Association between EQ-5D-3L population norms and gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity in European countries

• Published in: Journal of health policy & outcomes research no. 2; pp. 35 - 40
• Main Author: Hołownia-Voloskova, Malwina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 31.12.2016
• ISSN: 2299-1247; 2299-1247
• DOI: 10.7365/JHPOR.2016.2.3

Background One of the of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement methods is the EQ-5D questionnaire. Population norms of the EQ-5D can be used to compare profiles for patients with specific conditions with data for the general population or to compare countries to each other. The aim of this review is to see whether the gross domestic product based on purchasing-power-parity (GDP PPP) per capita influence the HRQoL, measured by EQ-5D-3L questionnaire in Europe. Methods We have searched the databases in order to identify population norms based on EQ-5D-3L from European countries and extracted data of EQ-VAS and percentage of patients with no problems in all five dimensions of the EQ-5D and compared it to GDP PPP per capita, based on 2015 International Monetary Fund data. Results Population norms from 16 countries were found: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Subjective HRQoL measured by the EQ-VAS and anxiety and depression dimension were strongly correlated with GDP PPP (R²=0.66 and 0.53, respectively), while the mobility and usual daily activities dimensions were weakly correlated (R²=0.41 and 0.29, respectively). There was no association between self-care, nor pain/discomfort dimensions and GDP PPP per capita (R² = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion There is a strong correlation of subjective HRQoL measured by the EQ-VAS and anxiety and depression dimension with GDP PPP. There are only 3 CEE countries and only one former USSR country with published population norms for the EQ-5D questionnaire.