Assessment of quality of life after traumatic brain injury in adults from Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova using EQ-5D-5L

Purpose Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs more frequently in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income settings, yet data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from these regions remain scarce. This study assessed HRQoL outcomes in adult TBI patients in Armenia, Georgia, and Moldova. Methods Between March and September 2019, TBI data were collected using a standardized hospital-based registry in one trauma hospital per country. Demographics, injury characteristics, and symptoms were recorded; HRQoL was assessed at discharge using EQ-5D-5L. Results 386 patients were included, most with mild TBI (GCS 13-15). Falls (51%) and road traffic incidents (29.8%) were the leading causes, with males predominantly affected. HRQoL scores varied across countries, with higher values in Moldova and Armenia compared to Georgia. A significant negative correlation (r = - .201, p < .001) was observed between GCS and HRQoL, indicating that mild TBI patients did not always report higher HRQoL compared to those with more severe injuries. In multivariable regression, age, country, and concomitant injuries independently predicted lower EQ-5D index scores, while sex, GCS, and length of stay were not significant. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for post-injury HRQoL assessment and standardized hospital-based TBI registries to guide rehabilitation efforts in LMICs.