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EORTC QLQ-C30 general population normative data for the United States.
Alizé A Rogge1, Gregor Liegl1, Claire Snyder2
1Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
This study generated crucial sex- and age-specific normative data for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) in the United States. These findings aid in interpreting cancer patient HRQoL data.
Area of Science:
- Health Outcomes Research
- Psychometrics
- Oncology
Background:
- The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) is a key measure for cancer-related quality of life.
- General population norm data are vital for interpreting EORTC QLQ-C30 scores but are lacking for the United States.
- Existing norms do not account for sex and age differences, limiting precise interpretation for US populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish sex- and age-specific normative data for the EORTC QLQ-C30 within the United States general population.
- To provide a benchmark for comparing the quality of life of US cancer patients to the general population.
- To facilitate more accurate interpretation of EORTC QLQ-C30 data in clinical and research settings in the US.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing online panels for participant recruitment.
- Stratified sampling by sex and age groups (18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, ≥70 years) to ensure balanced representation (n=100 per subgroup).
- Descriptive statistics were calculated and presented based on age and sex.
Main Results:
- A total of 1009 respondents (508 females, 501 males) completed the survey.
- Over 72% of participants reported at least one health condition.
- Older adults (≥60 years) generally reported higher functioning and better symptom scores compared to younger age groups.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first sex- and age-specific general population normative data for the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the United States.
- These normative data are essential for accurately interpreting EORTC QLQ-C30 scores from US cancer patients.
- The findings enable comparisons between US cancer patient data and European norms, enhancing cross-cultural research.
