Abstract
AimThe aim of the present study was to generate up-to-date normative data for health-related quality of life (QoL) measured with the “European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30)” in a random sample of the population in Northern Germany.MethodsWe conducted a population-based survey of a random sample of 10,000 persons aged 16 years or older. The postal questionnaire included questions regarding lifetime prevalence of common diseases and quality of life. EORTC QLQ-C30 scales were scored according to standard procedures. The results were stratified for age and sex.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 4,684 (47%) of 9,928 eligible persons. Mean age of the participants was 51.7 years (standard deviation: 18.5) and 57% were females. Missing values for the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales and items were sparse (minimum: 0.2%, maximum: 1.5%). Self-reported health related QoL varied by age and sex. Generally, men reported better functioning and fewer symptoms than women. In both sexes function declined and symptoms increased with increasing age. Symptoms most frequently reported were fatigue, pain and insomnia. Compared to the German reference data published in 2001 our participants scored more than 10 points higher on the latter three scales/items. The most frequently reported diseases were hypertension (36%), hyperlipidemia (26%) and arthritis (30%). Lifetime prevalence of depression was 16% in women and 11% in men.ConclusionOur study participants are representative for the German general population with regard to age, sex and education. Of special interest is the high proportion of participants reporting depression which is also mirrored by high fatigue, pain and insomnia scores. The normative data provided should be used as comparison health-related QoL data when evaluating the QoL in German cancer patients.
Highlights
Recent estimates for Germany indicate that the five-year prevalence of cancer patients is approximately 1.33 million [1]
As survival has improved for most cancer types, the impact of disease and treatment on patient’s quality of life (QoL) becomes more important in clinical practice as well as in health care research and clinical research [2]
The QLQ-C30 is a multi-dimensional assessment tool as it includes a range of items covering physical, emotional und social health issues – issues being relevant to cancer patients irrespective of diagnosis
Summary
Recent estimates for Germany indicate that the five-year prevalence of cancer patients is approximately 1.33 million [1]. Improved treatment and early detection regimes have contributed to an increased survival of cancer patients – at least in the well-developed countries. As survival has improved for most cancer types, the impact of disease and treatment on patient’s quality of life (QoL) becomes more important in clinical practice as well as in health care research and clinical research [2]. The QLQ-C30 is a multi-dimensional assessment tool as it includes a range of items covering physical, emotional und social health issues – issues being relevant to cancer patients irrespective of diagnosis. It can be used for detection of early and long-term consequences of the cancer disease itself and its treatment. There is sufficient evidence to support its reliability and validity [3,4]
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