Quality Of Life Levels Research Articles

IMPACT OF DIGITAL AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG RURAL OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Objectives In the current digitalized society, digital and social engagement are important elements in the well-being of older adults. This study examines how different types of digital and social engagement are associated with different aspects of quality of life among rural healthy older adults. Methods Older adults without cognitive impairments, residing in the community in Southeast Idaho (n=154) participated in the ‘Aging in Idaho study’ in 2018. Internet use for communication, instrumental purposes, and health information searches were measured. Informal and formal social participation were measured. Five aspects of quality of life (QOL) were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Well-educated (M=16 years) rural older adults used the Internet for various purposes, actively engaged in social activities, and reported higher level of QOL for overall and life environment (e.g., M=4.6, Range=1-5). Internet use for communication was positively associated with QOL general health (β=.20, P <.05). Online health information search was negatively associated with QOL general health (β= -.42, P <.05). Informal social participation was positively associated with QOL overall (β=.17, P <.05), psychological health (β=.13, P <.05), and life environment (β=.20, P <.05). Formal social participation was positively associated with QOL social relationships (β=.16, P <.05). Discussion Digital and social engagement relate in distinct ways with different aspects of QOL. Older adults perceived QOL to be better when they actively adopted digital technology whereas maintaining social engagement well in the community. Promoting digital engagement which enables to facilitate social engagement in later life will be discussed.

Longitudinal trajectories of depression and quality of life in a cohort of cancer survivors and individuals without cancer in Europe.

The long-term effects of cancer on psychological symptoms and quality of life (QoL) have been widely reported, but they were seldom examined over time compared to the general population. To investigate trajectories of depression and QoL over time among cancer survivors compared to individuals without cancer throughout Europe and identify associated factors. Data from five waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe study were used. The study sample featured 1066 cancer survivors and 9655 individuals without cancer from 13 European countries. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify depression and QoL trajectories, and a linear mixed-effects model was used to characterize their correlates. Four depression trajectories-stable low, stable high, increasing, and decreasing-and four QoL trajectories were identified. All QoL trajectories were stable over time, but differed in their levels: low, low-medium, medium-high, and high. Depression and QoL trajectories were similar between cancer survivors and individuals without cancer. However, significantly more cancer survivors had high-depression and low-QoL trajectories. Further, better perceived health, activities of daily living, physical activity, and income adequacy levels were significantly associated with changes in depression and QoL levels over time. Although depression and QoL trajectories did not differ between cancer survivors and individuals without cancer, more cancer survivors were characterized by high-depression and low-QoL life trajectories. Providers should be aware and screen for cancer survivors with elevated depression and low QoL, and promoterelevant psychosocial interventions. Modifiable factors associated with depression and QoL can be targets forcancer survivors' long-term care plans.

The feasibility of a multidimensional intervention in lymphoma survivors with chronic fatigue

PurposeChronic fatigue (CF) affects 25–30% of lymphoma survivors, but interventions designed to reduce fatigue are lacking. The main aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a multidimensional intervention study in lymphoma survivors with CF. Secondary aims were to describe individual changes in fatigue, quality of life (QoL) and physical performance from pre (T0) to post (T1) intervention.MethodsThis feasibility study was as a one-armed intervention study performed in 2021. Hodgkin or aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors received mailed study information and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire and were asked to respond if they suffered from fatigue. The 12-week intervention included patient education, physical exercise, a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based group program and nutritional counselling. Feasibility data included patient recruitment, completion of assessments, adherence to the intervention and patient-reported experience measures. Participants responded to questionnaires and underwent physical tests at T0 and T1.ResultsSeven lymphoma survivors with CF were included. Of all assessments, 91% and 83% were completed at T0 and T1, respectively. Adherence to the interventional components varied from 69% to 91%. At T1, all participants rated exercise as useful, of whom five rated the CBT-based program and five rated individual nutritional counselling as useful. Five participants reported improved fatigue, QoL and physical performance.ConclusionLymphoma survivors with CF participating in a multidimensional intervention designed to reduce the level of fatigue showed high assessment completion rate and intervention adherence rate. Most of the participants evaluated the program as useful and improved their level of fatigue, QoL and physical performance after the intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04931407. Registered 16. April 2021-Retrospectively registered. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04931407

The impact of New Families home visiting program on first-time mothers’ quality of life and its association with social support: a non-randomized controlled study

BackgroundThe transition to motherhood is characterized by physical, psychological, social, and relational changes. Quality of life (QoL) changes substantially during this transition. Higher QoL is associated with social support, essential for coping with the challenges and changes of becoming a mother. An early universal home visiting program (New Families) is developed to strengthen and support families. The study aims to evaluate the impact of New Families on first-time mothers’ QoL and to investigate the association between their QoL, social support, and selected possible predictive factors.MethodsA prospective non-randomized controlled study with parallel group design. Child Health Services in five city districts of Oslo were matched in intervention and control groups. First-time mothers were allocated based on the residential area and assessed at pregnancy week 28 (N = 228), six weeks postpartum (N = 184), and three months postpartum (N = 167). Measures of the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief, Perinatal Infant Care Social Support Scale, and background variables were collected from October 2018 to June 2020. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to examine intervention impact and assess associations.ResultsOur data did not reveal a significant association between New Families intervention and the QoL levels of first-time mothers at three months postpartum. Thus, we analyzed the whole sample together. Emotional support was significantly associated with higher QoL levels in the physical health (B = 0.19, 95%CI [0.04 to 0.34]) and social relationships (B = 0.40, 95%CI [0.20 to 0.60]) domains. Appraisal support was significantly associated with higher QoL levels in the psychological (B = 0.34, 95%CI [0.18 to 0.50]) and environment (B = 0.33, 95%CI [0.19 to 0.48]) domains. QoL levels in pregnancy were significantly associated with QoL levels postpartum, showing small to medium effect size (ES = 0.30 to 0.55), depending on the domain.ConclusionsFurther research, including qualitative interviews, could provide more insights into the impact of New Families on QoL. A positive association between QoL levels in pregnancy and postpartum suggests that postnatal interventions targeting improved QoL could potentially improve postpartum QoL. Emotional and appraisal support seems beneficial for first-time mothers’ QoL and could be provided and facilitated by public health nurses.Trial registrationclinicaltrial.gov NCT04162626.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Quality of Life in Penile Cancer Patients following Surgical Treatment

Background: Penile cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive disease, with a significant tendency for lymphatic spreading and subsequent development of distant metastases. The mutilating nature of PC surgical treatment has profound implications on the patient’s body integrity and self-image, sexual life and intimacy, voiding and mental health. The aim of our study was to comprehensively evaluate PC patients’ post-treatment quality of life (QoL), sexual activity, self-esteem, fatigue and fear of disease recurrence. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, and included 31 PC patients. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. (3) Results: The average score on the Global health status scale was 67.2 out of 100 (ranging from 16.7 to 100), and the SD was 22.5. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that demographic characteristics, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) anxiety and depression scores, total Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Fear of cancer recurrence and Rosenberg scores and erectile function score explained a total of 78.2% of the variance in the global health status/QoL scale of PC patients. (4) Conclusions: Efforts should be made not only to increase the survival of PC patients after surgical treatment but also to enable the best possible level of QoL in the post-operative period.

Development of Quality of Life in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer Using a Patient Support Smartphone App: Prepost Interventional Study.

Adolescents and young adults often experience existential concerns in addition to side effects during a cancer trajectory, which they often carry alone. Thus, cohesion with other adolescents and young adults with cancer is essential but difficult due to the relatively small, widely dispersed nationwide population. In cocreation, a smartphone app has been developed and includes an information bank, a symptom tracker, and a social community platform, aiming to improve the quality of life (QoL) in this patient group. This nationwide, multicenter study aimed to investigate the QoL in adolescents and young adults undergoing a cancer trajectory as they used the app for 6 weeks. Via youth support initiatives, participants were recruited from hospitals in all regions of Denmark. Inclusion criteria were patients with cancer aged 15-29 years who either initiated any cancer treatment or started follow-up after cancer treatment within 30 days. Participants used the adolescents and young adults cancer app for 6 weeks. Before and after the 6 weeks of app use, they completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The participants were divided into a treatment and a follow-up group for analysis. A high score for a functional scale or the global health or overall QoL represents a high or healthy level of functioning or high QoL, respectively; however, a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology. Overall, 81 participants were recruited. However, 4 participants did not answer the questionnaire and 6 participants did not use the app. In the treatment group (n=36), significant improvement was found in 2 domains: "Role functioning" (baseline median 33.33, IQR 16.67-83.33 vs 6 weeks median 66.67, IQR 33.33-83.33;P=.04) and "Pain" (baseline median 33.33, IQR 16.67-50.00 vs 6 weeks median 16.67, IQR 0.00-33.33;P=.04). The "Global health/Overall QoL" scale remained stable (baseline median 58.33, IQR 45.83-77.08 vs 6 weeks median 62.50, IQR 41.67-75.00;P=.25). In the follow-up group (n=35), significant improvement was found in 3 domains: "Physical functioning" (baseline median 79.23, IQR 73.33-93.33 vs 6 weeks median 82.86, IQR 73.33-100.00;P=.03), "Cognitive functioning" (baseline median 62.38, IQR 50.00-83.33 vs 6 weeks median 69.52, IQR 50.00-100.00;P=.02), and "Social functioning" (baseline median 76.19, IQR 50.00-100.00 vs 6 weeks median 85.71, IQR 83.33-100.00;P=.05), as well as in the "Global health/Overall QoL" scale (baseline median 57.14, IQR 83.33-100.00 vs 6 weeks median 75.0, IQR 62.91-85.73;P<.001). In this study, we found an improvement in specific QoL scales for both participants in treatment and follow-up when using the app for 6 weeks. The global health or overall QoL score improved significantly in the follow-up group. In the treatment group, it remained stable. RR2-10.2196/10098.

