EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale Scores Research Articles

Patient-reported outcomes with initiation of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol versus continuing usual care in the Asthma Salford Lung Study

The Asthma Salford Lung Study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of initiating once-daily inhaled fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) versus continuing usual care (UC) in asthma patients in UK primary care [1]. Here, we report a detailed analysis of patient-reported outcome (PRO) endpoints. Adults with symptomatic asthma maintained on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) ± long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) were randomized 1:1 to initiate FF/VI (100 [200]/25 μg) or continue UC. PROs were measured using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ [S]), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: asthma questionnaire, and EQ-5D-3L (EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Levels) questionnaire, at timepoints across the 12-month study period. The individual components of ACT response (total score ≥20 or improvement from baseline ≥3) both contributed to the composite primary effectiveness endpoint at Week 24, with odds ratios favoring FF/VI over UC in both cases. Patients initiating FF/VI versus continuing UC were more likely to maintain/improve asthma control, regardless of baseline control status. The odds of patients being responders on AQLQ (S) total score and on individual AQLQ domains at Week 52 were significantly higher for FF/VI versus UC (all p < .001). FF/VI was associated with significantly greater reductions in overall work and activity impairment due to asthma (both p < .001), and a significantly greater change from baseline in EQ visual analogue scale score (p = .007), versus UC at Week 52. PRO findings were consistent across baseline ICS and ICS/LABA subsets. Initiation of FF/VI versus continuing UC was associated with consistent improvements in PROs.

Well-being among survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a cross-sectional retrospective study in Sweden

ObjectivesThe psychological outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been studied more extensively in recent years. Still, not much is known about the well-being among OHCA survivors. In this retrospective...

Treatment satisfaction and quality of life in patients treated with fingolimod.

BackgroundThe development of oral treatments for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) may alter patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this survey was to evaluate treatment satisfaction and QoL in patients treated with fingolimod in everyday clinical practice in France.MethodsNeurologists treating MS in France were invited to participate in the survey by telephone. Each physician was expected to recruit up to six patients with RRMS currently being treated with fingolimod. Enrolled patients were asked to complete the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM), the 3-level 5-dimension EuroQoL instrument, as well as specific questions on change in QoL since starting fingolimod. Factors associated with the TSQM score were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and fourteen patients were recruited by 54 neurologists. The mean age of the patients was 41.6±10.0 years, and 73.4% of them were women. During the hospitalization for initiation of fingolimod treatment, 70.1% of patients had received information on MS, 76.6% had received information on fingolimod, and 20.7% had participated in a therapeutic education program. The two variables with the strongest associations with high TSQM scores (≥75) were a positive perception of initial hospitalization (hazard ratio: 10.27) and receiving information on MS during hospitalization (hazard ratio: 5.70). The mean EQ-visual analog scale score was 71.6±16.8. The mean EQ-visual analog scale score was significantly higher in patients satisfied with their treatment (75.8±15.2) compared to those unsatisfied with treatment (66.6±17.2). The proportion of patients who reported an improvement in their capacity to plan for the future was higher in satisfied (72.6%) than in unsatisfied patients (49.5%).ConclusionThe majority of patients treated with fingolimod are satisfied with their treatment. Treatment satisfaction is associated with better self-rated QoL and an improvement of QoL since starting treatment.

Quality of life in hemodialysis diabetic patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Palestine

BackgroundBoth diabetes and hemodialysis can seriously impair patients’ health related quality of life (HRQOL). This study seeks to obtain data which will help to address the factors associated with impaired HRQOL in hemodialysis patients with diabetes in Palestine.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in multiple centers in the period from November 2016 to June 2017. We utilized the Arabic version of EuroQoL 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) scale and EuroQol-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) to measure patients’ HRQOL. The study was conducted in six dialysis centers in the North of West Bank, Palestine. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to describe clinical and socio-demographic features of patients. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between clinical and socio-demographic factors and HRQOL score.ResultsOne hundred and forty one diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis were enrolled in our study. Overall, 52.5% of them (74 patients) were males; the patients had a mean age of 60.32 with 52.5% of them aged below 60. The mean ± standard deviation of EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS score was 0.314 ± 0.4 and 50.85±22.43, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that female patients, uneducated patients, unemployed patients, unmarried patients, and patients with more chronic diseases and comorbidities had a significant poor HRQOL scores (p values <0.05). Variables such as marital status and occupational status were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the QOL score. More specifically, married status and employed patients positively associated with QOL score (β = 0.22; p = 0.016 and β = 0.27; p = 0.013, respectively).ConclusionsAmong diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis, married status and being employed were associated with modestly higher scores of QOL. We recommend that healthcare providers give more attention to diabetic dialysis patients who are unemployed and unmarried, as they are at a higher risk of having impaired HRQOL.

Health-related quality of life in patients with breast cancer in Palestine: an assessment of a cross-sectional study using the EuroQoL-5 dimensions scale

BackgroundThe negative effect of breast cancer on survivors highlights the importance of increased knowledge about patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to assess HRQOL in women with breast cancer and to examine the effect of patient characteristics on HRQOL. MethodsThis cross-sectional study took place in four oncology centres in the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory, during a 6 month period in 2014. We used a convenient sampling method to recruit participants and the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EuroQoL EQ-5D) scale to assess their HRQOL. All analyses were done in SPSS version 16.0. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at An-Najah National University. Informed verbal consent was obtained from the participants before the start of the study. Findings244 women with breast cancer were interviewed. Their mean age was 52·7 years (SD 12·2), and the mean number of years of breast cancer was 3·38 years (SD 3.6). 136 (56%) women had stage 2 breast cancer, and 54 (22%) women had stage 3 breast cancer. 233 (96%) participants received chemotherapy, and 206 (84%) participants had surgery. The median EQ-5D index was 0·72 (IQR 0·51–0·84), and the median of EQ-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) was 70 (IQR 55–80). We found a positive correlation between the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS scores (R=0·51; p<0·001). The highest EQ-5D index scores were found in elderly patients (p=0·006), employed women (p=0·002), women with high income (p=0·012), women with higher education (p=0·001), and women who exercised regularly (p=0·006). Additionally, patients with advanced disease stage had the lowest median EQ-5D index (p=0.002). InterpretationPalestinian women who had survived breast cancer reported favourable overall HRQOL. Increased educational attainments, monthly income, and physical activity was associated with improved overall HRQOL. Thus, improved overall HRQOL should be considered a very important goal in treatment of breast cancer. FundingNone.

Psychological Health Status and Health-related Quality of Life in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study in South Korea.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Patients with AD often experience psychological distress and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of several psychological health statuses and poor HRQoL in an adult population with AD in South Korea. A total of 37,578 adults who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional health survey between 2008 and 2013 were included. HRQoL was assessed by EuroQoL (EQ) 5-dimension questionnaire and EQ-visual analogue scale scores. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association of stress, sleep duration, depressive mood, depression, suicidal ideation, and HRQoL with AD relative to matched controls. After adjusting in patients with AD confounding factors, stress, depressive mood, depression, suicidal ideation and poor HRQoL were significantly associated with AD. Dermatologists should be concerned with improving HRQoL and managing the psychological health status of adult patients with AD.

