Higher Quality Of Life Scores Research Articles

Association between proximity to COVID-19 and the quality of life of healthcare workers.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects almost all countries in the world and it impacts every aspect of people's life-physically, mentally, and socio-economically. There are several research studies examining the impact of this pandemic on health, however, very few studies examining the impact of this pandemic on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between proximity to the COVID-19 and quality of life of healthcare workers and identify factors influencing quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital staff in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Data on demographic, medical history, lifestyle factors, psychosocial factors, and quality of life were collected using online self-administered questionnaire. Quality of life (QoL) was measured by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Robust linear regression was used to determine factors associated with quality of life. A total of 1911 participants were included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 38.25 (SD = 11.28) years old. 26.90% of participants had been quarantined, hospitalised, being suspected or diagnosed of having COVID-19 infection and they were found to have the lowest levels of QoL across all four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains). Participants who were singles or nurses, worked in shifts or worked longer hours, had chronic diseases were likely to have lower QoL scores compared to participants in other categories. Healthy lifestyle, social connectivity, resilience, social and workplace support were associated with higher QoL scores. In planning of measures which aim to improve QoL of healthcare workers, priority should be given to individuals who have been quarantined, hospitalised, being suspected, or diagnosed of having COVID-19 infection. In addition to the proximity of the COVID, lifestyle and psychosocial factors contribute to QoL of healthcare workers. Hence, multifaceted interventions are needed to improve QoL of healthcare workers.

Evaluation of care with intravitreal aflibercept treatment for UK patients with diabetic macular oedema: DRAKO study 24-month real-world outcomes.

DRAKO (NCT02850263) was a 24-month, prospective, observational, multi-centre cohort study that enrolled patients diagnosed with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) including central involvement. The study aimed to evaluate standard of care intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) treatment in the UK. This analysis describes the 12-month outcomes for patients with prior anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for DMO other than IVT-AFL (C2), and 2-year outcomes for both anti-VEGF treatment-naïve patients (C1) and C2 patients. Study eyes were treated with IVT-AFL as per local standard of care. Mean changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in ETDRS letters and central subfield thickness (CST) were stratified by baseline factors. Changes in diabetic retinopathy assessments, glycated haemoglobin A1c levels and vision-related quality of life (QoL) were evaluated alongside numbers of injections administered and safety outcomes. For C1, mean (SD) changes from baseline in BCVA of +0.7 (12.7) letters and CST of -123.3 (104.3) µm were observed at Month 24. For C2, mean (SD) changes from baseline for BCVA of + 0.2 (10.2) letters and -0.3 (13.0) letters, and CST of -79.1 (137.6) µm and -91.6 (132.9) µm, were observed at 12 and 24 months, respectively. In Year 2, C1 and C2 patients received a mean of 3.7 and 4.3 injections, respectively. Year 2 results indicate that IVT-AFL is an effective treatment for DMO in real-world UK clinical practice, despite relatively low injection numbers. The high baseline visual acuity and QoL scores were maintained and there was further improvement in anatomical outcomes.

Quality of life of patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is a serious medical disorder leading to impaired Quality oflife (QOL). QOL as perceived by patients with ESRD is an important measure of patient outcome. However, there is paucity of literature that assesses the QOL of patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) in our country. A descriptive study was undertaken to assess the QOL of patients on CAPD and to determine the relationship between QOL and selected demographic and clinical variables. A total of 33 subjects were chosen by consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered Questionnaire - Kidney Disease Quality of life (KDQOL-SF™ 1.3) questionnaire. The mean age was 53.06+80yrs and the most common cause of ESRD was chronic disease (66.7%) i.e. Diabetes mellitus (33.3%). The overall QOL was satisfactory (58.28+11.5). Highest mean QOL scores were in the area of dialysis staff encouragement (87.50), and symptoms (83.01). The lowest mean score of QOL was in the area of burden of kidney disease (32.27), and role physical (38.78). Highest QOL scores in the area of ‘dialysis staff encouragement’ emphasises on the role of nurses and health care team in optimising the QOL of patients on CAPD.

Relief of symptoms and quality of life after conservative versus surgical treatment of benign liver tumors (CONSULT): a retrospective propensity score matched study

BackgroundSurgery can be considered for selected patients with benign liver tumours (BLT). The aim of this study was to compare symptoms and quality of life (QoL) after conservative and surgical management of BLT. MethodsIn this dual-site cross-sectional retrospective study, adult patients with BLT diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 completed EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires on current symptoms and symptoms at diagnosis. Summary scores (SumScores) and QoL scores at follow-up were compared between surgically and conservatively treated patients by matched t-tests. Propensity score matching attempted to reduce confounding. Higher scores indicate less symptoms and higher QoL. ResultsFifty surgically (22.6%) and 171 (77.4%) conservatively treated patients were included at median 95 (IQR:66–120) and 91 (IQR:52–129) months, respectively. Most surgically treated patients reported stable, improved or disappeared symptoms (87%) and would undergo surgery again (94%). After propensity score matching, surgical patients had higher SumScores (mean difference 9.2, 95%CI:1.0–17.4, p = 0.028) but not higher QoL scores (p = 0.331) at follow-up than conservatively treated counterparts (31 patients in both groups). DiscussionPatients who had undergone surgery often reported they would undergo surgery again. Moreover, they had less symptoms than conservatively managed patients while they were propensity score matched on relevant variables, including baseline symptoms.

Quality of Life of Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis and Contributing Factors

In recent years, interest in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as a major indicator of clinical efficacy and treatment outcome in patients of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has grown significantly. This study aimed to determine the contributing factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of ESRD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). A cross-sectional study was conducted on PD patients presented at PD centres of Al-Zahra and Noor hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, from May to August 2019. A total of 173 patients having peritoneal dialysis for more than 3 months filled the validated 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Baseline demographic details and dialysis-related factors were collected from patients’ medical records. The overall QoL score of patients was 50.28 ± 20.87. Male patients had a higher QoL score than female patients (58.18 in males, compared to 48.18 in females; P = 0.04). A significant association between frequency of dialysis and quality of life was observed, where three sessions of dialysis per day yielded the highest quality of life (QoL score = 59.62; P = 0.047). A significant positive correlation was discovered between QoL score and residual renal function (P = 0.013). In addition, a higher QoL score was observed in self-employed patients (60.95), compared to housewives (46.49) (P = 0.001). QoL assessment should be included as an integral part of patient follow-up to evaluate treatment outcomes and implement possible interventions to improve patient’s quality of life.

The Association Between Cervical Radiculopathy and Quality of Life in Patients With Cervical Spondylosis

Objectives: To determine the association between cervical radiculopathy and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cervical spondylosis. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 273 patients in five hospitals in Lahore within 3 months from April to June 2021. The Spurling test was used to measure cervical radiculopathy. The participants were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The Spurling test was used to measure cervical radiculopathy and its symptoms. The World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHOQoL) was used to evaluate the QoL of patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. Results: Of 273 patients, 42.9% were male and 57.1% female. Their Mean±SD age was 42±11.9 years. Also, 70.3% had positive Spurling test, and 29.7% had negative results. Their Mean±SD physical health score was 11.70±1.74 (out of a total of 20), and their Mean±SD psychological health score was 11.75±1.78 (out of a total of 20). The Mean±SD social relationships score was 11.19±2.98 (out of a total of 20), and their Mean±SD environment health score was 11.13±3.08 out of a total of 20. P indicates a significant difference in the QoL between patients with positive and negative Spurling tests. Patients with negative Spurling tests had higher QoL scores. Greater scores denote a higher QoL Discussion: There is a significant association between cervical radiculopathy and QoL in patients with cervical spondylosis. These results will help us in the future to design educational programs or modify the lifestyle of those patients with cervical radiculopathy. This research concluded that there is a significant difference in the QoL among patients with positive and negative Spurling tests. Patients with negative Spurling tests have higher QoL scores. Hence there is a significant association between diagnosed cervical radiculopathy and QoL.

