Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis at a Tertiary University Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) poses a significant global health challenge that affects patients’ physical function and symptom burden. Evidence on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with DVT remains scarce in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess DVT-specific quality of life and associated factors among patients with DVT. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia, in which 123 adults with confirmed DVT were recruited. Data were collected using the Amharic version of the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms (VEINES-QOL/Sym) questionnaire, supplemented with clinical and demographic data. VEINES-QOL/Sym scores were standardized to T-scores (mean = 50, SD = 10), with raw scores scaled 0-100 (higher values indicated better HRQoL). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HRQoL, with statistical significance set at P < .05. Among 123 patients (73.2% provoked, 93.5% unilateral DVT), VEINES-QOL ranged 33.4-59.6 and VEINES-Sym 26.7-58.7, both with a mean value of 50. Longer time since diagnosis was significantly associated with improved QoL (AOR = 1.922; 95% CI 1.155-3.199; P = .012), while proximal DVT (AOR = 0.240; P = .008), combined proximal/distal DVT (AOR = 0.136; P = .014), and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) (AOR = 0.108; P = .017) predicted poorer outcomes. In conclusion, VEINES-QOL/Sym scores indicated average QoL with modest improvement over time. Routine HRQoL assessment, PTS prevention, and improved monitoring, adherence, and patient education are recommended to strengthen DVT care in Ethiopia.