Relationship between quality of life, functional independence and joint functions of adult hemophiliacs- A cross sectional study

Background: QOL is a wide based subject and multifaceted topic dependent on culture, beliefs, and social and environmental factors etc., it is expected that a comprehensive evaluation with available tools in an Indian population would give more insight and awareness to their problems and limitations. Objective: The main aim of the current study was to asses QOL, Functional independence and functional limitations related to joints of adult Hemophilia patients. Methods: Adult male patients age equal or greater than 18 years with factor viii or ix deficiency and who were willing to participate and given consent were included in the study. The data were collected by getting the self- reported outcome measures filled, the WHOBREF – QOL, and the objective functional instruments Functional independence score of hemophiliacs (FISH) and GILBERT joint score administered by the researcher. The data were analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis, non -parametric test and Regression analysis to find out the variability. Results: The result showed that the functional components like transfer and locomotion were mainly determined by joint bleeds and total joint score respectively. And the moderate bleed groups were different in terms of pain, total joint score, transfer and total functional independence. Conclusion: More the bleed in the joints leads to reduced joint function and functional independence of hemophiliac patients, affects their health related quality of life.