Health-related quality of life using EQ-5D among breast cancer survivors in comparison with age-matched peers from the general population in the state of Penang, Malaysia

Aim The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) with that of the general female population in a northern state of Malaysia. Subjects and methods A comparative cross-sectional study using EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), a standardized generic instrument, was conducted at Penang General Hospital in Malaysia. Because of its applicability across a wide range of populations as well as for patients and its economic use, the EQ-5D questionnaire was used. A convenience sample of 150 female BCSs (20 years or older) and an equal number from the general population (matched with age bracket and ethnicity) were examined. Chi-square (χ 2 ) test and independent t-test were applied to detect differences in reported problems and overall HRQoL scores between the two groups. Results Mean EQ-5D index score was significantly lower for BCSs compared with the general comparative group (0.71 ± 0.25 vs. 0.87 ± 0.16, p