Health-related Quality Of Life In Women Research Articles

Optimization of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Quality of Life in Women with Chronic Heart Failure after a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Introduction: Women with heart failure (HF) tend to experience a greater symptom burden and lower quality of life, possibly due to phenotypic differences and unique gender-associated risk factors. Despite evidence on the effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) in the general population, there is underrepresentation of women in these programs. Additionally, the impact of CRP on cardiorespiratory variables obtained through cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with HF remains unknown. Objective: To assess the impact of a CRP on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in cardiorespiratory variables obtained through CPET and HRQoL in women with HF. Methods: A quasi-experimental study included HF patients who completed a CRP from June 2019 to December 2023. The CRP involved nutritional assessment, psychosocial evaluation, educational sessions, and concurrent training. It comprised 30 minutes of aerobic resistance training at 65-80% of heart rate reserve (HRR) and 30 minutes of strength training at 30-50% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM), with a frequency of 3 sessions per week for 4 to 6 weeks. CPET was conducted at the beginning and end of the program, analyzing cardiorespiratory variables. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Gains in CRF and HRQoL at the end of the program in both men and women were analyzed. Results: Out of 217 included patients, 29.9% were women. At the program's onset, women showed lower exercise tolerance than men (workload 5.4±2.57 METs vs. 6.62±2.53 METs) and worse HRQoL (62.03%±18.37 vs. 68.38%±18.37). However, post-intervention, they optimized their CRF (%predicted VO2 [%VO2p] initial 56.62%±20.11 vs final 80.12%±30.32, p=<0.001). Significant improvements in cardiorespiratory variables were observed in both cases: delta METs-load 3.02, p=<0.001, delta peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) 1.83 ml/kg/min, p=<0.001, delta oxygen pulse (PO2) 1.21, p=0.021, delta cardiac power output (CPO) 1917, p=0.004, with a rightward shift in ventilatory thresholds and improvement in HRQoL (62.03%±18.37 vs. 78.81%±12.9, p=<0.001) post-CRP. The only variable with no significant changes in either case was VE/VCO2 slope (delta -0.51, p=0.736). Additionally, in women with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (<50%), variables with no significant improvement included CPO (delta 959.22, p=0.283) and time to recovery of VO2 kinetics (TRCVO2) (delta -0.74, p=0.957). In patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%), variables with no significant change included PO2 (delta 1.08, p=0.173), TRCVO2 (delta 26.82, p=0.099), and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) (delta 0.09, p=0.504). Program attendance was 87.5% in both groups. Conclusion: Implementing a CRP in women with HF resulted in significant improvements in all evaluated cardiorespiratory variables (except for VE/VCO2 slope) and quality of life. These findings support the importance of ensuring women's access and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Addressing existing barriers is crucial to maximize the long-term benefits of CRP in the female population with HF.

Alexithymia and Quality of Life in Saudi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Community-Based Study.

BACKGROUND The endocrine metabolic disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is quite common among women. Women with PCOS show a compromised health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impaired emotional well-being, and alexithymia, a neuropsychological phenomenon conceptualized as difficulty in recognizing and expressing one's emotions. However, the relationship between alexithymia and HRQoL in women with PCOS is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alexithymia on HRQoL in women with PCOS in Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional, community-based study enrolled 518 female patients with a diagnosis of PCOS from all age groups. The patients were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire from December 2022 to January 2023. The survey encompassed sociodemographic data, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and HRQoL 15-dimensional scale (15D). RESULTS This study included 320 participants (61.8%) with alexithymia. A significant association was found between alexithymia and low HRQoL 15D scores in patients with PCOS. Specifically, scores on the TAS-20 subscales related to difficulty in identifying feelings and describing feelings were positively correlated with HRQoL (P=0.000). However, externally oriented thinking subscale scores were not positively correlated with HRQoL (P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS The presence of alexithymia is associated with poor HRQoL in women with PCOS, which is more pronounced among those who received a diagnosis ≥4 years ago. Alexithymia must be considered when assessing the HRQoL of patients with PCOS, considering the relatively high prevalence of alexithymia in these patients.

