Lower Levels Of Quality Of Life Research Articles

Quality of Life among Infertile Women Attending an Infertility Treatment Center, Kathmandu.

The problem of infertility is an increasing issue worldwide, among married reproductive age couples, particularly women. Infertility can affect every aspect of quality of life among infertile women. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of infertile women attending an infertility treatment center. A crossectional study of 385 infertile women age 25-50 years attending an infertility treatment center was carried out from 8th July 2018 to 4th January 2019. Data were collected using the Short Form Health Survey (Rand SF-36), containing 36 questions by interview technique and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The higher proportion (63.38%) of primary infertility was involved in this study compared to secondary infertility without baby (24.93%) and with the baby (11.69%). More than half (54.5%) of infertile women had low-level quality of life whereas 45.5% of them had a high level of quality of life. The mean scores of quality of life subscales were not significantly different between primary and secondary infertility (p-value >0.05). There was no statistically significant association between socio-demographic variables and quality of life of primary and secondary infertility (p-value >0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the duration of infertility and quality of life of primary and secondary infertility with baby (p-value 0.020), and between the reason of infertility and quality of life of secondary infertility without a baby (p-value 0.010). A high proportion of infertile women had low-level quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to provide them information, education, and counseling regarding infertility.

Качество жизни больных с уретеролитиазом

Introduction. In modern scientific literature it is becoming increasingly popular to study Quality of Life (QoL) index as an integral indicator of the entire therapeutic complex. QoL along with physical examination, laboratory and instrumental tests allows a doctor to fully assess patient’s condition. That is why the QoL researches has been recently become more and more widespread in the scientific papers. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine applicability of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life Questionnaire (WISQOL) and the SF-36 General Questionnaire for evaluating treatment outcomes and postoperative follow-up in patients with ureterolithiasis. Materials and methods. 123 patients with diagnosed urolithiasis (ureteral stone) were included in the study. Clinical efficacy of the shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and contact (laser) ureterolithotripsy (CLT) was assessed after 1 week, 1 and 3 months using stone free rate (SFR). To analyze clinical factors influencing patients QoL, differences in the WISQOL and SF-36 total scores and scores before and after treatment were compared. At the third step, the dynamics of QoL indicators at different stages of treatment was analyzed. Results. The SFR at 1 week, 1 and 3 months after SWL and CLT were 47,1%, 58,8%, 72,5% and 6,4%, 84,7, 93,1% respectively. Gender, age, stone size and the Stone Free Rate achieved during treatment had a significant effect on QoL (p <0.05), while localization and density of a stone showed no effect. According to the WISQOL and SF-36 questionnaire, 1 week after CLT patients had lower levels of QoL, than after SWL (p < 0.05), but after 1 month the QoL for SWL and CLT reached the same levels and by 3 months became submaximal. Conclusions. Despite the higher rates of clinical efficacy, CLT showed lower QoL levels in the early postoperative period. Male sex, age up to 40 years, stone size more than 7 mm, and not achieved SFR during treatment contribute to lower QoL. To assess the dynamics of QoL levels in patients with ureterolithiasis, it is advisable to use the WISQOL.

Evaluation of quality of life and mood disorders in caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A single-center cross-sectional study

Background: Caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may suffer from anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Our goal was to evaluate the QoL and mood disorders in caregivers and their correlation with the patients' demographic, physical, and mental conditions. Methods: We analyzed data from 39 patients with ALS and their caregivers. Patients completed questionnaires of anxiety assessed by Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), depression using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and QoL via 40-item Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-40). Physical impairment was also measured in the patients using the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R). Caregivers were also assessed by BDI-II, GAD-7, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety in the patients was 82.1% and 71.8%, respectively. Caregivers also had higher rates of anxiety and depression and lower levels of QoL in comparison with the general population (anxiety: 66.7%, depression: 43.6%). Depression and anxiety were considerably associated with worsened QoL in the caregivers. None of the demographic, physical, or mental characteristics of patients with ALS were related to either mood status or QoL of the caregiver population. Conclusion: Caregivers experience higher rates of anxiety and depression and lower QoL in comparison with the general population. The severity of mood disorders is inversely associated with the physical and mental domains of caregivers' QoL. Nonetheless, QoL in the caregivers is not affected by the physical or mental disability of the patients.

Communication Support Needs in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Its Relation to Quality of Life.

Research suggests that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience difficulties in communication, ranging from intelligibility issues to more severe problems in the use and comprehension of spoken, written or sign language. Despite the negative effects that the inability to communicate have on quality of life (QoL), not much research has explored the relationship between communicative competence and QoL in the adult population with ID. The aim of this study was to describe the global communication profile of a sample of 281 adults with ID recruited from Grupo AMÁS Social Foundation, who differed in their level of communication support needs (CSN). The relationships between communicative competence and CSN with QoL were further examined. The results showed lower QoL indices for those participants characterized by their limited use of discourse and inability to exhibit certain communicative purposes, with the largest differences in the dimensions of self-determination, social inclusion, interpersonal relationships, emotional wellbeing and personal development. Overall, low levels of QoL were found for all participants, with even lower scores for the group identified as having CSN. A multiple regression model revealed that having speech/discourse competence is a powerful predictor of QoL, along with the level of disability and having the communicative competences to express likes and preferences or to establish new relationships. This clear relationship between communication and QoL is an important argument for disability support services when it comes to setting communication supports as a priority and as an important preventive step towards the protection of those at risk of exclusion.

