Global Heart (Jun 2023)

Health Related Quality of Life of Ugandan Children Following Valve Replacement Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease

  • Mohammed A. M. Ahmed,
  • Twalib Aliku,
  • Judith Namuyonga,
  • Bernard Obongonyinge,
  • Hilda Tumwebaze,
  • Samalie M. Kitooleko,
  • Tom Mwambu,
  • Peter Lwabi,
  • Sulaiman Lubega

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5334/gh.1205
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 1
pp. 37 – 37

Abstract

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Background: Valve replacement surgery (VRS) improves clinical outcomes in patients with severe rheumatic heart disease (RHD). However, lifelong anticoagulation and frequent monitoring are required, which potentially impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In this study, we assessed the HRQoL of people with RHD in Uganda following VRS. Methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted between March and August 2021. Eligible participants were individuals who had VRS before the age of 18 years. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory–Cardiac Module (PedsQL-Cardiac module) was used to evaluate HRQoL. A total mean score of ≥ 80% was considered as optimal HRQoL. Results: Of the 83 eligible participants, 52 (60.5%) were female, with a median age of 18 (interquartile range: 14–22) years. Most participants had NYHA I functional status (n = 79, 92%). Most (n = 73, 92.4%) surgeries were performed outside of Uganda, and 61 (72.6%) were single mechanical valve replacement. Almost half (n = 45, 54%) expressed no concern about being on life-long warfarin therapy. However, 24 (29.3%) feared bleeding. The optimal mean score of cardiac-specific HRQoL was achieved in 50 (60.2%) of participants. Factors associated with optimal HRQoL were body mass index (BMI) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.2, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.1–1.3, p = 0.006), being afraid of bleeding or bruising (aOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.21–2.47, p = 0.004), acceptance of having an artificial valve (aOR: 2.7, 95% CI; 1.64–3.81, p < 0.001). Conclusion: HRQoL was optimal in about three in five participants following VRS. Increasing BMI and acceptance of artificial valve were significantly associated with optimal HRQoL.

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