Association Between Quality-of-Life Metrics in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis

Abstract

Background and Aims: Patients with chronic pancreatitis commonly experience abdominal pain, anxiety, depression, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities or maintaining employment. These factors contribute to diminished quality-of-life and high healthcare utilization. This study aims to explore the relationship between specific quality-of-life domains among patients with chronic pancreatitis. Methods: A 55-item online survey was administered to patients with the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis at three Mayo Clinic sites from 12/26/2023 - 12/26/2024. The survey included validated questions assessing demographic, clinical and quality-of-life metrics using EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level instrument - a standardized assessment tool that evaluates five key health dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Results: Of the 298 patients with chronic pancreatitis who completed the survey, employed patients had decreased odds of reporting problems with mobility (OR=0.45, p<0.05), self-care (OR=0.26, p<0.01), usual activities (OR=0.47, p<0.05), and anxiety/depression (OR=0.41, p<0.05). Similarly, older patients had decreased odds of reporting problems with self-care (OR=0.91, p<0.01), usual activities (OR=0.96, p<0.01), pain/discomfort (OR=0.96, p<0.01) and anxiety/depression (OR=0.92, p<0.01). However, Medicare patients had greater odds of reporting problems with self-care (OR=5.54, p<0.01) and pain/discomfort (OR=2.58, p<0.05). Conclusions: Chronic pancreatitis impacts multiple dimensions of quality-of-life beyond pain. The EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level tool enables comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health. Our findings highlight key associations between patient characteristics and quality-of-life domains, supporting the need for individualized, deficit-targeted interventions. These results also suggest a potential role for vocational rehabilitation in promoting functional recovery and enhancing overall well-being in individuals with chronic pancreatitis.