PedsQL™ Cancer Module as a method to assess the quality of life of children with malignancies of the hematopoietic system: Linguistic validation and a pilot studies

Introduction: The diagnosis of hematological malignancies has negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of a child. As the state of health is the most important determinant of the QoL, its evaluation should be part of clinical evaluation. In Poland there is no standardized tools. Therefore we have adapted the PedsQLTM Cancer Module to the Polish conditions.

Aim of the study: To present the current stage of works on the adaptation process of the PedsQLTM Cancer Module.

Material and methods: The adaptation process involves two groups: 33 children with hematological malignancies treated in three pediatric hemato-onco­logy centres and 35 parents. The PedsQLTM Cancer Module was used as a research tool. In linguistic validation it participated 5 children and 5 parents. The reliability of the scales was assessed using the calculation of Cronbach’s  and the correlation coefficient was determined by Pearson’s r.

Results and conclusions: Polish version of the PedsQLTM Cancer Module was obtained. The adapted module is characterized by high reliability of the total scores. The reliability of subscales of the questionnaire for parents is at a satisfying level. Reliability coefficients in the four subscales of the questionnaire for children reached lower level. The results are the basis to consider changes to certain statements, however they do not constitute sufficient grounds for such decision. The questionnaire can be left in its current form, while increasing numbers of study group. Currently, we began to enlarge trial and collect data in the course of further research.