Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Tuberculosis Patients: a Cross-Sectional Study Using the EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L Scale

Abstract

The measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients is important since TB significantly affects the patient’s health and sufferings worldwide. HRQoL indicates the consciousness of patients regarding their physical and mental health. It is, therefore, very relevant in comprehending and measuring the exact impact of the disease state. The current study assessed the HRQoL of TB patients and the correlation between the EQ-5D index score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in February–March, 2022, at Rawalpindi Leprosy Hospital. A total of 400 patients with TB were included in the study. HRQoL was measured by using a validated Urdu version of EuroQol 5 dimensions 3 level (EQ-5D-3L) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). The overall mean score of EQ-5D and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score were (0.56 ± 0.43) and (65.56 ± 17.02), respectively. The correlation coefficient of r = 0.521 between VAS and EQ-5D indicates that our results are statistically significant. Multivariate linear regression analysis implied that gender and education have a significant impact on the patient quality of life. The current study indicated that tuberculosis negatively affects the mental health, social function, and emotional aspects of the patient’s quality of life. The HRQoL data from this study could be used to design future interventions and help prescribers to gain insight into the factors in which patient’s health-related quality of life can be improved.