotherapy and radiation therapy cycles were included in the study. To assess the quality of life, we used a demographic questionnaire, the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Quality of Life assessment in Breast Cancer (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Results: Using QLQ-C30, we found that patients who underwent BCS had better functional status and fewer symptoms than patients who underwent MRM. In QLQ-BR23, independent factors improving the functional scales were BCS, higher level of education and marital status (married); independent factors improving symptoms were BCS, higher level of education, younger age and low and normal body mass index (BMI). In QLQ-C30, independent factors affecting the functional and symptom scales were only BCS and higher level of education. Conclusions: We determined that patients who received BCS had better functional status and less frequent symptoms than patients who underwent MRM.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권1호
• /
• pp.255-259
• /
• 2016

Background: Reliable and validated instruments are needed in order to study the quality of life in myeloma patients. This study aimed to translate and explore the psychometric properties of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) myeloma module (QLQ-MY20) in Iranian patients. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifteen patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were recruited from Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran. A standard forward-backward translation procedure was implemented. Participating patients were asked to complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-MY20 three times, at study entry, after two weeks, and again after three months. Data were tested for the range of measurement, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, known group comparison, responsiveness and factor structure. Results: Mean age of the patients was 60.7 years. No floor and ceiling effects were seen for the QLQ-MY20. Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ was greater than 0.80 for all three multi-item scales (ranging from 0.82 to 0.93). All four scales had test-retest reliability of 0.85 or greater. Results of the confirmatory factor analysis that the hypothesized 3-scale measurement model of the QLQ-MY20. Moreover, the Persian version for the QLQ-MY20 differentiated between subgroups of the patients in terms of beta-2 microglobulin, fracture and performance status. The responsiveness of the QLQ-MY20 to change over time was confirmed within 3 months. Conclusions: the results of our study indicate that our Iranian version of the QLQ-MY20 is a feasible, reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing the condition-specific quality of life of patients with MM.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• 제7권4호
• /
• pp.213-218
• /
• 2007

목적: 조기위암 수술에 복강경 적용의 용이성 및 종양학적 안정성에 대해서는 많은 연구가 아루어지고 있으나, 복 강경 적용의 또 다른 목적인 '삶와 질' 향상에 대한 연구 는 아직 미흡한 현실이다. 이에 저자들은 위암 수술에 복강경 적용이 '삶의 질' 향상에 미치는 장기적 영향을 평가 하고자 본 연구를 고안하였다. 대상 및 방법: 2003년 1월부터 2004년 12월까지만 2년간 순천향대학병원 외과에서 위 절제 수술 후 위암 1기로 진단된 154명의 환자들을 대상으로 수술 후 1년 이상 경과한 시점에서 설문조사를 시행하였다. EORTC OLQ-C30(3판)과 EORTC QLQ-ST022 한글판을 이용하여 한 명의 전문 간호사에 의해 외래 방문 시 직접 면담 혹은 전화 상담을 통해 설문조사를 시행했으며, 통계처리는 SPSS 12.0 for Windows를 이용하였다. 결과: 전체 대상 환자 154명 중 86명에서 설문 조사가 이루어져 58%의 응답률을 보였으며, 86명(개복군: 57명, 복강경군: 29명)의 평균 연령은 55세였고, 남자가 60명 여자가 26명으로 남녀 비는 2.3 : 1 이었다. 개복 군의 종양 크기는 평균 2.42 cm로 복강경군의 평균 종양 크기 1.8 cm에 비해 유의하게 크기가 컸으며(P=0.003), 평균 획득 림프절 수도 개복 군에서 36개로 유의하게 더 많았다(P=0.000). 그 외 종양관련 인자인 원발암와 침윤도, 림프절 전이 및 TNM 병기에 있어서 양 군 간에 차이는 없었다. 전반적인 건강 상태와 관련된 2 항목의 평균 점수는 개복 군이 57 (${\pm}20.6$), 복강경 군이 60.3 (${\pm}20.4$)으로 양 군 간에 유의한 차이는 없었으며, 기능과 관련된 15 항목과 증상과 관련된 13항목에 있어서도 양군 간에 유의한 차이는 없었다. EORTC QLQ-STO22를 이용한 '삶의 질' 비교 결과 개복군의 평균 점수는 94.5 (${\pm}97.3$), 복강경군은 68.9 (${\pm}64.9$)로 개복군에서 전반적으로 불편한 증상을 많이 호소하였으나 통계학적인 차이는 없었다. 결론: EORTC QLQ-C30 (3판)과 EORTC QLQ-STO22 한글판을 이용한 설문조사 결과 장기적인 측면에서 위 절제술에 복 강경 적용이 환자의 '삶의 질' 향상에 영향을 미치지 못했다.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• 제10권1호
• /
• pp.34-39
• /
• 2010

