ABSTRACT
What is quality of life? The concept of quality of life is extremely complex, eluding a universally acceptable definition. While quality of life encompasses a broad spectrum of dimensions, including social and environmental issues, clinicians and health science researchers are particularly interested in those aspects of quality of life that are directly affected by alterations in health. This aspect of quality of life is referred to as healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL). Despite the lack of consensus on a definition of quality of life, authors agree upon the properties of the concept: that it is multidimensional, subjective, and variable with time (2, 3). Scientists evaluating HRQOL initially focused on morbidity and mortality; but as interest in the concept grew, they included the major dimensions of physical health, daily functioning, psychological and social functioning, and perceptions of satisfaction and a general sense of well being (3). Table 1 illustrates various issues addressed in HRQOL assessment.
