Patient-Level Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life and Satisfaction with Body After Bariatric Surgery: a Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study

Dennis J. S. Makarawung, Claire E. E. de Vries, Emile B. List, Valerie M. Monpellier, Danny Mou, Anne F. Klassen, Andrea L. Pusic, Ruben N. van Veen, Aebele B. Mink van der Molen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) is a key outcome of success after bariatric surgery. Not all patients report improved HRQL scores postoperatively, which may be due to patient-level factors. It is unknown which factors influence HRQL after surgery. Our objective was to assess patient-level factors associated with HRQL after surgery. Methods: This international cross-sectional study included 730 patients who had bariatric surgery. Participants completed BODY-Q scales pertaining to HRQL and satisfaction with body, and demographic characteristics were obtained. The sample was divided into three groups based on time since surgery: 0 – 1 year, 1 – 3 years and more than 3 years. Uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to identify variables associated with the BODY-Q scales per group. Results: The 0 – 1 year postoperative group included 377 patients (50.9%), the 1 – 3 years postoperative group 218 (29.4%) and the more than 3 years postoperative group 135 patients (18.2%). Lower current body-mass index (BMI), more weight loss (%TWL), being employed, having no comorbidities, higher age and shorter time since surgery were significantly associated with improved HRQL outcomes postoperatively. None of these factors influenced all BODY-Q scales. The effect of current BMI increased with longer time since surgery. Conclusion: Factors including current BMI, %TWL, employment status, presence of comorbidities, age and time since surgery were associated with HRQL postoperatively. This information may be used to optimize patient-tailored care, improve patient education and underline the importance of long-term follow-up with special attention to weight regain to ensure lasting improvement in HRQL. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3079-3087
Number of pages9
JournalObesity Surgery
Volume32
Issue number9
Early online date2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2022

Keywords

  • (Post-) bariatric surgery
  • Health-related quality of life
  • Patient reported outcomes
  • Patient-level factors
  • Predictors

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