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

• Author / Creator

  Schmidt, Karmen

• 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.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Head and neck cancer
  • Symptom interference
  • Weight loss

• Graduation date

  Spring 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Nursing

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R30708

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.