Psychometric study of quality of life instruments used during hospitalization for stem cell transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To test the psychometric properties of four patient-rated quality of life (QoL) instruments devised by the authors: three single-item instruments measuring (1) overall physical status, (2) overall emotional status, and (3) energy level, and one eight-item instrument measuring systemic symptoms.


METHODS
In a prospective inpatient study conducted from July 1994 to August 1997, 220 patients aged 16-65 years received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for hematologic cancer at a single institution. Patients were assessed at hospital admission and then on a weekly basis during hospitalization until discharge or death.


RESULTS
Internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability of the tested scales were adequate. Convergent, divergent, criterion, and predictive validities as well as responsiveness to change of our scales were demonstrated by significant associations with their tested constructs.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate that the four QoL instruments are reliable and valid for use during hospitalization for SCT.
Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Jesús M
JM
Prieto
Jorge
J
Atala
Jordi
J
Blanch
Enric
E
Carreras
Montserrat
M
Rovira
Esteve
E
Cirera
Cristóbal
C
Gastó
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D017567:Karnofsky Performance Status; D007938:Leukemia / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires