An EQ-5D-5L value set based on Uruguayan population preferences

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Psychometrics
• Population Health

Background:

• The Euro-Qol 5-Dimensions 5-Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire is a standard for health outcome measurement.
• Developing country-specific value sets is crucial for accurate economic evaluations.
• Latin America lacked a representative EQ-5D-5L value set.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive a novel EQ-5D-5L value set from the general population of Uruguay.
• To establish population norms for the EQ-5D-5L in Uruguay.
• To facilitate health economic evaluations within the Uruguayan healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• A representative sample of the Uruguayan population (n=794) was recruited using stratified sampling with quotas.
• Health states were valued using composite time trade-off and discrete choice experiments.
• Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using the EuroQol valuation technology.

Main Results:

• The derived Uruguayan EQ-5D-5L value set ranges from -0.264 to 1.0.
• The mean index value for the general population in Uruguay was 0.895.
• Uruguayan values for mild health states were higher than Argentinian crosswalk values; older individuals and females reported worse health states.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first EQ-5D-5L value set for Uruguay and Latin America.
• The value set provides a crucial tool for health technology assessment and resource allocation in Uruguay.
• These findings support evidence-based healthcare policy and decision-making in the region.