The association of age, literacy, and race on completing patient-reported outcome measures in pediatric oncology.
Janice S WithycombeMolly McFatrichLaura PinheiroPamela S HindsFrank G KellerJustin N BakerJenny W MackLillian SungMia K WaldronBryce B ReevePublished in: Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation (2019)
Wide variations in literacy were noted across age groups. All participants were able to complete the Pediatric PRO-CTCAE, although most 7 year olds (63%) required reading assistance. Those with lower literacy skills were able to understand items suggesting that multiple factors may be involved in comprehension (developmental stage, concentration, vocabulary, or prior health experiences). Risk for falling below expected literacy levels increased with age implying a need for literacy consideration for cancer patients.