A study on the Prevalence and Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Women diagnosed with Hypertension

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women bear considerable physical and psychological stress because of their special conditions, which combined with other stress factors such as violence, makes their situation even more critical. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence and its relationship with quality of life in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed with the participation of 250 pregnant women in the obstetrics clinic of 29-Bahman Hospital, Tabriz city. Using a three-part questionnaire consisting of the socio-demographic and obstetrics information, the domestic violence questionnaire developed by WHO, and the SF-12 quality of life questionnaire, the required information was collected. A general linear model was then used to determine the relationship between domestic violence and quality of life, while adjusting the socio-demographic and obstetrics information.ResultsAccording to the data, more than one-third of pregnant women (35.2 %) had experienced domestic violence. The most common type of violence experienced was emotional violence (32.8 %), followed by sexual violence (12.4 %), and physical violence (4.8 %). The mean score of the physical health department of quality of life in the group of women exposed to violence (50.21) was lower compared to the unexposed group (53.45), though there was no significant difference between them (P = 0.25). However, the mean score of the mental health department of quality of life in women exposed to violence (46.27) was significantly lower compared to unexposed women (61.17) (P < 0.001). Based on the general linear model, the mean score for quality of life in the mental health dimension was significantly higher among unexposed women compared to those exposed to violence (β = 9.3, 95 %CI: 3.5 to 15.0, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of domestic violence and its relationship with a low quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the findings signify the importance of screening pregnant women in terms of domestic violence in respective centers as well as the necessity of conducting proper interventions to address domestic violence to improve the quality of life in women.

Purpose This study aims to determine the effects of menstrual headaches on quality of life in young women. It also determines the frequency and examines variables associated with menstrual headaches. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to April 2022 among 984 young women aged 18–28. The SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire was used for assessment, and data were analysed using IBM SPSS 20.0. Sociodemographic factors, menstrual characteristics, and lifestyle habits were included as variables. Results Menstrual headaches were reported by 35.6% (n = 318) of participants. These headaches were significantly associated with disrupted family structures, shorter menstrual cycles, dysmenorrhoea, smoking, cola-containing drink consumption, medication-dependent chronic diseases, and early menarche. Women with menstrual headaches had lower median scores across all SF-36 subscales compared to those without. This study also found that delayed-onset menstrual headaches are more common than early-onset menstrual headaches in women. Conclusion Menstrual headaches adversely affect health-related quality of life in women. The prevalence and severity of these risk factors can be reduced by modifying lifestyles and implementing targeted interventions. A healthcare provider plays a critical role in helping women learn self-management strategies to alleviate menstrual headaches’ adverse effects.

To conduct a secondary analysis to study the effects, those 4months of aquatic resistance training have on self-assessed symptoms and quality of life in post-menopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA), after the intervention and after a 12-month follow-up period. A total of 87 post-menopausal volunteer women, aged 60-68years, with mild knee OA were recruited in a randomized, controlled, 4-month aquatic training trial (RCT) and randomly assigned to an intervention (n=43) and a control (n=44) group. The intervention group participated in 48 supervised aquatic resistance training sessions over 4months while the control group maintained their usual level of physical activity. Additionally, 77 participants completed the 12-month post-intervention follow-up period. Self-assessed symptoms were estimated using the OA-specific Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) using the generic Short-form Health Survey (SF-36). After 4months of aquatic resistance training, there was a significant decrease in the stiffness dimension of WOMAC -8.5mm (95% CI=-14.9 to -2.0, P=.006) in the training group compared to the controls. After the cessation of the training, this benefit was no longer observed during the 12-month follow-up. No between-group differences were observed in any of the SF-36 dimensions. The results of this study show that participation in an intensive aquatic resistance training program did not have any short- or long-term impact on pain and physical function or quality of life in women with mild knee OA. However, a small short-term decrease in knee stiffness was observed.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis has become a global trend, which seriously affects women's quality of life. However, the differences remain unclear in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among postmenopausal women with normal bone mineral density, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures. The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life in women with three different bone states. Databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were based on the search terms, and the search time was set from the inception of each database to January 2022. A study was included if the researchers used a validated quality of life questionnaire to investigate the quality of life of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures. The random-effect model was used for meta-analysis, and the mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated. Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, involving 2897 postmenopausal women, and 12 of them were included in the meta-analysis. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had worse overall HRQoL and different HRQoL dimensions compared with postmenopausal women with normal bone density. Compared with postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures had worse overall HRQoL and individual dimensions of HRQoL, especially physical component summary (SMD = -0.61, 95% CI, -0.98 to-0.24). Bone mineral density was positively associated with HRQoL, while fragility fracture severity was negatively associated with HRQoL. Postmenopausal osteoporosis and fragility fractures reduce HRQoL to varying degrees in women. More research should be done to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Levator ani muscle (LAM) injury is common after first vaginal delivery, and a higher incidence is associated with instrumental delivery. This study was conducted to compare the incidence of LAM injury after forceps or ventouse extraction in primiparous Chinese women, and to study their subsequent health-related quality of life. This prospective observational study was conducted between 1 September 2011 and 31 May 2012 in a tertiary obstetric unit. All eligible primiparous women who had undergone instrumental delivery were recruited 1 to 3 days following delivery. The subjects completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory questionnaire and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and translabial ultrasound was performed 8 weeks' postpartum to determine whether the subjects had suffered LAM injury. Among the 289 women who completed the study, 247 (85.5%) had ventouse extraction and 42 (14.5%) had forceps delivery. Subsequent translabial ultrasound identified a total of 58 women with LAM injury. The prevalence of LAM injury after ventouse extraction and forceps delivery was 16.6% (95% CI, 12.0-21.2%) (41/247) and 40.5% (95% CI, 25.6-55.4%) (17/42), respectively (P = 0.001). Forceps delivery was identified as a risk factor for LAM injury, with an odds ratio of 3.54. No statistically significant differences were observed between the quality of life in women who underwent ventouse extraction and those with forceps delivery or between the quality of life in women with a unilateral or bilateral LAM injury. In our cohort of primiparous Chinese women, 20.1% (58/289) had LAM injury after instrumental delivery, and forceps delivery was identified as the only risk factor.

