Find in Library

Objective: To validate the EORTC QLQ-STO22 for measuring quality of life in patients with gastric cancer in Colombia. Method: Factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory) was used to evaluate content validity. Concurrent validity was evaluated measuring the correlation between QLQ-STO22 and FACIT-Ga. Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was measured using the Lin concordance-correlation coefficient. Sensitivity to change was evaluated comparing the medians pre-and post-treatment. Results: The QLQ-STO22 was responded by 442 patients with diagnostic of gastric cancer. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five domains and confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable fit to the data. A high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of .897was found. Stronger correlations were found between QLQ-STO22 (general health status) and FACIT-Ga (specific subscale of gastric symptoms and related problems). For test-retest reliability Lin coefficients between .656 and .851 were found. Differences between pre-and post-therapy scores were significant for some of the domains of the scale (dysphagia, restrictions on feeding). Conclusion: The EORTC QLQ-STO22 is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring quality of life in Colombian patients. Further studies aimed at evaluating sensitivity to change are recommended.