Quality of Life investigation
The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) (16,17) questionnaire has been used
to evaluate the changes in the QoL of investigated patients (17). It is
a validated questionnaire to measure the QoL changes related to a
specific surgical or medical intervention. It is designed for only
post-intervention use and it is the most widely used method to evaluate
the improvement of QoL in Otorhinolaryngology and in other medical and
surgical disciplines.
All patients considered eligible to the study enrollment were contacted
by two co-authors of the study (C.A.M.L.I. e I.C.V.) and to each patient
was administered the validated Italian version of the Glasgow Quality of
Life questionnaire.
The questionnaire, which can be completed by interview or self-completed
by patients, consists of 18 questions answered using a five-point Likert
scale, addressing change in health status (post treatment for OSA).
The 18 questions of the GBI were evaluated, and a total score (Overall
Benefit) was calculated. The total score can range from −100 (poorest
outcome) through 0 (no change) to +100 (best outcome). It indicates the
overall impact of the surgical or medical treatment on patient’s quality
of life.
The Glasgow Benefit Inventory is further subdivided into three distinct
subscales. Twelve questions focus on general changes in health status,
as well as changes in psychosocial health status identifying the
‘General’ subscale. Moreover, three questions are related to the amount
of social support needed in relation to the condition being questioned
(Social). The remaining three questions address changes in physical
health status including medications requirement and number of visits to
doctors required (Physical). So, in addition to the total score, it is
possible to obtain a partial general score, a partial score on social
support and one on physical health.