Ranking of diseases affecting the health-related quality of life of patients in Poland – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionEpidemiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) provides scientific evidence indicating the appearance of dysfunction and disability in patients in various aspects and, as a result, a decrease in the quality of life (QoL). The main aim of the research was to prepare a ranking of diseases determining the degree of disease incidence quality of life (HRQoL) of patients in physical and mental dimensions.Material and methodsThe study was carried out in a group of 7,620 patients assigned to 13 groups of disease entities. The quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The chances of a better QoL were assessed and the groups of diseases determining the individual QoL dimensions were indicated. Multi-stage, stratified random sampling was used in the study to obtain representatives in each diseases entities.ResultsThe worst quality of life among the 13 analysed diseases was noted among cancer patients. Patients with ENT (ear, nose, throat) diseases had the highest chance of a better QoL among the studied subjects (Mental Component Summary (MCS)-OR: 27.4; Physical Component Summary (PCS)-OR: 27.9). Diseases such as cancers, diseases of the nervous system and cardiovascular diseases determined the lowest QoL in terms of MCS, PCS and ILQ (Index of Life Quality). Additionally, lower QoL in the MCS dimension was also affected by diabetes, diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems.ConclusionsCancer, cardiovascular disease and diseases of the nervous system are the disease entities correlated with poorer quality of life.