Quality of Life among HIV Patients with NCDs Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Wakiso District, Uganda: Exploring Key Determinants

Systematic review and meta-analysis. The objective was to summarize the effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) on the quality of life in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). An online systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, PubMed CENTRAL, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, SciELO, CINAHL/SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. Randomized and non-randomized clinical studies investigating the effectiveness of IMT in quality of life were included in the present study. The results used the mean difference and 95% confidence interval for maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and the standardized mean differences for the quality of life and maximum ventilation volume. The search found 232 papers, and after the screening, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analytical procedures (n = 150 participants). No changes were demonstrated in the quality of life domains (general health, physical function, mental health, vitality, social function, emotional problem, and pain) after IMT. The IMT provided a considerable effect over the MIP but not on FEV1 and MEP. Conversely, it was not able to provide changes in any of the quality of life domains. None of the included studies evaluated the IMT effects on the expiratory muscle maximal expiratory pressure. Evidence from studies shows that inspiratory muscle training improves the MIP; however, this effect does not seem to translate to any change in the quality of life or respiratory function outcomes in individuals with SCI.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of laughter yoga on the quality of life and sleep quality in individuals with fecal ostomies. This was randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 55 individuals with an ostomy who received care at Ankara University's I˙bni Sina Hospital Stoma Therapy Unit in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected over a 2-month period (January and February 2020). Participants were allocated into an intervention group (n = 27) who received a yoga therapy intervention and a control group (n = 28) who received no intervention via simple randomization. Demographic and pertinent clinical variables were obtained during a baseline visit in both groups, along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Stoma-Quality of Life (Stoma-QOL) instruments. The intervention group received laughter yoga weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Mean scores on the PSQI and the Stoma-QOL at baseline were compared. Participants in the intervention had a significant decline in mean PSQI scores (6.85 vs 5.48, P = .044) indicating improvement in sleep quality following the intervention. Analysis revealed no significant difference in mean Stoma-QOL scores (P = .077). Control group participants had no significant difference in either mean PSQI or Stoma-QOL scores following data collection at the end of 8 weeks. Laughter yoga had a positive effect on the sleep quality in individuals with fecal ostomies. Further research is recommended to evaluate the effect of the number of laughter yoga sessions on the sleep quality and quality of life in individuals with ostomies.

The current cross-sectional correlational study aimed to determine the relationship of medication adherence with functionality and quality of life in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). The research was conducted with 141 individuals with BD followed as outpatients. Data were collected using an information form, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder Scale (QoL.BD), and Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (BDFQ). A significant positive correlation was found between participants' MMAS total score and QoL.BD (p < 0.001) and BDFQ (p < 0.05) scores. A significant positive correlation was also found between QoL.BD and BDFQ scores (p < 0.001). Medication compliance positively affects quality of life and social functionality in individuals with BD. Thus, interventions to increase medication adherence are recommended. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 63(3), 27-35.].

PurposeThe study reported here aimed to evaluate both biological and psychosocial factors as predictors for quality of life as well as to examine the associations between the factors and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsEighty individuals with schizophrenia were recruited to the study. The Thai version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF was utilized to measure the quality of life. The five Marder subscales of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were applied. Other tools for measurement included the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and six social support deficits (SSDs). Pearson/Spearman correlation coefficients and the independent t-test were used for the statistical analysis to determine the associations of variables and the overall quality of life and the four domain scores. A multiple linear regression analysis of the overall quality of life and four domain scores was applied to determine their predictors.ResultsThe Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized thought, and anxiety/depression showed a significant correlation with the overall quality of life and most of the four domain scores. Depression, SSDs, and adverse drug events showed a significant correlation with a poorer overall quality of life. The multiple linear regression model revealed that negative symptoms, depression, and seeing a relative less often than once per week were predictors for the overall quality of life (adjusted R2=0.472). Negative symptoms were also found to be the main factors predicting a decrease in the four domains of quality of life – physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment.ConclusionNegative symptoms, depression, and poor contact with relatives were the foremost predictors of poor quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. Positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized thought, anxiety/depression, SSDs, and adverse events were also found to be correlated with quality of life.

Objective: Little is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on quality of life and social participation in individuals with traumatic brain injury. We aimed to compare social participation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of individuals with TBI before and during the second wave of COVID-19 and explored the relationships between the perceived impacts of COVID-19, social participation, and HRQoL.Patients and methods: Eighteen individuals with traumatic brain injury with a mean (standard deviation) age of 47.7 (17.0) years at 48.2 (10.5) months post-injury were administered a questionnaire on overall disability and participation (Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4th edition; MPAI-4), HRQoL (Quality of Life after Brain Injury Questionnaire; QOLIBRI), and the Coronavirus Impacts Questionnaire before and during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic at an interval of 6.4 (SD = 8.2) months. Results: Compared with pre-pandemic levels, individuals with traumatic brain injury reported a statistically significant decrease in the QOLI-BRI total score and its emotional subscale (with medium to large effect sizes), but without statistically significant differences in MPAI-4 scores. Increased difficulties with access to resources during COVID-19 were associated with increased adjustment problems on the MPAI-4, and with daily life and autonomy difficulties, emotional issues, and lower physical functioning on the QOLIBRI. Conclusion: The relationships identified in this exploratory correlational study suggest that COVID-19 had a negative impact on quality of life in individuals with traumatic brain injury, but not specifically on their social participation. LAY ABSTRACTLittle is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the lives of individuals with traumatic brain injury. This study compared social participation and health-related quality of life in individuals with TBI before and during the second wave of COVID-19 and explored relationships between the perceived impacts of COVID-19, social participation, and health-related quality of life, but not specifically on social participation in individuals with traumatic brain injury. Also, increased difficulties with access to resources during COVID-19 were associated with increased adjustment problems, daily life and autonomy difficulties, emotional issues, and lower physical functioning.

The associations between quality of life and clinical symptoms in individuals with an at-risk mental state and first-episode psychosis

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) often results in impairments in balance, motor function, and quality of life. Interactive Neuromotor Training (INT) and Sensory Integration based Exercise Training (SIET) are promising rehabilitation approaches for improving these outcomes. However, there is limited evidence comparing the effectiveness of these interventions in individuals with TBI. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of INT and SIET on balance, motor function, and quality of life in individuals with TBI. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used with 28 participants (aged 18–55 years) diagnosed with mild to moderate TBI. Participants were randomly assigned to either the INT (n=14) or the SIET group (n=14). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMMA) for motor function, and the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) scale for quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in balance, motor function, and quality of life (p&lt;0.05). The INT group demonstrated greater improvements in all outcome measures compared to the SIET group. The INT group showed a larger increase in balance (BBS) and motor function (FMMA), and more pronounced improvements in overall quality of life (QOLIBRI) scores. Conclusion: INT is more effective than SIET in improving balance, motor function, and quality of life in individuals with TBI. Both interventions, however, provide significant therapeutic benefits, suggesting that they can be used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for TBI patients.

Sexual quality of life involves the impact of sexual dysfunction on general quality of life. Postconcussion symptoms are frequent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) but their relationship with sexual quality of life remains unexplored. The current study aimed to: (a) compare sexual quality of life in a sample of individuals with TBI and healthy controls; and (b) explore the relationship between sexual quality of life and postconcussion symptoms in individuals with TBI. Forty-one individuals with TBI and 41 healthy controls, comparable in age, gender, years of education, work and relationship status, and annual income. Sexual quality of life was assessed with the self-report Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire, and postconcussion symptoms with the Post-concussion Symptom Scale. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with TBI showed significantly lower sexual quality of life. In individuals with TBI, diminished sexual quality of life was significantly associated with self-reported postconcussion symptoms; the affective factor of the Post-concussion Symptom Scale provided the most unique contribution to sexual quality of life. Affective postconcussion symptoms could partially explain the impact of TBI on sexual quality of life. Ongoing screening and treatment of postconcussion symptoms, in particular affective symptoms, may lead to a secondary remediation/prevention of sexual difficulties in individuals with TBI.

IntroductionStigma not only influences the willingness to disclose mental health conditions and self-esteem but may also diminish the overall quality of life in individuals with mental illnesses. However, limited research has examined the potential mechanisms underlying this complex relationship.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the mediating roles of disclosure and self-esteem in the association between mental illness stigma and quality of life.MethodsWe utilized the meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach and conducted a comprehensive literature search across various electronic databases to identify relevant publications up to July 2023. MASEM was employed to derive bivariate correlation matrices for stigma, disclosure, self-esteem, and quality of life. Additionally, two simple mediation models and one serial mediation model were tested to examine the relationships between these variables.ResultsThe analysis included 181 articles reporting 195 independent samples (N = 33,162) and 278 effect sizes. The single mediator model indicated that self-esteem (β = −0.155, 95% CI [−0.276, −0.070], p < .001), rather than disclosure (β = −0.019, 95% CI [−0.094, 0.031], p > .05), served as a mediator. In the multiple mediator model, disclosure and self-esteem were found to have serial mediating roles between stigma and quality of life (β = −0.016, 95% CI [−0.0546, −0.0003], p < .05).ConclusionsThis study makes a significant contribution to understanding how stigma attitudes impact the quality of life in individuals with mental health problems, providing a strong empirical foundation for the development of mental health interventions. Future research directions and practical implications are also explored.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Subjective quality of life is a clinically relevant outcome that is strongly associated with the severity of clinical symptoms in individuals with ultra-high risk for psychosis and patients with recent-onset psychotic disorder. Our objective was to examine whether longitudinal changes in clinical symptoms are associated with quality of life in ultra-high risk individuals and patients with recent-onset psychotic disorder. Individuals with ultra-high risk and patients with recent-onset psychosis disorder were recruited in the same clinical settings at baseline and were followed up with more than 6 months and less than 5 years later. We assessed five factors of clinical symptoms using the positive and negative syndrome scale, and quality of life using the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire-short form. We used multiple regression to examine the relationships between clinical symptoms and quality of life while controlling for diagnosis, follow-up period, age, and sex. Data were collected from 22 individuals with ultra-high risk and 27 patients with recent-onset psychosis disorder. The multiple regression analysis results indicated that the more severe anxiety/depression was at baseline, the poorer the quality of life at follow-up. Further, improvement of anxiety/depression and disorganized thoughts were associated with improvement in quality of life. The difference in diagnosis did not affect the association between clinical symptoms and quality of life. These findings suggest that the improvement of anxiety/depression and disorganized thoughts is important in the early stages of psychosis before it becomes severe, affecting the quality of life.

Introduction: The latest research on quality of life in Parkinson's patients has emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to the care of these individuals. In addition to motor symptoms, non-motor aspects such as sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, cognitive changes and communication difficulties play a crucial role in the general health and well-being of these patients. Objective: Analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the quality of life and health profile in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This study constitutes a systematic review, classified as exploratory and descriptive. The preparation of the research was a bibliographical search in electronic databases on methods associated with RSL (Systematic Literature Review) and the applications of SMARTER (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique using Exploiting Rankings). The study methodology is a systematic, exploratory and descriptive review, using qualitative and quantitative methods. The bibliographic search covered several databases, with well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was conducted by three independent researchers. Results and discussion: The results revealed 1659 articles, 18 of which were included in the review. The discussion of the findings of the current article can be enriched by a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature that explores various facets of quality of life (QoL) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Several studies have investigated different dimensions, providing insights into the factors that influence QoL in PD patients. Conclusion: The findings gathered emphasize the importance of a comprehensive and personalized approach in the treatment of PD, considering not only motor symptoms, but also psychosocial and nutritional aspects and the external context. This integrated approach can serve as a basis for developing more effective strategies to improve QoL in individuals with PD and provide more comprehensive and adaptable support throughout the course of the disease.

This research assessed the relationship between hearing aid usage and quality of life in individuals with hearing impairment, exploring associated demographic and clinical factors. Data from 500 individuals at a tertiary care facility were collected over a year through medical records and an online questionnaire. Quality of life was gauged using WHOQOL-BREF and HHIE. Multiple linear regression analysed the correlation between hearing aid usage and quality of life, adjusting for age, gender, hearing loss severity, and socioeconomic factors. Descriptive statistics showed varying degrees of hearing impairment, socioeconomic status, hearing aid usage, and quality-of-life scores. Bivariate analyses found significant correlations between hearing impairment level, socioeconomic status, hearing aid usage, and quality of life. Linear regression highlighted a positive relationship between daily hearing aid usage duration and quality-of-life scores, even after adjusting for covariates. Variations in quality-of-life ratings were observed between hearing aid users and non-users, spanning different hearing loss levels and socioeconomic statuses. Subgroup analysis showed a positive correlation between hearing aid use and quality of life across age groups. The study confirms the positive influence of hearing aids on the quality of life in hearing-impaired individuals, emphasizing the benefits of consistent use. Further studies should probe the specific domains and long-term adherence impacts. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04297-w.

