Life Satisfaction Index A Research Articles

Life Satisfaction After Burn Injury—A Comprehensive Review

Burn injuries can have long-lasting effects not only on a person’s bodily integrity but also on their psychosocial well-being. Since medical advancements have increased survival from burn injuries, improving psychosocial health has become a pivotal goal for burn rehabilitation. Besides health-related quality of life, life satisfaction has become an important parameter for evaluating long-term outcomes after burns. We reviewed life satisfaction after burns among adult burn patients to evaluate the current assessment methods and gain insight into recovery patterns. PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically for studies in the English language covering life satisfaction after burns, resulting in the inclusion of 18 studies. The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) was the most commonly used assessment tool. Others included the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A) and a non-standardized tool. Most studies’ recovery patterns showed a decreased life satisfaction post-burn injury. There was strong agreement that inhalation injury, body dysfunction, an extended hospital stay, and psychological illness before the injury are possible determinants of post-burn life satisfaction and have shown a negative correlation. There seems to be a consistent use of assessment tools, which opens up the possibility of a further comparative investigation to better understand factors that influence life satisfaction after a burn so that this knowledge can be used to improve patients’ recovery.

A nomogram for predicting disability-free survival in older adults over 15 years: A population-based cohort study

BackgroundThis article aimed to develop and validate a simple-to-use nomogram to predict 15-year disability-free survival among older adults. MethodsA cohort of 1878 disability-free participants aged ≥60 was followed for 15 years. Participants were randomly divided into a training cohort for nomogram development (n = 1314 [70 %]) and validation cohort to confirm the model's performance (n = 564 [30 %]). Information on socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSI-A), chronic diseases, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and biomarkers were collected through interviews, clinical and neuropsychological examinations, and medical records. Disability-free survival was defined as survival in the absence of dementia and physical disability, and the composite endpoint is first occurrence of events of death, dementia and physical disability. We developed a nomogram summing the number of risk points corresponding to weighted covariates to predict disability-free survival. Validation of the nomogram using C statistic, calibration plots, and Kaplan-Meier curves. ResultsIn the multivariate-adjusted model, factors associated with composite end point were younger age, high MMSE (hazard ratio [HR], 0.93; [95 % CI, 0.87–0.99]), high LSI-A (0.78, [0.64–0.97]), non-smoking (0.74, [0.59–0.94]), engagement in physical leisure activity (0.62, [0.48–0.78]), and absence of chronic diseases (0.78, [0.66–0.91]). Incorporating these 6 factors, the nomogram achieved C-statistics of 0.78 (95 % CI, 0.75–0.81) and 0.77 (95 % CI, 0.74–0.80) in predicting disability-free survival in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, and had good calibration curves. ConclusionThe nomogram was able to predict long-term of disability-free survival and performed well on internal validation, and may be considered for use in effective surveillance, promote, management of clinical and public health ageing.

Sleep quality as a mediator between family function and life satisfaction among Chinese older adults in nursing home

BackgroundThe life satisfaction of the elderly in nursing home is the focus of social concern.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of family function and sleep quality on life satisfaction among elderly individuals in nursing homes and examine the mediating effect of sleep quality between family function and life satisfaction.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted .A total of 127 older adults who completed the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSI-A), the Family APGAR Index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were recruited from four nursing homes in Chongqing, China.ResultsLife satisfaction was positively correlated with family function (r=0.434, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with PSQI (r = -0.514, p<0.01). PSQI was found to be negatively associated with family function (r=-0.387, p<0.01).Family function had a significant effect on PSQI (path a: β=-0.8459, 95% CI=-1.2029, -0.4889), and PSQI had a significant effect on life satisfaction (path b: β=-0.3916, 95% CI=-0.5407, -0.2425). The total effect (path c) and direct effect (path c') of family function on life satisfaction were significant (β=0.8931, 95% CI=0.5626, 1.2235 and β=0.56181, 95% CI=0.2358, 0.8879, respectively). The coefficient for the indirect effect of family function on life satisfaction through PSQI was statistically significant (β=0.3312, 95% CI=0.1628, 0.5588). PSQI played a partial mediating role between family function and life satisfaction, and PSQI mediated 32.58% of the total effect of family function on life satisfaction.ConclusionsFamily function and sleep quality were significant predictors of elderly people's life satisfaction in nursing homes. Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between family function and life satisfaction.The interventions focused on promoting family function and improving sleep quality may be more helpful in improving elderly people's life satisfaction in nursing homes.

