The 16 symptoms are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0=not experienced at all, 1=no more of a problem, 2=a mild problem, 3=a moderate problem, 4=a severe problem).
While the time and memory requirements for SVM training surge with an increase in the sample size, which makes SVM impractical even for a moderate problem as the number of training data reaches to the extent of hundreds of thousands.
Each dimension has 3 Levels (indicating no problem, some or moderate problem and extreme problem).
Response options were "1 = no problem," "2 = small problem," "3 = moderate problem," and "4 = big problem".
A threshold of two (moderate problem) was used for identifying an area of need.
The patient can score three levels of severity in each dimension (1 = no problem, 2 = moderate problem, 3 = severe problem).
Each dimension is divided into three categories – whether the respondent has no problem, a moderate problem, or an extreme problem.
This indicates that the presence of a moderate problem in this area is sufficient to affect SQOL significantly.
Three options are listed for each dimension: whether the subject has no problem, a moderate problem or an extreme problem.
Moreover, the variation has to constitute at least a moderate problem and the respondent must feel worst in a winter month (November, December, January, February).
Immediately after biopsy, 10.9% reported that they would consider further biopsy a major or moderate problem; seven days after biopsy, this proportion had increased to 19.6%.
