Health-Related Quality of Life Population Norms for Belize Using EQ-5D-5L

Abstract

ObjectivesThere has been a growing interest in the use of EQ-5D health outcomes measures in Latin America and the Caribbean. Population norms data provide a benchmark against which clinicians, researchers, and policy makers can compare the health status of patient, treatment, or demographic groups. This study aimed to provide EQ-5D-5L population norms for Belize. MethodsThe EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was included in a national survey in Belize in 2014. The survey also captured key demographic variables. EQ-5D-5L health states, EQ-5D visual analog scale (EQ VAS) scores, and EQ-5D-5L index values (based on the Trinidad and Tobago value set) were obtained for key demographic groups in Belize. ResultsA representative sample of 2078 respondents completed the survey. The mean index value, EQ VAS score, and ceiling level for Belize were 0.947, 82.6, and 67.8%, respectively. Similar to other Caribbean countries, Belizeans self-reported relatively high EQ VAS scores and ceiling levels compared with non-Caribbean regions. Men reported generally higher health status than women, health status declined as age rises, and the dimensions with the highest burden were pain/discomfort and mobility. ConclusionsThis study provides researchers and practitioners in Belize with tools to use EQ-5D-5L. Users can apply the EQ VAS scores and EQ-5D-5L states presented herein as reference values. Until an EQ-5D-5L value set is created for Belize, the Trinidad and Tobago index values can be applied to Belizean-reported EQ-5D-5L states, which can then be compared with the index values presented in this study.