Impact of uterine fibroid symptoms on health-related quality of life of US women: evidence from a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Uterine fibroids (UF) are associated with significant health-related quality of life (HRQL) impact. This study examined the impact of UF symptoms on HRQL.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of 18 to 49 year old US women was conducted and collected demographics, UF prevalence, symptoms, and HRQL using the UFS-QOL. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the impact of symptom presence, severity, bothersomeness, and number of UF symptoms on HRQL. Analyses were weighted to match the US female population distribution. Multivariate regressions were performed with each subscale as a dependent variable to examine the impact of individual UF symptoms on HRQL.

Results: A total of 59,411 (15.5%) panel members completed the prevalence screener; 4848 met inclusion criteria; 955 had UF and no hysterectomy. Mean age was 40.3; 58% were white; 63% were married/civil union. Common UF symptoms were: lower back pain (65%), fatigue/weariness (63%), bloating (61%), pelvic pain/cramping during menses (63%), and heavy bleeding during menses (54%). Mean UFS-QoL subscale scores were significantly (p < .05) worse among women with a UF symptom versus women without the symptom. Women who rated their UF symptoms as severe had significantly (p < .001) worse UFS-QoL scores than women with mild or moderate symptoms. UFS-QoL subscale scores worsened as the number of symptoms increased. In the regressions, the presence of bleeding and non-bleeding symptoms were related to worse UFS-QoL subscale scores.

Conclusion: HRQL among women with UF was significantly impacted by UF-related symptoms. Greater impact was observed as the number and severity of symptoms increased.

Keywords:

• Health-related quality of life
• impact
• symptoms
• UFS-QoL
• uterine fibroids

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This study was funded by AbbVie Inc. The design and financial support for the study was provided by AbbVie. AbbVie participated in data analysis, interpretation of data, review, and approval of the manuscript.

Author contributions: All authors listed meet the requirements for authorship, have had involvement in the conceptualization and writing of this paper, believe that this manuscript adheres to ICMJE requirements, and have read and approved this final version of the manuscript and the authorship list.

Declaration of financial/other relationship

A.M.S., J.C.H., M.J.F. and C.D.O. have disclosed that they are employed by AbbVie and may own AbbVie stock or stock options. K.S.C. has disclosed that she is employed by Evidera, which provides consulting and other research services to pharmaceutical, medical device, and related organizations; in her salaried position, she works with a variety of companies and organizations, and is precluded from receiving payment or honoraria directly from these organizations for services rendered. Evidera received funding from Abbvie to participate in the study and the development of this manuscript. M.K.M. has disclosed that she was employed by Evidera at the time the study was conducted and is currently employed by Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Medical writing services were provided by Erica Zaiser PhD of Evidera. Medical writing services were funded by AbbVie.