Holst M, Ryttergaard L, Frandsen L S, Vinter-Jensen L and Rasmussen HH
Rationale: According to literature, HPN (home parenteral nutrition) patients experience reduced quality of life (QOL). QOL questionnaires are however often long and may not seem relevant for the population in question. As a basis for this study, 10 HPN patients were asked to choose the QOL questionnaire, which seemed most relevant to them out of three. Thus, this study aimed to explore quality of life and the internal validity for measuring quality of life by EQ5D-3L including VAS in a Danish population of HPN patients.
Methods: All patients receiving HPN for >one year (N=88) at Center for Nutrition and Bowel Disease, Aalborg University Hospital, were included in the investigation of quality of life using EQ-5D-3L including the EQ VAS (visual analogue scale), which was sent to patients by mail, with a reply envelope.
Results: A total of 50 (57%) patients mean age 63(SD 12.4) responded. Of these, 68% were female. The majority were cohabiting 31 (62%), 40% had a medium high education, and 53% were retired. Home care nurse was involved in 26 (53%) for care around HPN. For the EQ5D dimensions, most patients indicated “no problems” to mobility, personal care and anxiety/depression, while for usual activities 30% and pain/discomfort, 36% reported “difficulties”. The mean value of EQ-5D index score (0.694) was higher than the mean VAS score (0.587) (p<0.001), and highest in women besides the age group 78-80 years. Overall EQ5D VAS score for QOL was 58.73. A numerically lower VAS score was found in Female (56.44) than male (63.59). Lowest VAS-QOL was found in patients aged 30-50 years.
Conclusions: An overall decreased QOL was seen in HPN patients especially in age below 50, and in dimensions of usual activities and pain/discomfort. A significant difference was seen between the EQ5D-3L QOL- index score and VAS. Patients found the method feasible and relevant for them.
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