ABSTRACT
Data were collected from chronic lymphatic filariasis patients and the public in Yuhang District of Hangzhou. Health status was assessed by using EuroQol (EQ)-5D. A total of 600 questionnaires were sent and 550 (91.7%) returned (276 chronic lymphatic filariasis patients and 274 members of the public). The EQ-SD index score for patients with chronic lymphatic filariasis (0.770 +/- 0.128) were lower than the general public (0.872 +/- 0.073). In contrast to the public (6.6%, 5.8%, 12.0%, 20.4%, and 10.6%), patients reported more problems with their mobility (43.8%), self-care (22.5%), daily activities (44.9%), anxiety/depression (47.8%), and pain/discomfort (29.0%) (P < 0.01). Strength of association were 6.67, 3.86, 3.74, 2.73, and 2.34, respectively. These results indicated that chronic lymphatic filariasis shows an impact on patients' health-related quality of life. It particularly causes great problems in the dimensions of mobility, self-care, and daily activities.