Comprehensive head and neck oncology health status assessment.
BACKGROUND
This article presents the validation of the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI), a health status assessment instrument with a small number of multiple-item domains that captures patients' ratings of functional status and attitude about that function.


METHODS
The HNCI was administered to patients with upper aerodigestive tract carcinoma. An initial, cross-sectional study assessed feasibility and reliability. A subsequent, longitudinal study's factor analysis identified ineffective items and confirmed domain cohesiveness. Construct and criterion-related validity and sensitivity to detect change across time were evaluated.


RESULTS
The HNCI was highly reliable. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated through comparisons with other HNC-specific instruments. Construct validity was demonstrated based on significant differences between patient groups (HNC/non-HNC, employment status, clinical stage, and type of treatment). Domain scores were sensitive to change across time. The domains' functional and attitudinal scores were significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
The HNCI is a reliable, valid instrument that evaluates the functional and attitudinal components of health status in HNC patients. This survey is recommended for self-reported health status evaluation in HNC clinical trials.
Funk
Gerry F
GF
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rm 21201 PFP, 200 Hawkins Drive, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. gerry-funk@uiowa.edu
Karnell
Lucy Hynds
LH
Christensen
Alan J
AJ
Moran
Patricia J
PJ
Ricks
Joan
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D004954:Esthetics / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013065:Speech Intelligibility / Q000502:physiology; D014481:United States