Health-Related Quality of Life Differences between African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites with Head and Neck Cancer

Citation

Reeve, Bryce B.; Cai, Jianwen; Zhang, Hongtao; Choi, Jaeun; Weissler, Mark Christian; Cella, David; & Olshan, Andrew F. (2013). Health-Related Quality of Life Differences between African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites with Head and Neck Cancer. Head & Neck, 35(9), 1255-1264. PMCID: PMC3750061

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancers of the head and neck are associated with detriments in health-related quality of life (HRQOL); however, little is known about different experiences between African Americans and non-Hispanic whites.
METHODS: HRQOL was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) approximately 5 months postdiagnosis among 222 patients with cancer from North Carolina. Higher scores represent better HRQOL. Regression models included sociodemographic characteristics and clinical factors.
RESULTS: African Americans reported higher physical well-being than whites (adjusted means, 23.1 vs 20.9). African Americans with incomes <$20,000 reported higher emotional well-being (21.4) and fewer head and neck symptoms (22.0). Non-Hispanic whites making <$20,000 reported the poorest emotional well-being (17.3), whereas African Americans making >$20,000 reported the most head and neck symptoms (18.7).
CONCLUSIONS: Further investigation is needed to explore variation in HRQOL experiences among different race and socioeconomic groups that may inform resource allocation to improve cancer care.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hed.23115

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2013

Journal Title

Head & Neck

Author(s)

Reeve, Bryce B.
Cai, Jianwen
Zhang, Hongtao
Choi, Jaeun
Weissler, Mark Christian
Cella, David
Olshan, Andrew F.

PMCID

PMC3750061

ORCiD

Olshan - 0000-0001-9115-5128