New instrument for measuring quality of life in patients with cervical cancer

Abstract

Our study aimed to develop and validate a reliable instrument that can measure the quality of life (QOL) of patients with cervical cancer living in a developing country, such as the Central Balkan country, Serbia. Our study was cross-sectional for assessing the reliability and validity of a questionnaire. Balkan questionnaire for QOL of patients with cervical cancer showed satisfactory reliability and temporal stability. When the investigators rated the questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.971 at the beginning, and one month later it was 0.967. When the questionnaire was rated by patients themselves, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.972. The questionnaire should be considered as an addition to the existing armamentarium for measuring the quality of life in patients with cervical cancer.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by project of Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Serbia, project number JP 08/20.

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest has been declared by the authors.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia no. 01/18-5291. The patients were treated with due esteem and concern, according to the ethics stated in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not‐for‐profit sectors.