[Influence of chronic health problems in dimensions of EQ-5D: study of institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly].

BACKGROUND: Chronic medical conditions represent risk factors for health related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of self-reported chronic health conditions in HRQOL, measured through the EQ-5D dimensions, in non-institutionalized and institutionalized older adults.

METHODS: Data were obtained from two studies of quality of life in population aged 60 years or over, in Spain, with a sample of 1,106 community-dwelling adults and 234 residents of care facilities. To analyse the influence of the most prevalent chronic health conditions on HRQOL multiple logistic regression models were adjusted using as dependent variable each EQ-5D dimension, controlling for socio-demographic variables.

RESULTS: The chronic health conditions that most influenced the HRQOL of both groups were depression (OR range in the different EQ-5D dimensions: 1.97-6.48), followed by arthrosis/arthritis (OR: 2.81-6.00), sleep problems (OR: 2.81-4.61), diabetes (OR: 1.68-3.44) and hypertension (OR: 1.42-2.45). These problems affected differentially the EQ-5D dimensions and the two groups considered. Pain/discomfort and mobility were the EQ-5D dimensions where more difficulties were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this work indicate that the debilitating effect of chronic health conditions on the HRQOL is different for institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults. They also highlight the importance of promoting healthy ageing to attenuate the negative impact of chronic health conditions on HRQOL in old age.