To quantify the burden of uterine fibroids (UF) on health-related quality of life
(HRQOL) and work productivity in a general population of women.
Women diagnosed with or experiencing UF-related symptoms living in five Western European
countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) were identified
through a cross-sectional Internet-based survey. The following parameters and outcomes
of interest were captured and analysed: patient history and demographics, treatment
and diagnosis patterns, symptom severity and HRQOL, work productivity and activity
impairment, and disease or symptom-related health care resource use for the past year
(e.g., provider visits, hospitalisation).
This analysis included 1756 women (France, 358; Germany, 345; Italy, 351; Spain, 352;
United Kingdom, 350). Prevalence of a diagnosis of UF ranged from 11.7% to 23.6%,
and that of undiagnosed bleeding symptoms from 14.7% to 24.6% across the five countries.
Between 9.0% and 32.5% of women waited > or =5 years before seeking treatment for
UF. Mean UFS-QOL symptom severity scores ranged from 24.7 (95% confidence interval
[CI], 21.1-28.3) to 37.6 (95% CI, 32.2-43.0; P<0.001), suggesting mild to moderate
severity. Mean UFS-QOL scores ranged from 59.2 (95% CI, 54.2-64.2) to 69.7 (95% CI,
66.5-73.0; P=0.002), suggesting moderate impairment. In pooled analyses, absenteeism
was reported by 32.7% of employed women with a diagnosis of UF. Overall worker productivity
was reduced by 36.1% and general activity was impaired by 37.9%.
UF are common in women residing in Western Europe. They are associated with impairment
of HRQOL and productivity. A substantial number of women delay seeking medical help.
Encouraging symptomatic women to seek help and treatment earlier may benefit women
by improving their HRQOL and may also benefit society through enhanced worker productivity.
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