Inequalities in health-related quality of life: repeated cross-sectional study of trends in general practice survey data

Background After decades of steady progress, life expectancy at birth has stalled in England. Inequalities are also rising, and fallen for females living the most deprived areas. However, less attention been given to trends other measures population health, particularly health-related quality (HRQoL). Aim To examine inequalities HRQoL England between 2012 2017. Design setting The authors used nationally representative survey data on 3.9 million adults (measured by EQ-5D-5L overall score, plus each five health domains — mobility, selfcare, usual activity, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression). Method study explored across time, sex, age, deprivation. Results Although seemed 2017, there is evidence increasing inequality subgroups. There was a rise sex disparity over female–male gap increased from −0.009 −0.016 Trends youngest those areas were greatest concern. Females regions suffered 1.3% decrease compared with 0.5% males. key contribution decline HRQoL, females, 1.5% increase reported levels anxiety/depression Conclusion Developing interventions address these worrying should be policy priority. A particular focus mental younger populations, especially