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.