Background: Aging can result in hearing loss, and cochlear implants (CIs) provide an effective means for auditory rehabilitation. We evaluated the impact of age on CI outcomes. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of aging on auditory performance and quality of life in individuals who underwent unilateral cochlear implantation. Research Design: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Study Sample: Participants included individuals with postlingual, profound sensorineural hearing loss who had undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Two groups were formed: those aged 40&amp;#8211;59&amp;#8201;years (Group 1) and those aged &amp;#x2265;60&amp;#8201;years (Group 2). There were 31 participants in Group 1 and 33 participants in Group 2, totaling 64 participants (30 women [46.88 percent] and 34 men [53.13 percent]). Intervention: Quality of life was measured using the Turkish version of The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and depression levels were assessed using Beck&amp;#8217;s Depression Inventory. To assess auditory performance, free-field audiometry included pure-tone threshold at 0.5&amp;#8211;4 kHz, speech recognition threshold, speech discrimination, and spectral&amp;#8211;temporally modulated ripple test measurements. Data Collection and Analysis: The Shapiro&amp;#8211;Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the numerical variables. The Mann&amp;#8211;Whitney U test was used to compare WHOQOL-BREF scores and auditory performance between groups, and the chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Relationships between numerical variables were assessed using Spearman&amp;#8217;s correlation coefficient. Results: The older group exhibited significantly poorer auditory performance and quality of life scores across multiple dimensions (p &amp;#x003C; 0.05). However, no significant differences in depression levels were observed between the groups (p &amp;#61; 0.198). Conclusions: Age considerably influences auditory performance and quality of life in CI users. These findings underscore the importance of tailored rehabilitation approaches for this population. Clinical Relevance Statement: The results of this study show that aging negatively affects the auditory performance and quality of life of CI users. Moreover, CI alone is insufficient to fully improve quality of life in older individuals, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to address aging-related neurological and sensory changes.

Objectives: Several studies indicate that limb amputations have a negative influence in the quality of life of those individuals who underwent amputation surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate the quality of life in Mexican individuals with limb amputations compared with a control group, to identify demographic and clinical differences related to the etiology of the amputation, and to determine if they are associated with the quality of life observed in these patients. Methods: All participants were recruited from the Hospital “Dr Gustavo A. Rovirosa Pérez”. The quality of life of all participants was evaluated using SF-36. Results: Individuals with amputations of vascular or trauma etiology, showed a diminished health-related quality of life when compared with the control group (p < .001). We observed that individuals with amputations due to trauma were younger, mostly single, with more upper limb amputations and with a shorter period since amputation at the current assessment in comparison to individuals with amputations. Conclusions: Although limb amputation represents a surgical procedure necessary to preserve the life of a person, our results support that it negatively impacts the health-related quality of life of these individuals. Regardless of the etiology of the amputation, rehabilitation programs are primarily focused on reintegrating individuals to their everyday life. However, these programs may have poor results when patients have a poor quality of life. Therefore, quality of life assessment and early inclusion in programs that aim to improve the quality of life of individuals with amputations should be always taken into consideration.

Purpose: Visually-impaired individuals encounter difficulties in balance control and quality of life, and experience more instability, compared to healthy people. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vestibular exercises training program on postural control, risk of falling, and quality of life in individuals with visual impairment. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest and a control group design. In total, 24 men with visual impairment were randomly divided into the control and experimental groups. The experimental group performed a 4-week vestibular exercise program for 3 weekly sessions of 50 minutes. The Biodex Balance System, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were respectively used to evaluate the postural control, risk of falling, and quality of life of the study samples, before and after the exercise intervention. Univariate analysis and Paired Samples t-test were used to determine the differences between the two groups. Results: The present study results suggested that vestibular exercises improved balance and quality of life, and decrease the risk of falling in visually-impaired people; there was a significant difference between pretest and posttest values in the experimental group. However, no significant difference was observed in the control group in the mentioned variables. The Univariate analysis results revealed that the experimental group obtained higher scores on balance, risk of falling, and quality of life, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Vestibular exercises significantly improved postural control and quality of life, and decreased the risk of falling in the studied samples. It is recommended that these exercises be included in the rehabilitation programs for visually-impaired individuals.