Validation study of the distress thermometer: Psychosocial distress screening among head and neck cancer patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to validate the Distress Thermometer Filipino version, (DT-F) in head and neck cancer patients and identify the cut off score of DT-F for psychosocial distress at which to make referrals for clinical intervention.@*METHODOLOGY@#After obtaining permission from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), translation and back-translation of the Distress Thermometer (DT) were done. One hundred ninety- two patients who fit the inclusion criteria were included in the study. They were from the outpatient clinic and ward of both the Cancer Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department and each participant accomplished a socio-demographic form, the DT-F and Problem List, The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Pilipino (HADS P) and had a brief psychiatric interview.@*RESULTS@#Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses generated area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7506, suggesting good discrimination using the HADS P cut off score of 11. The optimal cut off score in DT-F is 4, with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 58%. Hence, using this cut off score, head and neck cancer patients who score 4 and above in the DT-F were identified to experience clinically relevant psychosocial distress than those who score below the cut off.@*CONCLUSION@#The Filipino version of DT is a valid tool for screening psychosocial distress in head and neck cancer patients. Using a cut off score of 4 is recommended for appropriate and timely referral for further evaluation.