Sociodemographic, disease-related and lifestyle determinants of health-related quality of life among older patients hospitalized with heart failure

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults hospitalized with heart failure. A total of 210 patients (mean age 80.99 ± 8.32 years; 65.24% female) participated in the study. The standardized EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire was used as the main instrument to assess HRQoL.The average health status assessment on the EQ VAS scale in the study group of patients was 56.03 ± 18.81. Patients reported the greatest mobility problems, with 25.71% of them having severe walking problems and 7.62% of patients being unable to walk. 22.39% of respondents had serious problems with performing everyday activities or were unable to perform them at all. Nearly one fifth of patients experienced severe or extreme pain or discomfort (19.05%). Physical activity turned out to have a significant impact on motor skills (p < 0.001), self-care (p < 0.001), usual activities (p < 0.001) and anxiety/depression (p = 0.001). In conclusion, the quality of life of older patients hospitalized due to HF is reduced compared to the general population. The most prominent issues are pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. A number of socioeconomic factors influence the quality of life of patients with HF.