Better Quality Of Life Research Articles

Quality of Life of Healthcare College Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and its influencing factors among healthcare college students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare students at King Saud University. A modified version of the Arabic World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, including 25 questions, was used to assess students' QOL. Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive and regression statistics were used. A total of 547 healthcare students completed the questionnaire during the data collection period. Of all the students, 39.7% were from applied medical college, 62.5% were females, 98.9% were single, and 91.8% were non-smokers. Regarding academic status, 58.3%did not participate in any extracurricular activity, 42.6% had an academic advisor, and 80.4%had a grade point average (GPA) higher than 4.1. The average QOL score across all domains was moderately good (60.30 ± 16.0), whereas the physical domain showed the poorest score (46.89 ± 14.8) while the environmental domain had the greatest score (68.04 ± 20.6). The environmental domain was the only domain that showed significant differences between healthcare colleges (p <0.001). Moreover, students who were male (p = 0.009), non-smokers (p = 0.023), reported living with family/friends (p =0.031), and from families with high monthly income (p < 0.001) had significantly higher environmental QOL scores than their counterparts. The study found that healthcare students had moderately good mean QOL scores. The environmental domain was the only QOL domain that showed significant differences between healthcare colleges with the greatest scoreamong medical college students. Gender, smoking status, residence status, and family monthly income were found to have a strong association with students' environmental QOL scores. Institutions need to focus on the regular measurement of students' QOL, which facilitates implementing strategies that can promote their overall QOL and subsequently positively impact their performance academically and practically.

Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Case Series: Clotting and Gender-Affirming Care.

Background A transfeminine patient is a 79-year-old with past medical history significant for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, gender dysphoria, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemia, total left hip replacement, and recent provoked deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). She was seen by a pharmacist in a primary care clinic after her discharge from a skilled nursing facility. The patient was experiencing symptoms of gender dysphoria after discontinuation of her estradiol in setting of her DVT. Assessment Her renal function was calculated to ensure she was on appropriate dosing of her medications. Because her DVT was provoked, providers determined she would require only 3 months of anticoagulation. Her laboratory test results showed a subtherapeutic estradiol level and her estradiol was restarted. Additionally, aspirin was being prescribed for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and was discontinued. Outcome She has significant improvement in her gender dysphoria symptoms with resuming her estradiol and now has a therapeutic estradiol level. She is tolerating her direct oral coagulant well and reports good quality of life. Conclusion When reviewing medications for patients it is important to take several factors into account, including dose, appropriate indication, and patient preference. Pharmacists play a key role, through collaboration with providers, in assessing these medication-specific factors. Estradiol was stopped in this patient because of her DVT, but given her DVT was provoked after a recent surgery, it was unlikely that estradiol was the cause of her clot. Weighing the risks and benefits for any patient is important when determining what medications are appropriate to continue. Additionally, calculating renal function appropriately in a gender-non-conforming patients ensures appropriate and safe dosing.

Tratamiento de la obesidad

Obesity is a disease that increases mortality due to its association with multiple comorbidities. Its management must include a comprehensive intervention on the patient's lifestyle, providing advice on how to follow a healthy diet and physical exercise, as well as working on behavior modification that allows for maintaining these changes in the long term. Clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy of anti-obesity drugs have demonstrated weight loss of 5% to 22.5% when used together with lifestyle modification. Bariatric surgery is considered to be the most effective long-term medical treatment for reducing the complications and morbidity and mortality associated with morbid obesity. Gastric bypass has several advantages over other techniques. For this reason, it is one of the most widely used techniques in bariatric surgery. It leads to good quality of life and yields excellent results in weight loss and improvement of comorbidity.

Telaah Kualitas Hidup Pasien Penyakit Kronik di Kalimantan Barat

Background: The long duration of chronic disease affecting the patient’s quality of life. Every disease including chronic disease has a different duration and prognosis. The instrument that being used in measuring the quality of life can be very important factor. Quality of life assessment has a benefit by evaluate the treatment of patients with chronic disease, moreover the good quality of life will also increase the patient's life expectancy. The purpose of this article are to describe and identify instruments that being used to measure quality of life patients with chronic disease in West Kalimantan.Methods: This study conduct to review the original research articles with the keywords "quality of life", "chronic disease", and "West Kalimantan". Twenty three research articles were obtained in Google Scholar and met the inclusion criteria. The generic instruments such as WHOQOL-BREF and EQ5D are the most widely used to measure the patient’s quality of life.Result: The distribution of chronic diseases that have been assessed were hypertension, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, COPD, pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, myocardial infarction, stroke, CHD, osteoarthritis, HIV / AIDS, and psoriasis. The disease with the most impact on quality of life is hypertension (6 of 23 articles). There were 53.07% patients has a good quality of life; 15.97% patients has a moderate quality of life; and 30.96% patients has a bad quality of life.Conclusion : Most of the hypertensive patients has a good quality of life compared to other disease groups. Health interventions were needed to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic diseases.

Quality of Life and Motor Function in Children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus: Impact on Family Functioning in Indian Rural Population

Background &amp; Purpose: Spina Bifida means “open spine”, and refers to a common congenital birth defects involving a failure of the neural tube to close or to remain closed during early embryogenesis. A significant complication for infants born with myelomeningocele is the onset of hydrocephalus. In rural Indian populations, where socioeconomic constraints and healthcare accessibility are significant challenges, the correlation between motor function and QoL becomes a critical area of investigation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore quality of life and motor function in children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus… its impact on family functioning in Indian rural population. Methodology : 20 Subjects with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, age 6 –10 years, both male and female with mean age of 47.30 months were assessed for their demographic profile according to selection criteria. They were assessed for quality of Life by using PedsQL Infant scoring Scale, Family functioning by using PEDSQLFIS, Motor function by using Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), socioeconomic status using Modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale. The data was collected and computed in a systematic way and then analysed by using SPSS 20. Results : Correlational analysis was done. Statistically significant correlation was found in duration of operation and GMFM, PedsQL Infant scoring Scale and GMFM. Conclusion : This study shows that children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in rural India benefit from better quality of life when they have improved motor skills. However, the impact of family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and the length of surgery on their quality of life was less clear. Overall, while good motor function is strongly linked to a better quality of life, other factors also play a role.

O CONHECIMENTO DE ESCOLARES DA REDE PÚBLICA A RESPEITO DE ALIMENTAÇÃO SAUDÁVEL: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Adequate nutrition is crucial for child development, impacting physical and emotional health. This article reports the experience of medical students who carried out a project in early childhood education, focused on healthy eating. Initially, many children had no knowledge or insight into the necessary and appropriate components of an appropriate diet. After guidance and educational games in this regard, there was a significant improvement in the understanding of what makes up a nutritious diet. The action demonstrated the importance of teaching strategies in promoting dietary health in the school environment, contributing to healthy habits and a better quality of life for children.

INJURY OF THE DISTAL URETER SECONDARY TO NORMAL VAGINAL DELIVERY: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Spontaneous ureteric rupture after a normal vaginal delivery is a rare occurrence, with about five cases reported in literature. We reviewed the literature with the aim to evaluate the causes of such an injury, presenting signs and symptoms, diagnosis, management strategies, outcome and follow up. Recognition and timely repair are critical to prevent long term complications and ensure good quality of life for the women suffering such a trauma. Clinicians must consider spontaneous ureteral rupture in the differential diagnosis for postpartum abdominal pain and flank pain when common causes have been ruled out. Diagnosis can be made with contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography scan and cystoscopy. In majority of cases, ureteral stenting or endoscopic repair are reasonable options for management.

Combinatorial Nutraceutical Supplement Pill (CNSP) stimulates naïve adult telomerase positive stem cells In-Situ to reverse signs and symptoms in multiple human health concerns

Previous IRB-approved studies demonstrated that a rare population of endogenous adult telomerase positive stem cells (aTPSCs), isolated and activated ex vivo, displayed a 100% safety record for reinfusion and an 86% efficacy at reversing signs and symptoms in 97 individuals in 18 disease states. Recent studies demonstrated that these rare aTPSCs could also be activated in vivo by ingestion of a combinatorial nutraceutical supplement pill (CNSP). With IRB permission, CNSP was originally developed for an individual too fragile to undergo the fresh isolate aTPSC technologies. Without any other medical intervention, ingestion of CNSP for 12 months raised his ejection fraction from &lt;10% to about 50%. Based on the results from his study (n=1) [100% safe and 100% efficacious], we received IRB permission to expand the number of clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of using CNSP for other health concerns. Herein, are the preliminary results from 40 people in 28 health concerns utilizing CNSP only and CNSP with other treatment modalities, to affect a better quality of life. Participants were assessed in phase-0, open access, open ended clinical trials, for 1-4+ years. Participants in all 28 clinical trials demonstrated 100% safety and 100% efficacy at reversing signs and symptoms in their respective health concerns, giving them an apparent better quality of life.

The impact of hybrid closed loop systems on glycemic control in elderly patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a review

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that has become increasingly common in people aged 65 and over (2). It is well known that elderly people with diabetes face significant challenges in therapeutic management, such as cognitive impairment and polypharmacy, and disease management is made more complex in these patients by the variability of the conditions and comorbidities presented (5). In this context, this review aims to assess how the development of the hybrid closed-loop system can contribute to optimizing the treatment of the elderly with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1). To this end, this narrative review was carried out using studies in the Pubmed database and considering the latest recommendations published in Diabetes Care. Thus, a reduction in the frequency of hypoglycemia and better glycemic stability were observed with these new insulin infusion systems (7) (19), which allows us to conclude that the growing prevalence of DM1 among the elderly requires an adapted approach and the use of advanced technologies to ensure effective glycemic control and a better quality of life.

Burst steroid therapy for acute heart failure: The CORTAHF randomized, open-label, pilot trial.

Burst steroid therapy, effective in acute respiratory diseases, may benefit patients with acute heart failure (AHF) in whom inflammatory activation is associated with adverse outcomes. CORTAHF assessed whether burst steroid therapy reduces inflammation and results in better quality of life and clinical outcomes in AHF. Patients with AHF, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide >1500 pg/ml, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) >20 mg/L were randomized 1:1 to oral, once daily 40 mg prednisone for 7 days or usual care, without blinding. Patients were followed for 90 days. A total of 101 patients were randomized. At day 7 the primary endpoint, hsCRP decreased in both arms-adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were 0.30 and 0.40 in the prednisone and usual care arms (ratio of GMRs 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-1.00, p = 0.0498). The 90-day risk of worsening heart failure (HF), HF readmission or death as reported by the unblinded investigators was significantly lower in the prednisone group (10.4%) than in usual care (30.8%) (hazard ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.86, p = 0.016). The EQ-5D visual analogue scale score as reported by the unblinded patients increased more in the prednisone group on day 7 (least squares mean difference 2.57, 95% CI 0.12-5.01 points, p = 0.040). All effects were statistically significant in the pre-specified subgroup with centrally-measured interleukin-6 >13 pg/ml. Adverse events, particularly hyperglycaemia, occurred more in the prednisone group with no difference in infection rate. In this small open-label study of patients with AHF, burst steroid therapy was associated with reduced inflammation as measured by hsCRP levels at day 7 (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints showed improved quality of life at day 7 and reduced 90-day risk of death or worsening HF. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate these findings.

Short Term Outcome of Writer’s Cramp in Children - A Case Series

Background: Focal task-specific dystonia of the hand is unusual in childhood. Childhood dystonia can result in lifelong disability and thus represents a significant diagnostic and rehabilitation challenge. A detailed clinical evaluation and comprehensive work-up to rule out treatable causes of focal dystonia are mandatory for establishing a therapeutic strategy. We reported 4 cases of writer. s cramp with earliest age of onset. Our aim was to focus on early detection, proper evaluation and management of writer’s cramp to ensure better quality of life of an affected child. J Com Med Col Teachers Asso Jan 2024; 28(1): 33-36

Development Strategies for Urban Parks in Chongqing’s Main District: A New Paradigm for Urban Green Spaces

