Abstract
Introduction:
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation has beneficial effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. However, whether this intervention benefits different age groups in women or men is largely unknown.
Purpose:
To investigate HRQoL in patients with chronic rheumatic disease after completion of a 3-week multidisciplinary treatment, with special focus on differences in effect between age and gender groups.
Method:
HRQoL was measured with SF-36. Mean scores for all SF-36 domains were compared before and after the 3-week regimen and again at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Multivariable linear regression models using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measurement were employed. A weighting procedure to account for differential dropouts was applied.
Results:
Three hundred fifty-six women and 74 men with chronic rheumatic disease were included. There were short-term improvements in all SF-36 domains irrespective of age or gender. These effects persisted for up to 1 year in the psychological, social, and energy domains for women under 50. We found no lasting effects for men; however, young men showed similar trends.
Conclusion:
Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation improves short-term HRQoL in all patients. Younger women maintain these beneficial effects for up to 1 year. Additional intervention should be considered for elderly women and for men in order to sustain rehabilitation effects.
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation has beneficial effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. However, whether this intervention benefits different age groups in women or men is largely unknown.
Purpose:
To investigate HRQoL in patients with chronic rheumatic disease after completion of a 3-week multidisciplinary treatment, with special focus on differences in effect between age and gender groups.
Method:
HRQoL was measured with SF-36. Mean scores for all SF-36 domains were compared before and after the 3-week regimen and again at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Multivariable linear regression models using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measurement were employed. A weighting procedure to account for differential dropouts was applied.
Results:
Three hundred fifty-six women and 74 men with chronic rheumatic disease were included. There were short-term improvements in all SF-36 domains irrespective of age or gender. These effects persisted for up to 1 year in the psychological, social, and energy domains for women under 50. We found no lasting effects for men; however, young men showed similar trends.
Conclusion:
Inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation improves short-term HRQoL in all patients. Younger women maintain these beneficial effects for up to 1 year. Additional intervention should be considered for elderly women and for men in order to sustain rehabilitation effects.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Quality of Life Research |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 381–391 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISSN | 0962-9343 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2017 |