The aim of this paper was to find out the association of relevant factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among ovarian cancer patients and their ability to work. Analyzed data were prospectively collected on 123 ovarian cancer patients enrolled across multiple oncology practices in Slovakia. We examined knowledge about the disease, negative perceptions related to health care, ability to work and social and economic ranking. HRQOL measurements included quality of life based on a numeric scale (1-worst, 10-best) and selected aspects from QoL-Ov28 questionnaire. We have used non-parametric Friedman and Dunne pairwise comparison tests to detect differences in HRQOL and the ability to work. Spearman correlation was used to measure the strength of association between variables. With hindsight, patients identified first signs of disease 3.6 months prior to diagnosis, with median duration of disease being 3.1 years. HRQOL was significantly different at various points during cancer journey; between current state and at diagnosis (4.19), between current state and at time without cancer or at time in full health (8.94, 9.52 respectively). Similarly, significant differences were noted in patients' current work ability (WA) compared to WA at diagnosis, or at time without cancer or in full health (4.2, 9.07, 9.58). The highest correlation of HRQOL was found in relation to current ability to work (r = 0.87) and in impact of cancer treatment (r = 0.66). Medium correlation was noted with visits to oncology clinics, knowledge about cancer, salary, future expectations or perceived quality of life of relatives (r < 0.51). Low correlation (r < 0.3) was found with other aspects related to healthcare (nursing care, general practitioner appointments) or demographics (age, number of children) and others. Patients were willing to pay monthly for curative treatment €191.84 from an average monthly salary €470.84 (41%). Ovarian cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on HRQOL and WA and both are positively highly correlated. Ovarian cancer patients are willing to give significant share of their monthly salary for treatment leading to cure.

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OBJECTIVES:To estimate the average (CER) and incremental (ICER) cost-effectiveness ratios of surfactant rescue treatment of premature infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) who are covered by the New Generation Medical Insurance . METHODS: A cost-effectiveness evaluation was conducted from the perspective of the Mexican Ministry of Health (SSA). The comparisons were between bovine surfactant therapy and the alternative of not using it. A decision tree model with a two-year time horizon was used, where the measurements of effectiveness were life years gained (LYG) and quality adjusted life years (QALY). The effectiveness figures are taken from a systematic review, the resource usage patterns were obtained from data registered in the SSA hospital files on care, and costs from official sources in SSA 2009. A 5% discount rate was considered for costs and health outcomes. Deterministic and probabilistic analyses were conducted. RESULTS: ICER ratios for surfactant therapy per LYG and per QALY were $61,392 and $62,110, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surfactant therapy was confirmed as a cost-effective strategy, in accordance to WHO criteria of 3 Per-capita GDP per QALY in premature infants with RDS in Mexico. OBJECTIVES:To estimate the cost effectiveness of dienogest versus GnRH analogue (GnRH-a) for the treatment of endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain in Slovakia from a payer perspective. METHODS: A cost-utility Markov model based on results of randomized controlled trial (AU19) was adapted to a Slovakian setting. The AU19 trial, which compared dienogest and GnRH-a (leuprolide) in the treatment of endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain over a 6 month period, showed no statistically significant differences in response rates. The dienogest annual relapse rate was derived from 52-weeks extension study, while relapse rates for the GnRH-a were derived from the literature. Local cost data was based on published price lists, clinical guidelines, product labels and expert opinion. QoL related utilities were derived from individual patient SF-36 scores from AU19 dataset. Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALY). Time horizon was set at 2 years and a payers' perspective was adopted. Discount rate was 5% per year for both costs and effects according to valid Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines for health economic evaluation. Both one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Dienogest showed that it was costeffective compared to a GnRH-a, with an overall cost reduction of 506 € and a QALY gain of 0.002 per patient. Cost reduction was due to both the differences in the average drug cost during the two year period (GnRH-a: 1 248 € and dienogest: 969 €) and the average laparoscopy cost (GnRH-a: 274 € and dienogest: 103 €). In probabilistic sensitivity analysis 69 % of simulations were below 18 000 €/QALY, which is the officially published threshold for willingness to pay in Slovakia. CONCLUSIONS: Dienogest is a cost-effective alternative to GnRH analogue for the ...