EQ-5D-5L-based quality of life normative data for patients with self-reported diabetes in Poland

Introduction The new, five-level EQ-5D generic questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) has never been used among diabetes patients in Poland. Objectives To develop health-related quality of life (HRQoL) norms for patients with self-reported diabetes, based on a large representative sample of the general Polish population, using the EQ-5D-5L. Materials and methods Members of the general public, selected via multistage stratified sampling, filled in the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and answered a question about the presence of diabetes. We estimated three types of EQ-5D-5L outcomes: limitations within domains, EQ VAS and EQ-5D-5L index. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and HRQoL, both in patients with diabetes and the general population sample. Results Among 2,973 respondents having complete EQ-5D-5L data, 255 subjects (8.6%) self-reported diabetes. Treatment with insulin, other drugs, combination therapy or lack of drug treatment was declared by 22.0%, 48.6%, 5.1% and 24.3% of patients, respectively. Respondents with diabetes had a lower EQ VAS score (18.5 points difference on a 100-points scale) and a lower EQ-5D-5L index score (0.135 difference; scale range: 1.59). The multivariate analysis showed that the factors independently improving the HRQoL in the general population were secondary or higher education, and factors reducing HRQoL were female sex, belonging to an older age group, being treated because of diabetes with insulin, other drugs or combination treatment. Respondents diagnosed with diabetes but not treated with drugs showed a decrease in EQ VAS scores, but not in the EQ-5D-5L index. Conclusions Diabetes leads to HRQoL deterioration in all age groups when compared to matched general population respondents without diabetes. The most significant HRQoL reduction experience older patients with a basic level of education. Obtained EQ-5D-5L normative data may be used in the clinical care of patients with diabetes and health technology assessment of new anti-diabetic drugs.

Automated summary

This study introduced the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire to diabetes patients in Poland for the first time, revealing lower health-related quality of life among diabetes patients compared to the general population. Factors associated with diabetes included education level, gender, age, and treatment methods.