title: Quality of life assessment in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
abstract: Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is determined by both disease and non-disease related factors. Several studies have reported significant HRQoL impairment in GORD patients compared with the general population. Disease severity correlates strongly with HRQoL. Non-disease features, such as the presence of anxiety and comorbid conditions, also negatively impact on HRQoL. Combining a generic and disease specific instrument may avoid missing unexpected outcomes and ensure recognition of all clinically important changes. Full validation of assessment tools is critical. Long term, as well as short term, evaluation is important and is critical when undertaking comparative pharmacoeconomic evaluations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. irvinej@smh.toronto.on.ca
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Irvine
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006304:Health Status; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards