Quality of Life and Financial Burden in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Greece: Insights into Health System Performance in the Post-Pandemic Context

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems, disproportionately affecting individuals with rare diseases. This study explores the health-related quality of life and financial burden in the post-pandemic context among children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and their families in Greece, providing insights into health system performance. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in two neuromuscular clinics in Greece. Fifty families (response rate 67%) completed standardized quality of life instruments (PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale; PedsQL™ 3.0 DMD Module) and a socioeconomic questionnaire. Descriptive and correlation analyses assessed associations between functional status, financial strain, and psychosocial indicators. Results: Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy reported moderate-to-severe reductions in physical and emotional well-being, and substantial out-of-pocket expenditures. Families with greater financial strain or wheelchair-dependent children had significantly lower health-related quality of life scores. Insurance coverage was positively associated with emotional and psychosocial functioning. Conclusions: Greek families living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy continue to face significant financial and psychosocial challenges in the post-pandemic period. While the cross-sectional design does not allow causal attribute to COVID-19 pandemic, the results underscore the need to strengthen financial protection, coordinated multidisciplinary care, and equitable access to support services for rare disease management.