Exploring factors that infuence HRQoL for people living with Parkinson’s in one region of Ireland: A cross-sectional study

Background: The diversity of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and their impact on functioning have led to an  increased interest in exploring factors that impact Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Although the experience  of Parkinson’s is unique, some symptoms have a greater impact than others, e.g. depression. Moreover, as the risk of  Parkinson’s increases with age, the fnancial and public health impact of this condition is likely to increase, particularly  within the context of a globally ageing population. In Ireland, research is ongoing in the pursuit of causes and efective  treatments for Parkinson’s; however, its impact on everyday living, functioning, and HRQoL is largely under-examined.  This study aims to describe factors that infuence HRQoL for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) in one region of Ireland. Methods: A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted among people living with Parkinson’s (n=208) in one  area of Ireland. This survey included socio-demographic questions, Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire for Parkinson’s disease (NMSQuest), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Parkinson’s disease Questionnaire (PDQ?39). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, IBM version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, II, USA). Results: Participants refected a predominantly older population who were married, and lived in their own homes  (91%). Participants diagnosed the longest reported poorer HRQoL regarding mobility, activities of daily living, emo?tional well-being, social support, cognition, communication domains and overall HRQoL. Lower HRQoL correlated  with higher depression scores p<0.001 and participants in the lower HRQoL cohort experienced 2.25 times more  non-motor symptoms (NMSs) than participants with higher HRQoL. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis  predicted Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15) score, NMS burden, and years since diagnosis to negatively impact  HRQoL. Principal component analysis (PCA) also indicated that for the population in this study, components measuring 1) independence/dependence 2) stigma 3) emotional well-being, and 4) pain were central to explaining core  aspects of participants’ HRQoL. Conclusions: Findings highlighted the negative impact of longer disease duration, NMS burden, depression, mobility impairments, and perceived dependence on HRQoL for PwP. The positive infuence of perceived independence,  social engagement along with close supportive relationships were also identifed as key components determining  HRQoL. Findings emphasised the importance of long-term healthcare commitment to sustaining social and community supports and therapeutic, rehabilitative initiatives to augment HRQoL for PwP