Physical Function Difficulties Research Articles

Multifaceted Support Interventions for Siblings of Children With Cancer

When a child is given a diagnosis of cancer, the impact reverberates through the family unit. Siblings, in particular, experience an accumulation of distress. Siblings of children with cancer can experience both short- and long-term difficulties in psychosocial and physical functioning, and professional bodies have called for interventions targeted at their needs. The aim of this study was to describe outcomes, core components, and general characteristics of effective interventions intended to support sibling well-being and psychosocial health in pediatric oncology. MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched in September 2019 and July 2020. Studies were included if they focused on interventions for siblings or family in pediatric cancer, had quantitative data to describe the effect or impact of the intervention, and were published in English. Included studies underwent quality appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis. Twenty articles fit inclusion criteria. Most interventions focused on 6- to 18-year-old siblings within a group setting. Most were theory based. Group format with multiple sessions was the most common approach. The most frequently assessed outcomes were depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Understanding outcomes, core components, and characteristics of effective interventions is important to translate sibling-support interventions into standard practice. Such considerations are important in delivering equitable family-centered care to siblings of children with cancer. As institutions create mechanisms to support siblings, it may be important to target high-risk siblings initially, partner with community resources, attend to underrecognized populations of siblings, and more fully incorporate family into sibling support.

Physical Functioning After Admission to the PICU: A Scoping Review.

To conduct a scoping review to 1) describe findings and determinants of physical functioning in children during and/or after PICU stay, 2) identify which domains of physical functioning are measured, 3) and synthesize the clinical and research knowledge gaps. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Library databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Two investigators independently screened and included studies against predetermined criteria. One investigator extracted data with review by a second investigator. A narrative analyses approach was used. A total of 2,610 articles were identified, leaving 68 studies for inclusion. Post-PICU/hospital discharge scores show that PICU survivors report difficulties in physical functioning during and years after PICU stay. Although sustained improvements in the long-term have been reported, most of the reported levels were lower compared with the reference and baseline values. Decreased physical functioning was associated with longer hospital stay and presence of comorbidities. A diversity of instruments was used in which mobility and self-care were mostly addressed. The results show that children perceive moderate to severe difficulties in physical functioning during and years after PICU stay. Longitudinal assessments during and after PICU stay should be incorporated, especially for children with a higher risk for poor functional outcomes. There is need for consensus on the most suitable methods to assess physical functioning in children admitted to the PICU.

Impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain on quality of life in advanced cancer patients: CAVIDIOPAL study

PurposeThe main aim of the study was to assess the impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) on quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer in clinical practice.MethodsA prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in patients with advanced cancer that were assisted by palliative care units. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline (V0) and after 28 days (V28) of individualized BTcP therapy. Data on background pain, BTcP, comorbidities, and frailty were also recorded.ResultsNinety-three patients completed the study. Intensity, duration, and number of BTcP episodes were reduced (p < 0.001) at V28 with individualized therapy. Transmucosal fentanyl was used in 93.8% of patients, mainly by sublingual route. Fentanyl titration was initiated at low doses (78.3% of patients received doses of 67 μg, 100 μg, or 133 μg) according to physician evaluation. At V28, mean perception of global health status had increased from 31.1 to 53.1 (p < 0.001). All scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 significantly improved (p < 0.001) except physical functioning, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Pain scale improved from 73.6 ± 22.6 to 35.7 ± 22.3 (p < 0.001). Moreover, 85.9% of patients reported pain improvement. Probability of no ≥ 25% improvement in QoL was significantly higher in patients ≥ 65 years old (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.001–1.079) and patients hospitalized at baseline (OR 4.126; 95% CI 1.227–13.873).ConclusionIndividualized BTcP therapy improved QoL of patients with advanced cancer. Transmucosal fentanyl at low doses was the most used drug.Trial registrationThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT02840500) on July 19, 2016.

Does working beyond the statutory retirement age have an impact on health and functional capacity? The Finnish Retirement and Aging cohort study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the development of self-rated health, psychological distress and physical functioning between those retired on time and those who continued working beyond the individual retirement age.MethodsThe...

Nutritional status related to poor health outcomes in older people: Which is better, obese or lean?

Good nutritional status is crucial for maintaining growth and health in all stages of life. However, the relationship between nutritional status and health and the effect on various health-related outcomes differ, depending on the life stage. Many adverse outcomes in older adults, directly linked to different nutritional status, are not present in middle-aged adults, and their ideal nutritional status may differ. This article will review the optimal nutritional status, mainly evaluated by anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, for older adults from various perspectives. Overall, in older adults low body mass index is at higher risk of health problems such as mortality and difficulties in physical functioning compared with middle-aged adults, reducing the risk of health problems for overweight and (abdominal) obesity. Overweight may be more beneficial than lower level of normal weight in older-old and vulnerable older people. While, with or without obesity, skeletal muscle loss or weakness as well as unintentional weight loss induces health problems in older adults. The impact of metabolic syndrome on the prognosis of older adults is clearly reduced compared with middle-aged adults, requiring a shift in medical attention in older adults from metabolic syndrome to frailty. There are still many unclear points regarding the optimal nutritional status of older people, and further research is needed to support healthy longevity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 5-13.

Exploring the underlying mechanism of pain-related disability in hypermobile adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

A significant proportion of adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) experience difficulties in physical functioning, mood and social functioning, contributing to diminished quality of life. Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a risk factor for developing CMP with a striking 35-48% of patients with CMP reporting GJH. In case GJH occurs with one or more musculoskeletal manifestations such as chronic pain, trauma, disturbed proprioception and joint instability, it is referred to as generalized hypermobility spectrum disorder (G-HSD). Similar characteristics have been reported in children and adolescents with the hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). In the management of CMP, a biopsychosocial approach is recommended as several studies have confirmed the impact of psychosocial factors in the development and maintenance of CMP. The fear-avoidance model (FAM) is a cognitive-behavioural framework that describes the role of pain-related fear as a determinant of CMP-related disability. Pubmed was used to identify existing relevant literature focussing on chronic musculoskeletal pain, generalized joint hypermobility, pain-related fear and disability. Relevant articles were cross-referenced to identify articles possibly missed during the primary screening. In this paper the current state of scientific evidence is presented for each individual component of the FAM in hypermobile adolescents with and without CMP. Based on this overview, the FAM is proposed explaining a possible underlying mechanism in the relations between GJH, pain-related fear and disability. It is assumed that GJH seems to make you more vulnerable for injury and experiencing more frequent musculoskeletal pain. But in addition, a vulnerability for heightened pain-related fear is proposed as an underlying mechanism explaining the relationship between GJH and disability. Further scientific confirmation of this applied FAM is warranted to further unravel the underlying mechanism.In explaining disability in individuals with G-HSD/hEDS, it is important to focus on both the physical components related to joint hypermobility, in tandem with the psychological components such as pain-related fear, catastrophizing thoughts and generalized anxiety.

Dynapenic Obesity: Strength, Body Composition, And Physical Function In Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) report more limitations performing activities requiring strength compared to women without a cancer history. Combined with obesity, BCS with dynapenia (poor muscle strength) may have greater risk of physical function (PF) difficulties; however, the prevalence and impact of dynapenic obesity (DO) in BCS remains unknown. PURPOSE: This study aimed to: 1) prospectively determine the prevalence of DO; 2) evaluate associations among DO, clinical factors, and resistance training (RT); and 3) determine if DO predicts PF in BCS from diagnosis to 2-year follow-up. METHODS: DO was operationalized as waist circumference (WC) ≥88 cm and poor grip strength, measured via dynamometry and categorized using ACSM normative values. RT participation was determined via interview and categorized as meeting/not meeting RT guidelines for cancer survivors. PF was self-reported as level of difficulty with tasks including standing in place, walking 2 blocks, and lifting objects. Assessments were conducted at diagnosis and repeated at 1- and 2-years post-surgery during scheduled oncology visits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. RESULTS: BCS (N=396, Mage=57.1±11.6 years, MBMI=29.2±6.2 kg/m2) had a mean WC of 96.2±17.6 cm and combined grip strength of 50.0±11.5 kg. The prevalence of DO was 18.3% at diagnosis, 28.2% at 1-year, and 34.5% at 2-year follow-up. DO was not associated with clinical factors (e.g., diagnosis stage, receipt of chemotherapy) at diagnosis. A weak, positive association between DO and age was observed at baseline (p=.009). Meeting RT guidelines at diagnosis was inversely associated with DO at baseline (p=.008) and 1-year (p=.05). Controlling for age and RT participation, DO at diagnosis significantly predicted PF difficulty at 1-year (β=.26, p=.007) and significantly predicted PF difficulty at 2-year follow-up (β=.15, p=.09). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of BCS had high central adiposity and poor muscle strength from diagnosis to 1- and 2-year follow-up. DO significantly predicted PF difficulty after surgery, indicating the importance of strength and body composition prior to treatment. RT may be protective against DO; therefore, greater efforts to increase RT engagement in BCS are critically needed.

Comparison of difficulty with activities of daily living in elderly adults undergoing hemodialysis and community-dwelling individuals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundElderly adults undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have multiple comorbidities, physical frailty, and functional dependence with activities of daily living (ADL). ADL difficulty is an early predictor of ADL dependency in community-dwelling elderly adults. However, the characteristics of ADL difficulty in patients undergoing HD have not yet been reported. The present study aimed to examine the current status and characteristics of physical function and ADL difficulty in ambulatory elderly patients undergoing HD.MethodsIn all, 136 elderly outpatients undergoing HD and 40 community-dwelling controls participated in the present study. The characteristics, physical function (SARC-F score, grip strength, five-times sit-to-stand test time, usual gait speed, maximum gait speed, and short physical performance battery score), and scores from the ADL difficulty questionnaires [difficulty related to upper limb (U/L) and lower limb (L/L) functions] were compared between the HD and control groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine whether the characteristics of physical function were able to discriminate ADL difficulty in the HD group.ResultsThe HD group had a significantly greater SARC-F score, lower grip strength, longer five-times sit-to-stand test time, slower usual gait speed, slower maximum gait speed, lower short physical performance battery score, and lower U/L and L/L ADL difficulty scores compared to the control group (all P < 0.001). The distribution of U/L and L/L ADL difficulty scores showed a wider variation in the HD group than in the control group. The U/L ADL difficulty score was independently associated with the SARC-F score (β = −0.52, P < 0.001) and grip strength (β = 0.21, P = 0.02). The L/L ADL difficulty score was independently associated with the SARC-F score (β = −0.56, P < 0.001) and usual gait speed (β = 0.35, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe elderly HD group had a poorer physical function and experienced stronger ADL difficulty than the control group. There was an association between ADL difficulty and sarcopenia or poor physical function among patients undergoing HD. These findings provide useful data for effective clinical management to prevent decline of ADL in ambulatory elderly patients undergoing HD.

"Lower abdominal pains, as if I was being squeezed…in a clamp": A Qualitative Analysis of Symptoms, Patient-Perceived Side Effects and Impacts of Ovarian Cancer.

BackgroundUnderstanding the patient’s perception of their disease is vital for guiding care decisions. The current study aimed to identify the most predominant experiences in women diagnosed with, and treated for, ovarian cancer in terms of disease-related symptoms, treatment-attributed side effects and their impacts.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews about disease-related symptoms, treatment-attributed side effects and their impacts were conducted with women who were being treated for ovarian cancer in Europe (n = 55) or in the USA (n = 9). The women were also asked to rate the bothersomeness of the symptoms, side effects and impacts that they mentioned during the interview. Symptoms, side effects and impacts were identified from coded interview transcripts using an iterative coding framework.ResultsBloating, abdominal pain, tiredness and frequent urination were the most frequently expressed symptoms, and were reported by 72%, 67%, 64% and 55% of women, respectively, which together constituted approximately 30% of all symptom expressions. The most bothersome symptoms were reported as bloating, abdominal pain, pain in the side, tiredness and fatigue. The most frequently expressed side effects were hair loss, neuropathy, tiredness and nausea, which were reported by 84%, 63%, 61% and 61% of women, respectively. The most bothersome reported side effects were constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, pain in general, fatigue, weakness, reduced sleep quality and hair loss. Feelings of anxiety, concerns about the future, physical functioning, work limitations and the adoption of coping strategies were the most frequently expressed impacts and were reported by 72–80% of women. Impacts reported as the most difficult to deal with were concerns about the future, emotional difficulties in general, physical functioning, sexual functioning, negative self-image, fatigue, sleep difficulties, financial burden and work limitations.ConclusionsIn our qualitative study, the most common and most bothersome experiences reported by women treated for ovarian cancer were symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain and tiredness; side effects of hair loss, nausea and tiredness/fatigue; and impacts relating to concerns about the future, physical functioning and work limitations. We suggest that clinicians measure these experiences consistently and take them into consideration when making treatment decisions.

Optimizing Post-Intensive Care Unit Rehabilitation.

Survivors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission face unique challenges after hospital discharge. In addition to an increased overall mortality and rates of hospital readmission, patients often experience difficulties in physical functioning, cognition, and mental health, which are collectively termed post-intensive care syndrome. To this date, there are no established strategies to address these deleterious outcomes. A number of studies have examined various unique methods to prevent and treat PICS symptoms, including early physical and occupational therapy, providing post-discharge education, or facilitating routine follow up in post-ICU clinics. These trials have yet to demonstrate any substantial or meaningful effect in post-ICU patients and collectively reinforce the need for further research to identify effective intervention for patients who survive critical illness.

Health-related quality of life of parotid carcinoma patients—a comparative study with parotid adenoma patients and assessment of the influence of demographic, treatment, and pathological factors

The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients treated for parotid carcinoma (PC) and parotid adenoma (PA). The impact of demographic, treatment, and pathological factors was analyzed within the PC group. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires were completed by 45 PC patients and 46 PA patients. A number of HRQoL domains were significantly worse in the PC group than in the PA group: global health status, pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, mouth opening, swallowing problems, dry mouth, sticky saliva, problems with senses and speech, social eating, and cognitive functioning (P<0.05). In the PC group, significantly worse scores were found for age >55years, radical parotidectomy, neck dissection, radiotherapy, recurrence of the disease, pT3/T4 stage, pN+ status, and high-grade tumour (P<0.05). Worse results were related to global health status, social contact, mouth opening, weight and appetite loss, physical, role, emotional, and social functioning, fatigue, speech problems, social eating, and financial difficulties. The study results demonstrate worse HRQoL in PC patients in comparison to PA patients. Older age, radical parotidectomy, neck dissection, radiotherapy, T3/T4 stage, pN+, high-grade tumours, and recurrence had a significant influence on HRQoL in PC patients.

Correlates of Mental Illness and Health Categories among Older Adults in China: An Empirical Study Based on the Two Continua Model

ABSTRACTObjective: Keyes’ two continua model is a useful concept in which mental health and mental illness exist on two separate axes. Based on this model, this study examined the prevalence and correlates of three mental health categories among older adults in China.Methods: Cross-sectional data were derived from Wave 1 of the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health. Participants were categorized into complete mental health (CMH), complete mental illness (CMI), and moderate mental health (MMH) groups. Multinomial logistic regressions were used.Results: The prevalence of CMH, CMI, and MMH in China was 18%, 16%, and 66%, respectively. Being female, unmarried, younger, and feeling unhealthy were more likely to result in placement in the CMI category. Employment, education, and cognitive function were identified as important protective factors of CMH. Age, income, urban or rural residence, and physical function difficulty were associated with all three categories.Discussion: We demonstrated the utility of the two continua model in identifying mental health needs in Chinese contexts. The findings suggest that future policy reforms and clinical interventions should establish a more comprehensive mental health category as a screening tool nationwide. The promotion of social engagement could play an important role in treating mental illness and improving positive mental health.

Minimum Performance on Clinical Tests of Physical Function to Predict Walking 6,000 Steps/Day in Knee Osteoarthritis: An Observational Study.

Evidence of physical function difficulties, such as difficulty rising from a chair, may limit daily walking for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to identify minimum performance thresholds on clinical tests of physical function predictive to walking ≥6,000 steps/day. This benchmark is known to discriminate people with knee OA who develop functional limitation over time from those who do not. Using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, we quantified daily walking as average steps/day from an accelerometer (Actigraph GT1M) worn for ≥10 hours/day over 1 week. Physical function was quantified using 3 performance-based clinical tests: 5 times sit-to-stand test, walking speed (tested over 20 meters), and 400-meter walk test. To identify minimum performance thresholds for daily walking, we calculated physical function values corresponding to high specificity (80-95%) to predict walking ≥6,000 steps/day. Among 1,925 participants (mean ± SD age 65.1 ± 9.1 years, mean ± SD body mass index 28.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2 , and 55% female) with valid accelerometer data, 54.9% walked ≥6,000 steps/day. High specificity thresholds of physical function for walking ≥6,000 steps/day ranged 11.4-14.0 seconds on the 5 times sit-to-stand test, 1.13-1.26 meters/second for walking speed, or 315-349 seconds on the 400-meter walk test. Not meeting these minimum performance thresholds on clinical tests of physical function may indicate inadequate physical ability to walk ≥6,000 steps/day for people with knee OA. Rehabilitation may be indicated to address underlying impairments limiting physical function.

Psychometric properties of the Functional Disability Inventory for assessing Pain-related disability in children from the community

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Functional Disability Inventory for assessing pain-related disability in a community sample of children and adolescents.Materials and methods: Five hundred and sixty-one schoolchildren (aged 8–18 years) completed the Functional Disability Inventory. They were also administered measures assessing anxiety sensitivity, internalizing pain coping behaviors, social support seeking, and positive self-statements. A subset of 107 participants completed measures of quality of life.Results: The results confirmed the two-factor structure solution for the Functional Disability Inventory items. The measure’s scales scores demonstrated adequate to good internal consistencies. Convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations between FDI scores and anxiety sensitivity and internalizing pain coping behaviors, and negative correlations with quality of life. Discriminant validity was supported by weak and non-significant correlations between disability scores and the social support seeking and positive self-statements pain coping strategies scores. Differences in the disability scores between participants who did not experience pain in the last 3 months and those that experienced at least some pain provided additional evidence for construct validity.Conclusions: The findings support the Functional Disability Inventory as a reliable and valid measure for assessing pain-related disability in children and adolescents from the community.Implications for rehabilitationChronic pain is a common health problem in youths and is associated with disability (which implies difficulties in physical, psychological, social or school functioning).The FDI is one of the most used measures to assess disability in youths with chronic pain. However, its psychometric properties have not been studied in a community sample.This study shows new and important findings demonstrating that the FDI provides reliable and valid scores when used to assess pain-related disability in a community sample of schoolchildren.These findings support the use of the FDI as a measure of the benefits of community-based pain treatments or the benefits of disability prevention programs over time.

Frailty in a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of middle-aged Americans in Baltimore.

Frailty is a risk factor for disability and mortality, and is more prevalent among African American (AA) elderly than whites. We examine frailty in middle-aged racially and economically diverse adults, and investigate how race, poverty and frailty are associated with mortality. Data were from 2541 participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study in Baltimore, Maryland; 35–64 years old at initial assessment (56% women; 58% AA). Frailty was assessed using a modified FRAIL scale of fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness and weight loss, and compared with difficulties in physical functioning and daily activities. Frailty prevalence was calculated across race and age groups, and associations with survival were assessed by Cox Regression. 278 participants were frail (11%); 924 pre-frail (36%); 1339 not frail (53%). For those aged 45–54, a higher proportion of whites (13%) than AAs (8%) were frail; while the proportions were similar for those 55–64 (14%,16%). Frailty was associated with overall survival with an average follow-up of 6.6 years, independent of race, sex and poverty status (HR = 2.30; 95%CI 1.67–3.18). In this sample of economically and racially diverse older adults, the known association of frailty prevalence and age differed across race with whites having higher prevalence at younger ages. Frailty was associated with survival beyond the risk factors of race and poverty status in this middle-aged group. Early recognition of frailty at these younger ages may provide an effective method for preventing or delaying disabilities.

Meta-analysis of cognitive performance in fibromyalgia

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Fibromyalgia is a condition with symptoms of pain, physical function difficulties, and emotional problems, but is also characterized by complaints of poor cognition (often called “FibroFog”). Over the last two decades, a number of studies have examined cognitive differences between individuals with and without fibromyalgia. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a quantitative synthesis of these differences across multiple cognitive domains.Method: Following Cochrane guidelines, we identified 37 eligible studies for analysis where persons with fibromyalgia (total n = 964) were compared to participants from age-matched control groups without fibromyalgia (total n = 1025) on a range of neuropsychological measures. Group differences between persons with fibromyalgia and healthy controls were examined for cognitive domains including processing speed, long- and short-term memory, and executive functions (inhibitory control, set shifting, updating, and accessing). Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to determine effect sizes for these differences in cognitive performance.Results: Fibromyalgia was significantly and negatively associated with performance on all domains of cognitive function. The largest effect size was found for inhibitory control (g = 0.61), followed by memory (g = 0.51 for short-term, 0.50 for long-term memory). The smallest cognitive difference between those with fibromyalgia and controls was for set shifting (g = 0.30).Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that the self-reported cognitive impact of fibromyalgia is also found in objective neuropsychological measures. Routine screening for cognitive dysfunction in those with fibromyalgia may be warranted in addition to assessment of the traditional fibromyalgia symptoms.