Diagnostic delay and health-related quality of life in Egyptian women with endometriosis

BackgroundFirstly, to measure indicators of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Egyptian women with endometriosis; and secondly, to estimate time interval from start of symptoms until endometriosis diagnosis is made (diagnostic delay) in Egyptian women with the disease.Material and methodsBefore laparoscopy for pelvic pain and/or infertility, eligible Egyptian women completed Global Study of Women’s Health (GSWH) questionnaire and validated Arabic version of Rand SF 36 (SF-36). According to laparoscopic findings, participants were divided to endometriosis group and control women with no pelvic abnormalities.ResultsSeventy women with endometriosis and 57 symptomatic controls without endometriosis were enrolled. A diagnostic delay of 36 months (IQR 22.5–60) was observed in women with endometriosis while symptomatic controls had a delay of 48 months (IQR 24–84). The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Bodily pain (BP) scores were significantly lower in women with endometriosis than controls [80.0 (45.0–100.0) versus 100.0 (68.75–100.0) respectively, P is 0.01]. Women with advanced endometriosis had significantly lower scores for physical functioning (PF), role limitation due to physical function (RP), and BP compared to women with mild endometriosis, and to controls. Physical component summary (PCS) scores were significantly lower in women with advanced stage endometriosis [41.51 (34.19–51.54] compared to women with early-stage disease [58.33 (50.98–60.37)] or control group [54.72 (48.81–59.58)]. Patient’s age, intensity of noncyclical pelvic pain, and disease stage are determining factors of HRQoL in women with endometriosis.ConclusionsEgyptian women with endometriosis experience relatively short diagnostic delay, poor bodily pain scores, and impaired physical health for which age, disease stage, and non-cyclic pain are determinants. Multi-disciplinary endometriosis centers, educational programs, and patient support groups are needed in Egypt.

Effect of Conservative Rehabilitation Interventions on Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Upper Limb Lymphedema Secondary to Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) of the upper limb is a very common condition in women undergoing breast cancer treatment; it can cause considerable alterations in the daily life of patients and a decrease in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Currently, there are many conservative therapies that try to palliate the symptoms, but the results are still controversial and there are still no globally accepted treatments. The purpose of this article is to determine the effect, according to the current available evidence, on HRQoL of different conservative interventions in the rehabilitation of BCRL in the upper limb in women. Eighteen articles that compared the effects of standard treatments, such as manual lymphatic drainage-based decongestive therapy or compression measures, and other newer treatments, including new technologies and other types of treatment programs, were reviewed. According to the results of this review, the most recommended modality for the improvement of HRQoL would be a complex decongestive technique without manual lymphatic drainage. Although there are clinical trials that have demonstrated the effectiveness of various treatments, the results of the positive effects on HRQoL remain highly controversial. There is a need to continue to develop studies to help guide therapeutic decisions that can promote HRQoL in women affected by upper limb BCRL.

Quality of life 1 year after hospital discharge in unvaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19 respiratory symptoms: a prospective observational study (ODISSEA-PINK study).

Little is known about Quality of Life within the first court of unvaccinated COVID-19 pregnant women exposed to the pandemic stressor. Primary aim of this study was to evaluate 1 year after hospital discharge HRQoL in a cohort of COVID-19 unvaccinated pregnant patients with COVID-19. in this prospective observational study, all COVID-19 positive pregnant women at any gestational age, admitted to the Obstetric Department at the University Hospital of Udine, Italy, from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021, requiring or not oxygen supplementation due to SARS-CoV2 pneumonia were evaluated. Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric disease, those with a previous abortion, and those who refused to provide written informed consent were excluded from the study. We investigated pregnant positive COVID-19 women Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Post-traumatic Stress-Disorder (PTSD) with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). 62 pregnant women respected the inclusion criteria of the study, and data from 33 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 32 ± 6 years, with a median gestational age of 38 weeks [IQR 34-40]. 15.2% of patients required oxygen therapy through noninvasive respiratory support (with high flow nasal cannula) for a median of 9 days [IQR 6-12]. The median Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were 50.2 [IQR 46.7-53.7] and 56.0 [IQR 46.8-60.6] respectively. Ten patients out of 33 (30%) tested positive for PTSD. Maternal age, gestational age, and history of cardiac-pulmonary-kidney disease significantly affected HRQoL at multivariable analysis. In COVID-19 pregnant unvaccinated women some physical impairments reducing HRQoL are still present 1 year after hospital discharge. Previous medical history such as history of cardiac-pulmonary-kidney disease significantly affected HRQoL. Long and repeated follow-up should be pursued in this category of patients.Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT04860687.

Evaluation of follow-up strategies for women with epithelial ovarian cancer following completion of primary treatment.

This is an update of a previous Cochrane Review, last updated in 2014. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and seventh most common cause of death due to cancer in women worldwide. Traditionally, most women who have been treated for cancer undergo long-term follow-up in secondary care. However, it has been suggested that the use of routine review may not be effective in improving survival, or health-related quality of life (HRQOL), or relieving anxiety. In addition, traditional follow-up may not be cost-effective. To compare the potential effects of different strategies of follow-up in women with epithelial ovarian cancer, following completion of primary treatment. For this update, we searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, CENTRAL 2022, Issue 11, MEDLINE, and Embase from August 2013 to November 2022. We also searched review articles and contacted experts in the field. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated follow-up strategies for women with epithelial ovarian cancer following completion of primary treatment. We followed standard Cochrane methodology. Two review authors independently selected potentially relevant trials, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. They compared results, and resolved disagreements by discussion. We assessed the certainty of evidence, using the GRADE approach, for the outcomes of interest: overall survival (OS), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), psychological effects, and cost analysis. For this update, we included one new RCT, including 112 women with ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer, who had completed primary treatment by surgery, with or without chemotherapy. This study reported the effect of individualised, i.e. individually tailored, nurse-led follow-up versus conventional medical follow-up on HRQOL, psychological outcomes, and cost-analysis. Individualised follow-up improved HRQOL in one of the two scales, with a decrease in mean difference (MD) in the QLQ-C30 discomfort scale following 12 months of individualised treatment compared to 12 months of conventional treatment (MD -5.76 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -10.92 to -0.60; 1 study, 112 participants; low-certainty evidence; minimal important difference 4 to 10 points). There may be little or no difference in the other HRQOL scale (QLQ-Ov28, MD -0.97 points, 95% CI -2.57 to 0.63; 1 study, 112 participants: low-certainty evidence); psychological outcome, measured with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS; MD 0.10 point, 95% CI -0.81 to 1.02; 1 study, 112 participants: low-certainty evidence), or cost analysis (MD -GBP 695.00, 95% CI -1467.23 to 77.23; 1 study, 112 participants: moderate-certainty evidence). Our previous review included one RCT, with 529 women in a confirmed remission, with normal CA125 concentration and no radiological evidence of disease, after surgery and first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. This study evaluated immediate treatment of ovarian cancer relapse following a rise of serum CA125 levels versus delaying treatment until symptoms developed for OS, and HRQOL. There was little or no difference in OS between the immediate and delayed arms after a median follow-up of 56.9 months (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.98, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.20; 1 study, 529 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Time from randomisation to first deterioration in global health score or death was shorter in the immediate treatment group than in the delayed treatment group (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.88). Limited evidence from one trial suggests that routine surveillance with CA125 in asymptomatic women and treatment at CA125-defined relapse does not seem to offer survival advantage when compared to treatment at symptomatic relapse. However, this study pre-dates the use of PARPi maintenance treatment and the increased use of secondary cytoreductive surgery, so the results may be limited in their applicability to current practice. Limited evidence from one trial suggests that individualised nurse-led follow-up may improve HRQOL in women with ovarian cancer following completion of primary treatment. Large RCTs are needed to compare different types of follow-up, looking at survival, HRQOL, psychological effects, and cost as outcomes.

