Validation of the EORTC-QLQ-HN35 Questionnaire in Turkish Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE To assess the validity and reliability of the EORTC-QLQ-HN35 in Turkish head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. METHODS EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HN35 scales were completed by patients at the beginning, middle and end of radiotherapy. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach alpha and test-retest reliability by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Content validity was based on expert opinion and patient reviews. RESULTS Eighty patients were included in this study. Mean age was 59 +/- 10.7 years. Overall internal consistency was satisfactory (alpha=0.926). Overall test-retest reliability was satisfactory and ICCs ranged between 0.77 and 0.84. Correlations between corresponding domains of QLQ-C30 and HN35 showed satisfactory convergent validity (r=0.61 to r=0.73). Assessments based on expert opinions and patient reviews also favored the content validity of the scale. CONCLUSION The Turkish version of the QLQ-HN35 scale is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the health-related quality of life in patients with HNC.