Exploratory Study of Dimensions of Health-related Quality of Life in the General Population of South Korea.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore dimensions in addition to the 5 dimensions of the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) that could satisfactorily explain variation in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general population of South Korea.MethodsDomains related to HRQoL were searched through a review of existing HRQoL instruments. Among the 28 potential dimensions, the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L and 7 additional dimensions (vision, hearing, communication, cognitive function, social relationships, vitality, and sleep) were included. A representative sample of 600 subjects was selected for the survey, which was administered through face-to-face interviews. Subjects were asked to report problems in 12 health dimensions at 5 levels, as well as their self-rated health status using the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and a 5-point Likert scale. Among subjects who reported no problems for any of the parameters in the EQ-5D-5L, we analyzed the frequencies of problems in the additional dimensions. A linear regression model with the EQ-VAS as the dependent variable was performed to identify additional significant dimensions.ResultsAmong respondents who reported full health on the EQ-5D-5L (n=365), 32% reported a problem for at least 1 additional dimension, and 14% reported worse than moderate self-rated health. Regression analysis revealed a R2 of 0.228 for the original EQ-5D-5L dimensions, 0.200 for the new dimensions, and 0.263 for the 12 dimensions together. Among the added dimensions, vitality and sleep were significantly associated with EQ-VAS scores.ConclusionsThis study identified significant dimensions for assessing self-rated health among members of the general public, in addition to the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L. These dimensions could be considered for inclusion in a new preference-based instrument or for developing a country-specific HRQoL instrument.

Comorbidities and health-related quality of life in Koreans with knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the association of knee osteoarthritis (OA) with comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).MethodsA total of 8,907 (weighted n = 13,687,058) participants aged ≥50 years who had undergone knee radiography were selected from the 2010–2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. OA was classified into four subgroups based on the presence or absence of pain and radiographic OA (ROA): non-OA (Pain-/ROA-), pain only (Pain+/ROA-), ROA only (Pain-/ROA+), and painful ROA (Pain+/ROA+). ROA was defined as Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ 2. HRQOL measurements including EuroQOL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores and the five dimensions and summary index of the EuroQOL-5 dimension (EQ-5D index) were also analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression and linear regression analyses were performed.ResultsAfter adjustment for socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and other comorbidities were not significantly associated with OA. Pain only and painful ROA were each significantly associated with limitations in physical activity (odds ratio (OR) 2.66, 95% CI 2.07–3.44, p < 0.001 and OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.25–3.58, p < 0.001, respectively), lower EQ-VAS (β-coefficient = -10.95, p < 0.001 and β-coefficient = -9.75, p < 0.001, respectively), and EQ-5D index (β-coefficient = -0.10, p < 0.001 and β-coefficient = -0.13, p < 0.001) compared with the non-OA group, whereas ROA only was not associated with limitations in physical activity or lower HRQOL score.ConclusionsComorbidities were not significantly associated with knee OA after adjustment. Knee OA was associated with physical activity and HRQOL. Painful knee OA, with or without ROA, was more strongly associated with decreased physical activity and lower quality of life than ROA without pain.

Health-related quality of life in residents aged 18 years and older with and without disease: findings from the First Provincial Health Services Survey of Hunan, China

ObjectivePublished research has not considered acute diseases and injuries in assessing the impact of varying disease counts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We used Chinese value sets of EQ-5D-3L...

Determinants of health-related quality of life in Iranian adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to measure the level and determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults in Kermanshah, a city in the western region of Iran.METHODSConvenience sampling was employed to obtain a sample of 998 adults aged 18 years and older (646 males and 352 females) in the city of Kermanshah. A 2-part self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data over the period between March 1 and May 30, 2017. The first part was designed to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors (10 items). The second part consisted of the EuroQoL 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) EuroQoL-3-level and the EuroQoL visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) questions. A multiple linear regression model was used to determine the factors associated with the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score among study participants.RESULTSThe mean values for the EQ-5D index and the EQ-VAS score were 0.74 (standard deviation [SD], 0.19) and 80.9 (SD, 16.5), respectively. The highest percentage of self-reported problems (‘some’ and ‘severe’ problems) across the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D index were associated with the dimensions of anxiety/depression (35.3%) and pain/discomfort (32.9%). The percentage of self-reported problems for the dimensions of usual activities, mobility, and self-care were 19.0, 12.8, and 8.9%, respectively. Our regression analyses indicated that there were statistically significant positive associations between being physically active, monthly household income per capita, and post-secondary education and the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score. In contrast, negative associations were found between older age, being married, having a chronic disease, and smoking and the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score. A negative association was also found between being uninsured and the EQ-5D index.CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that interventions aiming to improve physical activity, to prevent chronic diseases, and to reduce the smoking rate among adults living in the city of Kermanshah may improve their HRQoL.