Exercise-based rehabilitation improves skeletal muscle capacity, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in both women and men with chronic heart failure

Context:Various studies have shown that quality of life in women after menopause undergoes radical changes. Several factors such as psycho-social factors are associated with the quality of life during menopausal period.Aims:The present study surveyed the factors associated with quality of life of postmenopausal women in Isfahan, based on Behavioral Analysis Phase of PRECEDE model.Settings and Design:This cross-sectional study was conducted through stratified random sampling among 200 healthy postmenopausal women in Isfahan in 2011.Subjects and Methods:Data were collected by two valid and reliable questionnaires (one to assess the quality of life and the other to survey the factors associated with the Behavioral Analysis Phase of PRECEDE model). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18) and analytical and descriptive statistics.Results:Pearson correlation indicated a positive and significant correlation between the quality of life and attitude toward menopause, perceived self-efficacy, and enabling and reinforcing factors, but there was no significant relationship between the quality of life and knowledge about menopause. Also, the quality of life in postmenopausal women had significant correlation with their age, education level, marital status, and employment status.Conclusion:Based on the present study, attitude, perceived self-efficacy, perceived social support, and enabling factors are associated with the quality of life in postmenopausal women. So, attention to these issues is essential for better health planning of women.

Background & aim: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) is among the most common problems in pregnant women. As explained in guidelines, combination of non-drug treatments, including nutritional modifications, lifestyle changes, and use of alternative medicine for the treatment of NVP has been less highlighted. The present study was performed with the aim of determining the effect of an educational intervention (based on the Ottawa nutritional guideline) on health-related quality of life in pregnant women with NVP. Methods: This single-blind clinical trial was performed on 60 pregnant women, referred to Daneshamouz and Ahmadi health centers in Mashhad, Iran in 2015. The intervention group received two 60-min training sessions based on the Ottawa nutritional guideline, while the control group received routine care. The data collection tools included the subject selection form, demographic and midwifery information form, health-related quality of life for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVPQOL) questionnaire, and the Ottawa guideline checklist. For data analysis, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney test, independent t-test, paired t-test, and ANOVA were performed, using SPSS version 16. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The demographic characteristics of the subjects such as education, occupational status, age, gestational age, and body mass index were homogenous in the two groups. The mean NVPQOL score was significantly different between the intervention and control groups after the study (p <0.001). Also, the difference between the pre- and post-intervention scores was significant in the intervention group (p <0.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, training based on the Ottawa nutritional guideline could improve health-related quality of life in women with NVP; therefore, this type of training is recommended as an effective method.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life, meaning of life, body image and mental health in two groups of postmenopausal and non-menopausal women with emphasis on their education. Methods: The statistical population included all postmenopausal and non-menopausal women. The statistical sample included 50 people, of whom 25 were postmenopausal and 25 were non-menopausal, who were selected through women's gatherings from among women who wanted to participate in the study. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Women's Quality of Life Questionnaire, the 12-item Stieger and fraser meaning of life questionnaire, the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire, and demographic characteristics were used. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and two-factor analysis of variance. Findings: indicate a significant difference between quality of life in postmenopausal and non-postmenopausal women with a diploma level, which means that the quality of life in non-postmenopausal women with a diploma is better than the quality of life in postmenopausal women with the same level of education. But the quality of life in women was not different from the level of primary and university education in these two groups (postmenopausal and non-menopausal women), so the higher the level of education of women, the better their quality of life. In this study, physical image, meaning of life and mental health were the same between postmenopausal and non-menopausal women and there was no significant difference, but the higher the level of education of both groups of women, the more desirable physical image and higher mental health.

