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The Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer (CQOLC) in Singapore: a new preliminary factor structure for caregivers of ambulatory patients with cancer

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Abstract

Purpose

The Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer (CQOLC) is used worldwide to determine levels of quality of life of caregivers of patients with cancer; however, the few studies examining the underlying factor structure of the CQOLC have revealed differences between Western and Eastern cultures. This study sought to confirm the differences in the factor structures between the original CQOLC and a Taiwanese (Mandarin) version.

Methods

A total of 183 caregivers from a cancer center in Singapore participated in this exploratory cross-sectional study. All participants completed the CQOLC and a sociodemographic form; 30 participants repeated the CQOLC two weeks later.

Results

Test–retest reliability was adequate for the CQOLC; however, confirmatory factor analyses did not support either the original four-factor model or the Taiwanese five-factor model. Exploratory factor analyses suggested the retaining of five factors to form a 25-item Singapore version (CQOLC-S25): burden, physical/practical concerns, emotional reactivity, self-needs, and social support. Inter-factor and factor scale correlations were positively significant for all factors except Support, which was negatively correlated with emotional reactivity and self-needs.

Conclusions

Cross-cultural differences, which require further investigations, appear to underlie the utility and understanding of the CQOLC. More research is needed to better understand the needs of Singapore caregivers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore

    Rathi Mahendran, Joanne Chua & Ee Heok Kua

  2. Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore

    Rathi Mahendran, Haikel A. Lim, Chao Xu Peh & Ee Heok Kua

  3. Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, Level 7, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore

    Siew Eng Lim

Authors
  1. Rathi Mahendran
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  2. Haikel A. Lim
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  3. Joanne Chua
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  4. Chao Xu Peh
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  5. Siew Eng Lim
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  6. Ee Heok Kua
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Correspondence to Rathi Mahendran.

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Mahendran, R., Lim, H.A., Chua, J. et al. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer (CQOLC) in Singapore: a new preliminary factor structure for caregivers of ambulatory patients with cancer. Qual Life Res 24, 399–404 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0768-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0768-7

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