General Quality Of Life Research Articles

Generic vs. Disease-Specific Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) Instruments for Assessing HRQoL Burden Among Patients Diagnosed with Alopecia Areata: Evidence from TARGET-DERM AA

Introduction Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by patchy hair loss. Compared to other disease areas, recent work has signaled a potential shortcoming, that generic quality of life (QOL) questionnaires are not sufficiently sensitive to the impact of AA disease severity. This cross-sectional analysis investigates the Short-Form 36, the dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and the Alopecia Areata Patient Priority Outcomes (AAPPO) for similar shortcomings. Methods Patients of all ages enrolled from December 2021 to June 2024 in TARGET-DERM AA (data collection on-going) in the United States and Canada were grouped by Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score (1-20, 21-49, or 50-100). At enrollment, patients completed the AAPPO and DLQI questionnaire as well as the RAND MOS Short-Form 36. The SF-36 has 8 subdomain scores (vitality, physical function, bodily pain, general health, physical role function, emotional role function, social role function, mental health) along with the physical component summaries (PCS), mental component summaries (MCS), and the SF-6D utility index score. The Kruskal-Wallis test compared differences in mean scores across SALT subgroups defined by severity. Results Of the 141 AA patients, 61.7% were female; 95.0% adults, and 67.4% Non-Hispanic White. When comparing the SALT 1-20 and the >50 subgroups, significant differences in SF-36 derived mean scores were only observed in the PCS and the physical function score (p<0.05). None of the other scores (MCS, SF-6D, or other SF-36 subdomains) showed any differences. Mean DLQI scores were similar across subgroups (p>.05) Notably, the hair loss and activity limitation domains of the AAPPO demonstrated significant differences between the patient subgroups (p<.0001 and p<.05, respectively) Discussion In this real-world cohort, generic QoL instruments, namely the SF-36 and DLQI, did not capture differences in the underlying health-related QoL burden of AA patients with different AA severity. Such differences were clear when HRQoL was measured for AA patients with mild hair loss AAPPO.

The effects of electronic cigarette use patterns on health-related symptom burden and quality of life: analysis of US prospective longitudinal cohort study data

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the association between e-cigarette (EC) use patterns and health-related symptoms (fatigue, pain, and emotional problems) as well as general quality of life (QoL).MethodsData were analyzed from 7,225 adults across Waves 1–6 of the US Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. Current combustible cigarette (CC) or EC use patterns included dual CC/EC use, exclusive EC use, non-current use of CC or EC, and exclusive CC smoking. Multivariate linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate longitudinal associations between EC use patterns, and symptom burdens/QoL scores.ResultsThose who were not currently smoking or vaping reported the lowest fatigue, pain, and emotional problems, and the best QoL, among the four groups (all p < 0.001). Compared to exclusive CC smoking, exclusive EC use was associated with a significant decrease of 0.065 units in average fatigue (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.121, −0.009), of 0.206 units in average pain (95% CI: −0.355, −0.058), and of 0.103 units in average QoL scores (95% CI: −0.155, −0.051), with emotional problems similar over time.ConclusionExclusive EC users had less health-related symptoms and better QoL than those who were exclusive CC smokers. This should be taken into account when assessing the harm reduction potential of ECs.

Abstract 4137805: Loss to Follow-Up Among Adults with Congenital Heart Defects: A Report from Congenital Heart Disease Project to Understand Lifelong Survivor Experience (CHD PULSE)

Background: Many of the 1.4 million adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are lost to follow up (LTF). We aimed to identify factors associated with LTF and compare to those who remained in care. Methods: In the Congenital Heart Disease Project to Understand Lifelong Survivor Experience (CHD PULSE), we performed a cross-sectional survey in 2021-2023 of CHD survivors with a history of intervention at 11 centers in the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium, a large US-based registry of CHD procedures. Participants reported their cardiac history, general health, education, income, health insurance, healthcare utilization, and marital status. LTF was defined as having seen a cardiologist three or more years ago. Results: Among the 3109 respondents with CHD (median age 33) there were 1157 (37%) LTF and 1952 (63%) in care. Age, sex, marital status, and household income were not risk factors for LTF; but lack of health insurance, lower severity of CHD, and increasing time since last heart surgery were. Notably, respondents who reported being told in adolescence about the lifelong need for a cardiologist were almost three times as likely to report being in care (79% vs 28%, p<0.0001). Among women, most reported no LTF if counseled about concerns with pregnancy or told to avoid pregnancy. The most common reasons for being LTF for 5 years or more (N=857) included feeling well (60%), not thinking there was a need for lifelong care (49%), and a doctor told them they no longer needed to see a cardiologist (47%). Those LTF were more likely to report excellent or very good general health, physical health, and quality of life than those not LTF. There were no differences in self-assessment of mental health between groups. Conclusion: Adults with CHD and LTF were more likely to report less severe heart defects, a younger age at last surgery and a lack of counseling about the need for lifelong care.

