Measurement properties of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast may depend upon the education levels of patients. Issue 2 (3rd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheung, Yin Bun; Ng, Raymond; Luo, Nan; Lee, Chun Fan
• Is Part Of: Expert review of quality of life in cancer care. Volume 1:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2016-03-03
• Subjects: Breast cancer -- education level -- FACT-B -- FACT-G -- measurement properties; Cancer -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1080/23809000.2016.1154444
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2380-9000

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Education level may vary in older cancer patients. This study aims to compare the measurement properties of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) when self-administered by breast cancer patients with various education levels. Methods : An observational study of 244 Singaporean breast cancer patients who self-administered the instrument. FACT-General and FACT-B scores were assessed for the discriminatory ability, responsiveness to change and test–retest reliability. We hypothesized that patients with better performance status would result in higher FACT-General and FACT-B scores. Regression models were constructed, and relative precisions were also examined. Results : The mean baseline FACT-General and FACT-B scores monotonically decreased with performance status in the higher but not lower educated group (relative precision = 1.13 and 1.08, respectively). Stronger responsiveness to deterioration in quality of life were found in the higher (each p < 0.001) than lower educated group ( p = 0.146 and 0.245). Larger intra-class correlation coefficient of the FACT scores (each p < 0.05) and smaller variability in the Bland-Altman plots indicated better test–retest reliability in higher educated group. Conclusion : Measurement properties may be reduced when the instrument is self-administered by lower educated cancer patients.