Table 1 (a) Number of participants and (b) patient characteristics
FOCUS GROUPS | PATIENTS | CAREGIVERS |
|---|---|---|
1. small laryngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy / laser | 6 (28.6%) | 6 (31.6%) |
2. extensive oral cavity surgical procedures | 2 (9.5%) | 2 (10.5%) |
3. total laryngectomy | 4 (19.0%) | 6 (31.6%) |
4. chemoradiation | 5 23.8%) | 3 (15.8%) |
5. other treatmentsa | 4 (19.0%) | 2 (10.5%) |
Total no. of participants per focus group (%)b | 21 (100%) | 19 (100%) |
PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS | NO. (%) / MEDIAN (Q1-Q3) | |
Age, years | 65.0 (53.5 – 68.5) | |
Age range, years | 33 – 78 | |
Sex | ||
male | 12 (57.1 %) | |
female | 9 (42.9 %) | |
Tumor localization | ||
larynx | 9 (42.9%) | |
hypopharynx | 2 (9.5%) | |
oral cavity | 3 (14.3%) | |
oropharynx | 6 (28.6%) | |
unknown primary | 1 (4.8%) | |
Tumor stage | ||
I | 5 (23.8%) | |
II | 3 (14.3%) | |
III | 5 (23.8%) | |
IVa | 7 (33.3%) | |
IVb | 1 (4.8%) | |
Marital status | ||
married / durable relationship | 19 (90.5%) | |
single | 2 (9.5%) | |
Education level | ||
lower (primary education or less / lower secondary) | 7 (33.3%) | |
intermediate (upper secondary / post-secondary non-tertiary) | 9 (42.9%) | |
tertiary (short cycle tertiary / bachelor / master / doctoral) | 4 (19.0%) | |
missing | 1 | |
Median time between end of treatment and participation in the focus group (Q1 – Q3) | 47 weeks (35 – 64) | |