EQ-5D results in stroke survivors: What are they suffering from? Results from the Henan Rural Cohort Study

Abstract

Background Stroke is a major health threat and the leading cause of mortality and disability in China. The aims of this study were to identify the possible influencing factors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its domain-specific contents in stroke patients in rural areas in China. Methods A total of 1709 stroke patients aged from 36 to 79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort Study (n=39259) were included in this study. The Chinese version of the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate HRQoL in stroke patients. Tobit regression models, generalized linear models and binary logistic regressions models were constructed to determine the potential influencing factors of the EQ-5D utility index, as well as influencing factors of each domains and VAS score.Results The mean utility index and VAS scores of stroke patients were 0.885 (SD, 0.204), and 68.39 (SD, 17.31), respectively. Pain/discomfort (PD, 35.2%) and mobility (MO, 30.4%) were the most frequently reported issues. Regression models revealed that stroke patients who were illiterate; had a low monthly income; reported low physical activity intensity; and had diabetes, anxiety, depression or poor sleep quality had lower utility index and VAS scores. For the different dimensions of the EQ-5D, the influencing factors varied. Conclusion Stroke patients in rural areas had a lower HRQoL than those in urban areas. Factors associated with the EQ-5D utility index as well as each domain and VAS score, need attention. Stroke patients in rural areas need to be managed systematically. Clinical trial registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration Number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 2015-07-06.http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.