목적: 위암 환자에 있어서 근치적 위절제술 후, 위 절제 범위에 따라 삶의 질의 차이가 있다고 한다. 본 연구에서는 수술 후 장시간 경과 후 절제 범위에 따른 삶의 질의 차이를 확인했다. 대상 및 방법: 위암으로 근치적 위절제술을 받은 환자 중, 수술 후 5년이 지나 정기검진을 위해 외래를 방문한 166명을 대상으로 하여, EORTC QLQ-C30 3판과 EORTC QLQSTO22의 한국어판을 이용하여 삶의 질을 평가하였다. 결과: EORTC QLQ-C30으로 수술 후 5년에 평가한 삶의 질은, 육체적, 역할, 정서적, 인지, 사회적 기능 척도 및 피로감, 통증, 호흡곤란, 설사, 경제적 부담감의 척도에서 위아전절제술을 받은 후에 나은 삶의 질을 보이는 경향이 있었으나 통계학적으로 유의한 수준은 아니었다. 전체적인 건강 및 삶의 질, 오심과 구토, 수면장애, 식욕감퇴, 변비의 척도에서는 위전절제술을 받은 후에 더 나은 삶의 질을 보이는 경향이 있었으나 통계학적으로 유의한 수준은 아니었다. EORTC QLQ-STO22로 수술 후 5년에 평가한 삶의 질은, 모든 척도에서 위아전절제술을 받은 후에 더 나은삶의 질을 보이는 경향이 있었으나 통계학적으로 유의한 수준은 아니었다. 결론: 수술 후 단기적인 삶의 질의 차이는 있지만, 위암 완치 후에도 장기적으로 지속되는 삶의 질의 악화를 염려하여, 근치적 위절제술의 절제 범위를 축소할 필요는 없겠으며, 종양학적 원칙에 입각한 수술이 필요하겠다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제16권18호
• /
• pp.8107-8112
• /
• 2016

Background and Aims: Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Malaysia. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Malaysian Chinese version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire core (QLQ-C30) in patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Translated versions of the QLQ-C30 were obtained from the EORTC. A cross sectional study design was used to obtain data from patients receiving treatment at two teaching hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Malaysian Chinese version of QLQ-C30 was self-administered in 96 patients while the Karnofsky Performance Scales (KPS) was generated by attending surgeons. Statistical analysis included reliability, convergent, discriminate validity, and known-groups comparisons. Statistical significance was based on p value ${\leq}0.05$. Results: The internal consistencies of the Malaysian Chinese version were acceptable [Cronbach's alpha (${\alpha}{\geq}0.70$)] in the global health status/overall quality of life (GHS/QOL), functioning scales except cognitive scale (${\alpha}{\leq}0.32$) in all levels of analysis, and social/family functioning scale (${\alpha}=0.63$) in patients without a stoma. All questionnaire items fulfilled the criteria for convergent and discriminant validity except question number 5, with correlation with role (r = 0.62) and social/family (r = 0.41) functioning higher than with physical functioning scales (r = 0.34). The test-retest coefficients in the GHS/QOL, functioning scales and in most of the symptoms scales were moderate to high (r = 0.58 to 1.00). Patients with a stoma reported statistically significant lower physical functioning (p=0.015), social/family functioning (p=0.013), and higher constipation (p=0.010) and financial difficulty (p=0.037) compared to patients without stoma. There was no significant difference between patients with high and low KPS scores. Conclusions: Malaysian Chinese version of the QLQ-C30 is a valid and reliable measure of HRQOL in patients with colorectal cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권7호
• /
• pp.3095-3099
• /
• 2016

