DOES EQ-HWB CAPTURE THE IMPACT OF CAREGIVING? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PERCEIVED COMPREHENSIVENESS AMONG CAREGIVERS AND NON-CAREGIVERS
Author(s)
Eliza Lai-Yi Wong, PhD1, Annie Wai-ling Cheung, MPhil1, Amy Yuen-Kwan Wong, MSc1, Zhihao Yang, PhD2, Eng-kiong Yeoh, MBBS1.
1JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, 2Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
1JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, 2Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
OBJECTIVES: The EuroQol Health and Wellbeing (EQ‑HWB) instrument is designed to capture Quality of Life (QoL) across health and social care contexts. However, its perceived comprehensiveness may vary depending on individuals’ lived experiences. Informal caregivers often face multidimensional burdens that may not be fully reflected in generic measures. This study aimed to compare perceptions of the EQ‑HWB between informal caregivers and non-caregivers, focusing on its comprehensiveness and the relevance of its underlying wellbeing constructs.
METHODS: A qualitative study involving individual interviews was conducted between August 2025 and May 2026 with 30participants (15 informal caregivers; 15 non-caregivers). Respondents evaluated the EQ‑HWB with regard to its ability to capture health-related QoL and broader wellbeing. Data were analysed thematically, guided by two constructs: (i) comprehensiveness (coverage of relevant domains) and (ii) relevance (need for additional domains).
RESULTS: Notable differences emerged between the two groups. Among informal caregivers, 11 of 15 (73%) caregivers considered the EQ‑HWB to broadly reflect their wellbeing; however, they highlighted a stronger emphasis on physical health rather than psychological, social and contextual dimensions. Caregivers identified several under-represented domains, including personal health behaviours (e.g., exercise, healthy diet), work satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, and financial or social support. In contrast, 11 of 15 (73%) non-caregivers viewed the instrument as comprehensive, with only four indicating the need for additional domains. These findings suggest a clear divergence in perceived adequacy, with caregivers more likely to identify gaps in coverage.
CONCLUSIONS: Caregiving status appears to play a significant role in shaping the perceptions of wellbeing, particularly in the ageing population context, with informal caregivers identifying unmet measurement needs beyond conventional health domains. These findings suggest that incorporating caregiving-relevant dimensions may enhance the instrument’s sensitivity and inclusivity. Refinement of the EQ‑HWB could improve its validity for diverse populations and strengthen its utility in health and social care research and decision-making.
METHODS: A qualitative study involving individual interviews was conducted between August 2025 and May 2026 with 30participants (15 informal caregivers; 15 non-caregivers). Respondents evaluated the EQ‑HWB with regard to its ability to capture health-related QoL and broader wellbeing. Data were analysed thematically, guided by two constructs: (i) comprehensiveness (coverage of relevant domains) and (ii) relevance (need for additional domains).
RESULTS: Notable differences emerged between the two groups. Among informal caregivers, 11 of 15 (73%) caregivers considered the EQ‑HWB to broadly reflect their wellbeing; however, they highlighted a stronger emphasis on physical health rather than psychological, social and contextual dimensions. Caregivers identified several under-represented domains, including personal health behaviours (e.g., exercise, healthy diet), work satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, and financial or social support. In contrast, 11 of 15 (73%) non-caregivers viewed the instrument as comprehensive, with only four indicating the need for additional domains. These findings suggest a clear divergence in perceived adequacy, with caregivers more likely to identify gaps in coverage.
CONCLUSIONS: Caregiving status appears to play a significant role in shaping the perceptions of wellbeing, particularly in the ageing population context, with informal caregivers identifying unmet measurement needs beyond conventional health domains. These findings suggest that incorporating caregiving-relevant dimensions may enhance the instrument’s sensitivity and inclusivity. Refinement of the EQ‑HWB could improve its validity for diverse populations and strengthen its utility in health and social care research and decision-making.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
MSR217
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Methodological & Statistical Research, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
PRO & Related Methods
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas