Health-related quality of life of Australians during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison with pre-pandemic data and factors associated with poor outcomes

Purpose Compare the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of the Australian general population during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) with pre- pandemic data (2015-2016) and identify pandemic-related and demographic factors associated with poorer HRQL. Methods Participants were quota sampled from an online panel by four regions (defined by active COVID-19 case numbers); then by age and sex. Participants completed an online survey about their HRQL [EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and General Health Question (GHQ)], demographic characteristics, and the impact of the pandemic on daily life. HRQL scores were compared to a 2015-2016 reference sample using independent t-tests, adjusted for multiple testing. Associations between 22 pre-specified factors (pandemic-related and demographic) and 15 QLQ-C30 domains and GHQ, were assessed with multiple regressions. Results Most domains were statistically significantly worse for the 2020 sample (n = 1898) compared to the reference sample (n = 1979), except fatigue and pain. Differences were largest for the youngest group (18-29 years) for cognitive functioning, nausea, diarrhoea, and financial difficulties. Emotional functioning was worse for 2020 participants aged 18-59, but not for those 60+. All models were statistically significant at p <.001; the most variance was explained for emotional functioning, QLQ-C30 global health/QOL, nausea/vomiting, GHQ, and financial difficulties. Generally, increased workload, negative COVID-19 impacts, COVID-19- related worries, and negative attitudes towards public health order compliance were associated with poorer HRQL outcomes. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians reported poorer HRQL relative to a pre-pandemic sample. Risk factors for poor HRQL outcomes included greater negative pandemic-related impacts, poorer compliance attitudes, and younger age.

Automated summary

This study compared the health-related quality of life of the Australian general population during the COVID-19 pandemic with pre-pandemic data and identified factors associated with poorer HRQL. The results showed that Australians reported poorer HRQL during the pandemic, with younger age and negative pandemic-related impacts being risk factors for poor HRQL.