<p>Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections Using the EQ-5D-3L in Saudi Arabia</p>

Abstract

Purpose: Community-acquired urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) is a common and costly condition in females. Currently, there are no data on CA-UTI and quality of life (QoL) in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of UTI and related sociodemographic characteristics on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Saudi females using the EuroQol 5-Dimension, 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) instrument before and after treatment. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital over a three-month period. Results: A total of 339 out of 524 females with a mean age of 36.2 years (SD: 9.57 years; range 19-59 years) completed both the baseline and follow-up questionnaires of the EQ-5D-3L for a response rate of 64.7%. The baseline utility index for the worst health state "33333" was −0.495 representing 1.18% of the patients, and the full health state "11111" was 1 corresponding to 30.68% of the patients. The utility index after treatment for the moderate health state "22222" was 0.524 corresponding to 0.88% of the total patients, and the full health state "11111" was 1 corresponding to 80.24% of the patients. The mean EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) was 73 ± 26 before treatment and 87.46 ± 18.55 after treatment. The frequency of patients reporting problems in the EQ-5D dimensions of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/ discomfort and anxiety/depression decreased following treatment (27.43% vs 0.88%, 4.42% vs 0.88%, 25.96% vs 6.78%, 61.95% vs 13.27%, 39.52% vs 15.63%, respectively; all P < 0.001). There were statistically significant associations between HRQoL and socio-demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, and herbal supplements. Conclusion: Community-acquired tract infections (CA-UTIs) have a significant negative impact on the HRQoL of Saudi females with a varying effect depending on the sociodemographic characteristics and chronic diseases.

Application of the EQ-5D in the Middle East: A Systematic Review Focusing on Patients Living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…The most studied condition was diabetes mellitus (n=4), 23–26 followed by musculoskeletal disorders, back pain, and injuries (n=3). 27–29 The remaining articles focused either on a specific condition, such as urinary tract infections, 30 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 31 or multiple sclerosis; 32 on a treatment, such as teriparatide, 33 warfarin, or apixaban; 34 or on a nonspecific condition. 35 For all the reviewed studies, only one study reported the Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.72, which could indicate an acceptable reliability and an opportunity for enhancement.…”

“…Only three of the thirteen official administrative Saudi Arabian regions have been studied: Riyadh, 26 , 29 , 30 , 34 Makkah, 24 , 27 , 32 and Dammam. 23 Riyadh likely accounts for more publications, being the capital of the KSA and home to many hospitals and universities.…”

“…Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2021:14 1102 tract infections, 30 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 31 or multiple sclerosis; 32 on a treatment, such as teriparatide, 33 warfarin, or apixaban; 34 or on a nonspecific condition. 35 For all the reviewed studies, only one study reported the Cronbach's alpha value of 0.72, which could indicate an acceptable reliability and an opportunity for enhancement.…”

Clinical Efficacy and Cost Analysis of Antibiotics for Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

“…The mean baseline HRQoL of Saudi women with UTI was 72% with varying effects depending on the socio-demographic characteristics and other comorbid chronic diseases. 2,10,11 The mean cost for UTI treatment in EDs in Saudi Arabia is estimated as $134.56 ± $31.34 (United States [US] dollars). 2 UTI is among the most common reasons for outpatient visits and antibiotic use in adult populations.…”

“…Extensive and inappropriate antibiotic use can have a negative impact, including treatment failure, antibiotic resistance, risk of complications, and increased cost of treatment, on patients and society. 1,2,7,11,12,[14][15][16] The increasing prevalence of antibacterial resistance among community uro-pathogens affects the diagnosis and management of this clinical syndrome. 3,6 The challenges of managing UTIs in an ED include limited medical history, lack of follow-up, and lack of culture and susceptibility results.…”