Quality of life of patients with oesophageal cancer in Taiwan: validation and application of the Taiwan Chinese (Mandarin) version of the EORTC QLQ-OES18: a brief communication

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity, and the application of the Taiwan Chinese Version of the EORTC QLQ-OES18.

Methods: The authors translated the questionnaire according to the guideline of the EORTC. Ninety-five patients with oesophageal cancer in National Taiwan University Hospital were interviewed using the questionnaire and the EORTC QLQ-C30 between October 2002 and September 2007. Answer distribution and psychometric properties of the EORTC QLQ-OES18 were examined.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 60 years (SD 12 years). Most of the patients were in advanced stages of disease, with two-thirds off-treatment. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were satisfactory (0.77-0.82) or near-satisfactory (pain: 0.67). The item-to-own and item-to-other scale correlations showed satisfactory results. Patients who were on-treatment versus off-treatment had significantly poorer quality of life scores in dysphagia, dry mouth, and taste, and a borderline poorer score in cough. Opposite situations were seen in the scales of reflux and choking.

Conclusions: The EORTC QLQ-OES18 is a valid instrument to assess quality of life issues in patients with oesophageal cancer in Taiwan.