The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between both single and multiple symptom inventories and measures of quality of life (QOL) by examinining how much of the variability in QOL is attributable to symptom severity and symptom interference and whether or not symptom interference might represent a reasonable estimate of QOL status. The patient data (N=113) were collected at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Symptom severity and symptom interference from the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) were computed. The physical and mental summary scores from the SF36 were also calculated. Multiple regression technique was used to assess the contribution made by symptom severity and symptom interference. Results showed that symptom severity and interference of the MDASI accounted for 70% and 67% of the variability in the physical and mental summary score of SF36, respectively. In both physical and mental summary scores, symptom severity and symptom interference were significant predictors of the two summary scores. Symptom severity and interference of the BFI accounted for 65% and 52% of the variability in the physical and mental summary score of SF36, respectively. Unlike the MDASI, only the symptom interference of the BFI was a significant predictor of the two summary scores.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participants will be able to identify the importance of reliable and valid assessment tools and discuss the importance of assessment in symptom research.
Keywords: Cancer, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: UT MDAnderson Cancer Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.