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2000
Volume 22, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 1573-4048
  • E-ISSN: 1875-6581

Abstract

Introduction

Quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic diseases is affected by physical, emotional, and social aspects, including medication burden. This study evaluates the impact of chronic diseases and medication on quality of life, emphasizing the importance of incorporating patient perception.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study conducted in Ecuador focused on the adult population treated at the Rheumatology Department of the Homero Castanier Crespo Hospital in 2023. A sample of 161 individuals was selected based on specific criteria, and the COOP-WONCA questionnaire was used to assess health-related quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS®, including descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis with Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to explore relationships between variables.

Results and Discussion

The study population was predominantly composed of women (95.1%), adults over 70 years of age (37.8%), and individuals from urban areas (60.4%). Regarding education, the majority had completed primary education (62.2%) and a significant proportion were illiterate (18.3%). Additionally, 39.6% of the sample had hypertension and 14% had diabetes. Quality of life was characterized by high satisfaction with social activities (84.1%), while perceptions of physical fitness and general health were more moderate. Quality of life was influenced by osteoporosis and hypertension in the domain of physical fitness ( < 0.05) and individuals with depression reported negative effects on their emotional well-being ( < 0.05).

Conclusion

The predominantly female and elderly population presents differences in quality of life related to chronic diseases and depression, highlighting the impact of these conditions on physical and emotional well-being.

© 2026 Bentham Science Publishers
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2025-07-01
2026-02-04

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Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Diseases and Impact of the Medication Burden
Curr Womens Health Rev. 22, E15734048381709 (2026); https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734048381709250619183639
/content/journals/cwhr/10.2174/0115734048381709250619183639
/content/journals/cwhr/10.2174/0115734048381709250619183639
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): bivariate analysis; depression; descriptive statistics; Health-related quality of life; hypertension; osteoporosis

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