Psychometric properties of the Chilean version of the quality of life questionnaire for multiple myeloma

Propriedades psicométricas da versão chilena do questionário de qualidade de vida para mieloma múltiplo

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To evaluate the internal consistency and construct validity of the QLQ-MY20 for assessing the quality of life in multiple myeloma survivors in Chile.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted between March 2020 and December 2022. It involved 118 individuals from two public hospitals. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-MY20 questionnaires were used. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha(α), and construct validity was evaluated through hypothesis testing (Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation).

Results:

The average age of participants was 67.2 years (SD=9.2). Internal consistency for the complete scale was α=0.779, for the “disease symptoms” dimension α=0.671, for the “side effects of treatments” dimension α=0.538, and for the “future perspective” dimension α=0.670. Four of the five construct validity hypotheses were confirmed: women, individuals with worse performance status, those with pain, and those with worse fatigue showed more symptoms.

Conclusions:

The Chilean version of the QLQ-MY20 demonstrates adequate internal consistency and construct validity.

Descriptors
Multiple Myeloma; Quality of Life; Validation Study; Psychometrics; Pain.