QUALITY OF LIFE OF HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA

Objective: to study the basic quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease and their relationship, with different numbers formed arteriovenous fistula.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Interviewed 56patients, who are treated with chronic hemodialysis department. To study the quality of life used (KDQOL-SF ™). Also used a questionnaire that enables presence fistula determine the impact on quality of life of patients.&#x0D; Results. Using statistical method cluster analysis, made differentiation studied three groups - clusters, which differ in different levels of the indicators of QOL, namely «Patients middle-manifestation of physical and psychological indicators of QOL» – 40%, «Patients with low the manifestation of physical and psychological QOL parameters «- 25% of subjects, and» Patients with high level of physical and psychological manifestations of QOL performance «- 35% sample of of the patients.&#x0D; Based on statistical comparative analysis revealed differences between the estimated quality of life in men and women. Role functioning due to physical condition in women is slightly lowered than men. In women, there is a greater level of pain than men. Men overall higher rate their health than women. Men are characterized by a higher level of social functioning than women.&#x0D; Conclusions. Patients with chronic hemodialysis age have difficulties in physical functioning and performance of daily affairs. Mental health by increasing the biological age becomes stronger and fitter.&#x0D; His attitude to the presence of fistula in upper limb showing men and women equally, that they feel discomfort and limitations in performing daily routine. The more surgeries performed to form vascular access in patients, the occurrence characteristically uncomfortable sensations in all aspects of life

Evaluation of the Life Quality of Workers in a Cement Factory

Abstract This study is planned to evaluate the life quality of 93 workers in a cement factory resided in Eastern Black Sea Region, determination of their life quality is carried out by SF – 36 Life Quality Scale with a face-to-face survey method. Physical Role Function Difficulty sub-dimension (93.01±19.98) came out as the one with the highest point average among the workers’ life quality dimensions, while Vitality/Tiredness (57.15±19.22) and General Health Perception (57.04±15.38) came out as the one with the lowest point average. A significant difference was found between the workers’ working hours and their Vitality/Tiredness and Mental Health scores and it was found out that the workers with 16-20 years working time seemed to have a higher Vitality/Tiredness score than the ones with 6-10 years working time (p

An assessment of reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 among breast cancer patients in Qatar.

Introduction:Breast cancer has been the most common cancer type that affects women worldwide and subsequent treatment is often associated with considerable psychological and quality of life (QoL).Aim:This study aimed to assess psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) general QoL questionnaire (QLQ-C30) for breast cancer patients in Qatar.Materials and Methods:This is a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted on 678 breast cancer patients using Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 tool.Results:The mean age of women was 47.7 ± 10.2 years and 33.4% of women had consanguineous parents. Six subscales out of the nine met the standards of reliability with coefficients ranging from 0.55 to 0.89. The mean score of all functioning scales was high >55. Advanced breast cancer stages of III–IV had higher symptomatic scores significantly than those in early stages for the physical function, cognitive, fatigue, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, and financial difficulties. Correlation coefficients between each item ranged from –0.113 to 0.960, and item 21 (tense) and item 23 (irritable) had strongest negative correlations with their corresponding emotional functioning subscale, whereas items 29 (physical condition) and 30 (overall QoL) had the strongest positive correlation with Global Health/QoL subscale. Item 6 (limited work) showed a higher correlation with fatigue (r = 0.749). Likewise, item 19 (pain interfered with daily activities) of the pain subscale had higher correlations with physical functioning, role functioning, and fatigue subscales.Conclusion:Qatari Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 showed acceptable psychometric properties, which is a reliable and valid instrument, that can be used by oncologists.

Health, healthy lifestyles and health examinations among the older people in Taiwan.

This aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the utilisation of general health examinations and health and a healthy lifestyle. The data were from a 5-wave panel of older Taiwanese people. Health was defined as the absence of chronic diseases and physical function difficulties. A healthy lifestyle included no smoking, no alcohol consumption and engaging in regular exercise. Generalised linear modelling was applied. The individuals with more chronic diseases were more likely to undergo health examinations, but the rate of change declined over time. Having more physical function disabilities may reduce the likelihood of undergoing health examinations. Individuals who engaged in regular exercise were more likely to undergo health examinations. Health examination utilisation is related to health and healthy lifestyle among older people.