Canada population norms for the EQ-5D-5L

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Psychometrics
• Population Health

Background:

• Population norms for the EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5-Dimensions 5-Levels) are limited in Canada, with existing data only available for Alberta and Quebec.
• Establishing representative population norms is crucial for accurate health economic evaluations and clinical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive and report the first population-based norms for the EQ-5D-5L in the general Canadian population.
• To provide a benchmark for health utility values across different demographic groups in Canada.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Canadian EQ-5D-5L valuation study, a cross-sectional survey.
• Employed quota sampling to ensure a representative sample based on age, sex, and education.
• Analyzed EQ-5D-5L utility values and EQ Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores using descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and Tobit regression.

Main Results:

• Included 1207 participants; pain/discomfort was the most reported issue (53.1%), while self-care was the least (7.6%).
• The mean EQ-5D-5L utility was 0.864 (SD 0.121), and the mean EQ VAS was 82.3 (SD 14.23).
• Higher EQ-5D-5L utilities were associated with full-time employment, marriage, higher income, and absence of chronic conditions.

Conclusions:

• This study presents the first Canadian population norms for the EQ-5D-5L.
• These derived norms serve as essential references for economic evaluations and clinical research nationwide.
• The findings highlight demographic variations in health utility, informing targeted health policy and research.