Quality-Adjusted Life Expectancy Norms Based on the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 for China

Quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) norms reflect the normative profiles or reference data of QALE of the general population and provide a meaningful anchor for comparison to inform healthcare decision-making. This study aimed to develop the QALE norms for the Chinese population by using a representative dataset of health utility values collected using the EQ-5D-5L and short-form 6-dimension version 2 (SF-6Dv2) instruments.

Age-specific population norms of health utility values calculated using the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2 were used. Both utility norms were combined with the latest version of the National Life Tables of China published in 2021 to calculate QALE estimates on the basis of age, sex, and urban/rural residence area. QALE estimates were further discounted using 1.5%, 3.5%, 5.0%, and 8.0% discount rates.

When using the health utility values evaluated by the SF-6Dv2, the QALE at age 0 years was 66.34 years at the discount rate of 0% and 16.65 years at the discount rate of 5%. For the EQ-5D-5L, the QALE at age 0 years was 76.50 years at the discount rate of 0% and 19.45 years at the discount rate of 5%. At birth, females exhibited a higher QALE, while the difference between females and males initially increased before subsequently declining overtime, ultimately resulting in females having a lower QALE. Rural population had a monotonically lower QALE than urban population.

This study constructed age-stratified QALE norms for the Chinese population categorized by sex and residence area using mortality data alongside corresponding health utility values derived from the EQ-5D-5L and SF-6Dv2.