Framework for assessing health related quality of life of Kaschin-Beck disease: A qualitative research

Objective: To identify the framework for assessing health related quality of life (HRQOL) of Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD), in order to reflect the impact of KBD on quality of life in patients with the disease. Methods: Qualitative descriptive research was adopted. Semi-open ended questions were developed by using the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of health and quality of life. Group interview and face to face interviews were conducted on 48 patients with KBD and 29 health care experts on KBD in Linyou and Yongshou counties, Shaanxi province, which were higher prevalence areas of KBD. Content template analysis was conducted and the template was based on the WHOQOL-100's framework. Results: The framework of HRQOL for KBD included four domains: physical activity, familial/social support, economic and psychological state. There were also eleven facets which were; pain and discomfort, physical function and activity limitation, diet and sleeping, social relationship, concerns of family responsibilities, social support, economic, housing and the surrounding environment, appearance concerns, mental health, and general state of health. The total entries were 69. Conclusions: The framework for assessing HRQOL of KBD is established. The framework highlights the impact of KBD on the patients' quality of life with higher specificity.