Level of Quality of Life among Post Stroke Patients; A Cross Sectional Survey

Background: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with significant impacts on the quality of life (QoL) of survivors. This cross-sectional survey aims to evaluate the level of QoL among post-stroke patients and explore the associations with socio-demographic and clinical variables. Objective: The objectives of this study was to determine the level of quality of life among post-stroke patients. And to check the survival rate that either the stroke patients taking the therapeutic interventions or not, having a good independency or bad independency. Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 stroke patients having the age of less than 60. For the collection of data stroke specific quality of life scale (SS-QOL) was used to properly assess the quality of life among the selected population. Sample size was collected by using the convenient sampling technique. Written consent was taken from the respective hospitals Results: Results analyzed by SPSS version 25. The mean age of the patients was 50.28, ± 8.196 the minimum age was 32 years and maximum were 60 years. Out of 100 patients maximum were male 64% and female were 36%. There were 14% patients from upper-class level, 48% patients with a middle-class and 38% patients from a lower-class level. The overall quality of life among post stroke patient were poor with 52%, worst with 5%, fair with 39% and good with 4%. Conclusion: In this study it was observed that stroke has a negative impact on almost all the domains of quality of life. Majority of the patients were living with poor quality of life few of them were in good quality of life. On whole the quality of life is totally hampered and the patients were totally dependent.

Digital biomarkers of mobility and quality of life in Parkinson's disease based on a wearable motion analysis LAB

Background and objectiveFunctional mobility, an indicator of the quality of life (QoL), requires fast and flexible changes during motion, which are limited in Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent body-worn sensors have emerged in the last decades as potential solutions to produce digital biomarkers able to quantify mobility outside routine consultations and during real-life scenarios for multiple days at a time. The proposed research aims to study the ability of a wearable motion analysis lab, developed by our team, to produce digital biomarkers of mobility and QoL levels in patients with PD. MethodsA cross-sectional study was followed, including 40 patients stratified into three subgroups according to a clinic motor examination and a QoL questionnaire. ResultsThe achieved outcomes demonstrate the ability of the proposed high-tech solution to measure prototypical gait impairments and discriminate motor condition (AUC=0,890) and patients' QoL levels (AUC=0,950). Also, from the measured multiple gait-associated parameters, we identified the variables with the most potential to be applied as digital biomarkers of mobility (67 % of the metrics) and QoL (72 % of the metrics) in PD. ConclusionsOverall, we confirmed our hypothesis of using our body-worn sensor-based solution for passive or active monitoring of mobility and QoL in PD to produce objective, feasible, and continuous digital biomarkers.