Satisfaction with life among senior citizens in Pokhara metropolitan city: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The number of senior citizens in the world is growing rapidly so life satisfaction is the best indicator for evaluating successful aging. The aim of the study was to assess life satisfaction among senior citizens in Pokhara metropolitan city. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 samples from 17 cluster of Pokhara metropolitan city. Life satisfaction were measured through life satisfaction index-A. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were computed at a 5% level of significance. Study participants were aged 60 years and above, residing permanently in the study sites. Wards, households, and respondents were selected randomly. Data were entered in Epi Data and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences 16.0 version. Results: Findings revealed that 53.5% respondents were not satisfied with their life. Likewise, age below 70 (52.4%), male respondents (53.7%), senior citizens (60+) living with partner (50.8%) were more satisfied. In multivariate analysis pension (OR=0.482, CI=0.248, 0.935), sufficient money for expenditure (OR=2.370, CI=1.362, 4.123), family income (OR=4.391, CI=2.019, 9.551), state of health (OR= 0.464, CI= 0.215, 0.923) and role in family decision making (OR=2.001, CI=1.055, 3.793) were positively associated with life satisfaction. Conclusions: More than half of the senior citizens were dissatisfied with their life. Financial state, state of health and role in family decision making are the main determinant factors of life satisfaction. Therefore, the authority body needs to be developing proper old age policies to resolute the socioeconomic problems of old people.

A Study to Assess the Work and Life Satisfaction among Staff Nurses

Background: Nursing is a Profession that incorporates the generous practice of the past with the dynamic truth of today’s Health Care Industry. When we speak to Nurses, usually Majority of Nurses expresses saying “I’m thinking why I joined Nursing, I’m not satisfied in the Work I do due to various reasons like Respect, Work Place, Work Stress, Domination, Work Load, Decision Making Ability, many more. This is making my personal life disturbed and feel even my Life is not satisfied. Hence, we conducted this study with an Objective. Objective: To assess the staff nurses Work Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction, working at selected hospitals, Kolar by using Modified Minnesota work satisfaction scale &amp; Life Satisfaction index-A questionnaire and find out the Co-relation between Work and Life Satisfaction among Staff Nurses. Methods: Descriptive Survey Research Design was used to conduct the study. 300 Staff Nurses working at selected Hospitals, Kolar were selected by using Convenient Sampling Technique. By Self-administered questionnaire data was collected using Modified Minnesota Work Satisfaction Scale and Life Satisfaction Index-A questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using Descriptive Statistics. Results: The study findings showed that, there was Positive Correlation (r=0.17) between Work and Life Satisfaction. Conclusion: This showed that Work &amp; Life Satisfaction are interdependent and Staff Nurses who were satisfied at Work area they expressed they had Life Satisfaction. Keywords: Staff Nur

Value of edible horticultural therapy for schizophrenic

To investigate the value of edible horticultural therapy (EHT) for long-term-hospitalized (LTH) female patients who suffered from schizophrenia. 60 female schizophrenic patients hospitalized in our hospital were randomly divided into EHT group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The EHT group was combined with EHT on the basis of drug treatment, and the control group was only treated with drug treatment. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Chinese version Scale of Social Functioning for Psychotic Inpatients (SSFPI), and the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) were compared and analyzed between two groups. After 6 weeks of treatment, the SSFPI score of EHT group increased and was significantly higher than that of the control group. After treatment, the LSIA index of EHT group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The BPRS index of EHT group was significantly lower than that before treatment, but there was little change in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). EHT maybe valuable for improving clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and recovery of social function. Clinical registration number:researchregistry7590

Comparative Study of the Effects of Tai Chi and Square Dance on Immune Function, Physical Health, and Life Satisfaction in Urban Empty-Nest Older Adults.

