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The PedsQL™ brain tumor module: Initial reliability and validity
Author(s) -
Palmer Stephanie N.,
Meeske Kathleen A.,
Katz Ernest R.,
Burwinkle Tasha M.,
Varni James W.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.21026
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , brain tumor , construct validity , blood cancer , cancer , surgery , oncology , pediatrics , pathology , patient satisfaction , nursing
Background Brain tumors (BT) are second only to acute lymphoblastic leukemia as the most prevalent form of pediatric cancer, with BT 5‐year survival rates approaching 70%. With increased survival, quality of life has emerged as an essential health outcome. This investigation examines the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Brain Tumor Module. Methods The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module were administered to 99 families. The average age of the 56 boys and 43 girls was 9.76 years (range = 2–18 years). The sample included children with tumors located in the posterior fossa/brainstem (N = 62, 62.6%), supratentorial (N = 15, 15.2%), and midline (N = 22, 22.2%). Children were on treatment (N = 46, 46.5%), off treatment <12 months (N = 19, 19.2%), or off treatment >12 months/long‐term survivor (N = 34, 34.3%). Treatment included radiation (N = 61, 61.6%), surgery (N = 83, 83.8%), chemotherapy (N = 87, 87.9%), and bone marrow transplant (N = 5, 5.1%). Results Internal consistency reliability was demonstrated for the 24‐item PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module (average α = 0.78–0.92, parent proxy‐report, n = 99; average α = 0.76–0.87, child self‐report, n = 51). Construct validity for the PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module was supported through an analysis of the intercorrelations with the Generic Core Scales and Fatigue Scale. Conclusions The findings provide support for the measurement properties of the PedsQL™ Brain Tumor Module. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:287–293. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.