Quality of Life Index for Patients with Cancer

TLDR

The study aimed to develop a quality‑of‑life instrument for cancer patients. The instrument comprised 14 linear analogue scale items and was evaluated in 43 chemotherapy outpatients, 39 radiation outpatients, 48 chemotherapy inpatients, and 48 nonpatient volunteers. Reliability was high (r = .11–.97, 52/56 > .60, p < .01; internal consistency = .88, p < .01), and construct and discriminant validity were supported, though concurrent validity with Karnofsky ratings and prognosis was poor.

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument for measuring the quality of life of cancer patients. Quality of life was measured with 14 linear analogue scale items concerning general physical condition, normal activities, and personal attitudes on general quality of life. The tool was tested with four subject groups: oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy (43) or radiation therapy (39), oncology inpatients receiving chemotherapy (48), and nonpatient volunteers (48). Test‐retest reliability coefficients for these samples ranged from r = .11 to .97, with 52 of the 56 possible r 's &gt; .60, p &lt; .01; internal consistency was .88, p &lt; .01. Construct and discriminant validity were indicated, white concurrent validity between quality of life scores and physician estimates of Karnofsky ratings, prognosis, and quality of life were poor.