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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research

How do medical students value health on the EQ-5D? Evaluation of hypothetical health states compared to the general population

Authors: Maria-Theresa Barbist, Daniela Renn, Bianca Noisternig, Gerhard Rumpold, Stefan Höfer

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

Medical students gain a particular perspective on health problems during their medical education. This article describes how medical students value 10 hypothetical health states using the EQ-5D compared to the general population.

Methods

Based on a sample of 161 medical students (male: 41%) we compared valuations of 10 hypothetical EQ-5D health states collected in face to face interviews with the valuations of the general population. Self-reported health on the EQ-5D was also collected.

Results

Every third health state was valuated higher by the medical students compared to data of the general population. The differences were independent of the severity of the hypothetical health state. Concerning the self-reported health, the majority of the students (66%) reported no problems in the five EQ-5D domains (EQ-5D VAS M = 87.3 ± 9.6 SD). However, when compared to an age-matched sample the medical students show significantly more problems in the area of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

Medical students have a tendency to value health states higher than the general public. Medical professionals should be continuously aware that their assessment of the patients health state can differ from the valuations of the general population.

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Title: How do medical students value health on the EQ-5D? Evaluation of hypothetical health states compared to the general population
Authors: Maria-Theresa Barbist
Daniela Renn
Bianca Noisternig
Gerhard Rumpold
Stefan Höfer
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-6-111

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

How do medical students value health on the EQ-5D? Evaluation of hypothetical health states compared to the general population

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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