Impact of Gender Disparities on Short-Term and Long-Term Patient Reported Outcomes and Satisfaction Measures After Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Single Institutional Study of 384 Patients.

There is a paucity of data determining the impact that gender disparities have on spine outcomes, particularly perception of health and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in 3-month and 1-year patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction after elective lumbar spine surgery. This was a retrospectively analyzed study from a maintained prospective database of 384 patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery. Patients were categorized by gender (men, n= 199; women, n= 185). Patient-reported outcome instruments (Oswestry disability index, visual analogue scale-back pain/leg pain, EuroQol visual analogue scale, and EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire) were completed before surgery, then at 3 and 12 months after surgery along with patient satisfaction measures. Baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative variables were similar between both cohorts. The female cohort had a slightly longer hospital stay than male cohort (P= 0.007). Baseline patient-reported outcome measures were different between both cohorts, with female patients having more Oswestry disability index (23.8 vs. 20.4; P ≤ 0.0001) and visual analogue scale-back pain (7.2 vs. 6.2; P= 0.0004), and a lower EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire (0.34 vs. 0.49; P= 0.0001) compared with the male cohort. At 1-year follow-up, the male cohort had a significantly more mean change in visual analogue scale-leg pain (-3.9 vs.-2.8; P= 0.04) and trended to have more mean change in visual analogue scale-back pain (-3.4 vs.-2.5; P= 0.06) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (8.6 vs. 3.4; P= 0.054) scores compared with the female cohort. At 1-year a significantly more portion in the male cohort found that surgery met their expectations compared with the female cohort (65.0% vs. 49.5%; P= 0.02). Our study suggests that there may be differences in perception of health, pain, and disability between men and women at baseline, short-term and long-term follow-up that may influence overall patient satisfaction.

Health Utility of Pregnant Women Living with HIV/AIDS: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) Programs in Yunnan Province: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundHealth utility (HU) is essential to understanding the effects of HIV infection as a chronic disease. No HU data on pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Yunnan Province are available. This study aims to construct a database on HU and explore factors associated with HU by pregnant women living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who were enrolled in the Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs in Yunnan Province. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Yunnan Province on pregnant women living with HIV who were selected by convenience sampling. Sociodemographic, HIV-related, social support, and HU data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The European quality of life five-dimensional three-level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire and the social support rate scale (SSRS) were applied. ResultsOne hundred and one pregnant women (mean age of 30.4 ± 5.1 years) participated in the survey. The mean EQ-5D index score and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) score of participants were 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–0.79) and 75.77 (95% CI 75.00–80.00), respectively. The effect of social support on HU was maintained significant difference even after adjusting for such factors as education level, household income per year, and HIV disclosure, demonstrating a significant difference within EQ-5D index scores and EQ-VAS scores. ConclusionsPregnant women living with HIV/AIDS who were enrolled in PMTCT programs reported the same level of HU as other patients living with HIV/AIDS. Integrating measurements of HU by using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire could be helpful for economic evaluation of the PMTCT program. This study also suggests a potential benefit of appropriate social support.

