Objective

To determine the perception about quality of life related to health in the adult population of Colombia.

Methods

Population-based survey applied on a representative sample of the Colombian rural and urban population, aged 18 years or more. Quality of life related to health was measured using the generic EQ5D instrument and the analogue visual scale as part of the fourth National Mental Health Survey. Estimates were accompanied by 95 % confidence intervals and were adjusted by the sampling design.

Results

10 867 people aged 18 years or older completed the measurement. 69.7 % (CI95 %; 66.9-68.9) of the population reported being "completely healthy". Most of the population rated their health condition above 80 points. The presence of "moderate pain or discomfort", followed by being "moderately distressed or depressed" were the most frequent alterations. Young adults tend to perceive their health better than older adults. There is no difference in the perception of health between regions of the country.

Conclusions

Quality of life related to health in the Colombian population is greater than 80 points on a scale of 1 to 100. Alterations such as angst and depression and the perception of pain were the most frequently reported by Colombians. Poverty and a low level of education are determinants of the perception of Colombians regarding their quality of life related to health.