Preto, OlindaAmaral, OdeteDuarte, JoãoChaves, CláudiaCoutinho, EmíliaNelas, Paula2016-12-202016-12-202016Preto O, Amaral O, Duarte J, Chaves C, Coutinho E, Nelas P. Quality of life and chronic disease in patients receiving primary health care. The European Proceedings of Social & Behavioural Sciences EpSBS. 2016;13:217-226. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.15405/epsbs(2357-1330).2016.7.22357-1330http://hdl.handle.net/10400.19/3544Problem Statement: Chronic disease entails physical, psychological and social issues with a decrease in the quality of life. The assessment of QoL has been applied as indicator in patients with chronic diseases. Research Questions: What is the quality of life in patients with chronic disease? What are the socio-demographic variables that influence the quality of life in patients? Purpose: To assess the quality of life in patients suffering from chronic disease and identify socio-demographic variables which influence the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic disease. Research Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study using a sample composed of 228 users (134 females) from a Family Health Unit in the municipality of Viseu. Data collection was made by means of a questionnaire, consisting of sociodemographic variables, the SF-12 scale and the existence of chronic disease was assessed through the questions – “Do you currently suffer from any chronic disease?”; “If so, which one(s)?”. Findings: The most common chronic diseases were hypertension (59.9%). Female patients with a chronic disease reported worse physical functioning, role-physical and role-emotional; increased bodily pain and better quality of life regarding general health. Male patients showed worse role-physical, increased bodily pain and vitality. Sociodemographic variables which were associated with quality of life were area of residence, academic qualifications and work situation. Conclusion: Chronic disease affects quality of life negatively. Quality of life in both patients groups was associated with socio-demographic variables. Health-related quality of life is an essential issue and should be considered as a priority in health policies.engQuality of lifeChronic diseasePrimary health carejournal articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.15405/epsbs(2357-1330).2016.7.2