Persons attending this session will hear descriptions of how the South Carolina chronic disease epidemiology division has collected several prevalence measures of health-related quality of life [HRQoL], for several years. In this report, listeners will observe the utility of the 'healthy days' index as one metric for HRQoL assessment. Attenders will receive descriptions of baseline studies of general trends provide a referent for smaller, narrowly focused projects. (e.g., poor, rural, low-literacy groups). Data will be presented from recent years, trends by race, ruralness, and age that have confirmed trends observed nationally for diminished quality of life among persons with chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, hypertension). Statistical/graphic presentation will be given for traditional correlations that are present between 'healthy days' and education [two-fold difference for college educated versus high school drop-outs]; marital status [65% reduction among widowed]; employment [six-fold decrement for unable to work versus a variety of employment categories], and income [40% greater health days over $35,000 annual income versus under $10,000]. In addition, a discussion will be provided for several correlates of reduced quality of life that we have explored (e.g., access to care, attempts to improve health behavior). Finally, descriptions will be offered for recent, small area projects that have been developed to evaluate the 'association' of reduced HRQoL with related high risk patterns (exercise, diet), and to offer community indicators of program impacts.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, attenders will be able to discuss 'healthy days' as an indicator of health related quality of life for persons at risk for chronic diseases
Keywords: Quality of Life, Chronic Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: CDC's BRFSS [South Carolina Survey]
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.