Impact on the Quality of Life of Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Cohort Study in Colombia


Authors

  • Mauricio Antonio Martinez Arguello Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga
  • Hector Julio Melendez Florez Universidad Industrial de Santander
  • Francisco Fernando Naranjo Junoy FOSCAL Internacional
  • Lizzete Paola Zambrano Silva FOSCAL Internacional

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22517/25395203.25709

Keywords:

Quality of life, infection, intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Since the 1980s, mortality rates in intensive care units (ICUs) have decreased, shifting the focus toward evaluating post-ICU quality of life. This is measured using instruments such as the SF-36 and EQ-5D, which assess physical, mental, and social well-being. Results are variable, and knowledge gaps persist regarding how to optimize early interventions that enhance comprehensive patient recovery.

Objective: To determine post-ICU quality of life and the risk factors associated with its deterioration.

Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, including 448 patients in a high-complexity healthcare institution in Colombia. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, evaluating eight dimensions. Sociodemographic and clinical data were analyzed using STATA 14® software, applying statistical tests to compare pre- and post-ICU outcomes through logistic regression.

Results: A total of 85.5% of patients experienced a decline in quality of life 180 days after ICU discharge. The most affected domains were physical functioning and role-physical, with a higher incidence in women (89.4% vs. 82.7% in men). Patients with infections had a higher risk of deterioration in physical health (odds ratio [OR]: 2.23), while female sex was a protective factor in the physical health component (OR: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.99; p = 0.046).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant decline in post-ICU quality of life, particularly in the physical component.

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Published

2025-06-05

How to Cite

Martinez Arguello, M. A., Melendez Florez, H. J. ., Naranjo Junoy, F. F. ., & Zambrano Silva , L. P. (2025). Impact on the Quality of Life of Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Cohort Study in Colombia. Revista Médica De Risaralda, 31(1), 47–59. https://doi.org/10.22517/25395203.25709

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2025): Enero-junio 2025

Section

Original Article

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