Effect of Basic Characteristics on Improving Quality of Life After Lumbar Spine Decompression Surgery

Abstract

Background: Lumbar disc degeneration is one of the most common causes of low back pain which can gradually reduce the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objectives: The aim of this study was determining factors related with improvement of QOL in lumbar spine decompression surgery. Methods: This quasi-experimental research was conducted on 145 patients with lumbar disc degeneration who underwent lumbar spine decompression surgery during 2017 - 2018. We analyzed the quality of life based on EQ5D/VAS score by self-assessment examination according to age, gender, BMI, educational level, life model, smoking habit, leg and back pain scale, regular activity and walking distance (meters). For the reporting of results, descriptive analysis and repeated measure ANOVA for comparison quality of life (QOL) in three times before, 6 and 12 months after surgery were used. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 19. Results: Overall, 90 (62.1%) of patients were female. Most patients (30.3%) were in the 41 - 50 years age groups. The EQ-5D/VAS scores improved in all age groups in the three times measured (P = 0.001). QOL in normal BMI improved more than overweight and obese (P = 0.001). High level of education was associated with more improvement of QOL after surgery (P < 0.001). Patients who lived with the family had significantly higher QOL score before, 6 and 12 months after surgery (P < 0.001). No association was observed cigarette smoking (P = 0.03) so the lower duration of pain preparation was associated with higher QOL statistically. Overall, EQ5D score in the leg, back pain, regular activity and walking distance (meters) improved in the duration of one year in all subgroups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, various factors were effective in improving postoperative quality of life in patients who underwent lumbar spine decompression. So, more study is recommended on the socioeconomic, lifestyle to further improve quality of life after surgery.