Health-related quality of life in Denmark on a relative scale:mini-catalogue of mean EQ-5D-3L index scores for 17 common chronic conditions

In health economic evaluations the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) is one of the preferred outcome measures. Catalogues of median-based decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores for chronic conditions exist to inform economic evaluations but may not be appropriate for this purpose as mean, rather than median, EQ-5D-3L index scores are of primary interest. Firstly, we aim to estimate mean decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores through a simple stratified analysis as an alternative to regression modelling. In addition, we aim to estimate the mean decrement in EQ-5D-3L index scores in percent relative to a disease-free reference population. Secondly, we aim to handle both multiple imputation and appropriate estimation of standard errors in the presence of individual sampling weights. Data on EQ-5D-3L from the National Health Profile, Denmark, 2013, were used to estimate the EQ-5D-3L index scores. Calculation of decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores of chronic conditions was done while controlling for the additional number of chronic conditions beside the one in question, age and sex. Also, a test of homogeneity of decrements across subgroups was conducted. We provide a mini-catalogue of new percentage-scale decrements in EQ-5D-3L index scores. For example, we estimated that angina was associated with an 8.2% reduction in the EQ-5D-3L index score compared to a reference group without angina. If the mean EQ-5D-3L score was 0.848 among corresponding groups without angina; angina patients would have an EQ-5D-3L index score of (1-0.082)·0.848=0.778 using the percentage-scale. The estimated percentage reduction in the EQ-5D-3L index score was homogenous regardless of the number of additional chronic conditions, age and sex. We suggest a percentage-scale estimation of EQ-5D-3L index scores for chronic disorders as an alternative to existing median-based methods. Our estimates stem from a simpler model, which, we argue, is easier to use and interpret.Published: Online May 2016. In print August 2016

Characteristics of patients receiving allergy vaccination: to which extent do socio-economic factors play a role?

Background: Little is known about characteristics of patients receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy. Identifying obstacles to appropriate treatment according to guidelines may facilitate the development of strategies aiming at improved treatment of patients with allergic respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate differences in disease severity, demographic and socioeconomic status between allergic rhinitis patients receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy and allergic rhinitis patients not receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy. Methods: A total of 366 patients were studied of whom 210 were going to receive subcutaneously administrated immunotherapy (SIT) against grass pollen and/or house dust mite allergy. The severity of rhino-conjunctivitis (hay fever) and/or asthma was classified according to international guidelines. The questionnaires included an EQ-5D visual analogue scale instrument and some socio-economic questions. Results: Severity of disease, young age, high level of education as well as greater perceived impairment of health-related quality of life due to allergic symptoms were significantly associated with use of SIT. Somewhat unexpectedly, household income was not associated with use of SIT. Conclusion: Use of SIT was associated with both disease severity measures and educational level, but not income level. These results suggest social inequality as reflected by lower use of SIT among patients with lower educational level may represent an obstacle to treatment with SIT