The impact of socio-demographic factors on health related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with asthma
Izabella Uchmanowicz1*, Beata Jankowska1, Bernard Panaszek2, Andrzej M. Fal3
1Katedra Pielęgniarstwa Klinicznego, Zakład Pielęgniarstwa Internistycznego, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Akademia Medyczna we Wrocławiu
2Katedra i Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych i Alergologii, Akademia Medyczna we Wrocławiu
3Katedra Zdrowia Publicznego, Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Akademia Medyczna we Wrocławiu
Background: The objective of this study was to report the impact of socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education) on health-related quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma.
Materials and methods: The study involved 259 (female n=187, male n=72) consecutive patients with bronchial asthma treated at Allergology Clinic in Wroclaw, Poland from 2008–2009. Data regarding HRQoL was collected using generic questionnaire EQ-5D, and the disease specific asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ).
Results: We have not noticed correlations between age and emotional function of AQLQ, and between EQ-5D results and age. Older age (>60) has an impact on 2 domains of AQLQ questionnaire: environmental stimuli and activity limitations due to asthma (p<0,05).
We have also observed that patients with higher education level report better HRQoL results in 3 domains of AQLQ questionnaire, and EQ-5D questionnaire.
Conclusions: The socio-demographic factors like age, and education level have an impact on HRQoL results of patients with asthma; however, they influence different domains, which should be taken into consideration during the therapeutic approach.
full version in polish language