TABLE III.

Parameter estimates and standard errors obtained from the quality-of-life (qol) scores using the generalized estimating equation approach (statistical analysis for repeated measurements)

qol item	Results by months since the end of radiation treatmenta
	1		6		12		18		24		30		36
	β	p Value	β	p Value	β	p Value	β	p Value	β	p Value	β	p Value	β	p Value
Urinary function
Leakage	−0.35	ns	4.35	ns	−3.42	ns	−4.44	ns	−3.62	ns	−4.24	ns	−1.24	ns
Control	−0.40	ns	2.20	ns	−3.26	ns	−2.01	ns	−0.02	ns	−0.98	ns	−1.61	ns
Number of pads or adult diapers	−2.55	ns	0.64	ns	−2.31	ns	−2.98	sd	−2.68	ns	−2.17	ns	−3.27	ns
Dripping urine or wetting pants	0.77	ns	2.99	ns	−1.63	ns	−2.83	ns	−0.66	ns	−1.35	ns	−3.28	ns
Leakage interfering with sexual activity	−2.25	ns	2.29	ns	0.71	ns	−0.83	ns	−1.78	ns	−0.90	ns	1.50	ns
As a problem overall	4.56	ns	−6.89	sd	−0.80	ns	−6.54	ns	−6.76	ns	−7.28	ns	−3.54	ns
Bowel function
Rectal urgency	−20.67	hsd	−11.78	sd	−17.92	hsd	−8.55	sd	−7.86	sd	−12.01	sd	−11.69	sd
Stools loose or liquid	−9.67	hsd	−6.54	sd	−6.53	sd	−0.10	ns	0.34	ns	−2.98	ns	−6.05	ns
Distress secondary to bowl movements	−13.32	hsd	−10.73	hsd	−12.96	hsd	−13.24	hsd	−7.10	sd	−11.35	hsd	−11.42	hsd
Crampy pain	−6.77	hsd	−5.98	sd	−6.34	sd	−8.82	sd	−2.82	ns	−3.66	ns	−5.97	sd
As a problem overall	−10.86	hsd	−7.99	sd	−12.99	sd	−8.51	sd	−3.39	ns	−8.50	sd	−8.72	sd
Sexual function
Sexual desire	−7.50	hsd	−7.18	sd	−6.56	sd	−6.26	sd	−1.75	ns	−6.28	ns	1.33	ns
Ability to have an erection	−6.19	sd	−11.04	hsd	−9.26	hsd	−10.65	hsd	−6.86	sd	−9.22	sd	−6.70	ns
Ability to reach orgasm	−7.86	sd	−10.83	hsd	−9.85	hsd	−10.28	hsd	−7.18	sd	−8.71	ns	−5.52	ns
Quality of erections	−11.71	sd	−14.80	hsd	−16.19	hsd	−20.88	hsd	−19.32	hsd	−19.98	hsd	−13.32	sd
Frequency of erections	−10.20	sd	−12.28	hsd	−14.08	hsd	−15.61	hsd	−12.16	sd	−11.30	sd	−10.22	sd
Morning erections	−6.84	sd	−9.24	hsd	−7.96	sd	−6.97	sd	−6.73	sd	−7.56	sd	−5.65	sd
Sexual intercourse
Unassisted by medical intervention	−4.80	ns	−5.97	sd	−8.64	sd	−7.96	sd	−8.01	sd	−7.86	sd	−4.11	ns
Assisted by medical intervention	0.73	ns	−0.16	ns	0.04	ns	0.65	ns	−0.31	ns	0.54	ns	0.78	ns
Ability to function sexually	−6.90	sd	−7.24	sd	−6.78	sd	−7.82	sd	−5.20	ns	−6.71	sd	−5.54	ns
As a problem overall	1.18	ns	−2.48	ns	−2.78	ns	6.66	ns	6.27	ns	4.95	ns	5.32	ns

^aA negative β indicates worsening quality of life.

ns = nonsignificant; sd = significant difference (p < 0.05); hsd = highly significant difference (p < 0.001).