Long-Term Quality of Life Among Intensive Care Units Survivors

Abstract

Background: The long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors is a key concern. This study investigates HRQoL among ICU survivors in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its importance for advancing healthcare and improving outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ICU survivors and a control healthy group. Participants were aged ≥18 years, with ICU survivors discharged for at least six months excluding individuals with severe cognitive impairments or mental illness. The SF-36 questionnaire assessed HRQoL across eight domains, with data collected from a tertiary hospital in Riyadh. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U-test, the Fisher exact, and multiple linear regression. Results: Data from 151 ICU survivors and 181 controls were analyzed. Chronic diseases were more common among ICU survivors (51.7% vs 23.8%, p=0.00). Independent of chronic diseases, ICU survivors had significantly lower scores in HRQoL. Prolonged ICU stays were associated with worse quality outcomes. Additionally, being discharged for ≥ seven months improved general health (p=0.05). ICU survivors displayed notably lower scores in physical functioning (65 [IQR 55] vs 80 [IQR 45], p=0.00), limitations due to physical health (25 [IQR 100] vs 100 [IQR 75], p=0.00), limitations due to emotional problems (33.33 [IQR 100] vs 66.67 [IQR 100], p=0.00), less social functioning (62.5 [IQR 50] vs 75 [IQR 38], p=7.00), more pain 67.5 [IQR 45] vs 80 [IQR 33] (p=0.00), and general health (55 [IQR 25] vs 65 [IQR 23], p=0.00). Conclusion: ICU survivors experience significant HRQoL impairments exacerbated by prolonged ICU stays, highlighting the need for early and comprehensive rehabilitation services. The low utilization of these rehabilitation services suggests a need to provide access and quality for tailored early rehabilitation services to improve ICU survivors’ long-term HRQoL.