Norwegian general population normative data for the EORTC questionnaires; the core QLQ-C30, the sexual health questionnaire QLQ-SHQ22, and sexual domains of the QLQ-BR23/BR45

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide gender, age, and morbidity specific Norwegian general population normative values for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires QLQ C30, the sexual health questionnaire QLQ SHQ22, and the sexual domains of the breast modules QLQ BR23 and QLQ BR45. Methods: A random nation-wide sample stratified by gender and age groups (18 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 to 79 years) was drawn from the Norwegian National Population Register. Participants were notified through National online health services (HelseNorge) and by postal mail. The survey included sociodemographic background information, HRQoL assessed by the EORTC questionnaires, and morbidity by The Self Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was carried out to estimate the associations of age, sex, and morbidity with the EORTC scale and item scores. Results: Of the 15,627 eligible individuals, 5.135 (33%) responded. Women and persons with morbidities reported lower functioning and higher symptom burden than men and persons without morbidities, respectively, on nearly all EORTC scales. Sex differences were most prominent for Emotional Functioning, Pain, Fatigue, and Insomnia (QLQ C30), Body Image, Sexual Functioning (QLQ BR23/45), Importance of Sexual Activity, Libido, and Fatigue (QLQ SHQ22). The score differences between persons with and without morbidity were highly significant and largest among the youngest and middle-aged groups. Conclusion: The present study is the first to provide normative values for the EORTC sexual health questionnaire QLQ SHQ22 and the sexual subscales of the QLQ BR23 and QLQ BR45, for all separately in age groups by sex and morbidity.

Decision Tree Analyses for Prediction of QoL over a One-Year Period in Breast Cancer Patients: An Added Value of Patient-Reported Outcomes

“…A larger sample would allow inclusion of other factors into the 'enriched' model that could possibly contribute to QoL trajectories, such as social support, coping mechanisms and personality dispositions, such as optimism [18] or resilience [36] or other aspects of QoL. Further, as breast cancer treatment and PROM responses [28] have not changed dramatically over years, associations included in our models and results are regarded as rather time-independent. However, it is crucial to focus on factors that might be easily collected by health care providers during medical appointments and monitored over time.…”

“…QoL-quality of life; RT-radiotherapy. The European norm score for females for the global QoL scale in EORTC QLQ-C30 is 71.1[28].…”

“…* This category includes unemployed participants as well as those on sick leave and retired. The European norm score for females for the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales are, (M (SD): physical function 89.4 (15.0), role function 85.0 (24.3), emotional function 78.2 (20.9), cognitive function 81.6 (20.1), social function 83.3 (24.2), fatigue 33.9 (24.8), pain 24.1 (26.6), insomnia 30.2 (29.8) and global QoL 71.1 (22.3)[28].…”