Clinical Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Women With Endometriosis.

The study aimed to analyse selected clinical data affecting the quality of life of women with endometriosis. A cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 2020-2022 among 425 women with endometriosis receiving health care. A diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire technique was used. The research tools are the Endometriosis Health Profile and a standardised interview questionnaire. Infertility, medical treatment and sexual intercourse were the dimensions of quality of life most poorly rated by respondents with endometriosis. Lower quality of life was linked to the presence of painful periods, the presence of pain during intercourse and having surgery for endometriosis. The main clinical variables influencing the quality of life of women with endometriosis include problems with getting pregnant, the necessity for long-term therapy and sexual problems caused by the condition. The occurrence of painful menstruation, dyspareunia and having undergone surgery for endometriosis is associated with lower ratings of women's general quality of life. The study will help to develop a more holistic approach to caring for endometriosis patients. This will result in a better diagnosis, individualised therapy and psychological support, all of which will enhance the overall quality of life. The study's results may impact the development of health policies, endometriosis support services for women and public awareness initiatives. The study highlighted key determinants affecting health-related quality of life for women with endometriosis. The analysis of clinical data revealed that infertility, treatment and dyspareunia are the dimensions of quality of life most poorly rated by women with endometriosis. These findings are significant for those providing care to women with endometriosis, as well as for policymakers responsible for the organisation of health care systems. The STROBE guidelines. No patient or public contribution.

Comparison between patients rehabilitated with full-arch fixed implant-supported prostheses and complete denture regarding well-being, self-esteem and quality of life

Objective: To evaluate and compare satisfaction and OHRQoL in patients using complete dentures or full-arch fixed implant-supported prostheses. Material and Methods: 200 patients were divided into two groups: 1) Test group (TG): patients rehabilitated with lower full-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis; and 2) Control group - (CG): patients using complete dentures. Patients had Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) assessed through 4 validated questionnaires: 1) Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14); 2) Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS); 3) Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ); and 4) Short Form Health Survey (SF-8). Statistical analysis was done by using the Wilcoxon test, considering a level of significance of 5%. Results: The results demonstrated that the TG presented better results (p<0.001) than the CG in relation to OHIP-14 (9.0±2.36 and 21.0+3.17, respectively), including functional limitation, physical pain, physical and psychological disability, and social and physical disability. Moreover, TG presents better outcomes than CG for RSS (35.0+2.31 and 31.0+2.31, respectively) and OQLQ (16.0+3.19 and 27.5+3.22, respectively), but without difference (p = 0.79) for SF-8 (83.1+6.64 and 83.1+8.16, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with lower full-arch fixed implant-supported prostheses, compared to patients using complete dentures, present a better perception regarding their general well-being, higher self-esteem and quality of life.

Impact of perioperative high-protein nutritional support on the quality of life of patients with primary lung cancer: a Russian prospective multicenter comparative study (NUTRILUNC study)

