BackgroundImpaired mental and physical health are common complications after intensive care that could influence the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Earlier research has mainly focused on HRQoL in mixed surgical and medical ICU populations. This study aimed to describe and analyze factors associated with HROoL after discharge from a general surgical ICU. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in a general surgical ICU in Sweden between 2005 and 2012. Adult patients (18years) with an ICU length of stay 96hours were included. HRQoL was measured at 3, 6, and 12months after discharge from the ICU using a questionnaire (SF-36). A linear mixed model was used to analyze changes over time and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to compare the 12-months results to an age and gender matched reference population in Sweden. Linear regression analyses were performed to explore the impact on HRQoL from background variables. ResultsOf 447 patients eligible for the study, 276 patients (62%) answered SF-36 at least once at 3, 6 or 12months after ICU care and were included in the study. HRQoL improved over time but was still significantly lower at 12months compared to the reference population. Female gender, age <75years, living single, and ICU-stay of more than 14days were associated with lower HRQoL. ConclusionGeneral surgical ICU patients reports low HRQoL 1year after ICU stay. The impaired HRQoL could be a long-lasting problem with major consequences for the individual, family, and society.