Oral health-related quality of life of current cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Abstract

The aim of this study is to aid the dental team across the country to provide better care and improve the oral health quality of life for current cancer patients. The objectives of this study were to 1) translate the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OH15 questionnaires into the Maltese language, and 2) explore the relation between the patients’ self-reported oral health and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Permission for translation of the questionnaires was obtained. The questionnaires were translated from English to Maltese, and then reverse translated into English. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OH15 questionnaires was piloted in individuals. In the second part of the study, haematological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy filled in the questionnaires QLQ-OH15 and QLQ-C30 from three sites: SAMOC, St James Hospital and Online. The responses obtained were processed and analysed statistically. Results: 30 participants from the general population took part in translation process. A Cronbach alpha testing confirmed a high correlation between the questionnaires. Forty-five (45) patients with haematological cancer participated in this study. Significant results were found between Functional scales Information, Symptom Scales Insomnia, and location of response (Kruskal Wallis test p<0.05). Significant results were found between Language and the Symptom Scales Financial Difficulties (Mann-Whitney U Test p<0.05). Further analyses identified relations between QLQ-OH15 and QLQ-C30 (Spearman’s Test p<0.05). Conclusions: This study concluded that the translation process of the questionnaires was valid. The questionnaires identified significant outcomes that influenced the self-reported quality of life of haematological cancer patients.