Quality of life of adult retinoblastoma survivors in the Netherlands
2007

Quality of Life of Adult Retinoblastoma Survivors in the Netherlands

Sample size: 87 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jennifer van Dijk, Saskia M Imhof, Annette C Moll, Peter J Ringens, Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis, Frank Rijmen, Jaap Huisman

Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center Amsterdam

Hypothesis

Hereditary RB survivors have poorer QoL than non-hereditary RB survivors.

Conclusion

Adult RB survivors generally experience a good overall QoL, but report more mental health issues compared to a healthy reference group.

Supporting Evidence

  • RB survivors scored significantly lower on the mental health subscale compared to the reference group.
  • Hereditary RB survivors reported lower general health than non-hereditary survivors.
  • Childhood bullying was a predictor for worse QoL in multiple SF-36 subscales.

Takeaway

This study looked at how people who survived a type of eye cancer feel about their lives. They found that while most are doing okay, many still feel sad or anxious.

Methodology

A population-based cross-sectional study using the SF-36 questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.

Potential Biases

Potential bias from non-participation of those with poorer QoL.

Limitations

Results may not apply to more recently treated survivors; non-participants may have poorer QoL; ceiling effects in SF-36 subscales.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 18 to 35 years, with 61% female representation.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1477-7525-5-30

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