Population Norms for the EQ-5D-3L: a Cross-country Analysis of Population Surveys

Aims and objectives. The aim of this study is to generate population norms for the EQ-5D in Russia and compare the results with population norms obtained from international surveys. Material and methods. The final sample consisted of 13,700 people aged 18 and above and was representative of the general population in Russia. The Russian-language version of the EQ–5D-3L questionnaire was used in the survey. Descriptive statistics were performed to establish the general population health states from the reported problems in the EQ-5D descriptive system and VAS. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to examine how health status is influenced by socio-demographic variables. Results. Analysis of health-related quality of life in Russia showed that 55,4% of respondents have a “11111” health profile meaning that they do not have any problems in all five EQ-5D dimensions. The mean EQ VAS score was 70,4 (SD 19,3). Female respondents tended to rate their health lower than male. As expected, health state was inversely related to age. People with higher education on average have better health states. Russia is mostly comparable to Hungary, Argentina, the USA and the UK. Conclusion. The obtained EQ-5D norms for the Russian population can be used as a basis for the comparison of patients with the health state of the average person in a similar age and gender group. The received results can assist decision-makers in setting priorities in health care.