Mapping the FACT-G to EQ-5D-3L utility index in cancer with the Chinese values set.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to create a function for mapping the cancer-specific instrument (FACT-G) to a preference-based measure (EQ-5D-3 L) utility index for health-related quality of life, with utility scores generated using the Chinese value set. METHOD: A cross-sectional study among 243 Chinese patients with cancer was conducted through EQ-5D-3 L and FACT-G questionnaires survey. The EQ-5D-3 L utility index values were predicted based on OLS, GLM, CLAD, and Tobit model regression approaches. The performance and predictive power of each model were also evaluated using r2 and adj- r2, MAE, RMSE, ICC, and MID. Linear equating was used to avoid regression of the OLS model to mean. The model was validated using a 10-fold cross-validation method. RESULTS: Among all regression models for the FACT-G, the OLS 5 model predicted mean EQ-5D-3 L values the best, in terms of model goodness of fit (r2 = 0.6230, MAE = 0.0448, RMSE = 0.0624). The OLS model proved to be the most accurate for the mean, and the linear equating scores were much closer to the observed scores. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the best algorithm for FACT-G mapping to EQ-5D-3 L utility index is OLS model, based on the survey of Chinese patients with cancer.

The Evaluation of the Effect of ICT in HIV Prevention in the General Population in China Based on an Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill Model.

OBJECTIVES: With an increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the application of information and communication technology (ICT) is considered as a helpful solution. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ICT in HIV prevention in the general population based on an information-motivation-behavioral skill (IMB) model. METHODS: A national follow-up study on the evaluation of ICT on HIV health education effects before and after large sample intervention was conducted in 16 provinces of China. ICT was used to carry out a six-month educational program on the prevention of HIV for participants using the WeChat platform. The research group conducted a second questionnaire for participants to collect data and built the IMB model using Mplus 7.0 analysis software. RESULTS: A total of 997 questionnaires were sent, and 957 effective questionnaires were recovered, a recovery rate of 96.0%. Before the ICT intervention, the scores of information was 15.68 ± 3.28, of motivation was 14.47 ± 4.26, of behavior skills was 2.26 ± 1.08, and of condom use was 2.19 ± 1.15. After the ICT intervention, the scores for information (18.54 ± 2.48), motivation (16.06 ± 4.11), behavior skills (4.74 ± 1.04), and condom use (2.64 ± 1.15) improved significantly. ICT use had a significant regression effect on motivation (ß = 0.237, P < 0.001), behavior skills (ß = 0.997, P < 0.001), and information (ß = 0.441, P < 0.001), while motivation (ß = 0.196, P < 0.001), behavior skills (ß = 0.207, P < 0.001), and information (ß = 0.092, P < 0.001) had a significant regression effect on condom use. CONCLUSIONS: The ICT intervention can not only improve information about HIV prevention, motivation, and behavior skills but also promote the use of condoms, so as to achieve the result of promoting behaviors that act to prevent AIDS within the general population.