Quality of Life and Utility Values in Iranian Colorectal Cancer Patients: Using Generic and Specific Instruments

Nazila  Yousefi; Sajad  Ahmadkhani; Farnoosh  Masbough; Saeid  Taheri; Maria Tavakoli  Ardestani; Paniz  Zadehsoleyman; Farzad  Peiravian

doi:10.18502/htaa.v9i4.20666

Nazila Yousefi Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sajad Ahmadkhani School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Farnoosh Masbough Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeid Taheri Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Maria Tavakoli Ardestani Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Paniz Zadehsoleyman Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Farzad Peiravian Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharma Management, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v9i4.20666

Keywords: Cancer, Colorectal, Quality of life, Utility, EQ-5D, VAS, QLQ-CR29, QLQ-C30

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a key indicator in evaluating healthcare outcomes. Given the rising prevalence and high treatment costs of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Iran, assessing patients’ HRQoL is crucial for guiding health policy and effective resource planning. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the QoL of CRC patients in Iran.

Methods: The population of this study included 60 CRC patients (30 cases in the stable state and 30 cases in the progressive state of the disease), who had been referred to hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2019-2020. The patients’ QoL was estimated using EQ-5D-VAS, QLQ-CR29, and QLQ-C30 questionnaires.

Results: The mean VAS score was 0.62 ± 0.07, and the patients’ mean QLQ-CR29 and QLQ-C30 scores were 38.80 ± 9.70 and 48.90 ± 12.10, respectively. Moreover, the utility value of EQ-5D for the EQ-5D health states in the stable and progressive groups was 0.87 ± 0.11 (VAS: 0.82 ± 0.15) and 0.36 ± 0.30 (VAS: 0.44 ± 0.28). The results confirmed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the two groups. Additionally, having an ostomy, rectal cancer, higher stages of cancer, and metastasis was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with a decreased QoL.

Conclusions: Overall, the QoL of CRC patients in Iran was comparable to that of the general population in stable stages but significantly decreased with disease progression. Consistent findings across EQ-5D, QLQ-C30, and QLQ-CR29 highlight reduced utility in advanced and metastatic cases. Compared with global studies, Iranian patients demonstrated similar or slightly lower QoL, indicating the need for local data in health economic evaluations.