Surgical accuracy, function, and quality of life of simultaneous versus staged bilateral Total hip Arthroplasty in patients with Osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundThe optimal surgical option for patients requiring bilateral hip replacement remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical accuracy; functional outcome and health-related quality of life; and prosthetic-related complications and revision surgery of a simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) with those of a staged bilateral THA with an interval between procedures <12 months.MethodsA total of 123 unselected consecutive patients (mean age, 43.3 years) who underwent bilateral THAs for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with a minimum follow-up of two years (mean, 60.2 months) were studied retrospectively; 63 simultaneous procedures served as a test group and 60 staged procedures served as a control group.ResultsThe mean postoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and the percentage of patients who had an LLD >3 mm were significantly lower in the simultaneous group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). A higher number of cups within the safe zones, a higher correction rate, and a lower failure rate for the cup placement in the second-operated hip were also identified in the simultaneous group. The mean Harris hip score, EuroQol-5D index, and EuroQol-visual analogue scale score were all better in the simultaneous group at the latest follow-up (P < 0.001, in all comparisons). We found that the simultaneous procedure was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative prosthetic-related complications and revision surgery.ConclusionsWe suggest that bilateral ONFH could be treated with a simultaneous THA rather than a staged THA to achieve a better surgical outcome.

Impact of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: hospitalization and patient quality of life.

Data quantifying outcomes of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) are lacking. We sought to determine the UK hospital resource use and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with rCDI hospitalizations. A non-interventional study in six UK acute hospitals collected retrospective clinical and resource use data from medical records of 64 adults hospitalized for rCDI and 64 matched inpatient controls with a first episode only (f)CDI. Patients were observed from the index event (date rCDI/fCDI confirmed) for 28 days (or death, if sooner); UK-specific reference costs were applied. HRQoL was assessed prospectively in a separate cohort of 30 patients hospitalized with CDI, who completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire during their illness. The median total management cost (post-index) was £7539 and £6294 for rCDI and fCDI, respectively (cost difference, P = 0.075); median length of stay was 21 days and 15.5 days, respectively (P = 0.269). The median cost difference between matched rCDI and fCDI cases was £689 (IQR=£1873-£3954). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the highest median costs (£8542/patient) in severe rCDI cases. CDI management costs were driven primarily by hospital length of stay, which accounted for >85% of costs in both groups. Mean EQ-5D index values were 46% lower in CDI patients compared with UK population values (0.42 and 0.78, respectively); EQ visual analogue scale scores were 38% lower (47.82 and 77.3, respectively). CDI has considerable impact on patients and healthcare resources. This multicentre study provides a contemporaneous estimate of the real-world UK costs associated with rCDI management, which are substantial and comparable to fCDI costs.

Safety results of the Canadian Expanded Access Program (EAP) of palbociclib (PAL) plus letrozole (L) in postmenopausal patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) deemed appropriate candidates for first-line (1L) endocrine therapy (ET) with L.

e12534 Background: In the PALOMA-2 study, 1L PAL+L prolonged progression-free survival in women with estrogen receptor-positive/HER2- ABC vs placebo + L (hazard ratio 0.58; P&lt; 0.001). Here we assess a cohort of Canadian pts treated with 1L PAL+L for ABC in an EAP study (NCT02142868). Methods: This was an open-label, single-arm study of US and Canadian postmenopausal women (N = 337) with HR+/HER2- ABC for whom 1L ET with L was deemed appropriate. The primary objective was to allow pt access to PAL in combination with L. PAL (125 mg/d orally [3 wk on, 1 wk off]) was administered with L (2.5 mg orally QD) until PAL was commercially available. Secondary objectives included safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Results: 96/97 (99%) treated/enrolled Canadian pts were assessed for safety and PROs (treated pt characteristics: median age 62.5 y, white/Asian [89%/7%], metastatic sites bone/lung/liver [71%/25%/17%], ECOG PS 0-1/2 [93%/7%], 89% with prior systemic anticancer treatment [tx]). Median exposure was 4 x 28 d cycles of tx, and the median average PAL dose was 125 mg/d. All-causality treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were reported in 100% pts; 68% had grade 3/4 events, the most common events were neutropenia (61%), infections (3%), and alanine aminotransferase increase (3%). Grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 febrile neutropenia were reported in 2% and 1% of pts, respectively. Due to AEs, PAL was temporarily discontinued in 59% and 31% had ≥1 dose reduction. The main reasons pts permanently discontinued from the study were sponsor study termination, 77%; objective progression, 11%; and AE related/unrelated to study drug, 6%/2%. All EQ-5D questions were completed by 96% pts at baseline and 85% by end of tx (EOT). At EOT, the median EQ-5D index and the EQ visual analog scale scores were not significantly changed from baseline. Conclusions: A safe and tolerable profile was observed for PAL+L in 1L treatment of Canadian pts with HR+/HER2− ABC, consistent with other studies. Sponsor Pfizer Clinical trial information: NCT02142868.