Women are prone to neurological complications after cardiac surgery. We have previously reported that treatment perioperatively with the neuroprotectant steroid 17beta-estradiol did not improve neurocognitive end-points 4 to 6 wk after surgery for elderly women. In this study, we evaluated the influence of early postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction on quality of life in postmenopausal women undergoing cardiac surgery and whether it is impacted by perioperative 17beta-estradiol treatment. One hundred seventy-four postmenopausal women randomly received 17beta-estradiol or placebo in a double-blind manner beginning the day before surgery and continued until the fifth postoperative day. The patients underwent psychometric testing using a standard battery before surgery and again 4 to 6 wk and 6 mo postoperatively. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and 6 mo after surgery with the SF-36 questionnaire and the Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale. Complete data were available from 108 women of whom 13% demonstrated postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction. Based on multiple logistic regression analysis, a neurocognitive deficit 4 to 6 wk after surgery was an independent predictor of a lower SF-36 physical component score (P = 0.004) and lower Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale 6 mo postoperatively (P = 0.026). Treatment with 17beta-estradiol (P = 0.003) and smoking status (P = 0.015) were predictors of worse SF-36 mental health component rating. Preoperative lower scores were independently associated with low quality of life postoperatively for all measurements. Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction is associated with impaired quality of life in women after cardiac surgery. Perioperative treatment with 17beta-estradiol provides no benefits to postoperative quality of life. The relationship between low preoperative and postoperative self-rated health status suggests that some aspects of quality of life in postmenopausal women are not amenable to improvements with cardiac surgery.

Pregnant women often suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD symptoms are known to influence the quality of life; however, there is a lack of data in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of GERD symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during pregnancy. A prospective longitudinal cohort study to investigate the impact of GERD symptoms on the HRQOL was carried out in 510 pregnant women and 330 nonpregnant women as controls. Two validated questionnaires, the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire, were used. The study showed a significant negative impact on HRQOL in pregnant women with GERD symptoms. All five areas, emotional distress, sleep disturbance, vitality, food/drink problems, and physical/social functioning, were significantly reduced, but the most significant impact was on sleep (Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire score -35%). Overall, quality of life in women with GERD worsened throughout pregnancy. GERD is frequently seen in pregnant women and has a negative impact on HRQOL, especially in late pregnancy. Therefore, there is a need for adequate therapy of GERD in pregnant women and HRQOL could be an adequate monitoring tool in this population.

Cel badań: Celem pracy było zbadanie poczucia jakości życia kobiet w okresie wczesnej i średniej dorosłości, które zajmują stanowiska kierownicze oraz wykonawcze. Metody badań: Przebadano sto kobiet Kwestionariuszem Poczucia Jakości Życia Straś-Romanowskiej i in. (2005). Wyselekcjonowane spośród nich zostały kobiety zajmujące stanowiska kierownicze i stanowiska tzw. wykonawcze. Kolejną zmienną zastosowaną w analizach był wiek osób badanych. Podzielono osoby badane na grupę kobiet poniżej 35 roku życia (wczesna dorosłość) oraz powyżej 35 roku życia (średnia dorosłość). Wyniki badań: Analiza uzyskanych danych pokazała, że kobiety zajmujące stanowiska kierownicze odczuwają wyższy poziom jakości życia niż kobiety zajmujące stanowiska wykonawcze, bez względu na wiek. Istotne statystycznie różnice występują w zakresie poziomu jakości życia, tzn. wyższy poziom jakości życia stwierdzono w grupie kobiet młodszych zajmujących wysokie stanowiska. Istnieje istotna różnica pomiędzy deklarowanym poczuciem jakości życia u kobiet we wczesnej dorosłości i średniej dorosłości, które zajmują stanowiska wykonawcze. Drogą analizy porównawczej stwierdzono wyższy poziom jakości życia u kobiet starszych zajmujących niższe stanowiska. Wnioski: Wyższy poziom poczucia jakości życia u kobiet zajmujących stanowiska kierownicze może wynikać z lepszej sytuacji materialnej, zatem i z większych możliwości samorozwoju. Wyższy wynik u kobiet młodszych na stanowiskach kierowniczych najprawdopodobniej wiąże się z tym, iż nie muszą one poświęcać się karierze zawodowej, np. kosztem rodziny. Często nie mają jeszcze dzieci, więc całą uwagę mogą kierować na rozwój i aktywność zawodową oraz osiąganie sukcesu w tym zakresie. Natomiast wyższe poczucie jakości życia u kobiet w średniej dorosłości zajmujących stanowiska wykonawcze prawdopodobnie wiążą się z faktem, iż mogą poświęcić swój czas na potrzeby rodziny, wychowanie dzieci i opiekę nad nimi.

