Impact of Age and Gender on Quality of Life Among General Otolaryngology Patients.

Abstract

The combined effects of age and gender on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in otolaryngology patients are unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the effect of age on HRQoL differs by gender in otolaryngology patients. Patients seen in a general otolaryngology clinic were included in this retrospective chart review. HRQoL was measured by the SF-6D score. Patient characteristics, including demographics and category of chief otolaryngology complaint, were extracted from medical records. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to analyze the combined effect of age and gender on HRQoL. The model was adjusted for race, ethnicity, number of complaint categories, and number of medications. The study included 728 patients (age mean=52, SD=18; 48% male). Multivariable linear regression models found a significant interaction effect between age and gender (β= 0.213, p < 0.05). For younger patients, female gender was protective; however, at age greater than 35 years, female gender was a risk factor for decreased HRQoL. Compared to Black patients, Asian and other race patients reported significantly greater HRQoL (β= 0.207, p < 0.05 for Asian; β= 0.126, p < 0.05 for other races). Additionally, an antagonistic interaction effect was found between age and number of category of otolaryngology complaints in moderating HRQoL (β= 0.468, p < 0.001). Age affects HRQoL differently in men than in women. Among otolaryngology patients, women experience a greater decrease in HRQoL as they age. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:801-806, 2023.