PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF A QUALITY OF LIFE INDEX FOR HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS (FACTOR ANALYSIS, LIFE SATISFACTION, ILLINOIS).

PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF A QUALITY OF LIFE INDEX FOR HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS (FACTOR ANALYSIS, LIFE SATISFACTION, ILLINOIS)

Ensuring Cultural and Cognitive Integrity in Instrument Translation: Quality of Life Index for Japanese Cancer Patients

Objective: The objective of this paper is to provide a practical illustration of methods useful for translating and testing questionnaire instruments for nursing and healthcare to ensure reliability, validity, and appropriateness for the target culture. Methods: We present the process used to create the Japanese version of a well-established quality of life (QOL) instrument, originally developed in American English. The Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI)-Cancer Version III was translated into Japanese by a team of bilingual translators and tested using an iterative process involving cognitive interviewing with monolingual Japanese cancer patients. Results: Discussions among the translation team made it possible to find and resolve linguistic, cultural, and practical issues regarding the translation. Problems stemming from question interpretation and information retrieval were resolved through the cognitive interviewing process. One problem related to response editing could not be remedied with altered phrasing, namely a question referring to the respondents' sex lives. This item was retained in the Japanese version of the QLI as an indispensable component of QOL, particularly in a healthcare context. Conclusions: The final Japanese version captured the intended meaning of the original, and also was culturally appropriate and clearly understood by Japanese cancer patients

The clinical significance of quality of life assessments in oncology: a summary for clinicians

BACKGROUND: A series of six manuscripts with an introduction appeared in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, based upon the collective effort of 30 individuals with an interest and expertise in assessing the clinical significance of quality of life (QOL) assessments. The series of manuscripts described the state of the science of QOL assessments in oncology clinical research and practice and included extensive literature and theoretical justification for the continued inclusion of QOL in oncology clinical research and practice. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to produce a summary of these articles and to supplement these works with additional information that was gleaned from subsequent meetings and discussions of this material. The primary aim of this paper is to present a cogent and concise description for clinicians to facilitate the incorporation of QOL assessments into oncology clinical research and practice. The theoretical discussion is supplemented with an example of how the various ideas can be operationalized in an oncology clinical tria

Factors affecting trust in healthcare among middle-aged to older Korean American women

Abstract Background Predictors of trust in healthcare providers and the healthcare system have never been studied in Korean Americans (KA) despite the fact that trust plays an important role in health behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine factors influencing trust in the healthcare system and providers among KA women. Methods Data were collected in 196 KA women examining the effects of perceived discrimination and trust on breast cancer screening in the Chicago metropolitan area. Path analysis was used to identify factors influencing trust in the healthcare system and providers. Results Acculturation was positively related to trust in healthcare providers (β = .15, p =. 002), and discrimination in the healthcare system was inversely related to trust in healthcare providers (β = −.60, p <. 001). Length of stay in the US was inversely related to distrust in the healthcare system (β = −.14, p <. 001), and discrimination in healthcare was positively related to distrust in the healthcare system (β = .60, p <. 001). Trust in healthcare providers and distrust in the healthcare system were moderately correlated (r = .51, p < .001). Conclusion Higher levels of acculturation and lower levels of perceived discrimination were identified as predictors of higher levels of trust in healthcare providers. A shorter stay in the US and higher levels of discrimination were identified as predictors of higher levels of distrust in the healthcare system. Perceived discrimination is a target for interventions to enhance trust in the healthcare system, and therefore reduce healthcare disparities in KAs