Objective: To compare the effects of Tai Chi and Square dance on immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in urban, empty-nest older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 249 older adults (60–69 years) who were categorized into Tai Chi (n = 81), Square dance (n = 90), and control groups (n = 78). We evaluated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay, physical health indices by physical fitness levels, and life satisfaction by Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) scores.Results: Immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in older adults in the Tai Chi and Square dance groups were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding immune function and physical health, the Tai Chi group exhibited significantly higher levels of IgG (15.41 ± 0.26 g/L vs. 11.99 ± 0.35 g/L, P < 0.05), IL-2 (4.60 ± 0.20 ng/mL vs. 4.45 ± 0.21 ng/mL, P < 0.05), and NK cell cytotoxicity (0.28 ± 0.02 vs. 0.22 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) than the square dance group, significantly lower waist-to-hip ratio (0.87 ± 0.02 vs. 0.89 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), resting pulse (78.4 ± 4.6 beats/min vs. 81.0 ± 3.1 beats/min, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (132.0 ± 5.2 mmHg vs. 136.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (80.0 ± 2.6 mmHg vs. 83.0 ± 2.7 mmHg, P < 0.05), and significantly higher vital capacity (2978.0 ± 263.0 mL vs. 2628.3 ± 262.8 mL, P < 0.05) and duration of one-leg standing with eyes closed (16.2 ± 1.9 s vs. 12.0 ± 1.7 s). However, there was no significant difference in LSIA scores between the Tai Chi and Square dance groups (12.05 ± 1.96 vs. 13.07 ± 1.51, P > 0.05). Further, there was a significant correlation between LSIA scores and immune function (r = 0.50, P = 0.00) and physical health (r = 0.64, P = 0.00).Conclusion: (1) Both Tai Chi and square dance practitioners had better health outcomes, compared with sedentary individuals; (2) Tai Chi practitioners had better physical health and immune function than Square dance practitioners. (3) Tai Chi and Square dance exercises had similar effects on life satisfaction among urban empty-nest older adults.Suggestions: For urban empty-nest older adults who want to have better physical health and immune function, long-term Tai Chi exercise may be a better choice; however, those who are concerned about life satisfaction can choose either Tai Chi or Square dance exercise.

Association of life satisfaction with disability-free survival: role of chronic diseases and healthy lifestyle.

this article investigates the association between life satisfaction and disability-free survival, and explores the roles of chronic diseases and healthy lifestyle in this association. a cohort of 2,116 functionally independent adults aged ≥60 was followed up to 12years. At baseline, life satisfaction was assessed with the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSI-A). Disability-free survival was defined as the survival till the first occurrence of either death, dementia or physical disability. Information on lifestyle factors was collected via questionnaire. Chronic diseases were ascertained through clinical examinations at baseline and each follow-up. Data were analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression models and Laplace regression. over follow-up, 1,121 participants died, developed dementia, or became disabled. High LSI-A versus Low LSI-A had a lower risk of death, dementia and physical disability (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.67-0.94), and had a longer disability-free period by 1.73 (95% CI 0.18-3.32) years. In mediation analysis, accumulation of chronic diseases mediated 17.8% of the association between LSI-A and disability-free survival. In joint effect analysis, participants with high LSI-A and a favourable lifestyle profile had a HR of 0.53 (95% CI 0.41-0.69) for the composite endpoint, and lived 3.2 (95% CI 1.35-5.11) disability-free years longer than those with low life satisfaction and an unfavourable lifestyle profile. high life satisfaction is independently associated with longer disability-free survival. This association is partially mediated by a lower burden of chronic diseases and is reinforced by healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition counseling and monitoring via tele-nutrition for healthy diet for people with spinal cord injury: A case series analyses