Improving Quality of Life with Brachytherapy for Urological Malignancies

Brachytherapy for localised prostate, muscle-invasive bladder and penile cancer is well established, providing high tumour dose delivery and minimising normal tissue doses compared with external beam techniques. In prostate cancer, the main impact on quality of life relates to diminished sexual function and irritative or obstructive urinary symptoms, which are seen up to 15 years after treatment. Significant changes in bowel function are rare. Compared with radical prostatectomy or external beam radiotherapy, irritative or obstructive urinary symptoms are more prominent, whereas incontinence is less than after radical prostatectomy and bowel changes are less than after external beam radiotherapy. For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, when compared with radical cystectomy, although no difference is seen for urinary symptoms or fatigue, role and social functioning scores are higher and there is better post-treatment sexual function in both men and women. Compared with surgical treatment for penile cancer, brachytherapy results in better erectile function scores than after glansectomy and partial penectomy and high quality of life scores, with good satisfaction ratings for cosmetic appearance.

Anxiety, Depression and Stress Among Medical Students in Malaysia During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress following the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students at one of the public universities in Malaysia. Method: From August to October 2020, a web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at a public university. DASS-21, Brief Resilience Scale and WHOQOL-Bref questionnaires were used in this study. Results: The prevalence of depression was 40.5%, anxiety 46.0% and stress 30.9%. Based on multivariate logistic regression, a higher quality of life score is associated with a lower likelihood of depression (AOR=0.583, p<0.001), anxiety (AOR=0.726, p<0.001), and stress, (AOR=0.702, p<0.001) respectively. Likewise, a higher resilience score is less likely to be associated with depression (AOR=0.880, p=0.002), anxiety (AOR=0.880, p=0.002), and stress (AOR=0.850, p<0.001). Older age (OR=0.700, p=0.020) was associated with less stress and being on campus (OR=3.436, p=0.021) was at risk of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Our results suggest that medical students with higher quality of life and resilience scores had less depression, anxiety and stress. Older age was associated with less stress, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, being on campus was at risk of stress. Various stakeholders need to keep these findings in mind and identify those who are at risk for developing depression, anxiety, and stress in order to take further action to improve their quality of life and resilience.

Physical Activity Patterns, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life Among Nursing and non-Nursing Staff in an Office-Based Care Coordination Program.

Sedentary work is associated with poor health outcomes. Many healthcare occupations, including office-based care coordination, are largely sedentary. Many nurses do not achieve the recommended levels of daily physical activity, however, the physical activity levels among nurses working in care coordination are not known. To assess the physical activity levels, self-reported health and well-being, overall quality of life, and work-related satisfaction of office-based care coordinators, and compare these among nursing and non-nursing staff. This study collected objective physical activity data using accelerometry along with self-reported information on work-related quality of life and satisfaction from 42 healthcare staff working in a hospital-affiliated office-based care coordination program. Results were compared among nursing and non-nursing staff. Nurses had lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels compared to non-nursing staff (25 min/day vs. 45, p = .007). There were no differences in daily sedentary time, light activity, or steps between nursing and non-nursing staff. Nurses reported high quality of life scores compared to non-nursing staff (4.4 vs. 4.1, p = .02), but similar levels of work-related quality of life, happiness, self-rated health, and well-being. Nurses working in an office-based care coordination program had lower levels of physical activity but reported a higher overall quality of life than non-nurse work colleagues working in a similar environment. Given known health risks associated with sedentary occupational work and the growing number of care coordination programs, health policies and initiatives aimed at increasing the physical activity levels of care coordination workers is of prime importance.

How do determinants of health relate to children's quality of life? A cross-sectional study in Izmir, Turkey.

