Evaluating Health Related Quality of Life and Health Anxiety in Patients Attending a Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic

Ahmet Taha Canatar, Didem Kafadar

Keywords: mental health, physical health, health anxiety, quality of life

Background:

Health anxiety defines individuals’ concern about their health or the fear of having a serious illness. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is related to the perceived well-being and functional level in the physical, mental, domains of life on health. Health anxiety may interfere with health related quality of life.

Research questions:

1.What is the the impact of sociodemographic features on HRQOL and health anxiety?
2.Is there an association between health anxiety levels and the perceived HRQOL of individuals ?

Method:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with participants >18 years of age who have applied to the Family Medicine outpatient clinics. Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI) was used to determine the health-related anxiety levels of the participants, and the Health Related Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (SF-12) was used to evaluate the health-related quality of life. Sociodemographic characteristics, and health-related history were recorded via a questionnaire form. Data was analyzed by a statistical programme.

Results:

A total of 158 participants were included, the mean age was 39±12.9, 70.3% were women, 42.4% had a job, 42.4% had chronic diseases. HAI scores were higher and SF-12 physical scores were lower in women, in those who were not working, having lower education level, and living with a chronic disease while SF-12 mental health scores were not different. SF-12 mental and physical dimension scores correlated with total HAI (p<0.001). As hospital visits increased HAI increased and SF-12 physical scores decreased.

Conclusions:

Health anxiety is associated with both mental and physical dimensions of HRQOL. Sociodemographic features and living with chronic diseases are associated with HRQOL related to physical health. Health anxiety interferes with hospital admissions and health care services utilization. A holistic approach should be adopted for individuals experiencing health anxiety, with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups.

Points for discussion:

How medical professionals can manage health anxiety in specific patient groups?

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