Impact of different contraceptive methods on quality of life in rural women of the Jiangsu province in China

Patients' report on how endometriosis affects health, work, and daily life

Study question What factors influence fertility-associated quality of life (QOL) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and does testosterone improve QOL in this population? Summary answer Several factors are associated with QOL in women with DOR. Transdermal testosterone treatment for ∼9 weeks did not improve fertility-related QOL in women with DOR. What is known already Reduced QOL is common in women with infertility, including women with DOR. Previous studies have linked low serum androgen levels to reduced QOL, and lower testosterone levels are associated with poorer ovarian response, suggesting DOR may be a state of relative androgen-deficiency. Interventional studies of testosterone in various populations of women with low androgen levels report variable results; some show improvements in QOL, whilst others find no benefit. To date, there are no studies evaluating the effect of testosterone treatment on QOL in infertile women with DOR. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether testosterone treatment impacts QOL in this population. Study design, size, duration Pre-planned secondary analysis of a RCT of transdermal testosterone in women with DOR. Of the 288 participants in the main RCT who were randomised between April 2015 and August 2022, 264 (91.7%) completed the FertiQoL survey at the first visit, whilst 214 (74.3%) completed it both before and after testosterone treatment. Participants included in this analysis were recruited from eight tertiary fertility clinics in Spain, Belgium and Denmark. Participants/materials, setting, methods Eligible participants were women aged 18-43 with DOR according to the Bologna criteria who were planning to undergo IVF. Participants were randomised to ∼9 weeks of 5.5mg of transdermal testosterone daily or placebo prior to commencing ovarian stimulation. Participants completed the psychometrically validated FertiQoL survey prior to commencing the study drug and at the conclusion of the study drug but prior to commencing ovarian stimulation. Testosterone levels were measured at study entry and after treatment. Main results and the role of chance At baseline, prior to commencing the study medication, several factors were associated with QOL scores in the multiple linear regression analysis. There was a positive association between QOL scores and age (β = 0.66; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.16), previous birth (β = 7.38; 95% CI 1.94 to 12.82) and country (β = 4.81; 95% CI 1.21 to 8.42), and a negative association between QOL and previous IVF treatment (β=-8.45; 95% CI -13.54 to -3.36). Regarding the effects of testosterone treatment, the two study groups were similar at baseline. Following ∼9 weeks of treatment with testosterone or placebo, and after adjustment for previous birth, number of IVF cycles, age, BMI and the relevant baseline score, testosterone treatment was not associated with improvements in total FertiQoL scores (marginal means 73.0 (95% CI 70.6 to 75.4) vs 73.2 (95% CI 70.7 to 75.6)). There was also no significant treatment effect observed on Core or Treatment FertiQoL scores, nor any of the FertiQoL subscale scores. Limitations, reasons for caution The well-defined inclusion criteria enhance the internal validity, however limit extrapolation to other populations. The duration of treatment was 9 weeks, which may be too brief to observe differences. The testosterone dose achieved serum levels at the upper end of the reference range, whilst some studies have targeted supraphysiological levels. Wider implications of the findings This study identifies predisposing and protective factors for poor QOL in women with DOR, which could help to identify at-risk patient and offer targeted interventions. The inter-country differences in QOL merit further research. In this study, 9 weeks of transdermal testosterone treatment did not improve QOL in women with DOR. Trial registration number Yes