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Relationships between symptom interference scores, reduced dietary intake, weight loss, and reduced functional capacity

Using an existing data set comprised of 368 individuals newly diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck, we investigated the predictive validity of the Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist (HNSC) by comparing scores on the HNSC to scores on the Patient-Generated Symptom Global Assessment (PG-SGA), and by examining the ability of HNSC scores and four demographic variables to predict dietary intake, weight loss, and functional capacity.

HNSC sensitivity (0.79 0.98), specificity (0.99 1.00), positive predictive value (92% 100%), and negative predictive value (94% - 100%) were excellent. Pain, loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing predicted 82% of reduced dietary intake. Advanced tumor stage, loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing predicted 79% of weight loss. Loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, feeling full and lack of energy predicted 78% of reduced functional capacity.

The HNSC appears to be valid and could aid with early symptom identification, intervention and improved outcomes.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:AEU.10048/1620
Date06 1900
CreatorsSchmidt, Karmen
ContributorsOlson, Karin (Faculty of Nursing), Hunter, Kathleen (Faculty of Nursing), Parliament, Matthew (Department of Oncology), Kubrak, Catherine (Alberta Health Services)
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format521643 bytes, application/pdf

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