This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (QoL) and the related factors from the perspective of social determinants of health among children. Childhood is the most intense period of life, and environmental factors surrounding children, as well as individual lifestyle factors, are related to the child's physical and mental well-being. To our knowledge, there is a lack of studies evaluating the relationship between determinants of health and the QoL of healthy children in general. This cross-sectional study was executed in the Bayrakli district of Izmir city. Stratified clustered sampling was used including 24 schools and 3367 7th-grade children, and 1284 students were targeted (50% prevalence, 95% CI, %5 margins of error, 2.25 design effect, and 20% replacement). The response rate was 84.9% (n = 1090). The Turkish KID-KINDL Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children was used to assess QoL. Independent variables were examined in four layers using Dahlgren's Determinants of Health Model: basic characteristics, lifestyle factors, family characteristics, and life conditions. The mean QoL score was 71.3 ± 12.6. Our study explained 31.7% of the variance in QoL. Higher QoL scores were associated with better health status, perceived academic achievement, normal/thin body perception, physical activity (PA), and adequate sleep duration. Living with both parents and having fewer siblings positively influenced QoL. Moreover, the presence of structural problems in the household and poorer health perceptions were associated with lower QoL scores (P < 0.05) This study highlighted the multifaceted nature of QoL in Turkish children, revealing the importance of various determinants of health. The results show that in order to improve the general well-being of this population, interventions and policies are required that concentrate on elements including health status, academic accomplishment, body perception, physical activity, family structure, and living situations.

Recombinant factor IX Fc prophylaxis reduces pain and increases levels of physical activity, with sustained, long-term improvements in patients with hemophilia B: post hoc analysis of phase III trials using patient-reported outcomes.

Pain is a common symptom of hemophilia that may adversely affect patients' quality of life (QoL). Previous post hoc analyses of prophylaxis with recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) have been published for adults and adolescents, demonstrating improvements in health-related QoL (HRQoL) when assessed by the haemophilia-specific QoL (HaemAQoL) questionnaire. To describe in depth the evolution of QoL, pain- and activity-related domains and questions for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with hemophilia B treated with rFIXFc prophylaxis. A post hoc analysis of data from a series of clinical trials. This post hoc, long-term analysis assessed patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the Kids B-LONG (NCT01440946: pediatric) and B-LONG (NCT01027364: adults and adolescents) parent studies and the B-YOND (NCT01425723: all age groups) extension study. Ninety-two adult and adolescent patients that started in the B-LONG study were assessed, with a median (range) duration of follow-up of 58.9 (0.0-78.4) months. The Haem-A-QoL total score was significantly reduced from baseline by 4.45 (p ⩽ 0.01), as were the subdomains 'physical health' (9.10; p = 0.001), 'sports and leisure' (11.25; p ⩽ 0.01), 'treatment' (2.69; p = 0.05), and 'view of self' (5.81; p = 0.002). Thirty pediatric patients that started in the Kids B-LONG study were assessed, with a median (min-max) duration of follow-up of 36.7 (9.0-59.9) months. The high level of satisfaction demonstrated by the PROs at baseline was maintained. rFIXFc prophylaxis reduced perceived pain and increased levels of physical activity with sustained, long-term improvements in QoL in adult and adolescent patients with hemophilia B and maintained high QoL scores in pediatric patients.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING IN OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Research has shown that positive or negative views of aging are associated with quality of life. Prior research has found that community dwelling older adults aged 65 and older with more negative views of aging have lower scores on quality of life scales, whereas those with higher views of aging have higher scores on quality of life scales. A group of 264 community dwelling older adults (Mean age = 72.4 years, 62-92 years old) living in Prince Edward Island, Canada, completed a survey measuring attitudes towards aging and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of a majority of retired (n=206) older adults, living in an urban area (n=151), and approximately 55% receiving a household income of $26,000 to $75,000 per year. Regression analysis found that attitudes towards aging significantly predicted quality of life (F(1,127)=24.9, p&amp;lt; 0.01), with positive attitudes predicting higher quality of life scores and negative attitudes predicting lower quality of life scores. The model showed that the predictor, attitudes towards aging, explained 16.5% of the variance in quality of life (B=-2.7, t=-4.9, p&amp;lt; 0.01). This suggests that attitudes towards aging play a role in predicting quality of life in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Motor function, muscle strength and health-related quality of life of children perinatally infected with HIV.

