Health related quality of life of survivors of trauma six months after discharge

Abstract

To investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of survivors of major trauma at six months following discharge, using two popular HRQOL tools. A cross-sectional study was done on adult trauma survivors in Johannesburg. Subjects completed the EQ-5D and SF-36 HRQOL questionnaires. Additional demographic and clinical data were collected. The majority of subjects reported some problems in usual activities and pain/discomfort as measured with the EQ-5D at six months. The mean EQ-5D VAS was 68 (±26.1). lowest scores were reported in the role physical (44.6 ± 41.6) and role emotional (44.1 ± 45.4) domains of the SF-36. mean SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score (62.1 ± 27.8) was higher than mental component summary score (58.7 ±20.1). EQ-5D VAS was found to be moderately correlated with age (r=-0.4; p=0.05). A negative correlation was found between SF-36 physical function score and ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and age (r=-0.4 (p=0.03), -0.4 (p=0.03) and -0.6 (p=0.00) respectively). Statistical significance was observed in the correlation between age and SF-36 general health domain (r=-0.4; p=0.02) as well as age and PCS score (r=-0.5; p=0.01). Trauma survivors in Johannesburg experience limitations in specific emotional and physical domains of HRQOL at six months after discharge. Age was associated with the level of self-rated health as well as limitations in general health and physical function. ICU and hospital LOS were associated with limitations in physical function. There is a need for physical and psychological rehabilitation after discharge from trauma intensive care.