Speybroeck, NikoDevleesschauwer, BrechtMagérus, CatherineCatherineMagérus2025-05-142025-05-142025-05-142024https://hdl.handle.net/2078.2/37813Background: Pollen allergies have emerged as one of the most frequent chronic non-communicable conditions in Europe. In Belgium, the prevalence of pollen allergy is increasing over time, while evidence shows that pollen allergy can impact quality of life and mental health of the population. We aimed to determine the impact of pollen allergy on quality of life, psychological well-being, and work productivity in Belgium. Methods: We designed a cross-sectional observational study in which a web-based survey was administered to individuals from the general population of Belgium (between March and September 2023). We measured quality of life using three questionnaires, the EuroQoL 5-dimensional-5-level (EQ-5D-5L) instrument, psychological well-being using the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and work productivity using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment for allergy-specific symptoms (WPAI-AS) questionnaire. Results: A total of 4,692 respondents completed the questionnaire (females: n=2,173; 46.3%). The predominant and extremely bothersome pollen allergy symptom was itchy eyes (n=1,702; 36%). Self-reported health according to all five dimensions and EQ-VAS decreased with increasing age. Factors relating to a more disadvantaged social position were associated with worse EQ-VAS scores (EQ-VAS score for low-educated: 68.5; for middle-educated: 71.5; and for high-educated: 74.1). The overall mean total GHQ-12 score was 7.64 (standard deviation, SD=1.86). The mean activity impairment score was 3.65 (SD=2.76). Conclusions: This study provides a broad overview of the Belgian society in terms of the impact of pollen allergy on quality of life, psychological well-being, and work productivity. It may be valuable for future population health studies. More research is needed to examine how the EQ-5D scores and the specific dimensions affected, may change over time in Belgium.Pollen AllergyQuality of lifeWork productivityPopulation HealthBelgiumtext::thesis::master thesisthesis:45333