Gross motor delays are common in infants and preschool children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These delays persist in children of school-going age and may affect participation in classroom and playground activities; however, the extent of the problem is poorly understood in this age group. Our study aimed to determine the motor function, muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children aged 5-10 years who were perinatally infected with HIV. In our cross-sectional study, participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a Gauteng HIV clinic. Participants were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2), standing broad jump test (SBJT), Paediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM (PedsQL) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Thirty children participated in our study. The MABC-2 showed 60% of the children assessed were either at risk of developmental delay or were already delayed, with the domain of manual dexterity being most affected. The SBJT showed female participants had weaker muscle strength than males. The mean total score on the PedsQL was 81%, with the subscales ranging from very high quality of life scores to moderately high quality of life scores, with emotional functioning having one of the lower overall scores. Children who have been perinatally infected with HIV are at significant risk of delayed motor function. Muscle strength is also an area of concern, as is emotional HRQoL. Further research and implementation of holistic rehabilitation programmes are needed. Children with HIV need to be prioritised for developmental screening throughout childhood. Health promotion and early intervention need to be at the forefront of our fight against this pandemic.

Association of pain and clinical factors on disability and quality of life in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study from Turkish League Against Rheumatism Network.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with disability and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Between January 2018 and January 2019, a total of 256 SSc patients (20 males, 236 females; mean age: 50.9±12.4 years; range, 19 to 87 years) who were diagnosed with SSc were included in the study. Disability and health-related QoL (HRQoL) were evaluated by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), scleroderma HAQ (SHAQ), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Linear regression analysis methods were used to describe factors associated with disability and QoL of the patients. All disability scores were higher and HRQoL scores were lower in diffuse cutaneous SSc patients compared limited cutaneous SSc, and differentiations were significant (p=0.001 and p=0.007). In multiple regression, pain (VAS) was the strongest predictor for high disability and low QoL scores (p<0.001) as HAQ (β=0.397, 0.386, 0.452), SHAQ (β=0.397, 0.448, 0.372), DHI (β=0.446, 0.536, 0.389), PCS (β=-0.417,-0.499, -0.408) and MCS (β=-0.478, -0.441, -0.370) in combined, lcSSc and dcSSc patients respectively. The factors associated with high disability and low QoL scores were forced vital capacity for HAQ (β=-0.172, p=0.002) and SF-36 PCS (β=0.187, p=0.001); disease duration for HAQ (β=0.208, p<0.001), DHI (β=0.147, p=0.006), and SF-36 PCS (β=-0.134, p=0.014); 6-minute walk test for HAQ (β=-0.161, p=0.005) and SF-36 PCS (β=0.153, p=0.009); and modified Rodnan skin score for SHAQ (β=0.250, p<0.001) and DHI (β=0.233, p<0.001) in SSc patients. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide for HAQ (β=-0.189, p=0.010) and SHAQ (β=-0.247, p=0.002); erythrocyte sedimentation rate for DHI (β=0.322, p<0.001); age for SF-36 PCS (β=-0.221, p=0.003) and body mass index for SF-36 PCS (β=-0.200, p=0.008) and MCS (β=-0.175, p=0.034) were the other variables associated with high disability or low QoL scores in SSc subsets. Clinicians should consider the management of the pain and its sources as a key to improve better functional state and quality of daily life in SSc.

Exploring the Association Between Resilience and Quality of Life Among Glaucoma Patients: Sleep Disturbance as a Mediating Factor.