Objective To evaluate the effect of a tele-nutrition counseling program on diet quality, weight, waist circumference, and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Prospective observational study. Participants Fifteen participants with SCI were enrolled from an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit and outpatient SCI clinic; ten participants completed the intervention. Interventions Six tele-nutrition counseling sessions over 3 months, utilizing videoconferencing and a photographic food diary. Outcome measures Weight, waist circumference, Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA), Knowledge and Nutrition Evaluation with Supplement on Eating Behavior, and Program Satisfaction Survey (PSS). Results Ten participants completed both baseline and 3-month follow-up evaluations and were used in this analysis. There were no statistically significant changes from baseline to 3-month follow up in weight, waist circumference, Knowledge and Nutrition Evaluation, and LSIA (P > .48). Using the Supplement on Eating Behavior total score to measure overall changes in healthy food choices, 9 out of 10 participants rated their healthy food choices as improving (P = .008). A post-hoc exploratory itemized analysis on the Supplement on Eating Behavior revealed significant improvements from baseline to 3-month follow-up in participant’s self-reported choice of balanced meals (P = .008), reading food labels (P = .031), logging meals (P = .007), and monitoring portions of eating favorite foods (P = .031). Participants endorsed a 97-100% satisfaction rating in relation to perceived health benefits, equipment, and program satisfaction. Conclusion This study provides preliminary data suggesting that tele-nutrition is an efficacious intervention that may improve diet quality for individuals with SCI.

The Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A): Normative Data for a General Swedish Population Aged 60 to 93 Years.

Purpose of StudyTo gain Swedish norm value for the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A) in a population 60–93+ years old stratified for sex and age and to relate these norm values with respect to number of chronic diseases and functional impairment.Materials and MethodsThe study population included a random sample of 2656 men (45.7%) and 3159 (54.3%) women from the longitudinal national studies’ “Good Aging in Skåne” (GÅS) and SNAC-B, both part of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). Data on Neugartens Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A), medical history, activities of daily life (ADL) and socio-demographics were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires.ResultsMen scored significantly higher than women; 28.5, sd=6.9, and 27.3, sd=6.6, respectively, out of maximum 40 points. For both genders the scores decreased with age, mean score 6.0 points, lower for men and 7.1 points lower for women between 60 and 93+ years. The highest score was noted for healthy individuals where both men and women scored 29.5 points, sd=6.2. Increased number of chronic diseases and dependency in ADLs were associated with lower LS.ConclusionNorm values here presented may facilitate assessments and evaluation of life satisfaction in the general elder population and as reference values to clinical trials. Female sex, rising age, morbidity and impaired functional ability were all associated with impaired LS.

Edible Horticultural Therapy for the Rehabilitation of Long-term Hospitalized Female Schizophrenic Patients

We quantitatively assessed the effects of a six-session edible horticultural therapy (EHT) program on long-term-hospitalized (LTH) female patients with schizophrenia. A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the project and randomly divided into an experimental group (30 patients, received EHT) and a control group (30 patients, did not receive EHT). The two groups were evaluated before and after EHT using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Chinese version Scale of Social Functioning for Psychotic Inpatients (SSFPI), and the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA). The clinical symptoms of patients with schizophrenia improved significantly and they recovered social function, but there was no significant change in life satisfaction. In the control group, clinical symptoms recovered but there was no improvement in social function and life satisfaction significantly decreased. In addition, patients in the EHT group expressed satisfaction with the program. In conclusion, EHT can improve the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and promote recovery of social function; however, its impact on life satisfaction remains unclear.

SCiPad: Effective Implementation of Telemedicine Using iPads with Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries, a Case Series.