With the advent of the new concept of an “urban park” and the new paradigm of urban development, Chongqing Municipality has actively embraced this vision, integrating it with the city’s unique geographical and demographic conditions. The city has prioritized urban park construction as a key project for public welfare, aiming to address issues such as uneven geographical distribution, limited functionality, and mismatched supply and demand. This initiative seeks to optimize urban parks as vital public resources while protecting the ecological environment. Adhering to principles of functional priority, safety and comfort, shared development, and distinctive features, Chongqing has incorporated parks and other green open spaces into its basic urban planning. This approach aims to create beautiful, comfortable and age-friendly shared urban spaces. This study, grounded in the urban park development concept and the characteristics of a mountainous, multi-center city, constructs a model to measure urban park satisfaction in Chongqing’s main urban area. The model considers supply-demand matching and resident satisfaction. It aims to systematically review relevant policies, plans, and cutting-edge theories, analyze the urban park development in Chongqing, understand residents’ needs, and address issues related to supply-demand matching, multifunctionality, and quality construction. The findings provide insights into the development and conservation of urban parks in Chongqing and beyond, aiming to continually meet the public’s growing desire for a better quality of life and support high-quality development.

Effects of Spinal Decompression and Segmental Spinal Instrumentation on Lower Limb Functionality in Patients with Spinal Osteoarthritis.

Spinal osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of the spine, significantly impairs quality of life, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Treatment primarily aims to improve functionality and quality of life. This study investigated the effects of lower back surgery (e.g., spinal decompression with vertebra stabilization) on upper-limb maximum strength, lower limb functionality, and quality of life in osteoarthritis patients. A total of 16 patients (♀ = 10 and ♂ = 6) patients from the orthopedic clinic who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis based on MRI and clinical symptoms underwent the surgery. Their handgrip strength, lower limb functionality (6 min walk test), and quality of life (Flanagan quality of life scale) were assessed before and after the surgery. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess differences in these metrics pre- and post-surgery across the entire patient cohort, as well as within gender-specific subgroups. A large positive effect was seen in the 6 min walk (p = 0.02, d = -0.83) test but not in the handgrip test or quality of life. However, female patients showed a trend towards better quality of life. The results of this study provide evidence for the effectiveness of surgery in the treatment of spinal osteoarthritis and underscore the need for personalized treatment approaches in the treatment of spinal osteoarthritis.

Precision medicine and schizophrenia: Pitfalls, promises, and policy implications

Schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness impacting thoughts, emotions, and behavior, currently lacks personalized treatment plans. This paper explores how precision medicine, leveraging advancements in pharmacogenetics, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience, can revolutionize diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients with this disorder. While promising, there are challenges and policy implications that emerge from a precision medicine approach, including legal issues related to data privacy and equitable access to treatment plans. This framework offers a realistic path forward for personalized care in schizophrenia, potentially leading to improved management of symptoms and better quality of life for patients.

Social Identity Mapping and Psychotic Disorders: Understanding the Relationships Between Social Identity Features, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life

Having more social connections is related to better quality of life in people with psychosis. However, little is known about the nature of these social connections or whether the personal significance of social connections matters for quality of life. We aimed to fill this gap by surveying 200 people with psychosis using social identity mapping (SIM), which allows people to name their groups, roles, and relationships and how they feel about these. SIM names were categorized into 10 groups, with “activities” (39%) and “family” (14%) being most common; “patient” (3%), “politics” (2%), and “local residence” (1%) were least common. Hierarchical regression revealed that the only variable associated with better quality of life was having a greater number of highly important connections. This was mediated by self-esteem. Clinicians and researchers should examine the potential of social identification, the internalization of social connections, as a means of improving quality of life.

