Better Overall Quality Of Life Research Articles

The Bleaching Syndrome: Manifestation of a Post-Colonial Pathology Among African Women

The post-colonial root of African problems is directly related to skin color. Under the cloak of personal preference, light skin among African women has replaced dark skin as the native ideal. The aftermath is manifestation of the Bleaching Syndrome. Guidance and Counselling professionals have overlooked the Bleaching Syndrome as relative to practice. Furthermore, in social mores Africans tend to idealize light-skinned members of the population as it is believed their skin color is associated with an overall better quality of life. As such Guidance and Counselling professionals are confronted by issues which did not require intellectual consideration in the past. They are thus challenged for the future to develop creative strategies i.e. Bleaching Syndrome less confined to Western colonial bias. In this way those who treat African and African descended people can decipher the maze of colonial tradition. Their efforts will enable a suitable environment for more comprehensive treatments applicable to African women and others of African descent. Keywords : African Women; Bleaching syndrome; Post-Colonial Pathology; Colonisation. The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 1-13

Associations of race with depression and symptoms in patients on maintenance haemodialysis

Although studies have shown that African American haemodialysis patients report better overall quality of life than Whites, racial differences in depression and symptom burden remain less well characterized. The aim of this study was to compare these domains between African American and White patients on chronic haemodialysis. We surveyed African American and White maintenance haemodialysis patients. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Cognitive Depression Index (CDI). Symptoms were evaluated using the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). Among the 82 Whites and 78 African Americans enrolled, there were no racial differences in the prevalence of depression (27% in African Americans vs 27% in Whites, P = 1.0), BDI Scores (11.2 vs 10.9, P = 0.6) or CDI scores (6.0 vs 6.0, P = 0.9). Symptom burden was substantial in both African Americans and Whites (median number of symptoms 8.5 and 9.0, respectively) with no racial differences in the overall burden or severity of symptoms. However, based on a single item, African Americans were more likely to describe their religious/spiritual beliefs as "very important". Adjustment for demographic and treatment characteristics had no impact on the associations of race with depression or symptoms. Depression and symptoms are highly prevalent in both African American and White haemodialysis patients, without racial differences in these health-related domains. In exploratory analyses, spiritual/religious beliefs appear to be of greater importance to African Americans. The relevance of these observations to the advantages in quality of life and survival among African Americans on haemodialysis warrants further investigation.

"PSA-itis": knowledge of serum prostate specific antigen and other causes of anxiety in men with metaststic prostate cancer.

High or increasing prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels may be a source of anxiety in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer completed questionnaires, including the Prostate Cancer Specific Quality of Life Instrument, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a questionnaire to assess the impact of the knowledge of PSA levels on anxiety. These were completed at home more than 3 days before or after a clinic appointment and returned by mail. Patient medical history was obtained from the record. Of the 65 patients who consented to the study 52 returned the completed questionnaires. Median age was 70 years (range 55 to 86) and median time since diagnosis was 53 months. Of the patients 81% had hormone resistant disease. Most reported good overall quality of life with a median Prostate Cancer Specific Quality of Life Instrument score of 93 (maximum 100). Of the patients 77% indicated that PSA levels were one of the ways and 44% indicated they were the only way that they knew whether disease was progressing. When asked to rate preferences for treatment outcome, 25% of the men rated decreasing PSA and worse physical symptoms above increasing PSA and better physical symptoms. If measurement of PSA levels ceased, 52% of patients would believe that their doctor was giving up on them and only 1 would be relieved. Before receiving PSA results 76% reported some level of anxiety and 15% reported extreme anxiety. PSA related anxiety represents a substantial problem in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Quality of life among long-term breast cancer survivors: A systematic review

The aim of this study was to review the literature on quality of life among long-term survivors of breast cancer and identify the specific aspects of quality of life that were affected in these survivors. We also describe predictors of quality of life. Published research reports were included if they described the quality of life of breast cancer survivors diagnosed at least five years earlier. The methodological quality of the 10 selected studies, conducted between 1997 and 2004, was high according to a list of predefined criteria. Most studies reported that long-term survivors of breast cancer experienced good overall quality of life. However, almost all studies reported that breast cancer survivors experienced some specific problems ( e.g., a thick and painful arm and problems with sexual functioning). The current medical condition, amount of social support and current income level were strong positive predictors of quality of life, and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy emerged as a negative predictor. More research on the specific medical and psychosocial needs of survivors is needed in order to be able to design appropriate intervention studies. If anything, this review shows that focusing on the long-term effects of breast cancer is important when evaluating the full extent of cancer treatment.

