Population norms of health-related quality of life in Iran: findings from a national EQ-5D-5L study.

BACKGROUND

Evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the general population is essential for establishing benchmarks for health outcome assessments. This study aimed to generate population norms for the EQ-5D-5L dimensions, EQ-VAS (EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) scores, and EQ-5D-5L index scores in Iran, stratified by sex and age.

METHODS

Data for this cross-sectional study were gathered through face-to-face interviews with 3,518 adults from the general population across nine provinces in Iran, employing a multistage sampling approach. Respondents assessed their own health state across the EQ-5D-5L dimensions-mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression-along with the EQ-VAS to evaluate their overall health. The EQ-5D-5L score was calculated using the value set derived from the Iranian general population. Dimension scores and index values (EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS score) were analyzed using multiple logistic regression and generalized linear model (GLM), respectively.

RESULTS

The estimated mean ± standard deviation [SD] of EQ-5D-5L index for the general population of Iran was 0.789 ± 0.258, while the EQ-VAS score was estimated at 74.34 ± 18.67. Among the study participants, 35.8% reported being in the best health state (11111), while the remaining 64.2% experienced problems in at least one of the five dimensions. The most commonly reported problems were related to anxiety/depression (49.2%), followed by pain/discomfort (45.3%). Regression analyses revealed that females reported significantly more problems across the five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L and had lower EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS scores compared to males. Anxiety/depression were more prevalent among younger individuals, while problems in other dimensions tended to increase with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced problems in at least one dimension, with anxiety/depression being the most prevalent, particularly among younger individuals. Females reported lower utility scores and more problems across all dimensions in all age groups. To effectively improve the health status of the Iranian population and ensure optimal resource allocation, it is vital to develop and implement targeted interventions that specifically address the needs highlighted in this study.