The relationship between good governance, social support, and perceived discrimination with mental health through the mediation role of quality of life: a cross-sectional path analysis in Iran

BackgroundRecognizing the established link between social determinants of health, such as social support, good governance, and perceived discrimination, and individual mental health, this study aims to delve deeper into the specific relationships within the Iranian adult population. It seeks to elucidate the potential mediating role of quality of life in the association between mental health disorders (MHDs) and these social factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study employed path analysis to investigate the relationships between social determinants of health and MHDs among 725 Iranian adults in Tabriz, Northwest Iran. Data collection occurred between March and September 2022, utilizing a multi-stage and cluster sampling approach. Good governance, social support, perceived discrimination, MHDs, and quality of life were assessed using valid questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-24 and Lisrel-8 software, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsThis study found that nearly 70.0% of the participants reported experiencing mental health problems. The path analysis showed that good governance had a significant indirect and negative effect on MHDs via quality of life (β = -0.05; P < 0.05). Major racial discrimination had a positive relationship in the direct and indirect paths (β = 0.24; P < 0.01). While, social support was a directly and indirectly significant predictor of decreased MHDs (β = -0.17, p < 0.01). Furthermore, quality of life had a negative relationship on the indirect path with MHDs (β = -0.24, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThis study reveals a significant burden of mental health issues among Iranian adults. It highlights the crucial role of social factors like good governance, social support, and perceived discrimination in shaping mental health through their impact on quality of life. Consequently, addressing these factors through improved governance, strengthened social support systems, and active efforts to reduce discrimination is essential for promoting mental well-being.

LAMINECTOMIA DORSAL E HEMILAMINECTOMIA TORÁCICAS PARA TRATAMENTO DE EXTRUSÃO DE DISCO INTERVERTEBRAL EM CANINO

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common disc disease in dogs. The diagnosis is based on anamnesis, patient history, neurological examination and imaging tests and the association of these data influences the choice between conservative or surgical treatment. The objective of this report is to present a case of chronic intervertebral disc extrusion, located between thoracic vertebrae, emphasizing the clinical-surgical approach, diagnosis and established therapy. An eight-year-old female Maltese canine was referred for surgical treatment after two years of conservative treatment for IVDD. For better identification of the affected intervertebral spaces, a computed tomography scan was requested and, based on the imaging results, the procedure of hemilaminectomy in vertebrae T8-T9-T10 and dorsal laminectomy in vertebrae T12-T13 was indicated. It is concluded that the association of both surgical techniques achieved multiple decompression of the affected thoracic intervertebral spaces, ensuring better quality of life for the patient.

What links digital skills to life satisfaction later in life? The roles of digital benefits and living arrangements

ABSTRACT This study investigates the moderated mediation effect of living arrangements on the association between digital skills and life satisfaction through self-reported digital benefits. Using the 2020 Digital Information Gap Survey, our sample comprised 1,760 older Koreans aged 55 and over. We found a moderated mediation effect of living arrangements. The indirect effect of digital skills on life satisfaction via self-reported digital benefits was conditioned by living arrangements, demonstrating that the indirect effect was stronger for people living alone. How digital technology can be leveraged to promote a better quality of life for older adults should be further discussed.

Can better elderly care lead to a better quality of life? Evidence from China’s government purchasing of elderly care services policy

ABSTRACT We employed a difference-in-differences (DID) model to examine the impact of government purchasing policy for elderly care services on the quality of life of functionally limited middle-aged and elderly individuals. Our analysis reveals a significant enhancement in life satisfaction among this demographic, primarily attributed to improved care needs met and increased companionship from their children. We also observed a more pronounced impact among individuals without spouses and those residing in rural areas. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to strengthen elderly care provision and promote the well-being of middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Correlation between Functionality and Quality of Life in Patients after Cardiac Surgery

&lt;b&gt;Abstract&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt; This study aims to investigate the relationship between early physical exercise and patients' functional ability and quality of life after cardiac surgery. A total of 100 patients, ages 18 to 65, 52 men and 48 women, took part in the early physical activity program following cardiac surgery from the first to the seventh postoperative day. The six-minute walk test (6MWT), short form-international physical activity questionnaire (SF-IPAQ), and short form-36 (SF-36) quality of life were used as outcome measures. Each test and questionnaire completed on the seventh day following cardiac surgery. According to statistical analysis, there was a statistically significant correlation (P&amp;lt;0.001) between the SF-IPAQ score and the 6MWT and SF-36. According to our findings, patients who had heart surgery reported higher levels of physical activity and better quality of life as well as increased functional ability.