Patients with glaucoma may experience many symptoms such as blindness, which seriously affect their quality of life (QoL). Resilience is playing a vital role in enhancing the QoL and well-being of patients with chronic diseases. In addition, sleep disturbance is common in patients with glaucoma, leading to a decline in their QoL. However, there is a dearth of research on whether sleep disturbance plays a mediating role between resilience and QoL among glaucoma patients. The aim of this study is to explore the role of sleep disturbance in the relationship between resilience and QoL among glaucoma patients. From July to December 2019, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 215 glaucoma patients in an ophthalmic hospital in Liaoning Province. Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted to examine the factors related to QoL and to test the hypothesis that sleep disturbance mediates the relationship between resilience and QoL among glaucoma patients. The average QoL score among glaucoma patients was 43.85 ± 14.97 as reported by the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) scale, where a higher scores indicating a poorer QoL. Resilience was found to be linked with a lower QoL score (P < 0.01), while sleep disturbance was associated with a higher QoL score (P < 0.01). When sleep disturbance was included in the model as partial mediator, the path coefficients for the association between resilience and QoL score was significantly decreased (a*b = -0.1, BCa95% CI: -0.154∼-0.045). Findings of this study reflected that QoL among glaucoma patients in China was poor. Resilience was found to be an important positive factor, which could result in the improvement of QoL. Furthermore, sleep disturbance mediated the relationship between resilience and QoL among patients with glaucoma, thereby reducing the positive impact of resilience on QoL in glaucoma patients. Efforts to improve QoL among glaucoma patients may benefit from interventions that enhance the levels of resilience and promote healthy sleep.

Capoeira: hypothesis on health rehabilitation and quality-of-life maintenance.

The aim of this work was to present hypotheses supporting capoeira as an activity aimed at health rehabilitation and maintenance of quality of life. Capoeira players (n=245), residing in Brazil and abroad, were evaluated for quality of life (physical, social, psychological, and environmental domains from WHOQOL-bref). The capoeira players' quality of life scores were compared to normative values and reference values in martial arts. Besides, studies involving capoeira (Medline/Embase/Cinahl/SportDiscus) were also reviewed for health-related hypotheses, describing population, intervention, comparator, and outcome. There are hypotheses on capoeira improving health through (1) body composition, addressed by two studies investigating waist circumference, bone, and muscle mass; (2) functional capacity, investigated by three studies considering performance variables; (3) metabolism, in two studies demonstrating triglycerides and blood glucose reduction, and an enhancement of anaerobic glycolysis; and (4) cardiovascular parameters, addressed by two studies highlighting an increase in maximal oxygen consumption, heart rate, and rate of pressure product reduction, as well as an increase in parasympathetic activity at rest. The sample of this study had higher quality of life scores when compared to normative values for Brazilians, similar quality of life when it comes to social relationships, higher quality of life in the psychological and environmental domains, and lower quality of life in the physical domain when compared to practitioners of other combat sports/martial arts. An analysis of the impacts of capoeira resulted in hypotheses on the rehabilitation of players' biological health. Although the individuals were evaluated within the pandemic period, their quality of life domains were similar or superior to normative or reference values found by studies from before the pandemic.

Dynamic changes in quality of life, psychological status, and body image in women who underwent a mastectomy as compared with breast reconstruction: an 8-year follow up.

Surgical decisions and methods of surgery highly influence long term QoL for breast cancer (BC) survivors. This study is aimed towards an exploration of the dynamic changes in quality of life (QoL), anxiety/depression status, and body image (BI) among women with BC who received a mastectomy compared with those receiving breast reconstruction (BR) within an 8-year follow-up period. Women with major BC surgeries were invited to complete the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), the European quality of life five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D), and a body image scale within 8years of surgery. Kernel smoothing methods were applied to describe dynamic changes in QoL, anxiety/depression, and BI at different time points. Linear mixed effects models were constructed to identify the interaction between time, different types of surgery, and the determinants of QoL in these patients. After 1:10 propensity score matching, a total of 741 women who had undergone a BR and mastectomy were included. The BR group exhibiteda high WHOQOL QoL score one to five years after surgery with some fluctuations. The mastectomy group had comparatively stable QoL scores on WHOQOL items and were less depressed/anxious. The BR group generally showed fluctuating, higher BI scores two years after surgery, but they exhibited more anxiety/depression during follow up for 8years. Medical comorbidities, the status of anxiety/depression, and BI were the major factors influencing all domains and items of the WHOQOL BREF among women with BC. The mastectomy group showed a decreased trend toward depression in patients with BC. The BR group showed a significant improvement in QoL in the first 5years with massive fluctuations. These findings should be considered and discussed in patient participatory decision-making and promotion of QoL for breast cancer survivors.