Health-related quality of life 24 months after sustaining a minor musculoskeletal injury in a road traffic crash: A prospective cohort study

ABSTRACTObjectives: A better understanding of the long-term factors that independently predict poorer quality of life following mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries is needed. We aimed to establish the predictors of quality of life (including sociodemographic, health, psychosocial, and pre-injury factors) 24 months after a noncatastrophic road traffic injury.Methods: In a prospective cohort study of 252 participants with mild/moderate injury sustained in a road traffic crash, quality of life was measured 24 months following the baseline survey. A telephone-administered questionnaire obtained information on various potential explanatory variables. Health-related quality of life was measured using the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form–12 (SF-12). Multivariable linear regression analyses determined the associations between explanatory variables and quality of life measures.Results: Mean SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores increased by 7.3 and 2.5 units, respectively, from baseline to 24-month follow-up. Each 10-year increase in baseline age was independently associated with 3.1-unit (P < .001) and 1.5-unit (P = .001) decrease in EQ Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and SF-12 PCS scores at follow-up, respectively. Poor/fair compared to excellent pre-injury health was associated with a 0.16-, 21.3-, and 11.5-unit decrease in EQ-5D summary (P = .03), VAS scores (P = .001), and SF-12 PCS scores (P < .001), respectively. Baseline pain severity ratings and pain catastrophizing scores were inversely associated with 24-month EQ VAS scores (both P < .001). Each unit increase in baseline pain score (P = .001) and pain catastrophizing score (P = .02) was associated with a 1.0- and 4.6-unit decrease in SF-12 MCS scores at 24 months, respectively. Other observed predictors of quality of life measures (EQ-5D summary and/or VAS scores and/ or SF-12 MCS) included marital status, smoking, hospital admission, pre-injury health (anxiety/depression and chronic illness), and whiplash injury.Conclusion: Sociodemographic indicators, pre-injury health, and biopsychosocial correlates were independently associated with health-related quality of life 24 months following a noncatastrophic road traffic crash injury.

Quality of life in an Italian cohort of people living with HIV in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (Evidence from I.A.N.U.A. study-investigation on antiretroviral therapy)

ABSTRACTThe aims of this study were to assess the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who attend outpatient services in Genoa, Italy, and to evaluate the relationship between HRQoL and clinical factors, primarily: CD4+ cell count, viral load and HIV-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection. A cross-sectional study was performed involving a sample of 943 consecutive patients. Firstly the EuroQol-Five Dimensions-Three Level (EQ-5D-3L) self-reported questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQoL, while socio-demographic information was collected using a separate self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was then used to show the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the sample. Having characterized the sample, Pearson's correlation technique was used to assess the relationship between HRQoL and socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Finally, multivariable linear regression was used to determine factors associated with HRQOL. The median EQ-Visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) score was 75.4 (SD 18.4). We found statistically significant associations between the EQ-VAS score and age, coinfection with HCV+, education, other drugs taken over cART, hospitalization due to HIV and a CD4+ cell count <200 mm3 compared with CD4+ cell count >500 mm3. Factors independently associated with lower HRQoL were: older age, coinfection with HCV+, other drugs used in addition to cART, hospitalization due to HIV and CD4+ cell count <200 mm3 compared with CD4+ cell count >500 mm3.

Depression and anxiety disorders in chronic hemodialysis patients and their quality of life: A cross-sectional study about 106 cases in the northeast of morocco.