S3: Quality of Life and Psychological Strengths of Older People

Symposium OverviewBackground:Aging has traditionally been studied from loss, disease, and dependency, limiting the conceptualization of Quality of Life (QoL) to health. The population group of older people characterize by its heterogeneity in which many older adults experience gains and age with good physical, psychological and social conditions. Ignoring these aspects can lead to ageism. It is necessary to offer a change of perspective in which older adults’ QoL is analyzed from a multidimensional perspective where not only losses are taken into account but also the strengths of the person and the satisfaction of their higher needs (self-fulfillment, control, autonomy and pleasure).Research Objective:This symposium aims to develop an assessment to improve QoL in older people through the promotion of their strengths.Method:Four studies from different Spanish and Portuguese universities were presentedPreliminary results on the ongoing study:Older people have psychological strengths that enhance QoL.Conclusion:This symposium seeks to promote QoL in older people from a change of perspective based on strengths in a society for all ages, in line with the decade of healthy aging (2021-2030) approved by the World Health Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly. Aging implies a range of personal and material losses to which older people must adapt to maintain adequate levels of QoL. The stress model of Lazarus and Folkman (1984) states that the impact of stress on the person depends on the resources that they use to face the factors associated with stress. Previous research has supported the protective role of reminiscence, personal growth, digital skills, psychological well-being, acceptance, resilience, gratitude, and family functioning in QoL. Likewise, interventions focused on these variables have shown an increase in QoL. However, studies based on a strengths model are still very limited in older people.

Efficacy of Individual Metacognitive Training in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Case Study

Background: Several cognitive biases may be involved in the pathogenesis and continuation of symptoms in schizophrenia. Metacognitive Training (MCT) is a treatment program that targets cognitive bias in schizophrenia. The current work aimed to evaluate the influence of MCT on schizophrenia using a single-subject design.&#x0D; Methods: Five patients with schizophrenia received metacognitive training. The treatments were done for at least four weeks, two sessions per week (number of sessions ranged from 8 to 18 sessions). The MCT consists of two sets of eight modules that target common cognitive biases and problem-solving difficulties in schizophrenia. Baseline assessment was performed using the Birchwood Insight Scale (BIS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), WHOQOL-BREF and the Peters et al, Delusions Inventory (PDI). The post intervention assessments included the afore-mentioned measures as well as treatment satisfaction. The follow-up assessments were conducted three and six months later. Data analysis was administered employing visual analysis diagrams, percentage of recovery and the Reliable Change Index (RCI).&#x0D; Results: MCT was associated with a reduction in positive and negative symptoms (up to 18.7, 100 and 100% on the PANSS, PSYRATS and PDI, respectively) in individuals with schizophrenia, and its effects diminish over time. Insight showed significant improvement, but it was mainly the insight into symptoms. In patients with low baseline score of Quality of Life (QOL), an improvement was reported. The GAF did not change significantly.&#x0D; Conclusion: MCT can be suggested as an adjunct therapy to decrease the symptoms of schizophrenia and improve the patients’ insight. Patients with more symptoms and lower levels of insight, performance and QOL seem to respond better to MCT. Randomized clinical trials are required.

Quality of life and factors associated among caregivers of adolescent and young adult Ebola survivors in Democratic Republic of the Congo, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEbola virus disease is a medical condition whose consequent effects on quality of life of patients. In the history of infectious diseases, there have been pathologies that have had significant repercussions for caregivers, healthcare providers and the community.ObjectivesThis study investigate determinants of quality of life among caregivers of adolescent and young adult Ebola survivors in Democratic Republic of the Congo.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study. The study sites were the two health districts of Beni and Katwa, in North-Kivu province in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study period was from April to August 2022. Participants of the study were caregivers of adolescents and young adult Ebola virus survivors. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the 68 study participants. A questionnaire was administered. Data was collected using pretested questionnaire of WHO quality of life Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) and CommCare by Dimagi.Inc. lastest Version 2.52.1 and a sum of score of 78 or higher indicated a high level of life quality. To determine the quality of life of caregivers of adolescents and young adult EVD survivors, descriptive analysis was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to check whether the predictor variables are multicollinear. The regression analysis produced the crude odds ratio (COR), adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and p-value. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value 0.05. The final multivariate model contained variables that were significant in the bivariate analysis. Prior to data collection, a research permit from National Ethical Committee of Research in Democratic Republic of the Congo was obtained. Written informed consents from literate or illiterate caregivers of adolescent and young adult Ebola survivors were obtained. Throughout the study, participants' privacy and confidentiality were respected.ResultsA total of 68 care givers participated in the study, with a majority 54/68(79.41%) having poor quality of life. Men were 3.17 times more likely to record good quality of life than women (p = 0.02); OR:(95% CI), 3.17: (1.2 – 8.36), With regards to place of residence, caregivers who lived in town were less likely to have good quality of life compared to those in rural (p = 0.01); OR: (95%CI), 0.25: (0.09 – 0.72).ConclusionThe quality of life of caregivers of adolescent and young adult Ebola survivors in Democratic Republic of the Congo is poor. To be woman caregiver and to live in town are determinants associated with poor quality of life among caregivers of adolescent and young adult Ebola survivors.

