Exploration of EQ-5D-5L Bolt-On Items among Malaysian Population
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the adequacy of EQ-5D-5L in defining health as perceived by Malaysians using a mixed methodology approach. Potential additional dimensions (i.e. bolt-on items) to supplement the current instrument were also explored. This study was carried out in two phases. In phase one, focus group discussions (N = 6-8 in each group) were employed to gauge the perception of Malaysians on the dimensions deemed important additions to the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Phase two involved further validation of bolt-ons to the EQ-5D-5L using a cross-sectional survey of 100 general public in Penang, Malaysia. A total of 11 bolt-ons were identified from phase 1. These bolt-ons were sleep, vitality, happiness, close relationships, stress, mental abilities, social support, religion, vision, hearing, and speaking. In phase 2, the bolt-ons of ‘vitality’ and ‘stress’ stood out with 70% (n=70) and 64% (n=64) participants reported facing most problems with, respectively. Both phases of study suggest that additional dimensions for the existing EQ-5D-5L instrument may be useful to better capture the HRQoL among Malaysians. Larger scale study is warranted to further validate the bolt-ons identified in this study.