Better Quality Of Life Research Articles

Associated factors and outcomes for quality of life in children receiving cochlear implantation before seven years of age.

To evaluate the relationship of cochlear implant-related factors with quality of life (QOL) outcomes in pediatric cochlear implantation (CI) recipients. In this cross-sectional study, data from 146 children who received CI before 7 years of age were collected. QOL was measured using the Children using Hearing Implants Quality of Life (CuHI-QoL) questionnaire. Auditory and language abilities were measured using categories of auditory performance II(CAP-II) scale and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) scale. The reliability and validity of the CuHI-QOL scale were tested using internal consistency tests and correlation analysis, respectively. Bivariate correlations were used to compare CuHI-QOL scores and educational placements to cochlear implant-related factors. QOL scores were further compared using ANOVA in different groups based on age at CI with different durations of implant use. The mean total CuHI-QOL scores was 60.13 (SD 8.97). The Cronbach's alpha of overall CuHI-QOL scale was 0.820. The CuHI-QOL total score was strongly to moderately correlated with CAP score (r = 0.542), SIR score (r = 0.545), duration of implant use (r = 0.403), and educational placement (r = 0.478). ANOVA showed the CuHI-QOL scores after 5 years post-CI were higher than those less than 2 years post-CI in children implanted ≤ 3 years of age. Good QOL could be obtained for children with CI and were significantly associated with young age at implantation, good auditory and speech abilities, speech rehabilitation training pre-CI, long duration of cochlear implant use, and mainstream educational placement.

Melatonin and vitamin D as potential synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy (Review).

Significant advancements have been made in cancer therapy; however, limitations remain with some conventional approaches. Adjuvants are agents used alongside primary treatments to enhance their efficacy and the treatment outcomes of patients. Modern lifestyles contribute to deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D. Limited sun exposure affects vitamin D synthesis, and artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production. Both melatonin and vitamin D possess anti‑inflammatory, immune‑boosting and anticancer properties, rendering them potential adjuvants of interest. Studies suggest melatonin and vitamin D supplementation may address antioxidant imbalances in lip, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Moreover, promising results from breast, head and neck, brain, and osteosarcoma research indicate potential for tumor growth inhibition, improved survival, and a better quality of life of patients with cancer. The radioprotective properties of melatonin and vitamin D are another exciting area of exploration, potentially enhancing radiotherapy effectiveness while reducing side effects. For its part, the sleep‑promoting effects of melatonin may indirectly benefit patients with cancer by influencing the immune system. Thus, the prevalence of vitamin D and melatonin deficiencies highlights the importance of supplementation, as lower levels can worsen side‑effects from cancer treatments. The present review explores the potential of combining melatonin and vitamin D as synergistic adjuvants for cancer therapy. These agents have shown promise individually in cancer prevention and treatment, and their combined effects warrant investigation. Therefore, large‑scale controlled trials are crucial to definitively determine the optimal dosage, safety and efficacy of this combination in improving the lives of patients with cancer.

DENTAL MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SYNDROMIC CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS; CASE REPORT

Introduction: Apert syndrome is a challenging syndromic condition for health care specialists because it affects the patient's overall physical, oral and behavioral health. Knowledge of the protocols to be followed and dental management by the operator of patients with AS are of great importance in the dental field, allowing for adequate and guided craniofacial and behavioral control of the patient. Objective: The objective of this article is to present a clinical case that shows an adequate treatment plan for a patient with Apert syndrome. Methodology: an objective description of the clinical case is made with analysis of a total of articles, including review and original articles, as well as clinical cases, of which 12 bibliographies were used because the other articles were not relevant for this study. The sources of information were indexed journals, as well as search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane; the terms used for the information search were: Apert syndrome, acrocephalosyndactyly, craniosynostosis, dental care. Results: We report a 15-year-old female patient who presented the characteristic triad of Apert syndrome: craniosynostosis, facial malformations and symmetrical syndactyly. Conclusions: Knowledge of the disease by health professionals will be of vital importance in order to develop appropriate strategies and efficient care protocols for patients with Apert syndrome, resulting in a better quality of life for the patient in the short and long term. KEY WORDS: acrocephalosyndactyly, craniosynostosis, dental care.

Hubungan Kepatuhan Minum Obat dengan Kualitas Hidup Pasien TB Paru di Puskesmas Mustika Jaya Tahun 2023

Pulmonary tuberculosis is caused by a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which attacks the lungs and causes respiratory issues such as chronic cough and shortness of breath. This study aims to analyze the relationship between medication adherence and the quality of life of pulmonary TB patients at Mustika Jaya Public Health Center in 2023. The research design is observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach, using a sample of 78 TB patients selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used include the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) for medication adherence and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire for quality of life assessment. Chi-square test results showed a significant relationship between medication adherence and quality of life, with a p-value of 0.00. A total of 51.7% of patients who adhered to their medication had a good quality of life. In conclusion, there is a significant positive relationship between medication adherence and quality of life in pulmonary TB patients at Mustika Jaya Health Center in 2023.

Prediction of Aphasia Outcome Using Low Frequency Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-Stroke Non-Fluent Aphasia

Background: Stroke, a global health concern, often leads to language impairment (aphasia). In Egypt, with a high stroke prevalence, aphasia affects a significant number of survivors. Noninvasive techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) show promise in rehabilitation. Cultural variations in test results emphasize the need for region-specific considerations in standardized assessments for post-stroke care. Aim of the work: To evaluate the role of low frequency rTMS to speed up the recovery of post-stroke aphasia for a better quality of life. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial investigates the effects of (rTMS) on post-stroke aphasia. Patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia were divided into two groups, with one receiving inhibitory rTMS and the other sham sessions. Inclusion criteria involve adults with a single left hemisphere stroke, while exclusion criteria include prior strokes. The study includes comprehensive assessments for aphasia, and depression. The stimulation protocol involves 20 minutes of daily rTMS for ten days, targeting the right inferior frontal gyrus. The study aims to evaluate the rTMS impact on language recovery. Results: The study evaluated low-frequency rTMS for post-stroke aphasia recovery in 30 patients, comparing TMS and sham groups. No significant demographic or cerebrovascular risk factor differences were found. While rTMS group showed improvement in depression, there were no significant differences between TMS and sham groups in aphasia improvement. Conclusion: Low-frequency rTMS demonstrated no significant superiority over sham stimulation in post-stroke aphasia recovery. Both groups exhibited improved depression without notable distinctions.

Acne-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide among adolescents. Beyond its physical manifestations, acne can leave invisible psychological scars. We aimed to examine the protective and risk factors of acne-related quality of life, and its association with mental health outcomes. The analysis included data collected in 2023 from adolescents enrolled in the SEROCoV-KIDS population-based cohort. By combining the Acne Severity and Acne-Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) scales, three groups were established: Acne-LowAQoL (adolescents with acne and low Acne-related Quality of Life), Acne-HighAQoL, and NoAcne-HighAQoL. We used multinomial and logistic regression to assess the association between health behaviours, these groups, and mental health outcomes. Among 335 adolescents (mean age 16.1 years [SD 1.8], 56% female), 65 (19.4%) reported experiencing acne while maintaining a high Acne-QoL, 26 (7.7%) reported having acne and a low Acne-QoL and 244 (72.9%) reported having nearly no acne. Low engagement in physical activity (aOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12-0.77), addictive use of social media (aOR: 3.78, 95%CI: 1.60-8.96), and prolonged screen time (aOR: 2.99, 95%CI: 1.26-7.08) were independently associated with Acne-LowAQoL. Conversely, those from the group Acne-HighAQoL reported higher social support (aOR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.07-3.54). Adolescents with Acne-LowAQoL showed lower levels of self-esteem, resilience, and increased psychological distress. Among adolescents with acne, physical activity and social support were positively associated with good acne-related quality of life, which translated into better mental health. In contrast, screen time and social media use notably reduced it. Dermatologists should incorporate these considerations into clinical practice to ensure effective patient care.

Remoção de fragmento metálico intracanal: relato de caso

The purpose of endodontics is to promote the elimination of bacteria and their by-products from inside the root canal so that the infection is stopped and the functions of the dental elements are maintained. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and, therefore, protocols must be followed. However, during the stages of the endodontic procedure, the professional is subject to errors, either due to instrument failures and/or root anatomy of the tooth, or due to the dentist's lack of skill/knowledge. The present study aims to present, report and discuss a clinical case of a 62-year-old patient, of fracture of an endodontic instrument, more precisely of a metal tip or an irrigation syringe, in element 23, attended at the IAES Dental Clinic, which After carrying out clinical and radiographic examinations, the recommended protocol was endodontic treatment of the root canal. The result of the treatment was satisfactory, as it maintained the integrity of the dental element, promoting oral health and a better quality of life for the patient

The Relationship of Stroke Incidents With Clients’ Quality of Life

Stroke is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or reduced due to blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture of blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke). Stroke can cause physical disability, this can affect psychological, emotional, cognitive and even social conditions. So post-stroke sufferers will experience changes in their quality of life. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between the incidence of stroke and the quality of life of clients at RSUD Ibnu Sina Gresik. This research uses an observational research design with a cross sectional approach. The total population was 451 clients, 82 samples were studied using consecutive sampling techniques. The instrument used in the research was the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and then the collected data was analyzed using the SPSS Chi-Square Test. Almost all of the stroke clients who were controlled at the neurological clinic at Ibnu Sina Gresik Regional Hospital experienced a stroke once, 62 (75.6%) of the clients and almost all of the quality of life of stroke clients who were controlled at the neurological clinic at Ibnu Sina Gresik Regional Hospital experienced a fairly good quality of life. 66 (80.5%) clients. The results of the collected data were then analyzed to obtain P = 0.624 > 0.05, so H1 was rejected and H0 was accepted. In conclusion, there is no relationship between the incidence of stroke and the quality of life of clients at Ibnu Sina Gresik Regional Hospital. Keywords : Stroke, Quality of Life, Clients

Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Women under Treatment at a Tertiary Care Center of Western Maharashtra

Background: ‘Breast cancer’ the most common cancer amongst females in India. Having good Quality of life (QoL) among the patients undergoing treatment is one of the vital and significant factors for ensuring holistic approach to treatment and well-being of cancer patients. The present study was conducted to assess the QoL and its determinants among breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at a tertiary care institute in western Maharashtra. Material and Methodology: 300 histopathologically confirmed breast cancer patients undergoing treatment at a tertiary care centre were divided into three groups to include 100 patients in each group. Group 1 (patients with duration of treatment 1 to 2 years) Group 2 (patients with duration of treatment 2 to 5 years) and Group 3 (more than 5 years). Validated tool Function Assessment of Cancer Therapy Breast specific (FACT-B) questionnaire was used to collect information on QoL and analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Mean age of patients was 53.2 + 10.08 years, 136 (45.33%) were from age group 51 to 65 years. Majority of the patients 106 (35.33%) were educated till secondary schooling and 172 (57.33 %) were belonging to the middle-upper class. Lump in breast was most common presenting symptom in 235 (78.33%) cases followed by nipple retraction. 275 (91.67 %) cases had infiltrating ductal Carcinoma and 144 (48%) patents were in Stage II cancer. Over all mean FACT-B score for QoL was 104.02 + 18.65 out of 141. Mean FACT-B score for Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 was 88.18 +17.20, 105.89 + 11.78 and 118.28 + 12.45 respectively with (p< 0.05), suggests significant improvement in QoL with increase in time elapsed since treatment. Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors, type of surgery and duration of treatment had significant effect on QoL among breast cancer patients. Apropos physicians, paramedic staff and domestic care givers need to be sensitised on importance of QoL for collective and deliberate efforts to achieve holistic care. QoL can be made integral part of breast cancer treatment and management policy or programme.

Comparison of the effects of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy

Objective: To compare the effects of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches for robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on RAPN at Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University. Between September 2020 and February 2024, the included patients underwent either transperitoneal approach or retroperitoneal approach. Perioperative status, stress response, quality of life, and incidence of complications were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 105 patients were included in this analysis, with 54 patients in the Retroperitoneal group, and 51 patients in the Transperitoneal group. The retroperitoneal approach was associated with significantly better perioperative indicators compared to the transperitoneal method (P<0.05). After the surgery, serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and cortisol (Cor) in the Retroperitoneal group were lower than in the Transperitoneal group (P<0.05). The quality-of-life scores of patients in the Retroperitoneal group were higher (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the transperitoneal approach, the retroperitoneal method of RAPN is equally safe and is associated with improved perioperative status, lower stress response, and better quality of life for RCC patients. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10613 How to cite this: Tao M, Cheng K, Xu W, Qian Z, Pan P. Comparison of the effects of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2202-2207. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10613 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Breaking down barriers; unravelling the root causes and effects of brain drain in Pakistan.

Respected Editor, The term ‘brain drain’ refers to the migration of highly skilled and educated professionals from one country to another in search of better employment and living conditions. Brain drain has a detrimental impact on developing nations, leaving a counterproductive outcome due to the depletion of skilled human resources. According to the Pakistan Overseas Employment Corporation, around 21,000 professionals have migrated to other countries in the last 15 years.1 Brain drain has a pervasive effect across various domains, with healthcare being primarily one of the greatly affected. The most prevalent reason is the insufficient stipends and substandard workplace settings for professionals. Doctors work tirelessly yet are forced to face the injustice of the system, incidents of violence, and exploitation at the hands of their superiors. Most doctors (83%) agreed that meager salary packages and inequitable overtime duties motivated them to move abroad.2 Political instability in Pakistan has also affected the resettlement of healthcare individuals nationwide. Up to 81% of doctors are compelled to leave the country due to constant political turmoil.3 Blatant misogyny and cultural bounds have deterred women from working, contradicting the high female enrollment in medical colleges of Pakistan. Moreover, because of the brain drain, Pakistan is losing an insurmountable intellectual capital and educational investment, resulting in enormous pressure on the healthcare professionals who stay behind, contributing to the collapse of the already vulnerable system. Usually, the emigrants are of the privileged class which creates disparity because the ones left behind end up facing impecunious conditions and unfair working hours. The migration rate of healthcare professionals in Pakistan is increasing progressively. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are four high-income countries where 56% of international medical graduates (IMGs) emigrate from low-income countries to have a better quality of life, monetary incentives, job opportunities, better education, and training. Furthermore, just three nations India, Pakistan, and the Philippines are home to 45% of IMGs.4,5 Therefore, we suggest that the government adopt strategies that will accommodate doctors, introducing remunerative packages and more employment opportunities to persuade them to serve their nation. The government should ameliorate the workplace environment to international standards, ensuring the safety and security of the professionals. Additionally, educational and training grounds should be provided to individuals to develop their skills. These immediate measures must be taken to minimize the escalating brain drain and aid in revamping the healthcare system of Pakistan.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults With Congenital Heart Disease in the Congenital Heart Initiative Registry

In the US, there are more than 1.5 million adults living with congenital heart disease (CHD). The Congenital Heart Initiative (CHI) is a digital, online, patient-empowered registry that was created to advance multicenter research and improve clinical care by gathering patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with CHD. To report the initial findings of the PROs for adults with CHD from the first 3 years of the CHI. The CHI was launched nationally on December 7, 2020, as an observational cohort (survey) study. Data were collected virtually through December 31, 2023, and stored on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant cloud-based servers with restricted access. Adults with CHD were recruited through email, social media, general advertising through advocacy organizations, and targeted outreach (telephone and in-clinic recruitment) by clinical centers. Demographics and validated survey tools on quality of life, mental health, physical activity, and health care utilization were collected at baseline and every 4 months. Descriptive statistics were used to understand the associations between various factors, including the complexity of heart defects, physical activity levels, mental health comorbidities, and socioeconomic and health care access variables. All categorical variables were analyzed using χ2 or Fischer exact test as appropriate. By December 31, 2023, the CHI had enrolled 4558 participants (2530 female [56%]) with a mean (SD) age of 38.5 (13.9) years, representing all 50 states. Approximately 88% of participants (3998 participants) completed at least 1 electronic visit as of December 31, 2023. The most prevalent CHD anatomy included tetralogy of Fallot (883 participants [22%]), transposition of great arteries (452 participants [11%]), and coarctation of the aorta (429 participants [11%]). Approximately 88% of participants (3998 participants) reported at least 1 comorbidity, with arrhythmia (1300 participants [33%]) as the most common cardiac comorbidity and mood disorder (1326 participants [35%]) as the most common noncardiac comorbidity. Among female participants, 45% (1147 participants) reported having had a pregnancy, with 38% (967 participants) resulting in biological children. Participants with complex CHD were less likely than those with moderate CHD to meet recommended physical activity guidelines (χ22 = 15.9; n = 3320; P < .001), a factor that was more pronounced among female participants. Overall health-related quality of life was rated as good or better by 84% of participants who completed the quality of life PROs (2882 participants), with no difference by CHD complexity. In this cohort study of adults living with CHD, many patients reported mood disorders, but most reported good health-related quality of life. The CHI, the largest registry of adults with CHD, is poised to facilitate multicenter research with the goal of improving clinical outcomes for all adults with CHD.

Accelerated radiotherapy in the treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma - a single institution retrospective evaluation.

The goal of treatment for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is to preserve a functional anal sphincter and maintain the best quality of life. Surgical excision is reserved only for very early stages, and concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CHRT) is usually used in the treatment of ASCC. The aim of the study is a retrospective analysis of a group of patients with ASCC treated with CHRT using accelerated radiotherapy at the Institute of Radiation Oncology of Bulovka University Hospital in Prague (IRO BUH). Between 2014 and 2022, 73 patients with ASCC underwent definitive CHRT. Patients were treated with accelerated radiotherapy in 25 fractions - to the tumor and affected lymph nodes at 2.3 Gy to a dose of 57.5 Gy and to the area of the lymphatics at 1.8 Gy to a dose of 45 Gy. Concomitant chemotherapy mitomycin + 5-fluorouracil, later mitomycin + capecitabine was administered. A total of 64 (87.7%) patients underwent CHRT, in the remaining 9 (12.3%) cases only radiotherapy was applied. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85.8% and 76.3%, disease-free survival 88.0% and 86.3%, local control 91.9% and 91.9%, and colostomy-free interval 68.5% and 68.5%, respectively. The median of these parameters was not reached. Acute toxicity grade G3-4 was reported in 51 (69.8%) patients, late toxicity G3-4 was detected in 10 (13.7%) cases. No grade 5 toxicity occurred. Accelerated radiotherapy in the treatment of ASCC resulted in favorable disease control but was burdened with significant toxicity.

Psychosocial Factors and Quality of Life of Portuguese Adolescents With Chronic Conditions - Increased Risk for Victims of Bullying.

The experience of living with a chronic condition (CC) impacts adolescents' psychological and social adjustment and overall functioning. Considering the increased risk of psychosocial challenges among adolescents with CC, this study aimed to enhance our understanding of the psychological and social factors that impact their quality of life. It also compared the psychological and social variables among (a) adolescents with and without CC and (b) adolescents with CC who are and who are not victims of bullying. The results demonstrated that adolescents with CC showed more psychosocial difficulties than their peers, as they more frequently reported involvement in situations of violence, and demonstrated more difficulties at a psychological and emotional level. Further, being victims of bullying increased the psychosocial vulnerabilities of these adolescents. A better quality of life was associated with the following psychosocial factors: not being a victim of bullying or cyberbullying, having less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms, liking school, receiving more support from family and friends, having better relationships with peers, and having fewer physical and psychological symptoms. These findings are significant for helping schools develop tools and strategies to address violence and support students with CC, who are at a higher risk of being involved in such situations and require a targeted response.

SPECIFICS OF PHYSICAL REHABILITATION OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that covers a group of diseases that manifest themselves mainly in impaired movement, balance and posture. The number of children affected by this disease is constantly growing around the world. Today, cerebral palsy is one of the most common forms of childhood disability, affecting approximately 2-3 children per 1000 births. Purpose. to analyse and systematise the specifics of physical rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Materials and methods. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers analysed scientific literature and systematised information using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and others. Research results. The main approaches and methods of physical rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy are traditional physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, botulinum therapy, robotic systems and therapy using virtual reality technologies. The main aspects of physiotherapy are assessment and planning, improving mobility and correcting posture, rehabilitation after surgery, and involvement in everyday life. Hydrotherapy uses the therapeutic properties of water to improve the physical functions and general well-being of children with this disease. The methods of hydrotherapy include swimming, exercises in a hydromassage pool, therapeutic exercises in water, and physiotherapy techniques. Botulinum toxin therapy (BT) is a spasticity treatment with the highest level of scientific evidence, which has been used for ~30 years in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Botulinum toxin type A is used during botulinum therapy, which is a neurotoxin that blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. This leads to a temporary weakening of the muscles, which helps to reduce spasticity and alleviate symptoms. Robotic systems and virtual reality (VR) technologies are innovative approaches used to rehabilitate children with cerebral palsy (CP). These technologies offer new opportunities to improve physical function and quality of life for children. Conclusions. Among a large number of traditional methods of physiotherapy, scientists highlight the high efficiency of Bobath therapy in the physical rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. This is also confirmed by the research of Vitalia Kashuba and Bozhena Bukhovets, who developed a physical rehabilitation programme that included Bobath therapy. Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is an important part of the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. It uses the healing properties of water to improve the physical functions and overall well-being of children with this disease. Research by Aikaterini Bayraktariadou, Konstantinos Chandolias and others demonstrates that hydrotherapy, either as an individual treatment or in combination with a standard exercise programme on land, can significantly contribute to improved mobility, increased exercise endurance and a better quality of life. Botulinum toxin is widely used in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. A study by Farid Hareb and others shows that botulinum toxin therapy can be an effective method for improving the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy, helping to reduce spasticity and improve their motor function. Also, robotic technologies and VR have recently been actively introduced into the physical rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Research by Hyun Cho Chang, Menekseoglu Ahmet Kivanc, and Rocio Llamas-Ramos confirms the feasibility of combining traditional physiotherapy with robotic systems and virtual reality.

Current status and the future trajectory of geriatric services in Nigeria

The world population of people aged 65 and above, termed as older persons, is increasing rapidly. The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster. Population ageing is an irreversible global trend. It is the inevitable result of the demographic transition – the trend toward longer lives and smaller families – that is taking place even in countries with relatively youthful populations. In 2021, one in 10 people worldwide were aged 65 or above. In 2050, this age group is projected to account for one in six people globally [1]. People are living longer because of better nutrition, sanitation, healthcare, education, and economic well-being. With increasing age, older adults become at greater risk for diseases, disability, and side effects of medications. The common geriatric syndromes suffered by older persons include degenerative joint diseases, falls and mobility issues, sensory impairments (visual and hearing), dementia, sleep disturbances, frailty, and urinary incontinence. These syndromes are described as ‘Giants of Geriatrics’ on account of the impact on quality of life, and functional status of older persons. Geriatricians provide person-centered holistic care that attempts to preserve function and maintain a good quality of life by deploying the comprehensive geriatrics assessment and management approach which involves a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Nigeria has an increasing ageing population that will benefit from a healthcare system that is aligned to their peculiar care needs in the different settings care will be sought. This can be achieved by building capacity in the various disciplines involved in providing comprehensive care to older persons, and including geriatric medicine in the training curriculum for medical students, nurses and all allied health workers.

Quality of life of covid-19 patients attending selected post-covid units

Background: Disease process and its outcome can create impacts on human life; it also impairs quality of life (QoL). During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, a devastating impairment of quality of human life has been occurred over the world. This study aimed to state the quality of life of COVID-19 patients attending post-COVID units of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 COVID-19 Patients (post-COVID period) in post COVID unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by pretested structured questionnaire, from July 2021 to December 2021, using a convenient sampling method. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Results: The majority of the respondents (46.7%) were within the 30 to 39 years of age group. In this study about 73.3% of respondents lead poor quality of life after recovery from COVID-19. The findings revealed that, Post COVID depression history of the respondents was associated with the quality of life of the respondents after recovery from COVID-19 (p=0.001). The findings also revealed that the type family of the respondents was associated with the quality of life of the respondents after recovery from COVID-19 (p=0.001). Those who were not admitted into hospital during COVID-19 period maintain good quality of life after recovery from COVID-19 than those who were admitted on hospital during COVID-19 period (p=0.006). Inferential statistics were done at a 95% confidence interval and 5% level of significance. Conclusions: This study described state of quality of life of COVID-19 patients attending on post-COVID units. It was found that near about three fourth of the respondents seemed that their quality of life became poor after recovery from COVID-19. JOPSOM 2023; 42(1):49-53

Effectiveness and Outcomes of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness and outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with nasal polyps. Methods: A thorough search was conducted for pertinent literature using PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Wiley Library. Rayyan QRCI was used throughout this extensive procedure. Results: Our results included nine studies with a total of 780 patients, and 490 (62.8%) were males. The follow-up duration ranged from 4 months to 24 months. All of the included patients underwent ESS for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Patients with CRSwNP and refractory CRSwNP reported better self-evaluated olfactory function after using ESS, experienced a higher reduction in polyp load, and better quality of life. Conclusion: Patients with CRSwNP reported significant improvements in quality of life and major symptoms when using ESS. The quality of the available data, as established in this evaluation, is low enough to make firm recommendations for the best course of surgical therapy. From a precision medicine perspective, high-quality studies are needed to phenotype these patients in order to identify which ones will benefit most from each type of medicinal and surgical therapy, including a combination of both, with long-term efficiency being a crucial result.

Prosocial Giving to Various Targets: A Longitudinal Examination in Poland in the First Post-COVID-19 Year

AbstractRecently, Europe, including Poland, witnessed several events that encouraged prosocial behaviors toward various actors in social life, including people and organizations. However, are the tendencies to support others changing over the post-COVID-19 yearly period and does that change depend on the target of donations? Based on social support mobilization and deterioration theory and construal level theory, in the current study, we aimed to test the change in the willingness to give money (operationalized as fictitious coins) or time to various targets in need over time. Poles from the general population (N = 566) participated in a 2-wave longitudinal study (first wave conducted in May 2022; second in late April/May 2023). Results showed a drop in the general prosocial giving tendencies of both coins and money over time, which confirms the social support mobilization and deterioration theory. In particular, the willingness to give coins to a Ukrainian refugee and time to Ukrainian and Middle Eastern refugees, as well as a local organization operating for pro-environmental issues and a global organization operating for a better quality of life in the world decreased. Most coins and time were intended to be given to family, a friend, a neighbor, and a Ukrainian refugee, confirming the role of psychological proximity in helping intentions. We provide interpretations of the discovered patterns in the light of previous data. Our analysis may be useful in predicting prosocial giving tendencies, especially for researchers of prosociality, charity organizations, and policymakers.

Sustainable Mobility as a Service: A Scientometric Review in the Context of Agenda 2030

City planners are facing an emergency to develop, promote, and implement actions that allow the mobility needs of people and businesses in cities (and their surroundings) to be satisfied to assure a better quality of life. Among the different actions to promote, there is public transport, which should be the cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility. The only way to achieve the transition from private to public is by integrating services into a multimodal network and then encouraging interchange between different modes of transportation. In this context, the development of mobility as a service (MaaS) solutions is significant, and different studies have been developed in recent years. The paper thus introduces a scientometric review of such a topic in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. The study focuses on the current state of MaaS implementation, trends, and research gaps, with an in-depth analysis of emerging themes, based on 819 documents selected from the WoS and Scopus databases. Introducing the database, and research methodology, an accurate interpretation of the data generated by the bibliometric analysis, and the primary evaluation parameters are outlined. The identified studies have been then categorized into three thematic groups with the intention of offering a comprehensive study that identifies the shortcomings and difficulties in the research carried out in these areas up to today. Particular attention is paid to how this research relates to the Sustainable Development Goals.