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) must often travel long distances to see a rehabilitation specialist. While telemedicine (TM) for pressure ulcer management has been used in this population, real-time video telecommunication using iPad has never been described. The objective of this study was to provide specialized care for persons with SCI through TM consultation expediently in order to address medical needs, manage secondary complications, and to improve quality of life (QoL) of individuals with SCI. Ten individuals with SCI participated in the TM program using iPads for 6 months as a feasibility study at a single-center, county hospital. The participants contacted the project staff for SCI-related conditions and were then connected to an SCI-trained health-care provider within 24 hours via FaceTime. Main outcome measures included health-care utilization; QoL and psychosocial measures collected at baseline and at 6 months: Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI), Life Satisfaction Index A (LSI-A), and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9); and a Program Satisfaction Survey. Ten patients (seven with tetraplegia, three with paraplegia; eight males and two females) with an average age of 34.4 (18-54) years were enrolled. The average baseline and 6-month follow-up scores were RNLI-70.1 ± 19.7 and 74.7 ± 21.8, respectively; LSI-A-25.4 ± 7.4 and 26.4 ± 8.2, respectively; and PHQ-9 were 6.8 ± 7.2 and 8.6 ± 6.1, respectively. TM encounters included topics such as pain, bladder and skin management, medication changes, and lab results. The Program Satisfaction Survey yielded positive results with 100% of program completers stating they would recommend the program and would like to continue having TM. This is the first known successful project using iPad to provide TM in the SCI population. This study discusses the implementation of such a TM program in a health system including limitations. It describes the clinical viability of TM using iPads in the SCI population for care beyond that of just pressure ulcer management. This project provides evidence for using a tablet device like an iPad as an effective and efficient patient management tool.

Influences of group psychotherapy on mental health of patients undergoing IVF-ET at different stages

Objective To investigate the impacts of group psychotherapy on patients′ mental health treated by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods A total of 144 patients treated by IVF-ET in Reproductive Center, Nanning Second People′s Hospital from January 2010 to December 2013 were selected and divided into observation group (72 cases) and control group (72 cases) randomly. Patients in observation group received group psychotherapy before IVF-ET, whereas patients of control group were without receiving special psychological treatment. General questionnaire, symptom checklist (SCL-90), and life satisfaction scale were applied to assess the patients′ mental health status. Results Somatization, depression, anxiety factors of SCL-90 of patients in observation group were lower than those of control group on the day of down-regulation, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and before embryo transfer (P<0.05); depression and anxiety factors of SCL-90 of patients in observation group on the 14th day after embryo transfer were lower than that of control group (P<0.05); life satisfaction rating scale (LSR), life satisfaction index A (LSIA), life satisfaction index B (LSIB) score of patients in observation group were higher than those of control group on the day of down-regulation and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (P<0.05); LSR and LSIB scores of observation group before the embryo transfer were higher than those of control group (P<0.05); LSIA and LSIB score of patients in observation group on the 14th day after embryo transfer were higher than those of control group (P<0.05); clinical pregnancy rate of observation group was higher than that of control group (73.61% vs 56.94%) (P<0.05). Conclusions Group psychotherapy can improve mental health and life satisfaction of patients treated by IVF-ET and improve pregnancy rates. Key words: In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer; Mental health status; Pregnancy rate; Group psychotherapy

Population aging in local areas and subjective well-being of older adults: Findings from two studies in Japan.

Subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults could be affected by both individual and community characteristics. However, the effect of community characteristics, such as population aging in local areas, remains unclear. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the area-level population aging and SWB of older individuals from two distinct surveys. Those analyzed were 572 respondents aged 75 years and older for a cross-sectional survey in a metropolitan area in Tokyo, Japan (Study 1) and 1,257 and 859 respondents for a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, respectively, for a 2-year longitudinal survey project in urban and rural areas of Fukui Prefecture (Study 2). Area-level population aging was assessed by the number of people aged 65 years or older per 100 residents. SWB was assessed with the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSIA). Multilevel analysis was performed to examine unconditional and conditional associations between the area-level number of older adults per 100 residents and the individual-level LSIA scores. The area-level number of older adults per 100 residents was significantly and positively associated with the LSIA scores in Study 1 (p = 0.042), even after controlling for the area- and individual-level covariates. In Study 2, we also found a significant effect of the area-level number of older adults per 100 residents on LSIA scores in the longitudinal multivariate analysis (p = 0.049). Findings from two survey projects suggested cross-validity in the positive effect of area-level population aging on older adults' SWB. Policymakers should consider older citizens' SWB in the recent urban-to-rural migration governmental policy as well as in urban renovation planning.