Effect of exercise before and/or during taxane-containing chemotherapy treatment on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in women with breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically review and meta-analyse the efficacy of exercise interventions delivered before and/or during taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), in women with breast cancer. Seven electronic databases were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the effects of exercise interventions in women with breast cancer receiving taxane-containing chemotherapeutic treatment. Meta-analyses evaluated the effects of exercise on CIPN symptoms, fatigue, and HR-QoL. Ten trials involving exercise interventions ranging between 2 and 12months were included. The combined results of four RCTs consisting of 171 participants showed a reduction in CIPN symptoms following exercise compared with usual care (standardised mean difference - 0.71, 95% CI - 1.24 to - 0.17, p = 0.012; moderate-quality evidence, I2 = 76.9%). Pooled results from six RCTs with 609 participants showed that exercise interventions before and/or during taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens improved HR-QoL (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.76, p = 0.03; moderate-quality evidence, I2 = 49.6%). There was no evidence of an effect of exercise on fatigue (- 0.39, 95% CI - 0.95 to 0.18, p = 0.15; very low-quality evidence, I2 = 90.1%). This systematic review found reduced levels of CIPN symptoms and an improvement in HR-QoL in women with breast cancer who exercised before and/or during taxane-based chemotherapy versus usual care controls. This evidence supports the role of exercise as an adjunctive treatment for attenuating the adverse effects of taxane-containing chemotherapy on CIPN symptoms and HR-QoL.

Impact of endometriosis on women's health-related quality of life: A national prospective cohort study.

To examine the association between endometriosis and women's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study included 3728 women born in 1973-78 using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Women with endometriosis were identified using self-reported longitudinal surveys linked to administrative health records. A mixed effect model with only random intercept and generalised estimating equations with binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between endometriosis and health-related quality of life over eight time points. Each HRQoL scale was analysed in terms of binary outcomes by comparing women who had a lower HRQoL (scoring below the 25th percentile) with those who had a higher HRQoL (scoring above the 25th percentile). Women's HRQoL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Survey every 3years from 1996 to 2018. Endometriosis was associated with significantly worse reports of HRQoL over time. In the comparison against women without endometriosis, the following adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated for women with endometriosis having worse scores on the eight domains of the Short Form Survey: physical functioning 1.33 (1.19, 1.50), role physical 1.57 (1.41, 1.74), bodily pain 1.65 (1.48, 1.82), general health 1.61 (1.42, 1.81), vitality 1.38 (1.23, 1.55), social functioning 1.38 (1.25, 1.53), role emotion 1.19 (1.06, 1.33), mental health 1.32 (1.18, 1.48). Women with endometriosis also had significantly lower physical health 1.68 (1.51, 1.88) and mental health components scores 1.28 (1.14, 1.44). Endometriosis is associated with worse physical, mental, and social functioning and well-being. Bodily pain was the most affected HRQoL domain.

Impact of risk-reducing mastectomy on quality of life of women with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

10623 Background: Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) is a common strategy for managing breast cancer (BC) risk in women with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). Data on uptake and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in LFS are limited and often extrapolated from BRCA scenario, despite the lack of evidence on survival benefits in LFS. This study evaluated RRM uptake and its impact on HRQoL in women with LFS. Methods: TP53 PV female carriers from a Brazilian LFS cohort from January 2012 to December 2022 were eligible. After informed consent, 90 women reported oncological status, uptake of RRM, and completed BREAST-Q questionnaire. Scores were compared among different BC risk management strategies and minimal important difference (MID) of ≥ 4 was described. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify surgical factors related to HRQoL outcomes. Results: 71.7% (n=33) of women diagnosed with unilateral BC (n=46) underwent contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (CRRM) at a median age of 39 years. Among unaffected BC women (n=44), 36.3% underwent bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) at a median age of 36 years. CRRM was associated with lower scores for psychosocial (64[±19] vs 93[±21], p=.05) and physical well-being (72[±16] vs 92[±18], p=.001). BRRM women had lower physical well-being scores (72[±19] vs 92[±13], p=.003). MID associated with worst HRQoL outcomes were seen in all four domains on CRRM women and on satisfaction with breasts and physical well-being of BRRM patients (table). Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) presented better psychosocial (74[±20] vs 52[±19], p=.04) and sexual well-being (60[±20] vs 46[±20], p=.05) when compared to skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) on CRRM patients and with higher sexual well-being (60[±20] vs 46[±20], p=.05) on BRRM patients. Women with BRRM > 2 years had better physical well-being (83[±14] vs 56 [±12], p<.001). There were no significant differences in scores of women with age £35 years at the time of BRRM, although MID ≥ 4 was observed on psychosocial and sexual well-being and satisfaction with breasts: -23.0, -14.4, and -20.0, respectively. Conclusions: We observed high rates of RRM in LFS women and those were associated with worse outcomes on breast HRQoL in comparison to surveillance. The potential benefits and harms of RRM should be carefully discussed with patients before performing it, especially in LFS women where the survival benefits of these interventions remain uncertain. [Table: see text]

