EuroQol 5D quality of life in Meniere's disorder can be explained with symptoms and disabilities

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors explaining changes in the generic quality of life among patients with Meniere's disorder (MD) and to evaluate the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) quality-of-life measures. A questionnaire focusing on symptoms and disabilities caused by MD was collected from 726 individuals. General health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) was evaluated using the time trade-off (TTO) and visual-analogue scale (VAS). Personal traits were measured with the sense of coherence. The TTO-VAS score difference was modeled with activity limitations, participation restrictions, attitudes, and symptoms. For TTO as the outcome measure, one symptom-based, three attitude-based, one activity limitation, and one participation restriction item explained 43% of the variability. For VAS, six attitude-based, one symptom-based, three activity limitations, and one participation restriction item explained 43% of the variability of the data. The correlation between TTO and VAS (r=0.515, P < 0.001) explained only 27% of the variance. The difference between TTO and VAS was reflected in attitudes towards the illness. The model explained 10% of the variability in the VAS and TTO difference. There was a disease duration effect in the TTO-VAS difference. In conclusion, a symptom-based model combined with disabilities provided a good description of general quality of life in MD. The TTO-based and VAS-based evaluation explained somewhat different aspects of MD. The difference between TTO and VAS could be described as an attitude toward the ailment. Evaluation of disabilities and the difference in TTO and VAS can be used to guide the rehabilitation to promote attitude change.