Mikaela Augustussen1, Per Sjøgren2, Helle Timm3, Lise Hounsgaard4, Michael Lynge Pedersen5. 1. Ilisimatusarfik, University of Greenland, Svend Jungep Aqquserna 2, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland. Electronic address: miau@pi.uni.gl. 2. Section of Palliative Medicine - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, Afsnit 4114, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. 3. REHPA, Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Vestergade 17, 5800 Nyborg, Denmark. 4. Institute of Nursing and Health Science, University of Greenland & OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. 5. Greenland Center for Health Research, Institute of Nursing and Health Science, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aims were to describe symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Greenlandic patients with advanced cancer and to assess the applicability and internal consistency of the Greenlandic version of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 core version 3.0. METHODS: A Greenlandic version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 v.3.0 was developed. The translation process included independent forward translation, reconciliation and independent back translation by native Greenlandic-speaking translators who were fluent in English. After pilot testing, a population-based cross-sectional study of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment was conducted. Internal consistency was examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients for five function scales and three symptom scales. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients who participated in the study, 47% had reduced social functioning, 36% had reduced physical and role functioning and 19% had reduced emotional and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, 48% reported fatigue, and 33% reported financial problems. The Greenlandic version of the EORTC had good applicability in the assessment of symptoms and quality of life. Acceptable Cronbach's alpha coefficients (above 0.70) were observed for the physical, role and social functioning scales, the fatigue scale and the global health status scale. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with undergoing palliative treatment in Greenland for advanced cancer reported high levels of social and financial problems and reduced physical functioning. This indicates a potential for improving palliative care service and increasing the focus on symptom management. The Greenlandic version of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 represents an applicable and reliable tool to describe symptoms and health-related quality of life among Greenlandic patients with advanced cancer.
PURPOSE: The aims were to describe symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Greenlandic patients with advanced cancer and to assess the applicability and internal consistency of the Greenlandic version of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 core version 3.0. METHODS: A Greenlandic version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 v.3.0 was developed. The translation process included independent forward translation, reconciliation and independent back translation by native Greenlandic-speaking translators who were fluent in English. After pilot testing, a population-based cross-sectional study of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment was conducted. Internal consistency was examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients for five function scales and three symptom scales. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients who participated in the study, 47% had reduced social functioning, 36% had reduced physical and role functioning and 19% had reduced emotional and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, 48% reported fatigue, and 33% reported financial problems. The Greenlandic version of the EORTC had good applicability in the assessment of symptoms and quality of life. Acceptable Cronbach's alpha coefficients (above 0.70) were observed for the physical, role and social functioning scales, the fatigue scale and the global health status scale. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with undergoing palliative treatment in Greenland for advanced cancer reported high levels of social and financial problems and reduced physical functioning. This indicates a potential for improving palliative care service and increasing the focus on symptom management. The Greenlandic version of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 represents an applicable and reliable tool to describe symptoms and health-related quality of life among Greenlandic patients with advanced cancer.
Authors: Mariëtte N Verkissen; Aline De Vleminck; Mogens Groenvold; Lea J Jabbarian; Francesco Bulli; Wilfried Cools; Johannes J M van Delden; Urška Lunder; Guido Miccinesi; Sheila A Payne; Kristian Pollock; Judith A C Rietjens; Luc Deliens Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-03-19 Impact factor: 3.603