Abstract
A Total of 4,492 subjects, aged 65 and over, were evaluated using the Japanese version of the EuroQol (5D and VAS). The ratio responding as having “moderate problems” or “extreme problems” increased with age, even among the elderly, thus confirming and extending the findings from the previous survey. The tree model analysis showed that the geographical area, gender and age did not impact on HRQOL and VAS scores. However, these scores could be estimated relatively well from the IADL items. The IADL item that was most prominent in explaining these scores, and in 4 of the 5D, was “shopping. ” For the remaining 5 D item of “self-care, ” the IADL item was “preparing meals. ” The HRQOL score and VA S score were moderately correlated. However, even for those responding as having “no problems” in all of the 5D, and having a HRQOL score of 1.000, relativel y few had a VAS score of 100, and their mean VAS score was 85.8. Thus, since differentiating with the 5D was difficult for those with minor health proble ms, the value of using both the 5D and VAS was indicated.
