Suffering in long-term cancer survivors: an evaluation of the PRISM-R2 in a population-based cohort.

Abstract

PURPOSE

The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure-Revised 2 (PRISM-R2) has been developed as generic measure to assess suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of this instrument to identify long-term cancer survivors with high levels of suffering who may need additional support.

RESULTS

112 (9%) cancer survivors reported high suffering according to IPM. This group had a higher cancer stage at diagnosis, more cancer recurrences, more comorbidities, and were lower educated compared to people reporting less suffering. The PRISM-R2 could explain substantial amounts of variance (10-14%) in the psychological aspects of the SF-36 and QoL-CS. The IPM also discriminated statistically and clinically significant between high- and low-health status.

METHODS

1299 cancer survivors completed the PRISM-R2, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Quality of Life-Cancer Survivors questionnaire (QoL-CS). The PRISM-R2 distinguishes between the Self-Illness Separation (SIS) and Illness Perception Measure (IPM), both measuring aspects of suffering.

CONCLUSION

The PRISM-R2 proved to be able to discriminate between individuals with good and deteriorated levels of QoL. Further evaluation of its validity and screening potential is recommended.

More about this publication

Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation
  • Volume 20
  • Issue nr. 10
  • Pages 1645-54
  • Publication date 01-12-2011

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