Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. We examined construct validity by conducting confirmatory factor analysis using indices of chi-square statistic, comparative fit index CFI , and root mean square error of approximation RMSEA. We assessed known-groups validity by examining the extent to which HRQOL differed by late effects and comorbid conditions and calculated relative validity RV defined as contrasting F-statistics of individual domains to the domain with the lowest F-statistic.
Superior known-groups validity is observed if a domain of one instrument demonstrates a higher RV than other domains of the instruments. YASCC data cannot replicate the constructs both instruments intend to measure, suggesting poor construct validity. Neither instrument is superior. Keywords: Childhood cancer, young adult survivor, quality of life, measurement, psychometrics.
Over the past three decades, the number of young adult survivors of childhood cancer YASCC has increased significantly [ 1 ]. Late effects are a major clinical concern of cancer survivors, which may appear several years after cancer diagnosis and treatment [ 2 ]. For YASCC, common late effects include neurocognitive, psychological, cardiopulmonary, endocrine, and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as recurrence or secondary cancers [ 3 ]. When comparing YASCC to healthy controls, the use of these instruments tends to generate mixed findings i.
Although these instruments demonstrate good measurement properties, they were developed and validated using survivors of adult-onset cancer rather than strictly YASCC populations. First, the types of cancer and associated treatments on childhood and adult-onset survivors are different. Cancers that develop in adult populations, such as breast cancer, behave and respond to treatment differently than cancers that develop in children, such as embryonal tumors.
Therefore, the damage to the body and impact on daily functioning are likely to be different. Second, childhood cancer populations are usually confronted with developmental and growth issues which are not encountered by adult populations. These unique issues include career development, autonomy, identity, intimacy, psychosocial adjustment, fertility, and sexuality [ 20 ].