Background: Cervical cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in India. Understanding quality of life (QOL) in women undergoing chemo-radiotherapy for cervical cancer will help in introducing interventions for better care and outcomes in these women. This study assessed QOL before and after chemo-radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This follow-up study covered sixty-seven newly diagnosed women with advanced cervical cancer (stages 2b to 4b). Structured questionnaires (the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CX24) were used to assess the change in QOL after 6 months of treatment. Results: The mean age of women at the time of detection of cervical cancer was $52.3{\pm}11.29$ years (Range 30-75 years). Six months survival was 92.53%. The mean global health score of cervical cancer patients after six months of treatment was 59.52, which was significantly higher than the pre-treatment score of 50.15 (p=0.00007). Physical, cognitive and emotional functioning improved significantly (p<0.05) after treatment. Fatigue, pain, insomnia and appetite loss improved but episodes of diarrhea increased after treatment. The mean "symptoms score" using EORTC QLQ-CX24 post treatment was 20.0 which was significantly lower as compared to the pre- treatment score 30.0 (p<0.00001). Sexual enjoyment and sexual functioning decreased significantly after treatment. Conclusions: QOL of newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients improved significantly following chemo-radio therapy. Enhancement was also demonstrated on three of the five functional scales of EORTC QLQ-C30. To further improve QOL, interventions focusing on social and psychological support and physical rehabilitation may be needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권3호
• /
• pp.1405-1410
• /
• 2016

Background: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Bone Metastases Module (EORTC QLQ-BM22) is a recently designed supplement to EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Additional psychometric properties, especially using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and the Rasch model, are warranted. Materials and Methods: A total of 573 patients with bone metastases were enrolled from eight countries with a mean${\pm}$SD age of $55.8{\pm}13.7years$. Slightly more than two thirds of them were female (n=383; 66.8%). CFA was used to examine the BM22 framework; Rasch models were applied to understand misfit items and differential item functioning (DIF). Results: The fit indices were satisfactory in CFA (comparative fit index=0.972, Tucker-Lewis index=0.964, root mean square error of approximation=0.076, and standardized root mean square residual=0.045). All items fit well in the Rasch models (mean square values were between 0.5 and 1.5), and only one item (number 17) displayed DIF across gender. However, there were six DIF items across Canada and Taiwan, ten across Canada and Iran, and six across Taiwan and Iran. Conclusions: The BM22 has satisfactory psychometric properties, and could assess the QoL of patients with bone metastases specifically focusing on their symptoms. Clinicians may want to use it to capture the underlying QoL for patients with bone metastases. However, the score of item 17 should be interpreted with caution when comparing male and female patients. In addition, researchers should note that variation in DIF items may occur when conducting an international study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제17권4호
• /
• pp.1677-1684
• /
• 2016

Background: Among the factors reported to determine the quality of life of breast cancer patients are socio-demographic background, clinical stage, type of treatment received, and the duration since diagnosis. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the quality of life (QOL) scores among breast cancer patients at a Malaysian public hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients was conducted between March to June 2013. QOL scores were determined using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23). Both the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 assess items from functional and symptom scales. The QLQ-C30 in addition also measures the Global Health Status (GHS). Systematic random sampling was used to recruit patients. Results: 223 breast cancer patients were recruited with a response rate of 92.1%. The mean age of the patients was 52.4 years (95% CI = 51.0, 53.7, SD=10.3). Majority of respondents are Malays (60.5%), followed by Chinese (19.3%), Indians (18.4%), and others (1.8%). More than 50% of respondents are at stage III and stage IV of malignancy. The mean Global Health Status was 65.7 (SD = 21.4). From the QLQ-C30, the mean score in the functioning scale was highest for 'cognitive functioning' (84.1, SD=18.0), while the mean score in the symptom scale was highest for 'financial difficulties' (40.1, SD=31.6). From the QLQ-BR23, the mean score for functioning scale was highest for 'body image' (80.0, SD=24.6) while the mean score in the symptom scale was highest for 'upset by hair loss' (36.2, SD=29.4). Two significant predictors for Global Health Status were age and employment. The predictors explained 10.6% of the variation of global health status ($R^2=0.106$). Conclusions: Age and employment were found to be significant predictors for Global Health Status (GHS). The Quality of Life among breast cancer patients reflected by the GHS improves as age and employment increases.