Effectiveness of Different Treatment Tactics of Superficial Thrombophlebitis of Lower Limbs (with Development of Mathematical Model for Prediction of Therapeutic Effectiveness)

INTRODUCTION: The main goals of treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis of lower limbs (ST LL) can be achieved using different treatment tactics: conservative treatment, surgical intervention, and their combination.&#x0D; AIM: To perform a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, crossectomy in combination with pharmacotherapy and of phlebectomy in combination with pharmacotherapy in patients with ST LL.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the therapeutic tactics of ST LL was conducted (86 patients; 36 men and 50 women). Group 1 patients received only conservative treatment, group 2 patients underwent crossectomy and conservative treatment in the postoperative period, group 3 — phlebectomy in combination with conservative treatment. The clinical effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by the recurrence rate and/or progression of the disease within 3 months after treatment and the level of life quality (Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire, CIVIQ 20, visual analog scale, VAS). Based on the data obtained in the study, a mathematical model was developed to determine the maximally effective treatment method. For mathematical modeling, a ‘random forest’ method was used.&#x0D; RESULTS: All the studied treatment methods demonstrated a comparative clinical effectiveness. Analysis of the dynamics of the studied parameters (adjusted for gender and age of the patients) compared with their initial values within each group showed that statistically significant changes in the psychological factor were observed in the pharmacotherapy group already on the 7th control day (p = 0.024), while in the crossectomy and phlebectomy groups only on the 14th day. In the groups of pharmacotherapy (p = 0.001) and phlebectomy (p = 0.005), the improvement in terms of the social factor occurred faster than in the group of crossectomy, since statistically significant differences were found on the 7th day, and in the group of crossectomy only on the 14th day.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: All the groups demonstrated comparable clinical effectiveness in normalization of the quality of life and the recurrence rate and/or progression of the disease within three months after completion of treatment. On the basis of the data obtained, predictive models have been constructed that allow, based on the initial characteristics of the patient, to determine the tactics of therapy that can ensure maximum effectiveness in terms of normalization of values, reflecting the quality of life and VAS parameter.

Insomnia among Intensive Care Unit Nurses in the United Arab Emirates and its Association to Work Productivity and Quality of Life

Background: A healthy workforce is essential for sustainable healthcare systems, disease control, and the provision of quality and safe healthcare services. Insomnia is a common problem among critical care nurses attributed to the hard nature of their work, long and irregular shifts, high levels of stress and tension, and exposure to traumatic situations associated with critical care environments. These issues compromise their professional and personal lives, have financial consequences for health organizations, and may reduce the quality of care provided to patients. Aim: To assess the prevalence of insomnia among ICU nurses and determine its impact on their Quality of Life (QoL) and work productivity. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 430 ICU nurses working in three major governmental hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. Nurses were selected via convenient sampling. Data collected included nurses’ demographic characteristics, insomnia levels using the Athens Insomnia Scale, work productivity using the workability index, and QoL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief questionnaire Results: Approximately 237 (55%) of participants reported moderate to severe levels of insomnia, and 195 (45.3%) had moderate productivity levels. However, the majority of participants reported low QoL levels in physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL domains (61.4%, 60.2%, 47.2%, and 70.5%), respectively. Bivariate correlations demonstrated a significant negative relationship; correlation coefficient of -0.517, between participants' insomnia levels and work productivity levels. Additionally, significant negative relationships were found between insomnia levels and the QoL domains, with correlation coefficients of -0.629, -0.568, -0.469, and -0.485, respectively. Conclusion: This study found that insomnia has a negative relationship with ICU nurses’ work productivity and QoL. This may impact care delivery patient care and safety.Regular counseling sessions, better working hours, less overtime, and a better work-life balance may contribute to increased productivity and improved QoL among ICU nurses in the UAE.

A Literature Review on the Burden of Alzheimer's Disease on Care Partners.

