Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life and Food Insecurity in the General Population in Lebanon During the Third Worst Socioeconomic Crisis in History
Author(s)
Samer Kharroubi1, Fatima Al Sayah, PhD2.
1Professor in Statistics and Health Economics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
1Professor in Statistics and Health Economics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
OBJECTIVES: The socio-economic situation in Lebanon has been dramatically deteriorating over the last three years affecting health related quality of life (HRQoL), food insecurity, and psychological distress. This study aimed to (i) measure health-related quality of life of the general population in Lebanon using the EQ-5D-5L; (ii) estimate the prevalence and severity of food insecurity among Lebanese residents using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES); and (iii) assess psychological distress levels in the population using the Beirut Distress Scale (BDS) and determine severity thresholds. Secondary objectives included (i) identifying key predictors of HRQoL and psychological distress, such as demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors; and (ii) examining the relationship between food insecurity and HRQoL and assessing whether certain population subgroups (e.g., by gender, age) experience higher levels of food insecurity and poorer HRQoL outcomes.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted among Lebanese residents from July to September 2024. Participants were recruited through social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). The survey collected data on HRQoL, psychological distress, and food insecurity, and included the EQ-5D-5L, BDS-22, FIES, and socio-demographic questions.
RESULTS: A total of 519 individuals completed the survey. Findings revealed moderate HRQoL among the population, with significant associations between HRQoL, food insecurity, and psychological distress. Age (B = -0.421; p < 0.001), perceived adequacy of income (B = -4.596; p < 0.001), and the physical impact of the socio-economic crisis (B = 4.536; p = 0.008) were significant predictors of EQ-VAS scores. Similarly, education level, perceived income adequacy, and physical impact of the crisis (p < 0.005) significantly predicted food insecurity levels.
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights critical dimensions of population health affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. The results provide evidence to inform health interventions and policy responses, particularly for NGOs and organizations supporting vulnerable communities.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted among Lebanese residents from July to September 2024. Participants were recruited through social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). The survey collected data on HRQoL, psychological distress, and food insecurity, and included the EQ-5D-5L, BDS-22, FIES, and socio-demographic questions.
RESULTS: A total of 519 individuals completed the survey. Findings revealed moderate HRQoL among the population, with significant associations between HRQoL, food insecurity, and psychological distress. Age (B = -0.421; p < 0.001), perceived adequacy of income (B = -4.596; p < 0.001), and the physical impact of the socio-economic crisis (B = 4.536; p = 0.008) were significant predictors of EQ-VAS scores. Similarly, education level, perceived income adequacy, and physical impact of the crisis (p < 0.005) significantly predicted food insecurity levels.
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights critical dimensions of population health affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. The results provide evidence to inform health interventions and policy responses, particularly for NGOs and organizations supporting vulnerable communities.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
MSR144
Topic
Methodological & Statistical Research
Topic Subcategory
Survey Methods
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas