European Quality Of Life-5 Dimensions Index Research Articles

Relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life in Korean adults with chronic diseases.

Inadequate health literacy is a risk factor for poor health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). So far, the impact of health literacy on HRQoL has been examined for only a few chronic conditions. In this contribution, the relationship between health literacy and HRQoL in Korean adults with chronic conditions is examined using data of the cross-sectional Korea Health Panel Survey from 2021. Health literacy was measured with the 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and HRQoL with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Multiple linear regression model was run for the EQ-5D index as the dependent variable. Multiple logistic regression models were implemented for responses to the individual EQ-5D items. 30.8%, 24.6%, and 44.6% of participants had inadequate, marginal, and adequate levels of health literacy, respectively. The EQ-5D index increases with marginal (B = 0.018, p<0.001) and adequate literacy (B = 0.017, p<0.001) compared to inadequate literacy. People with adequate or marginal literacy were more likely to report no problem with mobility (odds ration [OR] = 1.5; p<0.001), self-care (OR = 1.6; p<0.05), and usual activities (OR = 1.6 for adequate; OR = 1.4 for marginal; p<0.01) than those with inadequate literacy. Adequate health literacy was associated with an increased likelihood of having no problem with anxiety and depression (OR = 1.4; p<0.05). In conclusion, inadequate health literacy is prevalent among Korean adults with chronic diseases. Adequate health literacy is associated with better HRQoL and a protective factor for four dimensions of EQ-5D (mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression).

Associations between weekend catch-up sleep and health-related quality of life with focusing on gender differences

This study investigated associations between weekend catch-up sleep (WCUS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 15,837 participants from the 7th (2016–2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We categorized WCUS durations into four groups: none (≤ 0 h [h]), short (> 0 h, ≤ 1 h), medium (> 1 h, ≤ 2 h), and long (> 2 h), and performed complex samples logistic regression and likelihood ratio χ2 test. The study found significant associations in women for the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index and three EQ-5D subdomains (self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression) with the WCUS durations, but no significant association in men. Compared to the non-WCUS, the short or medium WCUS was positively associated with the EQ-5D index and EQ-5D subdomains (usual activities and anxiety/depression) in women, while the long WCUS significantly reduced the quality of life in the self-care domain. In an additional subgroup analysis by age, middle-aged and elderly women had a more noticeable effect of WCUS on HRQoL than young women, and the short or medium WCUS improved HRQoL in middle-aged and elderly women in general. Therefore, we recommend appropriate WCUS durations to improve HRQoL, considering both gender and age.

Stand-alone ALIF versus TLIF in patients with low back pain – A propensity-matched cohort study with two-year follow-up

IntroductionInstrumented lumbar fusion by either the anterior or transforaminal approach has different advantages and disadvantages. Few studies have compared PatientReported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) between stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (SA-ALIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Research questionThis is a register-based dual-center study on patients with severe disc degeneration (DD) and low back pain (LBP) undergoing single-level SA-ALIF or TLIF. Comparing PROMs, including disability, quality of life, back- and leg-pain and patient satisfaction two years after SA-ALIF or TLIF, respectively. Material and methodsData were collected preoperatively and at one and two-year follow-up. The primary outcome was Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, walking ability, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, and quality of life (QoL) measured by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index score. To reduce baseline differences between groups, propensity-score matching was employed in a 1:1 fashion. Results92 patients were matched, 46 S A-ALIF and 46 TLIF. They were comparable preoperatively, with no significant difference in demographic data or PROMs (P > 0.10). Both groups obtained statistically significant improvement in the ODI, QoL and VAS-score (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was observed (P = 0.14). No statistically significant differences in EQ-5D index scores (P = 0.25), VAS score for leg pain (P = 0.88) and back pain (P = 0.37) at two years follow-up. ConclusionSignificant improvements in ODI, VAS-scores for back and leg pain, and EQ-5D index score were registered after two-year follow-up with both SA-ALIF and TLIF. No significant differences in improvement.

Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis and Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Patients over 60 Years Old: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V.

BackgroundThis study investigated the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among stroke survivors aged over 60 years and analyzed the association between knee osteoarthritis and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in stroke survivors.MethodsWe analyzed data of 287 participants who had experienced a stroke (stroke group) from the 2010–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among the participants, 65 stroke survivors also had knee osteoarthritis. We used the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire to compare the differences in HRQOL according to the presence or absence of knee osteoarthritis in the stroke group. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine associated factors affecting HRQOL in the stroke group.ResultsThe prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 21% in the stroke group. The EQ-5D index score was significantly lower in patients in the stroke group with knee osteoarthritis than in those without knee osteoarthritis (adjusted mean±standard error [SE], 0.680±0.011 for stroke with knee osteoarthritis and 0.817±0.003 stroke without knee osteoarthritis; p<0.0001). Knee osteoarthritis, age, income level, education level, smoking, walking days, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease significantly influenced HRQOL in the stroke group.ConclusionThe study results confirmed that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 21% in the stroke group and that HRQOL was significantly lower among patients in the stroke group with knee osteoarthritis. These findings suggest the importance of active management of knee osteoarthritis in stroke survivors for HRQOL.

Sleep Duration and Its Associations with Mortality and Quality of Life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Results from the 2007–2015 KNAHNES

Background: While extreme sleep duration negatively affects mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in general populations, the relationship remains uncertain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To evaluate the association between sleep duration and mortality and HRQOL in patients with COPD. Methods: We analyzed 3,349 participants with COPD enrolled in the 2007–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Participants aged 40 years or older with a smoking history and prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) <0.7 were eligible. The participants were categorized as short sleepers (<6 h), 6–8 h, and long sleepers (>8) according to self-reported sleep duration. The outcome variables were all-cause mortality and HRQOL. HRQOL was measured using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index. Results: During a median of 6.5 years, 386 (11.5%) participants died. In unadjusted Cox regression analysis, short sleepers with COPD had an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.71). However, this association was not significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, BMI, FEV₁, and comorbidities. In unadjusted and adjusted multiple linear regression, short sleepers had significantly worse HRQOL. The adjusted means of the EQ-5D index were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.87–0.89) for short sleepers, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.90–0.91) for 6- to 8-h sleepers, and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87–0.91) for long sleepers (p = 0.01). Conclusions: In patients with COPD, sleep duration was not associated with all-cause mortality. However, short sleep duration was significantly associated with worse HRQOL.

Impact of Sleep Duration on Mortality and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: Results from the 2007–2015 KNHANES

Introduction: In the general population, short and long sleep durations have been associated with adverse health outcomes. However, this association remains unclear in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the relationship of sleep duration to mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with CKD. Methods: A total of 1,783 adults with CKD who participated in the 2007–2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min per 1.73 m². Participants were categorized into 3 groups according to self-reported sleep duration: <6 h (short sleepers), 6–8 h, and >8 h (long sleepers). The outcome variables were all-cause mortality and HRQOL. HRQOL was assessed using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index. Results: During a median of 6.4 years, 481 (27%) deaths occurred. In unadjusted Cox regression analysis, long sleepers with CKD had an increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–2.09). This significant association remained after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI (HR, 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05–1.75); however, it was lost after adjusting for CKD stage, social and lifestyle factors, and presence of comorbidities (HR, 1.15; 95% CI: 0.89–1.49). Compared with 6- to 8-h sleepers with CKD, long sleepers with CKD had significantly worse HRQOL in multivariable linear regression models. The adjusted means of the EQ-5D index were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77–0.82) for short sleepers, 0.81 (95% CI: 0.80–0.82) for 6- to 8-h sleepers, and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.73–0.79) for long sleepers (p = 0.01). Discussion/Conclusion: Long sleep duration is associated with poor HRQOL in Korean adults with CKD. The weak association between long sleep duration and mortality was attenuated after multivariable adjustment in this study.

Conservative vs Surgical Treatment of Impacted Femoral Neck Fracture in Patients 75 Years and Older

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of conservative treatment (CST), internal fixation (IF), and hemiarthroplasty (HA) in treating patients older than 75 years with impacted femoral neck fracture (IFNF). A randomized clinical trial to compare clinical outcomes of CST, IF, and HA in IFNF patients older than 75 years with a 1:1:1 ratio. Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. A total of 154 patients with IFNF aged between 75 and 97 years. Patients with IFNF were allocated to CST, IF, and HA. They all received a 36-month follow-up. All patients were evaluated by Harris hip score (HHS) (primary outcome) for hip function, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index scores for health-related quality of life, and visual analogue scale score for hip pain. Operation duration, blood loss, mortality, union rate, complications, and reoperation were also recorded. Assessors were blind to the type of treatment. The baseline parameters of the three groups were similar. IF group had much lower blood loss than HA group (P < .05), while no significant difference in operative duration was found between the two groups (P > .05). HHS in HA group was significantly higher at 1, 3, and 6 months (P < .05), but no significant difference in HHS was found between CST and IF groups at any of the time points during the overall follow-up (P > .05). EQ-5D index score was higher in HA group at each follow-up within 1 year (P < .05), but the difference was not significant at 2- and 3-year follow-up (P > .05). There was no significant difference in mortality among the three groups at each follow-up point (P > .05). The nonunion rate was 11.76% (6/51) in CST group and 9.80% (5/51) in IF group and showed no significant difference (P > .05). CST may be a feasible way for IFNF in the older patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04219943. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2214-2221, 2020.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, lung function, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BackgroundDietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are thought to modify systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between PUFA intake, lung function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsIn this study, we used the dataset of 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in which, a total of 22,948 individuals including 573 participants with a high probability of developing COPD were enrolled. Participants with missing data for the investigated variables were excluded. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between PUFA intake (omega-3 [N3], omega-6 [N6], and total) with lung function, and HRQoL. HRQoL was determined according to the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Subgroup analysis of older patients was performed. Age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, education, residence, total calorie intake, and predicted FEV1% were adjusted in all analyses.ResultsAlthough lung function was not associated with PUFA intake, EQ-5D index was remarkably associated with N3, N6, and total PUFA intake in a dose-dependent manner. This association was more pronounced in elderly COPD patients. Mean levels of N3, N6, and total PUFA intake were significantly higher in patients having better HRQoL with respect to mobility, self-care, and usual activities.ConclusionOur results suggest that N3, N6, and total PUFA intake are associated with HRQoL in COPD patients. This association may be attributed to mobility, self-care, and usual activities. Further longitudinal study is required to clarify this relationship.

Effect of Aerobic Physical Activity on Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle Aged Women with Osteoarthritis: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2017).

Background: There have been few studies reporting the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and osteoarthritis (OA) in female subjects performing aerobic exercise or not. The aim of this study is to compare HRQoL between OA patients and non-OA subjects in middle aged Korean women (40–59 years) with/without aerobic physical activity, and also to identify an association between EQ-5D instrument based HRQoL and OA controlling for aerobic exercise. Methods: This study used the cross-sectional data, the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNANES) from 2016 to 2017. We only selected those who had completed the evaluations of aerobic physical activity and osteoarthritis diagnosis. In total, 2445 middle aged women were finally selected for this study. The European quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) was used for the evaluation of HRQoL as a dependent variable. In socio-demographic factors, age, sex, income level, education level, marital status, economic activity, type of insurance and private insurance and behaviour-related factors were included. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare the EQ-5D index and multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify associated factors with the EQ-5D index. Results: In total, 2445 middle aged women were included in this study, in which 2209 participants were normal (90.0%) with aerobic physical activity (no: 55.0%, yes: 45.0%) and 246 participants were diagnosed with osteoarthritis (10.0%) with aerobic physical activity (no: 56.1%, yes: 43.9%). In group 2-2 (OA with aerobic), the moderate level of muscle exercise (less than 5 days per week) showed the highest HRQoL (p < 0.05) and high level exercise showed the lowest HRQoL (p < 0.05). In menopause status, the participants under menopause status showed lower HRQoL (p < 0.05) than those not under menopause status in group 2-2 (OA with aerobic) only. Conclusions: The HRQoL of OA patients was significantly lower than that of normal participants in middle aged Korean women (40–59 years). Especially, OA patients with maintained aerobic physical activity showed significantly higher HRQoL than those without that under controlling covariates such as age, income level, education level, marital status, economic activity, type of insurance, etc.

Sleep duration and health-related quality of life in Korean adults: 2007-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

To evaluate the association of sleep duration with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and examine the influence of age, sex, and common comorbidities on this association. Using appropriate survey design, we analyzed 50,181 adults who participated in the 2007-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were categorized into five groups according to self-reported sleep duration ≤ 5 (short sleeper), 6, 7, 8, and ≥ 9h (long sleeper). HRQOL was measured with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index and visual analogue scale (VAS). In multiple linear regression, short sleep duration was associated with lower EQ-5D index (β = - 0.024; 95% confidence interval [CI], - 0.027 to - 0.021) and lower EQ-VAS (β = - 3.0; 95% CI, - 3.7 to - 2.3), and long sleep duration was associated with lower EQ-5D index (β = - 0.016; 95% CI, - 0.021 to - 0.011) and lower EQ-VAS (β = - 2.2; 95% CI, - 3.1 to - 1.3) compared with 7-h sleepers. Old-age (≥ 65years old) short and long sleepers had significantly lower EQ-5D index than those of < 65years old. When separated according to sex, men with long sleep and women with short sleep showed the lowest EQ-5D index. Short and long sleepers with hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease, or depression showed significantly lower EQ-5D index than those without comorbidities. Extreme sleep duration was associated with poor HRQOL. Short and long sleepers with old age and comorbidities had significantly lower HRQOL than those without such conditions.

Health-related quality of life at hospital discharge as a predictor for 6-month unplanned readmission and all-cause mortality of acutely admitted older medical patients.

To assess whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) status, using the European Quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ5D), in acutely admitted older medical patients was associated with a combined end-point including first unplanned readmission or death without prior readmission within 6months. Secondly, to assess if HRQOL was associated with death regardless of previous readmissions. Patients from seven medical and two acute medical units were included and the EQ5D was obtained at discharge. Associations were assessed using Cox regression. Harrell's C-statistics indicated the predictive performance. 1328 patients were included, 50% (n = 664) were readmitted (n = 635) or had died without prior readmission (n = 29) within 6months. In total, 15.2% (n = 202) died within 6months. In the gender- and age-adjusted analysis, a lower EQ5D index score was associated with a higher hazard ratio (HR) of unplanned readmission or death without prior readmission for all categories of scores below 1 (< 1 to 0.741, < 0.741 to 0.438 and < 0.438 to -0.40), HR 1.60, 1.93 and 2.02. Likewise, a lower EQ5D score was associated with a higher HR of death, HR 1.72, 2.54 and 3.79. Harrell's C values were 0.56 and 0.63. HRQOL measured at discharge may identify acutely admitted older medical patients at especially high risk of readmission or death up to 6months after discharge. Incorporating assessment of HRQOL should be considered when risk stratifying a heterogeneous population of acutely admitted older medical patients.

Quality of life during one year of postoperative prophylactic drug therapy after intestinal resection in Crohn’s patients: Results of the APPRECIA trial

BackgroundIn APPRECIA trial, Crohn's disease (CD) patients undergoing intestinal resection were randomized to postoperative adalimumab (ADA) or azathioprine (AZA). AimsTo evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in APPRECIA trial. MethodsHRQoL was evaluated using disease-specific shortened Spanish version of the IBDQ (SIBDQ-9) and generic European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires, completed at baseline and at weeks 24 and 52. ResultsSixty-one patients (37 ADA and 24 AZA) had evaluable data for HRQoL. Patients treated with ADA or AZA had significant improvement from baseline to weeks 24 and 52 in SIBDQ-9 and EQ-5D (p < 0.001 and p ≤ 0.006 for all comparisons, respectively). There were no differences between treatment arms in mean change in SIBDQ-9 and EQ-5D at weeks 24 and 52 vs baseline. Only patients without endoscopic recurrence had significant improvement in SIBDQ-9 (p < 0.001) and EQ-5D (p < 0.001) at week 52. At week 52, there was a high to moderate negative correlation between CDAI score with SIBDQ-9 score (Pearson’s r: −0.768) and with EQ-5D index (r: −0.644). ConclusionHRQoL improved after intestinal resection in CD, irrespective of the postoperative therapy used (ADA or AZA). Outcomes in HRQoL were associated with prevention of endoscopic recurrence, since improvements in HRQoL were only significant in patients with endoscopic remission at 1 year.

A15294 Effects of Antihypertensive Therapy on Cognitive Function and Health-related Quality of Life in High-risk Hypertensive Patients

Objectives: Recent evidence has indicated that hypertension is associated with impaired cognitive function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the prevention of cognitive disorders and improvement of HRQoL with antihypertensive therapy remains controversial. The trial was to compare the efficacy on cognitive function with the combination of amlodipine with diuretics and angiotensin II receptor blocker. Methods: In a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial, 13542 hypertensive patients at high risk for cardiovascular events were assigned to receive treatment with either amlodipine 2.5–5 mg plus amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide 1.25–2.5 mg/12.5–25 mg or telmisartan 40–80 mg. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for the comprehensive assessment of cognitive function and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) comprising EQ-5D Index and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) was for HRQoL. Results: The median follow-up was 41 months. At the end of the trial, the mean blood pressures and control rates were similar between the two groups. There was no significant between-group difference for MMSE scores and HRQoL. However, a significant correlation was observed between the magnitude of BP decrement and the increase of MMSE scores and the improvement of HRQoL. Compared with the baseline, the difference of mean MMSE scores, the EQ-5D index and the EQ VAS was 0.36, 0.03, 1.62 respectively (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.030) between patients with systolic blood pressure of 130–140 mmHg and ≥140mmHg. Conclusion: Blood pressure lowering is associated with the improvement of cognitive function and health-related quality of life in high-risk hypertensive patients, but not the specific antihypertensive drugs. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01011660.)

Risk factors and quality of life of patients with high diabetes-related distress in primary care: a cross-sectional, multicenter study.

This study aimed to examine risk factors and quality of life of patients with high diabetes-related distress (DRD) in primary care. A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in four primary healthcare institutions. Patients aged ≥ 21years with T2DM were included; patients who were pregnant or unable to communicate independently were excluded from this study. The problem area in diabetes (PAID) measuring DRD, European quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), and audit of diabetes-dependent quality of life (ADDQoL) measuring quality of life were administered by trained research assistants. A total of 525 patients were eligible for this study. The mean PAID score was 26.90 ± 20.23, with 27.8% of patients reporting having high DRD (PAID score ≥ 40). Patients who were younger than 50years (OR 4.577, 95% CI 1.977-10.600) and patients with HbA1c greater than 9% (OR 1.720, 95% CI 1.064-2.779) were at higher risk of having high DRD (p < 0.05). Patients with high DRD have a lower EQ-5D index value (B = - 0.141) and ADDQoL AWI (B = - 1.276) than patients with little/no DRD (p < 0.001). High DRD was more common among younger patients and patients with poorer glycemic control. High DRD was associated with poorer quality of life and early screening and management of DRD is recommended.

Self-Reported Sleep Quality, Duration, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Chinese: Evidence From a Rural Town in Suzhou, China.

To determine the associations of self-reported sleep quality and duration with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older Chinese. We analyzed community-based cross-sectional data of 5,539 individuals aged 60 years and older in the Weitang Geriatric Disease Study. Information of sleep quality and duration were self-reported through participants' responses to predefined questions; HRQOL data were collected by using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). We estimated the associations of sleep quality and duration with the EQ-5D index and visual analog scale (VAS) scores using linear regression models. The associations between sleep quality and duration and EQ-5D-detected health problems were modeled using logistic regression. In multiple linear models adjusting sociodemographic factors, health conditions, and lifestyle habits, both EQ-5D index and VAS scores declined with deterioration of sleep quality. The coefficients for poor and intermediate sleep quality were -0.053 (95% confidence interval [CI]:-0.065, -0.042) and -0.022 (95% CI: -0.030, -0.013), respectively, in relation to EQ-5D index score. They were -5.2 (95% CI: -6.7, -2.4) and - 3.8 (95% CI: -4.9, -2.7) in modeling the EQ-5D VAS score. HRQOL declined as sleep duration decreased below 7.01 hours or exceeded 8.01 hours, though most of the associations did not reach statistical significance. In multiple logistic models, poor sleep quality was associated with problems of mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/ depression; short sleep duration was associated with mobility problems. Poor sleep quality and extreme sleep durations appeared to be negatively associated with HRQOL in older Chinese adults.

Depression and anxiety disorders in chronic hemodialysis patients and their quality of life: A cross-sectional study about 106 cases in the northeast of morocco.

Hemodialysis (HD) has a severe impact on the life of HD patients. The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, and the quality of life among HD patients. Associated factors were also studied. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 103 HD patients treated at the HD Center of Al Farabi Hospital of Oujda during a period of six months in 2015. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) were used for the assessment. Major depressive episode (MDE) was found in 34% of our patients, whereas anxiety disorder was observed in 25.2%. Suicidal ideation was found in 16.5% and 1.9% of our patients planned their suicide. The EQ-5D index was 0.41 ± 0.36 and the EQ-Visual Analog Scale score was 45.73 ± 14. Multivariate analysis showed that MDEs were associated with three factors: marital status, pain, and anxiety disorder. There was also an association between anxiety disorder and age and EQ-Visual Analog Scale score. Suicidal ideation was associated with marital status and anxiety disorders. Together, these results underline the importance of the collaboration between nephrologists and psychiatrists for a better care of HD patients.

Osteoarthritis Affects Health-Related Quality of Life in Korean Adults with Chronic Diseases: The Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys 2009-2013.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that commonly afflicts the elderly. This disease reduces the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and causes a significant social burden. Whether the effect of coexisting chronic conditions on HRQoL varies according to the presence of OA remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this notion.MethodsA total of 13,395 participants were identified from the 2009–2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for analysis. HRQoL was assessed using the European quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) index. Patients with OA were defined as those diagnosed by a physician or those who displayed both, symptoms and radiological findings consistent with OA at the time of the survey. Associations between OA and 8 chronic conditions were tested using regression analysis.ResultsThe EQ-5D index was lower in patients with OA than in those without (mean difference, −0.145; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.138 to −0.151; P<0.001). Most patients with OA and chronic conditions showed a lower score than those without. EQ-5D was particularly lower in OA patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, and renal failure. The estimated β coefficient for the interaction term was significant in renal failure (−0.034; 95% CI, −0.055 to −0.012), after adjusting for demographic and socio-economic variables.ConclusionOA significantly affects HRQoL of Korean elderly individuals alone or when combined with other conditions. OA combined with renal failure is particularly detrimental. These results indicate the importance of managing OA, which is an underestimated disease in public health surveys.