Quality of life in women with chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: A sub-analysis of the prospective multicentre phase IIb/III Prof-001 study.

Chronic recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC), defined as three or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidosis per year, significantly impairs quality of life (QoL) and sexual health. The primary objective of this study was to assess health-related QoL in women with RVVC using validated questionnaires before and after treatment. The secondary objective was to analyse the effect of RVVC on women's sexual health. This was a sub-analysis of a randomised, controlled, double-blinded study titled 'A phase IIb/III, parallel-arm, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, non-inferiority study in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis to compare the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of topically administered ProF-001 (Candiplus®) to oral fluconazole, which was conducted at 35 study sites in Austria, Poland and Slovakia. QoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life (EQ) five-dimension five-level scale (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) questionnaires, followed by specific questions regarding sexuality. From 2019 to 2021, 360 of 432 (83.3%) women with RVVC had accomplished a 6-months maintenance treatment and were enrolled in this sub-analysis. The EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores demonstrated improved QoL in 137 (65.2%) and 159 (75.4%) women after 6 months of maintenance treatment. Each individual aspect of sexual health significantly improved (all p < .05). A reduction in pain frequency during or after sexual intercourse in the 6-month period occurred in 124 (66.3%) women. Women with RVVC had high QoL and sexual health impairment; however, a 6-months maintenance treatment resulted in effective improvement in QoL and sexual health.

Illness Perceptions and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women and Men With Atrial Fibrillation.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is worse in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with other populations. Factors affecting HRQoL in patients with AF are not fully clarified. Illness perceptions are important determinants of disease management and may affect HRQoL. The aims of this study were to describe illness perceptions and HRQoL in women and men with AF and to explore the relationship between illness perceptions and HRQoL in patients with AF. This cross-sectional study included 167 patients with AF. Patients completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and HRQoL questionnaires: Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias, the three-level version of the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, and EuroQol visual analog scale. Subscales of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire significant in correlation analysis with the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias HRQoL total scale were included in a multiple linear regression model. Mean age was 68.7 ± 10.4 years, and 31.1% were women. Women reported lower personal control ( P = .039) and worse HRQoL measured with the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmias physical subscale ( P = .047) and the EuroQol visual analog scale ( P = .044) compared with men. Illness identity ( P < .001), consequences ( P = .031), emotional representation ( P = .014), and timeline cyclical ( P = .022) were related to and adversely affected HRQoL. This study found a relationship between illness perceptions and HRQoL. Some subscales of illness perceptions negatively affected HRQoL in patients with AF, which indicates that efforts to change illness perceptions may be helpful in improving HRQoL. Patients should be given the opportunity to talk about the disease, their symptoms, their emotions, and the consequences of the disease to enable increased HRQoL. A challenge for healthcare will be to design support for each patient based on his/her illness perceptions.

Health-related quality of life measured by SF-36 among postdelivery mothers attending maternal and child health clinic in Eastern Nepal: a cross-sectional study.

This was a cross-sectional study using nonprobability sampling conducted at a Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Clinic in Nepal. The study participants were 129 women postdelivery to 12 months who visited the MCH Clinic from 2 September 2018 to 28 September 2018. Outcome measures were sociodemographic, clinical indicators, obstetric indicators, and their relation with the overall HRQoL score of postdelivery mothers using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Version 1. Of 129 respondents, 68.22% were in the 21-30 age group, 36.43% were upper caste, 88.37% were Hindu, 87.60% were literate, 81.39% were homemakers, 53.49% with income less than 12 months, 88.37% had family support, and 50.39% with vaginal deliveries. HRQoL was significantly more in employed women (P=0.037), those with family support (P=0.003), and those who had a cesarean section (P=0.02) and wanted pregnancy (P=0.040). HRQoL in women postdelivery can be influenced by employment status, family support, type of delivery, and desirability of pregnancy.

Health-Related Quality-of-Life among Pregnant Women after First, Second, and Multiple Cesarean Sections in the Perinatal Period: A Short-Term Longitudinal Study

The primary objective of this study was to compare assessments of health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in women who had a medical qualification for cesarean section (CS), depending on the number of CSs in their medical history. A short longitudinal study was conducted among 115 women on the day before a planned cesarean section (CS)-T1, and on the third day after CS-T2. They were divided into three groups. G1: no CS (n = 17); G2: one CS (n = 34); G3: two or more CSs (n = 64). Participants completed a set of questionnaires concerning sociodemographic aspects and psychological outcomes: the HRQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). A chi-square test, McNemar's test, and repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the three groups in T1 and T2. Regardless of the number of CSs, before a CS, women mainly experience health problems with pain and anxiety/depression, and after a CS, mostly problems with pain, usual activity, and mobility. All participants experienced an increase in the amount of health problems with mobility and pain after a CS. Women who have had two or more CSs also had problems with self-care and usual activities. Women who have had one or two CSs experienced a decrease in the general assessment of the HRQoL, which is not observed in the group of women with multiple CSs. However, the HRQoL of women in the group with multiple CSs was lower before the CS than in the other groups. The results indicated the significance of the number of CSs, not only in postoperative, but also in preoperative HRQoL.

Even Now Women Focus on Family, Men on Work: An Analysis of Employment, Marital, and Reproductive Life-Course Typologies in Relation to Change in Health-Related Quality of Life

To a large extent health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a product of life-course experiences. Therefore, we examined employment, marital, and reproductive life-course typologies as predictors of HRQoL in women and men. To determine life course clusters, sequence and cluster analysis were performed on the annual (waves 1990–2019) employment, marital, and children in household states of the German Socio-Economic Panel data (N = 8,998; age = 53.57, 52.52% female); separately for men and women. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses, and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests, associations between clusters and change in life satisfaction, subjective mental, and physical health were examined. Five life-course clusters were identified in the female and six in the male sample. Life courses differed greatly across gender regarding employment aspects (e.g., men generally work full-time vs. women underwent frequent transitions). The family aspects appeared similar – e.g., ‘starting a family’ or ‘marital separation’ clusters – but still differed in the particulars. Life course typologies were related to distinct patterns of HRQoL. For instance, both for men and women the ‘separated’ clusters, as well as the male ‘entering non-employment’ cluster were associated with a steeper decline in HRQoL. However, change in subjective mental health showed few associations. Distinct types of life courses and differential associations with sociodemographic background and HRQoL emerged for women and men. The analyses reveal a burden on individuals who experienced marital separation, and non-employment and thus present important target groups for health prevention, e.g., for physical health problems.

Factors Contributing to Sex Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life After Ischemic Stroke: BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) Project.

BackgroundWomen have been reported to have worse health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) following stroke than men, but uncertainty exists over the reasons for the sex difference.Methods and ResultsWe included all ischemic strokes registered with the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) project (May 2010–December 2016), a population‐based stroke study, who completed a 90‐day outcome interview. Information on baseline characteristics was obtained from medical records and in‐person interviews. HRQoL was measured by the 12‐item short‐form Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Multivariable Tobit regression was used to estimate the mean difference in overall HRQoL scores (range, 1–5; higher indicating better HRQoL) between sexes and to identify contributing factors to the differences. We included 1061 cases with complete data on HRQoL and covariates (median age, 67 years; 51% women). In unadjusted analyses, women had poorer overall HRQoL than men (mean difference, −0.26 [95% CI, −0.40 to −0.13]). Contributors to this difference included sociodemographic/prestroke factors (eg, age, race and ethnicity, prestroke function), risk factors/comorbidities (eg, history of stroke, Alzheimer disease/dementia), and initial stroke severity. Sociodemographic/prestroke factors explained 62% of the sex difference (mean difference, −0.08 [95% CI, −0.21 to 0.04]). In a fully adjusted model that included adjustment for all confounding factors, the sex difference was eliminated and became nonsignificant (mean difference, −0.03 [95% CI, −0.16 to 0.09]).ConclusionsPoorer HRQoL in women compared with men was observed and explained by the combination of sociodemographic and prestroke factors, including physical function before stroke and stroke severity. The findings suggest potential subgroups of women who might benefit from more targeted interventions before and after stroke to improve HRQoL.

