Expanding Application of the Long-Term Quality of Life Instrument to the Population of Women Undergoing Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer.
Kendra Kamp, Megan Flanigan, Kanjana Thana and 3 others
PMID 31833917WHAT IT FOUND
In 385 women with advanced breast cancer, the LTQL questionnaire appeared usable and included spirituality, but three physical symptom items did not match the physical subscale.
It may help nurses assess quality of life, but it does not prove interventions work.
Key findings
01The LTQL showed acceptable overall fit, and subscale alpha values were .85, .80, .86, and .82 among 385 women with advanced breast cancer.
02Three somatic concerns items, illness, vision, and adjusting exercise, had loadings below .4.
03LTQL total scores were significantly correlated with all FACT-B subscales and total in the expected direction.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample was mostly white, married, and well-educated, so the findings may not apply to other groups. The data were baseline measurements from women who chose to enter a reflexology trial, so they may differ from women who did not enroll. The study did not test the LTQL over time or in response to interventions, so it cannot show how well the questionnaire tracks change. Three somatic items did not load well, suggesting some physical symptom questions may be less relevant during active advanced breast cancer treatment.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The paper is listed as supported by N.I.H. extramural research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as evidence that reflexology or any quality-of-life intervention works. This was a baseline questionnaire analysis, not a treatment trial.