BACKGROUND: Individuals over the age of 70 comprise over half of operable patients with stage 0–IIIA lung cancer. In the early postoperative period of this cohort, pain, fatigue, insomnia, and/or mood disturbances are the four most common symptoms, which can significantly diminish quality of life and functional status. Perioperative nutritional support in such patients, which enhances exercise tolerance, can have a positive impact on their quality of life and socialization. AIM: To assess the effect of perioperative nutritional support using high-protein oral nutrition supplements on the general health and quality of life of non-small cell lung cancer patients during the postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer (n=112, 69 males), aged 57.2±8.2, who were awaiting lung surgery and at risk of malnutrition (Nutritional Risk Screening Assessment 2002 score ≥3) were randomly assigned into two groups. Oral nutritional support (Nutridrink Compact Protein, Nutricia LLC) was administered to the study group (n=55) at a rate of 250 ml/d (36 g of protein, 612 kcal) for 14 days prior to and 14 days following the surgery, in addition to the standard diet. Control group patients (n=57) were provided a standard diet. The quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Differences were considered significant at p ≤0.05. RESULTS: Throughout the entire observation period, the study group exhibited superior growth indicators in terms of general health status, physical, and role functioning than the control group (p 0.05). The study group patients exhibited a propensity toward improved emotional functioning, and by the end of the study, weakness and insomnia were less pronounced (p 0.05). Other indicators did not exhibit any significant variations. CONCLUSION: Нigh-protein perioperative oral nutrition supplements exert a positive impact on the quality of life of non-small cell lung cancer patients.

"I Don’t has the Desire to has Sex”: Quality of Life and Sexual Concerns of Women with Secondary Infertility in the Tamale Metropolis

Background Infertility adversely affects the general quality of life and sexual satisfaction among women. This study explored the quality of life and sexual concerns among women with secondary infertility in the Tamale metropolis. Methods A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was used. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Ethical approval was received from the Ghana Health Services ethics review committee. Fourteen (14) participants with secondary infertility receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital were purposively selected and interviewed for the study, each lasting about 30 minutes to one hour. The interviews were audiotaped with permission from the participants, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed. Conclusion The findings from this study revealed that happiness, well-being and value in life were compromised among these women. Concerning sexual satisfaction, the majority of the participants experienced low sexual drive and physical pain during sexual intercourse which led to poor sexual satisfaction. There is a need for more exploration into the sexual health of women with infertility

Assessment of quality of life using EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaire level sum score in patients with HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF: a patient-level meta-analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER

Abstract Background The impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on generic quality of life in heart failure (HF) has not been evaluated. Purpose To quantify individual dimension scores and the Level Sum Score of the EQ-5D-5L (EQ-5D-LSS) in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF/HFpEF, the association between these scores and outcomes, and the impact of treatment with dapagliflozin on these scores. Methods The 5 dimensions of the descriptive section of the EQ-5D-5L include mobility ("walking around"), self-care ("washing or dressing self"), usual activities ("e.g., work, study, housework, family or leisure activities"), pain/discomfort ("pain or discomfort"), and anxiety/depression ("anxious or depressed"). Each dimension is divided into 5 levels (1-5) i.e., no problem, slight problem, moderate problem, severe problem, and extreme problem (cannot do activity/extreme symptom). All dimensions and severity levels contribute equally when calculating the LSS. The individual dimension scores and the LSS were analyzed in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF/HFpEF in the DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials, which compared dapagliflozin to placebo. Results Scores varied markedly by question with 37/30/33% of patients reporting no, a slight, or a moderate or greater problem for mobility; 67/20/13% for self-care; 40/33/27% for usual activities; 45/32/23% for pain/discomfort; and 57/27/16% for anxiety/depression. Compared to lower (better) LSS, patients with higher (worse) LSS were more often female, had more comorbidities, and had worse HF status. Compared to patients free from any problem across all dimensions (i.e. LSS of 5), the hazard ratios (95% CI) for time to first cardiovascular death or worsening HF were 1.27 (1.10-1.47), 1.70 (1.46-1.98), and 2.31 (1.88-2.85) in those with LSSs of 6-10, 11-15, 16-25 points, respectively. Patients randomized to dapagliflozin experienced greater improvement and less worsening across all EQ-5D-5L dimensions except pain/discomfort (Figure). Conclusions The EQ-5D-5L individual dimension questions revealed problems not often associated with (pain) or quantified in (anxiety/depression) HF and demonstrated the marked limitation of ordinary activities experienced by many patients with HF. Most EQ-5D-5L domain questions, including anxiety/depression, improved with dapagliflozin. The LSS, incorporating these domains was associated with clinical outcomes.

Promoting active ageing: The positive impact of older people’s participation in Urban Gardens

Abstract Background The socio-health and economic consequences of the progressive population ageing constitute a global challenge for public health, which is committed to the promotion of active and healthy ageing as a strategy to mitigate these consequences. The European project U-GARDEN has evaluated from a comprehensive and innovative approach the impact of urban gardens on the promotion of active ageing through the participation of older people in urban agriculture. Methods A qualitative methodology was designed and implemented in order to analyse the information provided by people over 65 years of age, who actively participated in urban gardens, from a personal and subjective perspective through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The benefits obtained from participation in urban gardens were analysed, considering the different dimensions that make up the paradigm of active ageing: physical, psychological, economic, health, behavioural and personal impact. A total of 20 interviews were used to reach the saturation point. Results Qualitative analysis showed multiple benefits of active and healthy aging. Participants reported increased physical activity and psychosocial improvements such as higher personal satisfaction, reduced stress, and enhanced self-esteem, strengthening community connections and fostering a sense of belonging. Economically, they reported savings on food costs and increased food security. Overall, respondents noted improvements in general health and quality of life, highlighting urban gardening as valuable for well-being and social-economic integration. Conclusions The findings reported in the framework of the U-GARDEN project support the importance of implementing innovative strategies that encourage participation in urban gardens as a tool to improve the overall wellbeing and health of older people, effectively addressing some of the main challenges of ageing such as loneliness unwanted frailty and disability. Key messages • The U-GARDEN project is an example of good practice in the use of urban gardens as a platform for promoting active and healthy ageing. • The promotion of green spaces through the establishment of urban gardens should be considered by health and political authorities for their ability to promote the general well-being of society.

Perinatal loss: attachment, grief symptoms and women’s quality of life

ABSTRACT Aims/Background Perinatal loss may cause intense distress even psychiatric issues, affecting the woman’s quality of life. Attachment may provide a useful perspective in understanding the outcomes of the mourning process. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate perinatal grief symptoms and the psychological and general quality of life among 137 Italian women (mean age 36,9. ± 6,88 years old) in relation to attachment, specifically measured through parental care and control. Design/Methods About 79.6% of the participants had miscarriages and 20.4% had stillbirths. About 45.3% were childless. The women completed the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Perinatal Grief Scale and the Psychosocial General Well-Being Index online most frequently between 3 and 6 months (56.2%) after the perinatal loss. Results All the study participants showed intense grief and severe grief reactions to loss. Moreover, women experiencing optimal bonding towards their own mothers had a more positive effect on perinatal grief and psychological and general quality of life. Conclusions Attachment-based, tailored interventions for women who have experienced perinatal loss should improve their psychological and overall quality of life.

Role of psychooncology in cancer treatment – a literature review

Introduction and objective. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can lead to significant mental distress, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive medical care that includes psychological support. Effective psycho-oncological therapy can help patients find fulfillment regardless of their prognosis, while also improving overall outcomes and treatment adherence. This article aims to review the medical literature on the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients and to explore potential treatment modalities. Review methods. Implementing Google Scholar and PubMed, a literature analysis was conducted, with particular attention paid to terms like "psychooncology," "anxiety," "depression," "cancer," "grief," and "PTSD." The period of consideration for articles was from 2017 to 2024. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Grief, anxiety, PTSD, despair, and other mental health problems can arise after receiving a cancer diagnosis. In order to improve treatment adherence and survival rates, psychological well-being must be addressed. Empirical evidence indicates that psychological disorders can hinder adherence to therapy and elevate the risk of death from cancer. Furthermore, as families often endure significant stress throughout the disease, psychological care is beneficial to both patients and their relatives. It is possible to enhance adherence and reduce symptoms by using an integrated strategy that takes into consideration both physical and mental health. Conclusions. An essential part of holistic cancer care is psycho-oncology, which enhances patients' general health and quality of life. Psycho-oncological therapy must be incorporated into standard cancer care in order to improve treatment outcomes and assist patients in overcoming their condition.

Development and Validation of Yoga Program for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a widespread health issue impacting millions globally. Recognizing the potential benefits of yoga in enhancing physical and mental well-being, this research aims to develop and validate a yoga module tailored for CKD patients, with a specific focus on improving their general health. The yoga module was meticulously crafted through an extensive review of traditional and contemporary literature, incorporating postures, breathing techniques and meditation practices deemed safe and beneficial for CKD patients. Content validity was established through input yoga experts with over 7 years of experience. The study spanned from January 2020 to December 2021. The final version of the yoga module retained 83.33% of the proposed yoga techniques, incorporating modifications suggested by experts. The content validity index for the entire yoga module averaged 0.83. This work establishes the viability, validity and practicality of a yoga module designed for CKD patients. With 35 out of 42 items retained, the module exhibited significant health improvements after 12 weeks of practice. The findings position yoga therapy as a potentially effective complementary treatment for CKD patients, offering improvements in general health and quality of life and potentially slowing disease progression.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A DAILY BOOK FOR PROLANIS PATIENTS TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE AND MOTIVATION IN MAINTAINING DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH

Background: The prevalence of hypertension has increased by 8.3%. The measurement results for the population aged ? 18 years in 2013 were 25.8% and in 2018 it was 34.1%. As much as 8.8% is the prevalence of hypertension in all provinces in Indonesia1. Oral health plays an important role in achieving general health and quality of life in old age. Poor oral conditions disrupt the function and activities of the oral cavity. Elderly people with a history of hypertension and Type 2 DM often seek treatment with loose or cavities in their teeth. Oral hygiene plays an important role in cases of caries in individuals, especially in the elderly who do not maintain oral and dental hygiene. This program aims to ensure that chronic disease sufferers can achieve an optimal quality of life with cost-effective and efficient health services so as to prevent disease complications. One effort to improve prolanis' quality of life is to maintain healthy teeth and mouth. Objective: Create and develop a dental and oral health daily book for prolanis sufferers. The research method: is R & D research and pre-experiment with a one group pretest posttest design to measure knowledge and motivation in prolanis patients. Sampling using purposive sampling technique on prolanis patients amounted to 34 people (Small Group) and 85 people (Big Group). Results: The average value of expert va;idation of 90,55 shows that the interpretation is very high, which means that the media is suitable foe use. Wilxocon test shows an increase in knowledge of prolanis patients with significance (p-value 0.000). Conclusion: Promotional and Preventive Daily Books are effective in increasing knowledge and motivation in Prolanis patients.

Effectiveness of the active communication education program in improving the general quality of life of older adults who use hearing aids: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundHearing loss in older adults affects general, generic health-related and disease-specific quality of life (QoL). The conventional strategy to address it is through hearing aids, which have been shown to improve disease-specific QoL. However, the long-term results regarding general quality of life are unknown, and communication problems and stigma associated with hearing loss may persist. An effective intervention strategy to address these problems is group communication programs, most notably Active Communication Education (ACE). This program has been shown to increase communication strategies and reduce communication activity limitations and participation restrictions. These precedents allow us to hypothesize that this program could improve general QoL.MethodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted on 114 older adult hearing aid users. Fifty-four subjects composed the intervention group that received the ACE program, while 60 subjects composed the control group that received an informational-lectures type intervention. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure general QoL. Measurements were taken before and right after the intervention, with follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. Multilevel linear mixed models were estimated, considering the WHOQOL-BREF dimension scores and total score as the outcomes, and an interaction term between time since intervention and group as the predictor. Within- and between-group comparisons were made.ResultsCompared to the baseline time-point, the ACE group showed significant improvements right after the intervention, and at the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups for the dimensions of psychological health, social relationships, environment, and total score. Compared to the control group, the ACE group exhibited significantly greater improvements in the social dimension at all postintervention assessments, as well as in the environment dimension and total score at the 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsThe ACE program improved general QoL in terms of social relationships and environment dimensions, which lasted up to 12 months after the intervention. Therefore, ACE is positioned as an effective complement for HA users, enhancing and delivering new benefits related to broader aspects of QoL not necessarily tied to health.Trial registrationISRCTN54021189 (retrospectively registered on 18/07/2023).

Sociodemographic factors associated with the level of citizen insecurity in the Peruvian population

Introduction: Citizen insecurity is a complex, multidimensional and multi-causal social problem, defined as the spaces where people feel insecure mainly due to organized crime in all nations that suffer from it. Objective: To analyzes the sociodemographic factors associated with public insecurity in a Peruvian population. Methodology: The research employed a non-experimental, quantitative design with a descriptive and cross-sectional approach. A total of 11,116, citizens participated, ranging from 18 to 85 years old (young adults, adults, and the elderly), of both sexes, and with any occupation, education level, and marital status. The study employed purposive non-probability sampling to select the participants. Results: More than 50% of the population feels unsafe, in public and private spaces. All analyzed sociodemographic variables (p < 0.05), showing distinctions in the perception of citizen insecurity based on age, gender, marital status, occupation, area of residence, and education level. It was determined that young, single students, who had not experienced a criminal event and reside in urban areas, regardless of gender, perceive a greater sense of insecurity. Contribution: The study is relevant due to the generality of the results in a significant sample, demonstrating that the study contributes to understanding how various elements of the socioeconomic and demographic context can influence the way in which individuals perceive insecurity in their communities, likewise, the perception of citizen insecurity directly affects the general well-being and quality of life of residents, influencing their behaviors and attitudes towards coexistence and public policies; which will help implement more effective actions in the sector to reduce crime rates.

Gender differences in cardiac rehabilitation participation and outcomes: an 18-year retrospective study in Iran

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for addressing cardiovascular diseases globally, with a specific emphasis on gender differences. Despite its demonstrated benefits for women, there's limited acceptance globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to optimize risk factors and improve overall patient well-being.MethodsA cohort study was performed on those who were candidates for CR programs during 2001–2019. Assessments were performed within one week before and one week after the 8-week CR program. Age, sex, smoking status, clinical data, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively), echocardiography and laboratory data were obtained. Functional capacity was evaluated using the international physical activity questionnaire, and a treadmill exercise test. Anxiety, depression, general quality of life (QoL), and health-related QoL were selected for psychological status. Then statistical analysis was performed on data.ResultIn this study, the number of male patients was 1526 (73.69%). The average age of patients in the female group was higher than that of males (58.66 ± 9.08 vs. 56.18 ± 9.94), according to the crude model results, the changes in emotional, social and physical scores were significant (P-value:0.028, 0.018, 0.030), as well as the differences in Mets and smoking were significant (P-value for both < 0.001) in the adjusted model, the emotional variables and Mets changes were significant in two groups, so that the emotional score in the female group was higher than that of the male group, and the female Mets score was significantly lower than that of the male group.ConclusionThe CR program can improve cardiovascular outcomes, but the greatest impact was on the quality of life, patient METs and smoking behavers. Also the number of female participants in the CR program was less than the number of males.

The Relationship Between Chemotherapy Management and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in Yogyakarta

Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers in women, has a high mortality rate. Chemotherapy is commonly used to stop cancer growth, but it significantly affects patients' quality of life. While several studies have reported on the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the quality of life in breast cancer patients aged 20-80 with grades 1-4, limited research focuses on grade 2-3 patients aged 40-50, as measured by the QLQ C-30. Using random consecutive sampling, this study investigates the relationship between chemotherapy and quality of life in grade 2-3 breast cancer patients aged 40-50 in Yogyakarta. Quality of life is assessed through the QLQ C-30 questionnaire, with data analyzed by the unpaired t-test method at a 95% confidence level (p &lt; 0.05). Results show a significant decrease in the overall quality of life (p = 0.000) but no significant differences in function (p = 0.152) and symptom scales (p = 0.15). Respondents not undergoing chemotherapy reported a better general quality of life than those receiving treatment.

Oral and general health quality of life following a subtemporal preauricular infratemporal approach with condylar fossa osteotomy in surgical skull base tumor resection.

With the capacity to provide maximal lesion exposure, the subtemporal preauricular infratemporal (SPI) approach with condylar fossa osteotomy is highly utilized in radical resection of skull base tumors. While this approach requires disruption of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for access, the effects of this maneuver are poorly appreciated in neurosurgery. The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity of condylar fossa osteotomies by comparing oral health quality of life (OHQOL) and general health quality of life (GHQOL) outcomes after TMJ-involving and TMJ-sparing skull base approaches. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent surgery with the SPI approach (TMJ-involving approach) for skull base chondrosarcoma (CS) by a single senior surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital between 2002 and 2022 was performed. Patients undergoing TMJ-sparing anterolateral approaches for trigeminal schwannoma (TS) during the same study period by the same surgeon were included as controls. GHQOL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey from preoperative and postoperative periods. Postoperative OHQOL was evaluated using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) Axis I/II screening instrument. Data regarding quality of life were available for 13 of 19 CS patients and 12 of 15 TS patients surgically managed between 2002 and 2022. CS patients demonstrated less jaw dysfunction in all parameters of the DC/TMD Axis I/II components when specifically assessing OHQOL. CS patients had a lower likelihood of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) presence on the TMD pain screener than TS patients (25% vs 45%, p = 0.40). Chronic pain scores were higher in the TS group, with significantly more patients with grade 2 or higher pain (36.4% vs 0%, p = 0.01). The mean Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) scores were lower in CS patients than in TS patients. Both CS and TS patients demonstrated lower mean JLFS scores (0.50 and 0.81, respectively) than patients with chronic TMD (1.76), but higher mean JLFS scores than patients without TMD (0.16). The authors report novel findings regarding the impact of the SPI approach with a condylar fossa osteotomy on OHQOL and GHQOL among skull base tumor patients. Anatomical disruption of the TMJ was not associated with significant clinical TMJ dysfunction. Compared with TS patients, CS patients had even lower mean scores in TMJ-related morbidity, and both groups had lower TMJ morbidity than patients diagnosed with chronic TMJ dysfunction. Condylar fossa osteotomies can therefore be considered without concern of significant additional morbidity.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) Questionnaire: An Individualised Measure of the Impact of Cancer and Its Treatment on Quality of Life.

The Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) questionnaire asks about the impact of cancer and its treatment on individuals' quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the CancerDQoL in a UK sample. Patients (n=159) with a range of cancers, recruited from Barts Health NHS Trust and Barts Maggie's Centre, completed self-administered questionnaires: CancerDQoL, EQ-5D-VAS (health status), EORTC-QLQ-C30 (predominantly health symptoms/functioning) and W-BQ16 (well-being). Based on the pre-existing -DQoL template and Item Library (Bradley), the CancerDQoL includes 23 cancer-specific life-domain items and four overview items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 22-item, single-factor solution. Internal consistency was excellent (α=0.94). Cancer negatively impacted all life domains: 'feelings about future' had the most negative mean weighted (by importance) impact (WI) score. 'Physical abilities' WI scores were ranked 12th. CancerDQoL Average Weighted Impact (AWI) scores were more strongly correlated with the Cancer-dependent QoL overview item than with the General QoL or General Health overview items. As expected, the EQ-5D-VAS and EORTC-QLQ-C30 correlated together more strongly than with CancerDQoL AWI scores. The CancerDQoL is the first individualised questionnaire measuring the impact of cancer and its treatment on QoL. The CancerDQoL AWI score is related to, but different from, measures of health status/functioning and well-being. Eleven CancerDQoL life-domains were more negatively impacted/important than physical abilities which is a major focus of the EQ-5D and EORTC-QLQ-C30. By revealing aspects of life most impacted by cancer and its treatment, efforts can be prioritised to improve QoL for people with cancer.

Quality of life issues in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ: a systematic review.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is one of the most common pre-invasive cancers diagnosed in women. Quality of life (QoL) is extremely important to assess in studies including these patients due to the favorable prognosis of the disease. The primary objective of this systematic review was to compile a comprehensive list of QoL issues, all existing QoL assessment tools, and patient-reported outcome measures used to assess DCIS. A search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to August 2023, using keywords such as "ductal carcinoma in-situ", "quality of life", and "patient-reported outcomes." QoL issues and QoL tools in primary research studies were extracted. A total of 67 articles identified issues pertaining to patients with DCIS spanning physical, functional, and psychosocial QoL domains. Physical and functional issues observed in patients included pain, fatigue, and impaired sexual functioning. Psychosocial issues such as anxiety, depression, and confusion about one's disease were also common. QoL tools included those that assessed general QoL, breast cancer-specific tools, and issue-specific questionnaires. The current instruments available to assess QoL in patients with DCIS do not comprehensively capture the issues that are pertinent to patients. Thus, the modification of existing tools or the creation of a DCIS-specific QoL tool is recommended to ensure that future research will be sensitive towards challenges faced by patients with DCIS.