Life Satisfaction Index among Elderly People Residing in Gorgan and Its Correlation with Certain Demographic Factors in 2013.

Background:Aging is a universal phenomenon that will present itself as a dominant social and welfare challenge.Aim:This study was to examine life satisfaction among people residing in Gorgan and its correlation with certain demographic factors in 2013.Methods:A total of 250 elder people were selected for the study through the convenience sampling during 4 months. Data collected through life satisfaction index-A (LSIA). This instrument consists of 5 subscales, including, zest for life, resolution and fortitude, congruence between desired and achieved goals, positive self-concept and mood tone. The Multiple Linear Regression analysis was used in order to determine factors influencing the overall LSIA.Results:The overall LSIA score was 22.1 ± 7.5 with the maximum and minimum mean scores pertaining to the resolution and fortitude (6.1 ± 2.5) and the positive self-concept (3.1 ± 1.2) subscales, respectively. Level of education, type of living and gender were variables influencing the overall LSIA (P<0.05).Conclusion:Given the overall LSIA, it appears that future plans for this age group should be seriously revised along with cultural plans for promoting reverence for old age in the general public.

Coping as a caregiver: A question of strain and its consequences on life satisfaction and health-related quality of life

A majority of us will at some point in our lives take care of family members, relatives and friends in need of assistance. How will this affect us?Strain related to life satisfaction (LS) and health related quality of life (HRQoL) among caregivers aged 60 years and older has not been previously studied. ObjectivesThe main objective was to describe characteristics of non-caregivers (n=2233) and caregivers (n=369). Further objectives were to examine differences in HRQoL and LS between caregivers and non-caregivers, and between caregivers stratified by level of strain. MethodsWe analyzed the differences in socio-demographics, social participation, locus of control and symptoms between groups. HRQoL was assessed by Short Form Health Survey (SF-12/PCS and MCS). LS was measured by the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A). ResultsCaregivers were younger, had more years of formal education, more often cohabiting and relied less on powerful others than non-caregivers. One hundred and thirty-three (36%) caregivers reported high strain. In a three-group comparison including non-caregivers and caregivers stratified for strain, high strain was associated with lower SF12-PCS, SF12-MCS and LSI-A (0.014, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). ConclusionHigh strain affects caregivers’ HRQoL and LS in a negative way. PracticeIt is important for the health care sector to consider the possibility that symptoms in a person acting as a caregiver can be related to high perceived strain. ImplicationsA general policy program aiming to identify caregivers and their needs for support is much needed.

Predictive validity of social support relative to psychological well-being in men with spinal cord injury.

Compare predictive validity (relative to psychological well-being) of long and short versions of 2 measures of social support for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Sixty-nine men with SCI completed (a) a long and short version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL), (b) a structured interview regarding the frequency with which a person receives 11 kinds of support from each of their most important supporters (maximum of 5), and (c) a global measure of the same 11 kinds of support. Approximately 3 years later they completed 4 measures of psychological well-being--the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD), the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Comparisons were made among the social support measures with regard to their ability to predict each of the 4 measures of psychological well-being at a later point in time. The long version of the ISEL had more predictive power than the long version of the structured interview. The long version of the ISEL is a good choice for measuring social support in persons with SCI and the short ISEL may be an acceptable choice when minimizing respondent burden is critical if the number of response options is increased to 4.

