Parkinson's Disease in Australia: Evaluation of Regional Differences and Health-Related Quality of Life

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. The prevalence of PD and barriers to accessing clinical care increase with distance from major cities. Understanding factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PD has important clinical and public health implications.

Method

In a national survey of Australian adults diagnosed with PD, we examined the influence of location on HRQoL and demographics, symptom course and diagnosis, treatment utilisation and preferences, and satisfaction with current services. Final data included 87 respondents from six states in Australia, with 55 identified as living in regional areas and 32 in major cities. Measures also included the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and self-reported Hoehn and Yahr scale for disease severity.

Results

Time to obtain a diagnosis was significantly longer for regional respondents than major city counterparts. There were also significant differences in prioritising 10 statements relating to PD. In an overall analysis examining the impact of all the above variables on HRQoL as determined by the PDQ-39, only the Hoehn and Yahr scores explained significant variance; there was no significant difference between regional and metropolitan respondents after accounting for the other variables.

Conclusion

Individuals living in regional areas experienced longer delays in obtaining a diagnosis of PD. Both groups highly rated better access to neurologists and the need for better diagnosis as priorities. Location, disease duration and satisfaction with services were not significantly associated with HRQoL.