Exploring the impact of a mindfulness meditation class on college student stress levels and quality of life

Objective: This study explored the differences in perceptions of stress levels and quality of life amongst college students enrolled in mindfulness meditation classes and those enrolled in an introductory holistic health class. Participants: 236 undergraduate students at a mid-sized university completed coursework and surveys. Methods: One-credit mindfulness meditation classes and an introductory holistic health class, serving as the control group, were offered over the course of one semester. Pre- and posttest questionnaires on stress and quality of life were administered to the participants. Results: Students enrolled in mindfulness meditation classes began with higher stress levels and lower perceptions of their quality of life compared to the control group. The mindfulness meditation class participants ended with both significantly lower stress levels and higher quality of life scores then the control group. Conclusions: Offering mindfulness meditation classes for credit may help promote positive mental health and well-being for students on a college campus.

A Prospective and Cross-Sectional Study on Quality of Life among Postmenopausal Women in a Coastal Semi Urban area of India

Background: Menopause is the natural process in a woman. Some hormonal changes will happen during the period of menopause. In this study, our main objectives were to find the association between the classifications of demographic variables and the various scores of domains and to find the association of various predictors variables of different domains of quality of life among post-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: We have conducted a prospective and cross-sectional study on Quality of Life (QOL) among one hundred and fifty Postmenopausal Women in Coastal Semi Urban area of Kerala India in the year 2018. Data was collected by using Menopause Specific quality of Life – 29 questionnaire with 7 Likert scale (0 – 7). The association between various scores of domains of QOL scores and selected socio-demographic variables by using analysis of variance test analysis and the association of various predictors of different domains of quality of life of post-menopausal women by using bi-variate logistic regression analysis. Data were analysed using SPSS 21.0 version. Results: Overall mean age of post-menopausal women was 55.7 ± 4.8 (Range: 50 – 65) years. Higher QOL scores were showed higher risk. In our study, using MENQOL scores showed significant associations with p–value&lt;0.05 in QOL based on body mass index, educational status, socio economic status, number of siblings, and marital status. Conclusion: From study findings, we have concluded that low and normal body mass index, higher educational status, upper to lower middle socio-economic status, a smaller number of siblings, and un-marital status were increased the quality of life and reduces menopausal symptoms problems among post-menopausal women. So, further effective intervention programs are needed in this study areas of the population to develop/increase the quality of life among post-menopausal women. Key Words: post-menopausal women, symptoms, quality of life, prospective and cross-sectional study, coastal area

Comparison between the effects of two treatment regimens from GINA guidelines step 3 on quality of life and inflammatory biomarkers of pediatric asthmatic patients: an observational study

Background: Asthma is a complicated condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airflow restriction, resulting in various respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. The research intended to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of two interchangeable treatment regimens administered to a group of Iraqi asthmatic children. Methods: This observational clinical study was conducted on a sample of pediatric Iraqi asthmatic patients in the central pediatric hospital in Baghdad. The study enrolled asthmatic children with moderate persistent asthma, who a specialized physician had diagnosed. Patients had been allocated to two groups to receive either medium doses of beclomethasone inhaler (80 μg twice a day) for group one, or low doses (40 μg twice a day) plus montelukast chewable tablets (5 mg once daily) for group two. This study used the Child Health Survey–child version (CHS–child version) to investigate the quality of life of included patients. Also, this study investigated the inflammatory blood markers; (eosinophils and prostaglandin D2). Results: This research included 63 patients ranging in age from 7 to 11 years, with a slight male preponderance: group one patients (n=30) and group two patients (n=33). Compared with baseline levels, the study groups had considerably higher quality of life scores at the first follow-up visit (P&lt;0.05). After that, the two groups' scores were non-significantly higher at the second follow-up visit compared with the first follow-up visit (P&gt;0.05). Both groups significantly improved inflammatory biomarkers at the first follow-up visit (P &lt;0.05). The second follow-up visit revealed further improvement in both groups. Conclusion: This research found that both groups generated substantial improvements in study parameters compared with baseline values and that the second group, which included a beclomethasone inhaler with montelukast, was associated with the highest degree of improvement in terms of quality-of-life ratings.