Accidental falls, health-related quality of life and life satisfaction: A prospective study of the general elderly population

As the physical consequences of accidental falls in the elderly are well-researched, the long-term associations between falls and quality of life and related concepts are less known. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the long-term relations between falls and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and life satisfaction (LS) over six years in the general elderly population.One thousand three hundred and twenty-one subjects (aged 60–93 years), from the general population in the south of Sweden, were included in a baseline assessment and a follow-up after six years. HRQoL was measured with the SF-12 and LS with the life satisfaction index A (LSI-A). The differences in mean scores between fallers at baseline (n=113) and non-fallers were statistical analyzed. Furthermore, the prediction of falls on the outcomes was analyzed using a multivariate linear regression model adjusted for multiple confounding factors.Fallers scored significant lower in HRQoL and LS at baseline and after six years, compared to non-fallers, especially in the SF-12 physical component (p=<0.001). In the linear regression analysis, one or more falls at the baseline predicted a significant reduction in the SF-12 physical component at the follow-up assessment (B-Coefficient −1.8, 95% CI −3.4 to −0.2). In conclusion, falls predict a long-term reduction in the physical component of HRQoL in the general elderly population. Over six years, fallers had a notable chronic lowered score in both HRQoL and LS, compared to non-fallers. This long-term depression of elderly fallers in these aspects may be more extent than previous assumed.

Life satisfaction and its determinants: a survey on Iranian nurses population

Evaluation of life dissatisfaction should be one of the main components of managers’ efforts to perform appropriate policies for promoting quality of work life and improving productivity of nurses. Thus the aim of the present study was to examine life satisfaction level and its determinants among a sample of Iranian nurses.In this descriptive study, 309 nurses qualifying in medical care network, randomly selected from eight medical centers using stratified random sampling method were included. Information of different aspects of living and working situations were collected by a questionnaire and life satisfaction was also measured by the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA).Data were analyzed by descriptive and stepwise logistic regression model at p < 0.05 using SPSS 19. Mean score of the LSIA questionnaire was 25.47 ± 6.51; 253 (81.9%) nursing staffs reported were satisfied and only 56 (18.1%) dissatisfied. The satisfaction rate was higher in men compared with women (95.7% versus 80.8%). All nurses working in surgery and psychiatry wards satisfied in lives; whereas dissatisfaction rate was the highest among emergency ward (23.7%) and operating room (23.1%) nurses. There was a positive correlation between life satisfaction score and nurse’s income (R = 0.173, p = 0.002). In married ones, multivariable stepwise regression analysis showed that male gender was a main determinant of higher life satisfaction score (p = 0.027). Among single nurses, only higher workload as having a second job had an adverse correlation with life satisfactions score (p < 0.001). Life satisfaction among nurses can be potentially influenced by gender and high work load indicators as well as level of their income. The results also provide empirical support for a positive relationship between work condition and nurses life satisfaction.

Associations between cognitive abilities and life satisfaction in the oldest-old. Results from the longitudinal population study Good Aging in Sk&amp;aring;ne

IntroductionStudies on the associations between cognitive abilities and life satisfaction (LS) in the oldest-old are few. The aim of this study was to explore whether abilities in six different cognitive domains could predict LS in the oldest-old 3 years later.MethodsThe study population consisted of 681 individuals aged 78–98 years, drawn from the longitudinal population study “Good Aging in Skåne,” which is part of a national survey (The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care). Scores on 13 cognitive tests were related to scores on Neugartens’ LS index A (LSI-A) 3 years later. The cognitive tests were added into six different cognitive domains. A multiple regression analysis was constructed for each cognitive domain separately, with scores on the LSI-A as the dependent variable. The model was adjusted stepwise for sex, age, education, functional capacity, and depressive mood.ResultsSignificant correlations were found between digit cancellation, word recall, verbal fluency (VF) A, VF animals, VF occupations, and mental rotations at baseline, as well as LSI-A at follow-up. The domains of spatial abilities (B = 0.453, P = 0.014) and processing speed (B = 0.118, P = 0.020) remained significantly associated with LSI-A 3 years later after adjustment.ConclusionThe cognitive domains of spatial abilities and processing speed predicted LS 3 years later in the oldest-old. Clinical implications are discussed.