Hemodialysis (HD) has a severe impact on the life of HD patients. The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, and the quality of life among HD patients. Associated factors were also studied. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 103 HD patients treated at the HD Center of Al Farabi Hospital of Oujda during a period of six months in 2015. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) were used for the assessment. Major depressive episode (MDE) was found in 34% of our patients, whereas anxiety disorder was observed in 25.2%. Suicidal ideation was found in 16.5% and 1.9% of our patients planned their suicide. The EQ-5D index was 0.41 ± 0.36 and the EQ-Visual Analog Scale score was 45.73 ± 14. Multivariate analysis showed that MDEs were associated with three factors: marital status, pain, and anxiety disorder. There was also an association between anxiety disorder and age and EQ-Visual Analog Scale score. Suicidal ideation was associated with marital status and anxiety disorders. Together, these results underline the importance of the collaboration between nephrologists and psychiatrists for a better care of HD patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with HIV/AIDS in Bogotá, Colombia

BackgroundThere has rarely been any reporting on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with HIV/AIDS in developing countries. ObjectivesTo estimate the health utilities of people with HIV/AIDS in Bogotá, Columbia. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted for 181 patients receiving antiretroviral therapy from an outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic in Bogotá. The five-level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) were used to estimate HRQOL scores. To derive utilities on the basis of the EQ-5D-5L, the Spanish value set was used. Subgroup analyses were performed according to sex, age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classification, and CD4 cell count. ResultsThe mean utility of the EQ-5D-5L was estimated at 0.85 ± 0.21 and the EQ-VAS score was estimated at 84 ± 14. Pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the two EQ-5D-5L dimensions associated with the poorer outcomes. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher utilities (using the EQ-5D-5L) for men than for women (0.88 vs. 0.76; P = 0.002) and lower utilities for patients with severe HIV (0.83 for CD4 < 200 vs. 0.87 for CD4 ≥ 500; P = 0.024). ConclusionsThe HRQOL scores of patients with HIV/AIDS receiving antiretroviral therapy were relatively high in Bogotá, Colombia, using the EuroQol questionnaire. The utility data could be useful, in combination with cost data, for future economic evaluations.

Which Questionnaire Should Be Used to Measure Quality-of-Life Utilities in Patients with Acute Leukemia? An Evaluation of the Validity and Interpretability of the EQ-5D-5L and Preference-Based Questionnaires Derived from the EORTC QLQ-C30

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the validity and interpretability of different preference-based questionnaires (generic 5-level EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire [EQ-5D-5L], cancer-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire Preference-Based Measure, and European Organization of Randomized Controlled Trials 8 Dimension [EORTC-8D]) in patients with acute leukemia. MethodsPatients who participated in Hemato-Oncologie voor Volwassenen Nederland (HOVON – the Haemato Oncology Foundation for Adults in the Netherlands) clinical trials between 1999 and 2011 at a single hospital were invited to complete the questionnaires. Interpretability was evaluated by the frequency of incomplete data and highest and lowest possible scores. Content validity was evaluated by exploring the health-related quality-of-life domains included in the questionnaires. Construct validity was assessed using correlations with other quality-of-life scales (EQ-visual analogue scale score and global quality-of-life scale of the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire) and ability to distinguish between patients with different health statuses. ResultsQuestionnaires were returned by 89% (111 of 125) of the patients. Six to seven respondents did not return full questionnaires. Perfect health on the EQ-5D-5L was reported by 32 respondents and many of them (N = 17) did report health problems on other questionnaires. All questionnaires were strongly correlated (range 0.61–0.78) with other quality-of-life scales and yielded substantially different utility values for patients with different health statuses. Nevertheless, the disease-specific preference-based questionnaires showed greater discriminatory power. ConclusionsAlthough the Quality of Life Questionnaire Preference-Based Measure and the EORTC-8D appear to have better validity, this study does not provide any strong evidence against the use of the EQ-5D-5L for measuring quality-of-life utilities in acute leukemia. However, our findings need to be confirmed in larger longitudinal studies.