SIBLING SUPPORT IN PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

Objective: A supportive family environment is an important predictor of psychological outcomes and medication adherence in pediatric chronic conditions, including IBD. Siblings are a fundamental part of a child's familial and social network, yet little is known about siblings' involvement in IBD care. This ongoing pilot study examines the relationship between healthy siblings' support with IBD care and the quality of life and treatment adherence of children and adolescents with IBD. Method: Participants to date include 12 child and adolescent patients with IBD (83% Crohn's disease) recruited through a Pediatric GI specialty clinic. IBD patients (age range: 11-17 years; M = 13.7) were 58% female, 83% Caucasian, and had well-controlled disease by parent report (75% had not experienced a flare-up in over a year). One healthy sibling (age range: 10-18 years; M = 13.2) from each family was randomly selected for reference; 58% were older than the IBD patient. IBD patients completed measures of IBD-specific quality of life (IMPACT-II), IBD medication adherence (completed conjointly with parent), and sibling support with IBD care. The sibling support measure assessed the IBD patient's perceived frequency of and attitude toward a healthy sibling's involvement in IBD care. Results: Greater frequency of sibling support with IBD care was associated with better overall quality of life (r = .56, p = .06), better body image (r = .57, p < .05), and fewer concerns about IBD treatment (r = .61, p < .05) in IBD patients. IBD patients who reported a positive attitude toward sibling support also reported fewer difficulties with treatment management (r = −.67, p < .05). Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that sibling support in IBD care may be associated with higher quality of life and medication adherence in children and adolescents with IBD. Findings may have important implications for family-based interventions in pediatric IBD.

Praying correlates with higher quality of life: results from a survey on complementary/alternative medicine use among a group of Brazilian cancer patients.

The use of complementary/alternative medicine has been little studied in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine use among a group of Brazilian cancer patients and correlate these findings with the patients' quality of life. Descriptive. Oncology Institute of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil. 100 cancer patients. The EORTC QLQ C-30 quality of life questionnaire was applied together with another questionnaire on the use of complementary/alternative medicine. Use of complementary/alternative medicine and quality of life. 89% of the patients had already used complementary/alternative medicine, 63% were currently using it and most of them (77.7%) believed in the efficacy of complementary/alternative medicine for their treatment. The type most used was individual prayer (77.5%). We found a significant association between believing in the efficacy of complementary/alternative medicine and praying (individually or in groups), in comparison with better scores on the functional (p = 0.001) and overall health (p = 0.001) quality of life scales. Multivariate analysis confirmed these findings regarding praying and also showed that believing in complementary/alternative medicine correlated significantly with functional and symptom quality of life scores. The prevalence of complementary/alternative medicine use in this group of cancer patients was high. Praying and belief in the efficacy of complementary/alternative medicine correlated significantly with an overall better quality of life, and therefore these practices should not be discouraged by physicians. New prospective studies should be conducted in order to better characterize the efficacy of such alternative therapeutic approaches.

Long-term quality of life in patients surviving at least 55 months after lung transplantation

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effect of lung transplantation on Health Related Quality of Life by studying 28 patients who survived at least 55 months after lung transplantation. Measures included the Nottingham Health Profile, questions concerning lung-specific problems, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Self-rating Depression Scale, the Index of Well-Being, the Karnofsky performance index, and questions concerning activities of daily life. Furthermore, comorbid conditions were measured. Before transplantation patients reported restrictions on almost all quality of life measures. Until approximately 43 months after transplantation there were significant improvements on most dimensions of the Nottingham Health Profile and more patients could walk without dyspnea. Significant improvements occurred with regard to the levels of anxiety, depression, and well being, and the scores on the Karnofsky performance index improved. Activities of daily life could be performed without help by most patients. After approximately 43 months patients experienced more dyspnea, anxiety, depression, and a lower level of well being. The number of patients suffering from a decrease of kidney function, drug treated hyperlipidemia, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome increased. It may be concluded that patients experience a stable and better overall quality of life after transplantation. Long-term after lung transplantation patients experience a decline on several dimensions of quality of life, which may be explained by an increase of comorbid conditions and Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome.

“PSA-itis”: Knowledge of Serum Prostate Specific Antigen and Other Causes of Anxiety in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer

High or increasing prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels may be a source of anxiety in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer completed questionnaires, including the Prostate Cancer Specific Quality of Life Instrument, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a questionnaire to assess the impact of the knowledge of PSA levels on anxiety. These were completed at home more than 3 days before or after a clinic appointment and returned by mail. Patient medical history was obtained from the record. Of the 65 patients who consented to the study 52 returned the completed questionnaires. Median age was 70 years (range 55 to 86) and median time since diagnosis was 53 months. Of the patients 81% had hormone resistant disease. Most reported good overall quality of life with a median Prostate Cancer Specific Quality of Life Instrument score of 93 (maximum 100). Of the patients 77% indicated that PSA levels were one of the ways and 44% indicated they were the only way that they knew whether disease was progressing. When asked to rate preferences for treatment outcome, 25% of the men rated decreasing PSA and worse physical symptoms above increasing PSA and better physical symptoms. If measurement of PSA levels ceased, 52% of patients would believe that their doctor was giving up on them and only 1 would be relieved. Before receiving PSA results 76% reported some level of anxiety and 15% reported extreme anxiety. PSA related anxiety represents a substantial problem in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Survival and quality of life: short-term versus long-term ventilator patients.

Examine postdischarge mortality, quality of life, and charges for care for short-term (>24 and <or=96 hrs of ventilation) and long-term (>96 hrs) ventilator patients. Prospective longitudinal descriptive study. Posthospital discharge follow-up in homes, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Intensive care unit patients who required >24 hrs of continuous in-hospital mechanical ventilation were enrolled from February 1997 through March 1999. Patients living to hospital discharge were followed for 1 yr postdischarge. None. A total of 538 patients were studied. In-hospital mortality was 47.4%, with a 1-yr mortality rate of 64.7%; survival analysis showed that the different survival risks for short-term and long-term ventilator patients over time were not statistically significant. Long-term patients were more likely to be discharged to a nursing home (45.2%). Short-term ventilator patients had better overall quality of life at all points postdischarge. Charges to produce a long-term survivor were significantly higher than for short-term patients; on average $86,360 more charges were required to produce a long-term ventilator patient survivor for 1 yr postdischarge. There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between short-term and long-term ventilator patients. Our results suggest that the likelihood of need for continued care in an extended-care facility for months and the risk of death during the first year postdischarge are sufficiently common features of this population and need to be included in discussions of treatment options with patients and their families.

Efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the enhancement of quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients

AbstractThe fact that terminal cancer patients experience considerable psychological distress is now undisputed, but the effectiveness of psychological treatments in relieving this suffering is less clear. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the enhancement of quality of life of patients with far‐advanced cancer. Fifty terminally ill cancer patients were randomly assigned to two groups: standard care and hypnosis. Patients in the standard care group received routine medical and psychological care. Their medical treatment included pharmacological management of pain and other symptoms following the World Health Organization's model of palliative care (WHO, 1990). The psychological support consisted of supportive counselling based on the cognitive existential therapeutic tradition. In addition to the standard care, patients in the hypnosis group received weekly sessions of hypnosis with a therapist for four weeks. Outcome measures included quality of life, as measured by The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (DeHaes, Olschewski, Fayers, Visser, Cull, Hopwood and Sanderman, 1996), and depression and anxiety, as measured by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond and Snaith, 1983). Results demonstrated that at the end of intervention patients in the hypnosis group had significantly better overall quality of life and lower levels of anxiety and depression when compared to the standard care group. It is concluded that hypnosis is effective in the enhancement of quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients. Copyright © 2001 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis

Quality of life and psychosexual adjustment after prophylactic oophorectomy for a family history of ovarian cancer.

1) To evaluate a woman's satisfaction with the decision to have a prophylactic oophorectomy for family history of ovarian cancer. 2) To explore the potential costs related to surgery such a menopausal symptoms and satisfaction with sexual functioning. Women who had undergone a prophylactic oophorectomy for a family history of ovarian cancer in Ontario were invited to participate. Forty women returned a package of questionnaires addressing demographic information, family history, decisional conflict, risk comprehension, menopause-specific quality of life, satisfaction with sexual function, and other psychosocial questionnaires. The mean age of respondents was 54.8 years. Perceived risk for developing ovarian cancer decreased significantly after surgery (p = 0.0001). Overall quality of life on the SF-36 Health Survey demonstrated a level consistent with emotional and physical wellbeing in the general population. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life scores were reduced compared to women of similar age on all parameters: vasomotor symptoms, psychosocial support, physical status and sexual quality of life. Satisfaction with sexual functioning was moderately to extremely compromised in 42.1%-53.7% of women. While this study shows that women who choose to have prophylactic oophorectomy for a family history of ovarian cancer have a good overall quality of life and significant decrease in risk perception as a result of surgery, they experience menopausal symptoms and compromised sexual functioning.

Effect of Group Therapy for Breast Cancer on Healthcare Utilization

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in a group psychosocial intervention by patients with breast cancer would result in an improvement in psychological measures and in reduced billings in general medical expenses.description of Study: Eligible women who had completed treatment for stage 0, I, or II primary breast cancer were prospectively and randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 46) or control (n = 43) group. Both groups received the usual psychosocial care; however, the intervention group also participated in six weekly cognitive/behavioral psychosocial meetings. All were assessed on psychiatric symptoms, mood, depression, and coping strategies at four time periods: preintervention, postintervention, 1‐year follow‐up, and 2‐year follow‐up. Alberta Healthcare billing records were obtained covering the 2‐year follow‐up period to determine the amount billed per person over the course of the study.Results: Women in the intervention group had less depression, less overall mood disturbance, better overall quality of life, and fewer psychiatric symptoms than those in the control group, beginning immediately postintervention and remaining so at 2 years postintervention. Billing in the intervention group was an average of $147 less than in the control group, a 23.5% reduction.clinical Implications: This is the first study to show that a psychosocial intervention can reduce direct healthcare billings in a sample of patients with cancer. Importantly, these findings help to justify the routine availability of such programs in cancer treatment facilities worldwide.

Does better functional result equate with better quality of life? Implications for surgical treatment in familial adenomatous polyposis.

The main impetus for a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis to choose colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis over ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is the better functional result. However, does better functional result necessarily translate into better overall quality of life? Previous studies of other diseases have demonstrated no such correlation. This study was performed to determine whether any relationship exists between functional result and quality of life in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis after ileorectal anastomosis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. All patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis or proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis from 1980 to 1998 were studied. Functional data were obtained by questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was assessed by two validated instruments, the SF-36 Physical and Mental Health Summary Scales and the SF-36 Health Survey, which measure physical and mental functioning and eight separate health-quality dimensions, including health perception, physical and social functioning, physical and emotional role limitations, mental health, bodily pain, and energy or fatigue. Data were obtained in 44 of 68 patients, 14 with ileorectal anastomosis and 30 with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. No differences were demonstrated between the two groups for patient age, mean follow-up time, and mean patient age at operation. Functional results were worse for the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis group vs. the ileorectal anastomosis group in number of bowel movements per day (7.5 vs. 5.2; P < 0.05), leakage (43 vs. 0 percent; P < 0.01), pad usage (17 vs. 0 percent; P < 0.01), perianal skin problems (33 vs. 7 percent; P < 0.01), food avoidance (80 vs. 43 percent; P < 0.01), and inability to distinguish gas (37 vs. 7 percent; P < 0.01). Results of the health-related quality-of-life surveys, however, demonstrated no difference between the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis groups. The Physical and Mental summary scales for the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis groups were not significantly different (Physical Health Scale, 50.3 vs. 50.9; Mental Health Scale, 51.7 vs. 49.6), and none of the eight dimensions of the SF-36 health survey demonstrated statistical differences between the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and ileorectal anastomosis groups. Better functional results were not equated with better quality of life in this pilot study. Although patients with the ileorectal anastomosis have better functional results than those with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, the measured health-related quality of life as determined by a validated generic health-related quality-of-life instrument is the same for both groups. These results suggest that all patients with familial adenomatous polyposis might be optimally treated with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. More importantly, this study suggests that health-related quality of life should play a greater role in the evaluation of care and treatment in colon rectal surgery.

QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER RADICAL CYSTECTOMY FOR BLADDER CANCER IN PATIENTS WITH AN ILEAL CONDUIT, OR CUTANEOUS OR URETHRAL KOCK POUCH

Purpose Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is associated with many changes in bodily function with sexual and urinary dysfunction most prevalent. However, little research has been done on how efforts to improve erectile function relate to quality of life. Also, the psychological benefits associated with continent urinary diversion have not been fully explored. We compared long-term quality of life outcomes among 3 urinary diversion groups, and between patients who had and had not received an inflatable penile prosthesis. Materials and Methods The 224 participating patients completed 4 self-reporting questionnaires, including the profile of mood states, and adapted versions of the sexual history form, body image dissatisfaction scale and quality of life questionnaire. We compared self-reports of emotional distress, global quality of life, sexuality, body image dissatisfaction, urinary diversion problems, and problems with social, physical and functional activities in patients with advanced bladder cancer who underwent urinary diversion, including an ileal conduit in 25, cutaneous Kock pouch in 93 and urethral Kock pouch in 103. Patients who had or had not received an inflatable penile prosthesis after cystectomy were also compared in regard to quality of life variables. Results Regardless of type of urinary diversion the majority of patients reported good overall quality of life, little emotional distress and few problems with social, physical or functional activities. Problems with urinary diversion and sexual functioning were identified as most common. After controlling for age analysis of variance showed no significant differences among urinary diversion subgroups in any quality of life area. However, t tests controlling for age indicated that penile prosthesis placement was significantly associated with better sexual function and satisfaction. Conclusions Quality of life appears good in these long-term survivors of advanced bladder cancer. The type of urinary diversion does not appear to be associated with differential quality of life. Findings suggest that physicians may wish to discuss urinary diversion problems and sexual dysfunction as long-term correlates of radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Furthermore, they may also wish to discuss the option of erectile aids in men with erectile dysfunction after cystectomy.

Predictors of quality of life in patients at one year after heart transplantation

Background A multivariate approach to the study of relationships between quality of life and demographic, physical, and psychosocial variables after heart transplantation has not been examined in a large, multi-site sample. The purpose of this study was to describe quality of life, examine relationships between quality of life and demographic, physical, and psychosocial variables, and identify predictors of quality of life in patients who were 1 year post heart transplantation. % Methods: Data were collected from a nonrandom sample of adult patients ( n = 232) who were 1 year post heart transplantation at a Midwestern or Southern medical center. Nine self-administered instruments and chart review were used to gather data from patients. All tools had adequate psychometric support. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and step-wise multiple regression were used to analyze data. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Patients were most satisfied with the areas of quality of life regarding social interaction and least satisfied with their psychological state. Patients experienced an average amount of stress, were coping fairly well, reported overall good quality of life, and were very satisfied with the outcome of their transplant surgery. Nine out of 16 variables were significant predictors of quality of life and explained 66% of the variance in quality of life: less stress, more helpfulness of information from health care providers, better health perception, better compliance with the transplant regimen, more effective coping, less functional disability, less symptom distress, older age, and fewer complications. Conclusions Predictors of quality of life at 1 year after heart transplantation were primarily psychological. Additional variance in quality of life was explained by physical, somatic sensation, demographic, and health status variables. Knowledge of these factors provides (1) information to identify patients who are at risk for poor quality of life at 1 year after heart transplantation and (2) direction for the development of interventions to improve quality of life.

Quality of life before and after liver transplantation: experiences with 7 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in a 2-year follow-up

Seven patients with end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis were evaluated both before and 1 and 2 years after liver transplantation using a clinical psychiatric interview and the self-rating questionaire SCL-90. Neuro-psychological tests were done before and 1 year after operation. Preoperatively, all patients had a poor general condition and overall quality of life. Flattening of emotions and reactions, regression, disturbances of verbal memory and cognitive function, and dependence on close relatives were observed. One year after transplantation, 6 patients had a much better overall quality of life, and with five patients it improved still further during the 2nd year, but only 2 patients felt that their life situation had fully stabilised. However, nearly all of them experienced phases of moderate or even severe depression or anxiety during those 2 years. On neuropsychological tests patients appeared to be near their normal level. The only patient who died during this follow-up (some months after transplantation) had in her life history a prominent sense of insecurity and mistrust. It seems to take more than a year for the majority of patients to give up the regressive mode of experience and turn to adult interests in life again, as well as psychologically experience the new liver as part of oneself.

Quality of life before and after liver transplantation: experiences with 7 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis in a 2-year follow-up.

Seven patients with end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis were evaluated both before and 1 and 2 years after liver transplantation using a clinical psychiatric interview and the self-rating questionaire SCL-90. Neuropsychological tests were done before and 1 year after operation. Preoperatively, all patients had a poor general condition and overall quality of life. Flattening of emotions and reactions, regression, disturbances of verbal memory and cognitive function, and dependence on close relatives were observed. One year after transplantation, 6 patients had a much better overall quality of life, and with five patients it improved still further during the 2nd year, but only 2 patients felt that their life situation had fully stabilised. However, nearly all of them experienced phases of moderate or even severe depression or anxiety during those 2 years. On neuropsychological tests patients appeared to be near their normal level. The only patient who died during this follow-up (some months after transplantation) had in her life history a prominent sense of insecurity and mistrust. It seems to take more than a year for the majority of patients to give up the regressive mode of experience and turn to adult interests in life again, as well as psychologically experience the new liver as part of oneself.