Abstract
Introduction
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that has been associated with considerable detriment to daily life including impaired quality of life, occupational and academic difficulties and adversely affected social and personal relationships. To date, there has been no systematic analysis of the literature regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Narcolepsy. This systematic review aimed to examine the impact of narcolepsy on HRQoL, measured through standardised HRQoL questionnaires such as the Short Form 36 (SF36).
Methods
Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Web of Science were searched for studies which investigated HRQoL in adults with narcolepsy. Studies were reviewed independently by two reviewers, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a modified version of the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies tool. The impact of study variables and characteristics on HRQoL was assessed using Spearman’s Correlation analyses with adjusted r2 values.
Results
A total of 30 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Additionally, meta-analyses were conducted for the SF36 and the EQ5D. The SF36 meta-analysis identified that the pooled mean scores for the Physical Component Summary (45.91) were less affected than the Mental Component Summary (42.98). The HRQoL of people with narcolepsy was compared to general population norms (US, UK, France and Norway) and to people with chronic diseases including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and epilepsy.
Conclusion
People with narcolepsy report significant impairments in HRQoL when compared to the general population and other chronic health conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and hypertension, especially concerning their mental wellbeing. Further research is warranted to identify the longitudinal effects of narcolepsy on HRQoL and to develop a narcolepsy-specific HRQoL tool.
Support (if any)
This review was completed as part of Mr Ragy Tadrous’ Master of Science (MSc) degree in Trinity College Dublin. This degree was co-sponsored by the Physiotherapy Department in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin.
The influence of physical activity, sedentary behavior on health-related quality of life among the general population of children and adolescents: A systematic review
