Comparison between Swedish EORTC QLQ-C30 general population norm data published in 2000 and 2019

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Epidemiology
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Normative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data are crucial for interpreting cancer patient outcomes in clinical trials.
• Swedish general population HRQoL data from 2000 and 2019 were compared to assess changes over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two Swedish normative HRQoL datasets (2000 and 2019).
• To explore changes in general population HRQoL in Sweden between 1999 and 2019.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of two Swedish general population samples: 'Sample 2000' (n=3069, 1999 mail survey) and 'Sample 2019' (n=1027, 2019 online panels).
• Data analyzed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 instrument, stratified by sex and age groups (40-79 years).

Main Results:

• No significant age-group differences in most HRQoL subscales between the two samples.
• The oldest age group (70-79 years) in Sample 2019 reported generally better HRQoL compared to Sample 2000.
• Sample 2019 showed lower Global quality of life and higher Dyspnoea levels across most age groups.

Conclusions:

• Most EORTC QLQ-C30 subscales showed no differences between the 2000 and 2019 Swedish normative datasets.
• The oldest age group (70-79 years) in the 2019 sample reported improved HRQoL.
• Consideration of data collection mode and age group is essential when selecting normative datasets for HRQoL interpretation.