Purpose Cancer is a leading cause of death in Vietnam. To maximize quality of life (QOL) at the end of life, valid and clinically useful instruments are needed to assess palliative care needs and the effectiveness of palliative care interventions. Methods We aimed to (i) determine psychometric properties of the Vietnamese version of the WHO abbreviated quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREFVN) among advanced cancer patients, (ii) measure HR-QOL, and (iii) identify predictors of HR-QOL. We collected demographic, clinical, and HR-QOL data from stage III/IV adult cancer patients at two major Vietnamese cancer centers. We determined the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)), and discriminant validity (known-groups comparison) of the Vietnamese instrument. HR-QOL was analyzed descriptively. Multinomial logistic regressions identified predictors of HR-QOL. Results A total of 825 patients participated. Missing data were completely at random (MCAR) (chi-square = 14.270, df = 14, p = 0.430). Cronbach’s alpha for all items was 0.904. CFA loadings of physical, psychological, social relationship, and environment domains onto HR-QOL were 0.81, 0.82, 0.34, and 0.75, respectively. Prediction of scores differed significantly by functional status (Wilks’ lambda = 0.784, chi-square = 197.546, df = 4, p < 0.01, correct prediction = 74.6%). HR-QOL was reported as very bad/bad by n = 188 patients (22.8%) and general health as very bad/bad by n = 430 (52.1%). Multinomial logistic regression (likelihood ratio test: chi-square = 35.494, df = 24, p = 0.061, correct prediction = 62.2%) and the Pearson correlations revealed worse HR-QOL was associated with inpatient status, high ECOG score, and having dependent children. Conclusion The Vietnamese version of the WHOQOL-BREF has excellent internal consistency reliability and sound construct and discriminant validity in advanced cancer patients. Advanced cancer inpatients, those with dependent children, and those with poorer physical function appear to have the greatest palliative care needs.

Physical and psychological symptoms among people living with HIV (PLWH) adversely affect quality of life and treatment adherence. Study objectives were: (i) to determine validity and reliability of a Vietnamese translation of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) among PLWH in Vietnam; (ii) to measure prevalence and burden of physical and psychological symptoms using the MSAS-SF including the Global Distress Index (GDI), Physical Distress subscale (PHYS), and Psychological Distress subscale (PSY); (iii) to identify symptom burden risk factors. We recruited 567 patients. Cronbach's alpha scores were: total MSAS-SF 0.91, GDI 0.83, PHYS 0.85, PSYCH 0.81. The scale showed good discriminant validity (low vs high function) (p < 0.001). The mean number of symptoms was 7.66, and the most prevalent were "worrying" (41.6%), "lack of energy" (40.6%), "feeling irritable" (40.4%), and "feeling sad" (39.2%). Monthly income below the poverty line was independently associated with increased: GDI,, PHYS, and PSY and a greater number of symptoms. The Vietnamese version of the MSAS-SF is valid to measure symptom prevalence and burden in HIV-positive populations. Here is a high symptom prevalence and burden among PLWH in Vietnam, especially those living in poverty, and a great need for palliative care integrated with HIV treatment.