Many individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are dependent on nonprofessional care partners. Providing informal care can result in emotional, physical, and financial burdens; however, there is a need for a better understanding of the impact of AD on care partners to support the clinical and economic assessment of potential new treatments. We conducted a literature review to evaluate the burden experienced by care partners of individuals with AD. Electronic screening and supplementary searches identified studies published from 2011 to 2022 describing the association between AD and the quality of life (QoL) and physical health of care partners, and the economic or financial burden of AD. Following electronic screening, 62, 25, and 39 studies were included on care partner burden, cost, and healthcare resource use in AD, respectively. Supplementary searches identified an additional 32 studies, resulting in 149 unique studies. These studies showed that care partners of individuals with AD report moderate to severe burden. Higher burden and lower QoL were observed in those caring for individuals with more severe AD. Care partners of individuals with AD experience higher burden, lower QoL, and higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety than those without caring responsibilities. Informal care costs increased with AD severity and accounted for the greatest proportion of overall societal cost. Care partners of individuals with AD experience emotional and economic burden, which increases with AD severity. These impacts should be quantified comprehensively in future studies and captured in economic evaluations of AD interventions.

Quality of Life of Elderly People with Severe Intellectual Disabilities in Chile

Introduction: Currently, the concept of quality of life (QoL) is key to defining health policies aimed at the population with intellectual disability (ID). Most QoL studies in this field have been limited to people with ID with higher levels of functioning. This has resulted in little interest in evaluating QoL interventions in people with ID and high support needs, affecting their general well-being and conditioning the care received. This study seeks to explore the QoL levels of people with severe and profound ID, and to examine their differences according to some variables. Material and methods: From a quantitative-descriptive approach, the San Martín scale, based on the eight-dimensional QoL Model of Schalock and Verdugo, has been applied to 201 Chilean people with severe or profound ID between 60 and 86 years of age. Results: The data show how most of the participants have low levels of QoL, with self-determination and social inclusion being the most affected dimensions. When comparing the QoL score with the sociodemographic variables, there are differences according to the level of support needs and the type of center of which they are users. Conclusion: It is necessary to pay attention to the low levels of QoL because there is a notable risk that they lead to greater situations of vulnerability for this group. Likewise, it is convenient to advocate for a higher frequency in the support offered and to bring the spaces in which these people operate as close as possible to the community.

Functionality, physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in patients with acute COVID-19 and Long COVID infection

A prominent feature of COVID-19, both in the short and long term, is the reduction in quality of life (QoL) due to low functionality scores and the presence of fatigue, which can hinder daily activities. The main objective of this study is to compare the functional status, level of physical activity, fatigue, and QoL of patients with Long COVID to other COVID-19 patients who did not develop persistent illness, and to determine whether there is a relationship between these variables and QoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 participants who had been infected with COVID-19 or had developed Long COVID. The main variables studied were functionality, physical activity, QoL and fatigue, measured using the PostCOVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short Form 12 (SF-12), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The main findings show a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between reduced functionality, lower physical activity levels, increased fatigue severity, and poorer QoL in Long COVID patients. Furthermore, these variables are also related to worse QoL, but only functional status predicts it. In conclusion, our results have shown highly significant correlations between the group with COVID-19 and Long COVID regarding functional status, level of physical activity, QoL, and fatigue.

Quality of life profiles and its association with predictors amongst Chinese older adults in nursing homes: a latent profile analysis

BackgroundRecently developments in the field of positive psychology have provided new perspectives for understanding the connection between individual variation in Quality of life (QoL) and positive aspects of human potential, strengths, and resources, commanding increasing attention. This study aimed to examine self-reported quality of life (QoL) profiles and the association of QoL profiles with positive psychosocial characteristics in Chinese older adults.MethodsA convenient sample of 354 older adults in nursing homes was recruited from Guangdong Province, China, between November 2020 and January 2021. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted to explore QoL profiles using the four WHOQOL-BREF domains as input variables. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to explore the association between latent profiles and predictors.ResultsLPA identified three latent QoL profiles: “low QoL with poor psychological health” (18.1%), “moderate QoL” (46.0%) and “high QoL” (35.9%). Frequency of weekly activity, optimism, gratitude, and social support were associated with the increased likelihood of belonging to the moderate-to-high QoL classes. Furthermore, Class 2 (moderate QoL group, reference) was compared with Class3 (high QoL group), higher frequency of weekly physical activity and spending more time on physical activity exhibited higher odds of belonging to high QoL class.ConclusionUsing the domains of the WHOQOL-BREF scale, the QoL profiles Chinese older adults can be identified. We found that psychosocial variables and demographic characteristic, including lower level of optimism and gratitude, lack of social support, low frequency of physical activity, and shorter activity duration time, heighten the risk for lower levels of QoL. Identifying classification may help focus on those at elevated risk for poor QoL and for developing tailored QoL improvement programs.

