Quality of life of adult men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the Netherlands: implications for care

Abstract

Objective: To assess quality of life of adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the Netherlands and to identify domains and major problems influencing quality of life.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Subjects: Seventy-nine men aged ≥ 20 years with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Methods: The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and an interview were used to assess quality of life and problems.

Results: Compared with Dutch general population reference values, the SF-36 domains scores were lower on all domains except mental health and role limitations due to emotional problems. On the WHOQOL-BREF the social relationships domain score was lower. Main problems were intimate relationships, work, leisure, transport and meaningfulness of life. Seventy-three percent stated overall quality of life as "(very) good". The SF-36 domains mental health (rs 0.53, p < 0.001) and vitality (rs 0.49, p < 0.001) had the strongest associations with overall quality of life.

Conclusion: Adult men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy assess their health status as low in the physical, but not in the mental, domains. Experienced problems are mainly in the area of participation. They are generally satisfied with their overall quality of life.