Tea Consumption and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults.

Although tea consumption has been reported to have various health benefits in humans, its association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been investigated directly. We aimed to examine the relationship between tea consumption and HRQOL among older Chinese adults. We analyzed community-based cross-sectional data of 5,557 older Chinese individuals aged 60 years or older who participated in the Weitang Geriatric Diseases study. Information on tea consumption and HRQOL assessed by the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) were collected by questionnaires. We estimated the relationship of tea consumption and the EQ-5D index score using linear regression models and the association between tea consumption and self-reported EQ-5D health problems using logistic regression models. The EQ-5D index score was higher for habitual tea drinkers than their counterparts. In multivariate linear analyses controlling for socio-demographic conditions, health conditions, and lifestyle habits, the differences in ED-5D index score between individuals with and without tea drinking habits was 0.012 (95% confidence interval, 0.006-0.017). In multivariate logistic analyses, habitual tea drinking was inversely associated with reporting of problems in EQ-5D dimensions mobility (odds ration [OR], 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23-0.84); pain/discomfort (OR, 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61-0.90); and anxiety/depression (OR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38-0.97). These associations were more evident for black or oolong tea than green tea. Habitual tea consumption was associated with better HRQOL in older adults.

Cognitive dysfunction and health-related quality of life among older Chinese.

We aimed to assess the association of cognitive dysfunction with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among older adults in China. We analyzed community-based cross-sectional data of 5,557 Chinese individuals aged 60 years and above in the Weitang Geriatric Diseases Study. Cognitive dysfunction and HRQOL were assessed using the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), respectively. We estimated the impacts of cognitive dysfunction on the EQ-5D index and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores using linear regression models, and the association between cognitive dysfunction and self-reported EQ-5D health problems using logistic regression models. The EQ-5D index and VAS scores were significantly lower for individuals with cognitive dysfunction than their counterparts. After controlling for covariates, the differences in EQ-5D index and VAS scores between individuals with and without cognitive dysfunction were −0.016 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.024, −0.008), and −3.4 (95% CI: −4.5, −2.4), respectively. Cognitive dysfunction was associated with reporting of problems in pain/discomfort (odds ration [OR]: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.69), and anxiety/depression (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.41, 3.23). The negative impact on HRQOL increased with the severity of cognitive dysfunction. The results indicate cognitive dysfunction was associated with worse HRQOL in older adults.

Profile and Correlates of Health-related Quality of Life in Chinese Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

Background:Although coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the major cardiovascular diseases, risk factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of CHD patients remain unclear. The present study was designed to determine the profile and significant factors of the HRQoL in CHD patients.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural communities of Fangshan District, Beijing, China. Socio-demographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity information of CHD patients were collected by a structured questionnaire and medical records. HRQoL was measured using European Quality of Life 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) scale and EQ Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). Multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed to explore the association of potential risk factors with HRQoL scores and each EQ-5D, respectively.Results:Totally, 1928 CHD patients (mean age 61.64 ± 9.24 years; female:male = 2.4:1) were enrolled in the study. The mean score of EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS were 0.889 ± 0.172 and 71.56 ± 17.65, respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed that marital status, physical activity, moderate alcohol drinking, and family's population were positive independent correlates of EQ-VAS, whereas diabetes mellitus and stroke were negative independent correlates (all P < 0.05). Age and stroke were negatively while physical activity, moderate alcohol drinking, family's population and household income were positively correlated with EQ-5D index (all P < 0.05) independently. In addition, each of the five HRQoL dimensions had various specific determinants, including obesity, underweight, smoking or education.Conclusions:Findings of the study highlight certain socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, and comorbid stroke or diabetes mellitus as correlates of HRQoL in Chinese CHD patients. Large-scale cohort studies should be carried out to confirm our results in the future.