Risk factors and quality of life of dyslipidemic patients in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of dyslipidemia and measure its impact on patients' quality of life [QOL]. Secondary objectives were to determine the percentage of dyslipidemia and assess the predictive factors affecting patients' QOL. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of Lebanese population. A standardized questionnaire was developed to assess the QOL using the Short form-36 [SF-36] score. A total of 452 individuals were interviewed, of which 59.5% were females. The mean age was 43.3 +/- 15.6 years, and 24.8% had dyslipidemia. The results show a lower overall QOL score among dyslipidemic patients compared with controls [57.9% and 76.5%, respectively; p < 0.001]. Waterpipe smoking [adjusted odds ratio [OR[a]] = 4.113, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.696-9.971, p = 0.002], hypertension [OR[a] = 3.597, 95% CI 1.818-7.116, p < 0.001], diabetes [OR[a] = 3.441, 95% CI 1.587-7.462, p = 0.002], cigarette smoking [OR[a] = 2.966, 95% CI 1.516-5.804, p = 0.001], and passive smoking [OR[a] = 2.716, 95% CI 1.376- 5.358, p = 0.004] were significantly associated with dyslipidemia in individuals older than 30 years. A higher overall QOL score [p = 0.013] was observed in patients treated with statins in comparison with other lipid-lowering medications. In addition to clinical and economical consequences, dyslipidemia may have a significant impact on patients' QOL. Further research is needed to confirm the impact of treatment on dyslipidemic patients' QOL in order to maximize the overall benefits of therapy