CN83 Interventions to alleviate depression and anxiety in women with ovarian cancer to improve mental health and health-related quality of life

Patients with ovarian cancer, who also deal with depression and/or anxiety, are at a significantly greater risk of higher mortality rates, increased hospital stays, poorer mental health and, reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This structured review aims to critically appraise and synthesise up to date evidence on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to combat anxiety and depression, to improve mental health and HRQoL in women with ovarian cancer at any point in the cancer trajectory. We explored the effectiveness of diverse interventions to combat depression and/or anxiety in adult women with a confirmed ovarian cancer diagnosis, offered at any point in the cancer trajectory. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines, peer reviewed publications of true and quasi-experimental studies were identified through a search of the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica Online (Embase), and medical Literature Online (MEDLINE) databases from 2008 to 2021. The Critical Appraisal Framework for Original Research (CAFFOR) was used to to assess methodological rigour. Findings were synthesised using quantitative grouping and a narrative critical analysis. Seven studies were selected for the analysis of the findings and methodology of each paper and the discussion. The interventions were grouped into three different types: nurse-led, CBT-based, and exercise. Irrespective of type, the reviewed supportive care interventions seem to be beneficial in reducing patients' distress and enhancing HRQoL among ovarian cancer survivors. Focusing on people living with ovarian cancer, particularly at the early stages of development, may help improve the mortality rate of the patient group. To improve mental health and HRQoL in this group of patients, more rigorous development of existing interventions is necessary, as well as early screening for mental health deficits. Nurses play an essential role in improving mental health and HRQoL for women with ovarian cancer by leading and/or supporting delivery of complex supportive care interventions.

Psychosocial factors associated with pain and health-related quality of life in Endometriosis: A systematic review.

Background and ObjectiveEndometriosis is associated with pain and impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Psychosocial factors have been associated with pain and HRQoL in other conditions, suggesting their potential relevance in Endometriosis. However, the role of psychosocial factors in this population has not been systematically explored yet. This systematic review aims to explore the association of psychosocial factors with pain intensity/severity and HRQoL in women with Endometriosis.Databases and Data TreatmentObservational and experimental studies that explored the association of psychosocial factors with pain and HRQoL in women with Endometriosis were eligible. The following databases were searched: Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, PsychInfo and Cumulative index of nursing and allied health literature. The methodological quality was assessed, and findings were synthesized using narrative synthesis.ResultsTwenty‐seven studies were eligible for inclusion, which included 5419 women with Endometriosis. Catastrophising and anxiety were the factors most consistently associated with greater pain, whilst depression, anxiety and stress were related to worse HRQoL. Findings regarding depression and pain were mixed, and research on social factors was limited.ConclusionsThis systematic review highlights the role of psychosocial factors in Endometriosis. Anxiety, depression and catastrophising are suggested as potential treatment targets. The review also indicates the lack of research on other potentially important psychosocial factors, such as avoidance, perceived injustice and social support.SignificanceThis systematic review explored the role of psychosocial factors in Endometriosis, suggesting that these are associated with pain and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Among the psychosocial factors included, anxiety, depression and catastrophising were the factors most often associated with pain and HRQoL in Endometriosis. These findings highlight the need to target psychological factors in the treatment of women with Endometriosis.

