Spanish General Population Normative Data Analysis for the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Relationships Between Sex, Age, and Health Conditions

Abstract PurposeGeneral population normative data for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire facilitates interpretation of data assessed from cancer patients. This study aimed to present normative data of the Spanish general population.Methods/Patients Data were obtained from a prior larger study collecting EORTC QLQ-C30 norm data across 15 countries. Data were stratified by sex and age groups (18–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and >70 years). Sex and age distribution were weighted according to population distribution statistics. Sex- and age-specific normative values were analysed separately, as were participants with versus those without health conditions. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association of each of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales with the determinants age, sex, sex-by-age interaction term, and health condition. Results 1165 Spanish individuals participated in the study. Differences were found by sex and age. The largest sex-related differences were seen in fatigue, emotional functioning, and global QoL (Quality of Life), favouring men. Largest age differences were seen in emotional functioning, insomnia, and pain, with middle-aged groups having the worst scores. Those >60 years scored better than those <60 years on all scales except for physical functioning. Participants with no health conditions scored better in all QLQ-C30 domains.ConclusionsThe present study highlights differences in HRQoL between specific sex/age strata and especially between persons with and without a health condition in the Spanish general population. These factors must be considered when comparing general population HRQoL data with that of cancer patients.