Health related quality of life and pharmacoeconomics amongst Asian parkinson¿s disease patients in Singapore

Abstract

Parkinson¿s disease (PD) exerts a substantial economic burden and impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the patients. However, HRQoL and pharmacoeconomic evaluation in Asian PD patients is lacking. The aims of this thesis were therefore to evaluate the impact of PD on HRQoL and pharmacoeconomic outcomes among Asian subjects.

In this thesis, we identified factors that were associated with HRQoL among PD patients in a cross-sectional study. Furthermore, we evaluated if the 8-item Parkinson¿s Disease Questionnaire is capable of detecting important changes in HRQoL. Besides humanistic outcomes, we also evaluated the annual and lifetime cost of PD. In addition, we performed a cost-effectiveness analysis of selegiline (an anti-parkinsonian alternative) over other anti-parkinsonian drugs.

In conclusion, we have contributed new knowledge with regards to PD management in Singapore. The findings are expected to contribute towards the incorporation of humanistic and economic data in evidence-based medical decision making in Singapore and the region.