The Impact of Common Chronic Conditions on Health-Related Quality of Life: A General Population Survey in Iran Using EQ-5D-5L

Abstract

Background:Diseases have undeniable effects on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Chronic diseases, in particular, limit the productive potentials and HRQoL of individuals. EQ-5D is a very popular generic instrument, which can be used to estimate HRQoL scores in any diseases. The current study investigates mean HRQoL scores in certain chronic diseases and examines the relationship between utility scores and chronic diseases in Iran. Method:This cross-sectional study was carried out among the general adult population of Tehran. 3060 individuals were chosen by a stratified probability sampling method. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was applied. The utility scores were estimated using the Iranian crosswalk-based value set. The effect of chronic diseases on the HRQoL scores was derived by the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method. Data was analyzed using Stata version 13 software.Results:The mean ± standard deviation utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.86 ±0.14 and 77.50 ±16.14 in the participants without any chronic conditions. The scores were 0.69 ±0.17 and 61.61 ±20.39 in the participants with chronic conditions. The highest and lowest mean utility scores were related to thyroid disease (0.70) and Stroke (0.54), respectively. Common chronic conditions had significant negative effects on the HRQoL scores. Stroke (0.204) and cancer (0.177) caused the most reduction in the EQ-5D-5L utility scores. Lumbar disc hernia, digestive diseases, osteoarthritis, breathing problems, and anxiety/nerves cause 0.133, 0.109, 0.108, 0.087, and 0.078 reductions, respectively, in the EQ-5D-5L utility scores.Conclusion:This study provides insight into some common chronic conditions and their effects on the HRQoL. Policymakers and planners should pay attention to the effects of chronic conditions especially high prevalence one. They should adopt effective interventions to control this issue and increase health. The results of this study can also be beneficial in economic evaluation studies.

Associations of Falls with Quality of Life and Correlated Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Two-Wave Cohort Study

“…For example, disability in ADL and IADL is negatively associated with QOL in older people aged 75 years and older [12]. Comorbidities have a negative effect on the general adult population in terms of the EQ-5D-5L [13] and the CDC HRQOL-4 (i.e., general health, mental distress, physical distress, and activity limitations) [14]. A signi cant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and EQ-5D scores was found among rural older people in central China [15].…”