Measurement and interpretation of social distress using the social difficulties inventory (SDI)

Wright, Penny; Marshall, Laura; Smith, Adam B.; Velikova, Galina; Selby, Peter

doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2008.04.011

« Previous Next »European Journal of Cancer
Volume 44, Issue 11 , Pages 1529-1535, July 2008

Measurement and interpretation of social distress using the social difficulties inventory (SDI)☆

Penny Wright
- Psychosocial and Clinical Practice Research Group, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Section of Oncology and Clinical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author: Tel.: +44 0113 2066107; fax: +44 0113 2066108.
Laura Marshall
- Psychosocial and Clinical Practice Research Group, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Section of Oncology and Clinical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
Adam B. Smith
- Centre for Health and Social Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Charles Thackrah Building, University of Leeds, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9LJ, United Kingdom
Galina Velikova
- Psychosocial and Clinical Practice Research Group, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Section of Oncology and Clinical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
- Joint senior authors.
Peter Selby
- Psychosocial and Clinical Practice Research Group, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Section of Oncology and Clinical Research, University of Leeds, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
- Joint senior authors.

Received 19 February 2008; accepted 17 April 2008. published online 20 May 2008.

Abstract

Cancer has a significant social impact. There is a requirement to undertake formal assessment of this in research and clinical practice.

Aim

To establish values of clinically meaningful differences and changes in social distress (SOCD) using the social difficulties inventory (SDI).

Methods

Newly diagnosed patients treated with curative intent completed the SDI and the EORTC quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months. Minimally important differences (MIDs) were estimated using anchor and distribution methods.

Results

One hundred and eighty-eight patients participated. SOCD was elevated at baseline demonstrating the social burden of cancer on patients following diagnosis. Anchor estimates for MIDs were by age groups 3.37 and in comparison to EORTC QLQ-C30 social functioning scale from 0 to 6.27. Using distribution methods: SEM 2.01–4.92 and SD 1.67–3.57.

Conclusion

For general guidance, an estimate of 3 (range 0–44) is recommended as a clinically important difference, illustrated by case studies and group comparisons.

Keywords: Social problems, Quality of life, Outcome assessment (health care)