Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Disease in Lebanese Community Setting

Abstract Background: The impact of chronic diseases on patient quality of life are becoming of high priority in healthcare system. There is an increased need of such data in Middle Eastern countries. Objective: To measure health related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic disease to associate this information with demographic data, socioeconomic status, and health satisfaction. Setting: Six community pharmacies in Beirut region. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted to gather information on socioeconomic status, health condition and quality of life of participants during their visit to their local pharmacy. Main outcome measure: Health related quality of life using the EQ5D instrumentResults: Participants (n=103) gave an average of 6.8, and 7.4 over ten for their current health and for their satisfaction with their treatment, respectively. The mean utility score was 0.762 (SD 0.202). The number of prescribed medications per respondent indicated a significant impact on HRQOL (p = 0.002); with diuretic agents having a significant difference in utility scores (p<0.001). On average, participants 75 years or older, hospitalized in the past 12 months, diagnosed with hypertension, had a lower utility score of 0.15 (p<0.001), 0.111 (p=0.001), and 0.065 (p=0.035), respectively. For every unit increase in treatment satisfaction, the quality of life score increased by 0.036 unit (p= 0.001)Conclusion: HRQOL as measured by the EQ5D in this study was affected in patients with cardiac disease or diabetes. Male gender, advanced age, low socioeconomic status, frequent hospital and doctor visits were important risk factors for a poor HRQOL.