Fear of recurrence in postoperative lung cancer patients: Trajectories, influencing factors and impacts on quality of life.

To investigate the trajectory, influencing factors and dynamic relationships between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and quality of life (QOL) in lung cancer patients. Prospective longitudinal study. Longitudinal data from 310 lung cancer patients across three hospitals in China were assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (T1 -T4 ). Descriptive statistics characterised patient demographics, clinical characteristics, levels of FCR and QOL. A linear mixed-effects model was employed to analyse FCR trajectories, identify influencing factors on these trajectories, and predict the impact of FCR on QOL. FCR changed significantly over time, with a slight decrease during T1 -T2 , an increase at T3 and gradual decline at T4 . Higher fear levels were associated with female sex, suburban or rural residency, being a family breadwinner, presence of comorbidities and negative coping behaviours, and low family resilience. QOL negatively correlated with FCR, and FCR predicted lower QOL. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, lung cancer patients, especially women, suburban or rural residents, family breadwinners, those with comorbidities, negative coping behaviours and low family resilience, reported high levels of FCR. Healthcare providers should pay special attention to lung cancer patients especially during the period of 3-6 months post-surgery and offer tailored interventions to improve their QOL. Understanding the FCR trajectories, its influencing factors and its negative impacts on QOL can guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce fear and enhance well-being in patients with cancer. Identifying the trajectories and influencing factors of fear of lung cancer recurrence in patients at different time points informs future research on targeted interventions to improve QOL. The study adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Statement on Reporting Observational Longitudinal Research.

Rehabilitation Exercises Supported by Monitor-Augmented Reality for Patients with High-Grade Glioma Undergoing Radiotherapy: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life (QoL) and even treatment outcomes in cancer patients. However, the evidence to support the benefits of exercise in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) is limited. Therefore, we performed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to examine the effect of augmented-reality-based rehabilitation exercises on physical and functional fitness, cognitive function, fatigue, mood, QoL, selected blood parameters, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and S100 protein in patients with HGG. Adult patients with HGG scheduled to undergo radiotherapy after tumor resection were randomized to participate in an exercise program (experimental group, n = 25) or to receive usual care (controls, n = 22). Physical and mental fitness was measured at baseline, after the completion of radiotherapy, and at 3 months. The following tests were administered: Handgrip Strength Test; 6-Minute Walk Test; Time Up and Go test; Functional Independent Measure scale; Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE III); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; Functional Cancer Therapy Assessment-Brain; and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue. We also measured blood parameters, BDNF, and S100 protein levels. No significant changes were observed in the exercise group. However, the controls experienced a significant decrease in HGS and in the ACE III attention domain. No significant changes were observed in QoL, fatigue, BDNF, or S100 levels in either group. Augmented-reality-based exercise during radiation therapy may prevent loss of muscle strength and attention in patients with HGG.

Is Intradiscal Ozone Injection Effective in Ameliorating Symptoms of Lumbosacral Discopathy?

Background: Oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) gas mixture as a newly prescribed substance became popular among clinicians to relieve low back pain (LBP) in discogenic patients as an alternative method rather than surgery. We developed this study to uncover whether this combination could be helpful in the Middle Eastern population or not.&#x0D; Methods: In the present randomized clinical trial, we included 40 patients with L1 to S1 disc herniation assigned to schedule for intervention [a single course of ozone (O3) therapy without corticosteroids] or to consider as the control (physiotherapy including exercises based on extension). All patients were followed with a mean time of 12 weeks after injection, and pain severity and level of quality of life (QOL) were assessed. The severity of disc herniations was evaluated by a spine surgeon within the Michigan State University (MSU) classification frame.&#x0D; Results: The current study represented two identical groups regarding lumbosacral segment involvement during 12 weeks of our survey (P &gt; 0.05). The QOL level was equivalent in two groups. The mean pain score was decreased in the intervention group against the control group after two weeks, but it failed to thrive in the further weeks and was raised afterward. On the other hand, the mean pain score for the control group [6.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.4-6.8] proceeded with a steady slope notably lower than the intervention group (7.5; 95% CI: 6.9-8.2) (P &lt; 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients with LBP do not get more benefit from O2-O3 mixture injection.