Health-Related Quality of Life After Breast Reconstruction: Comparing Outcomes Between Reconstruction Techniques Using the BREAST-Q

BackgroundReconstruction of the breast following mastectomy can improve patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQL). We aimed to assess HRQL in women after mastectomy and breast reconstruction and to identify differences in HRQL related to the reconstruction method used.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed on patients who had undergone breast reconstruction in Helsinki University Hospital between 08/2017 and 7/2019. The postoperative HRQL was assessed using the BREAST-Q (2.0) Reconstruction Module. The results were compared between patients with different reconstruction methods using the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsA total of 146 patients were identified. Microvascular flaps (n = 77) were the most common method for primary breast reconstruction, followed by latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps (n = 45), fat grafting (n = 18) and implant reconstruction (n = 6). The satisfaction with breasts was high in all groups (median 61, IQR 49–71). The physical well-being of the chest was high regardless of the reconstructive method (median 100, IQR 80–100). However, women with fat grafting reported more adverse effects of radiation (median 17, IQR 14–17 vs. 18, IQR 17–18 for other groups, p = 0.02). Donor site morbidity was low, and patients reported high satisfaction with the back (median 66/100, IQR57-90) and abdomen (median 9/12, IQR 8–10), and physical well-being of the back (median 61/100, IQR 53–70) and abdomen (median 65/100, IQR 60–86).ConclusionsThe patient-reported HRQL after breast reconstruction is high. Most women report being satisfied with the reconstruction, irrespective of the reconstruction method used. The reconstruction method can thus be chosen individually in cooperation between the patient and the surgeon.

Improving health-related quality of life in women with breast, blood, and gynaecological Cancer with an eHealth-enabled 12-week lifestyle intervention: the women’s wellness after Cancer program randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe residual effects of cancer and its treatment can profoundly affect women’s quality of life. This paper presents results from a multisite randomized controlled trial that evaluated the clinical benefits of an e-health enabled health promotion intervention (the Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program or WWACP) on the health-related quality of life of women recovering from cancer treatment.MethodsOverall, 351 women previously treated for breast, blood or gynaecological cancers were randomly allocated to the intervention (WWACP) or usual care arms. The WWACP comprised a structured 12-week program that included online coaching and an interactive iBook that targeted physical activity, healthy diet, stress and menopause management, sexual wellbeing, smoking cessation, alcohol intake and sleep hygiene. Data were collected via a self-completed electronic survey at baseline (t0), 12 weeks (post-intervention, t1) and 24 weeks (to assess sustained behaviour change, t2). The primary outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), was measured using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsFollowing the 12-week lifestyle program, intervention group participants reported statistically significant improvements in general health, bodily pain, vitality, and global physical and mental health scores. Improvements were also noted in the control group across several HRQoL domains, though the magnitude of change was less.ConclusionsThe WWACP was associated with improved HRQoL in women previously treated for blood, breast, and gynaecological cancers. Given how the synergy of different lifestyle factors influence health behaviour, interventions accounting for the reciprocity of multiple health behaviours like the WWACP, have real potential for immediate and sustainable change.Trial registrationThe protocol for this randomised controlled trial was submitted to the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 15/07/2014 and approved on 28/07/2014 (ACTRN12614000800628).

Factors influencing the health-related quality of life in Korean menopausal women: a cross-sectional study based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms.

PurposeBased on the theory of unpleasant symptoms (TOUS), this study aimed to examine the direct effect of antecedent factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its indirect effect via symptoms in Korean women during the late menopausal transition (MT) and early postmenopause.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey employed a descriptive correlational research design. The respondents were 152 middle-aged women 40 to 60 years with an intermenstrual interval of 60 days or more (late MT) or less than 5 years from the last menstrual period (early postmenopause). The respondents were recruited through convenience sampling in Busan, Korea, from December 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. Based on the TOUS, self-report data were collected on perceived health status, psychological distress, social support, menopausal symptoms, and HRQoL. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the Hayes’ PROCESS macro.ResultsTOUS was supported on this sample (n=152) of Korean women during the late MT and early postmenopause. Perceived health status, psychological distress, and social support had significant direct relationships with HRQoL. Menopausal symptoms had significant indirect relationships between antecedent factors (perceived health status, psychological distress, and social support) and partially mediated HRQoL.Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that menopausal symptoms play an important role as an intervening factor of HRQoL in women during the late MT and early postmenopause. Therefore, women need an integrated program that manages antecedent factors and menopausal symptoms to improve HRQoL in these menopausal stages.