Adherence to Antipsychotic Medication and Quality of Life in Latin-American Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe the association between adherence to antipsychotic medication and quality of life (QoL) in a sample of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.MethodsTwo hundred fifty-three patients were included from three public mental health services from Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. Data were collected using the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10) and the Schizophrenia Quality of Life short-version questionnaire (SQoL-18), which considers 8 dimensions.ResultsSignificant associations were found between adherence to antipsychotic medication treatment and QoL (S-QoL-18 index: β = 0.26, p = 0.004; self-esteem: β = 0.37, p = 0.000; and sentimental life: β = 0.20, p = 0.033). Associations of clinical and socio-demographic variables with QoL were identified: severity of psychotic symptoms, awareness of the disease, gender, age, and ethnicity were found to be associated with a lower level of QoL (β from 0.14 −0.56).ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the association between adherence to treatment and quality of life in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Therefore, as in developed countries, improving adherence to antipsychotic medication would appear to be an important issue to address to improve patients’ QoL in Latin American countries.

Quality of life of caregivers of cancer patients in home palliative care: a non-interventional study

Abstract Background caregivers of home-cared cancer patient during palliative phase are often under psychological and physical pressure. This can lead to a low level quality of life (QoL). This study assesses the QoL of this type of caregiver, more specifically it aims to outline which factors (age, type of palliative care, amount of time spent daily with the patient) affect positively or negatively the QoL score. Methods The AC-QoL questionnaire has been completed by 25 caregivers of oncological patients in home care in north-eastern Italy. The questionnaire is made of 40 items divided into 8 subjects: support in care, choice of care, stress, economic issues, personal growth, sense of value, care skills and personal satisfaction. It has been administered during a home visit or during a follow-up phone call. Results The average score obtained is 71/120, which means a medium level of QoL. The factors which worsen the QoL are the psychological and physical stress (average score 5/15) and restrictions on caregivers' private life (average score 6/15). No significant differences in the QoL of the caregivers are related to social and personal variables (such as age, working condition, relationship with the patient, type of palliative care, amount of time spent daily with the patient). Conclusions These caregivers play a fundamental role in the management of an appropriate continuity of care and their health and QoL are important. Stress and restrictions on private life are the factors which worsen QoL, that's why nurses should evaluate the caregivers' wellbeing during home-visits. Caregivers usually feel able to offer adequate assistance if they have been adequately trained to by healthcare professionals: nurses should provide every useful tool to aloud the caregiver to feel able of and comfortable providing assistance to his/her relative trough an “empowerment process”. Key messages Caregiver of cancer patient in charge of home palliative care is fundamental for an appropriate continuity of care and his health and quality of life (QoL) are important to provide good assistance. Psycho-physical stress and restrictions on private life worsen QoL. Caregiver’s wellbeing should be assessed and useful tools should be provided by home care nurses to ease caregivers’ job.

Quality of life and stigma in Lebanese people with epilepsy taking medication

BackgroundEpilepsy is among the more stigmatising diseases, leading to a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). Assessment of the QoL and stigma in PWE reflects the outcome of their disease, and the findings can be used to improve the management of epilepsy. To fill a gap in the literature, our primary aim is to evaluate the QoL and stigma in Lebanese PWE, and our secondary aim is to identify factors affecting these parameters. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted for 1 year in Greater Beirut. PWE were interviewed by using a standardised questionnaire. QoL was evaluated by the QoL in Epilepsy Inventory-10 (QOLIE-10), and the stigma was evaluated by the Jacoby scale. Multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors associated with QoL and stigma. ResultsThe sample was 404 PWE. More than half of the PWE (61.4 %) had a better QoL than the other PWE (mean QOLIE-10 score of 26.9 ± 11.3), and 47.8 % of PWE felt stigmatised. Linear regression showed that presence of psychiatric comorbidities (p = 0.03), stigma (p < 0.001), experiencing side effects (p = 0.001), polytherapy (p = 0.002), living in a northern area (p = 0.003), and older age (p = 0.004) were the major factors associated with a poor QoL. Logistic regression showed that a low level of QoL (p = 0.005) and experiencing side effects (p = 0.045) were associated with a high level of stigma. ConclusionsAn appropriate treatment based on a monotherapy can reduce the risk of side effects, improving QoL of PWE, and decreasing stigma. Furthermore, the management of depression by specialists is an essential step to improve the QoL of Lebanese PWE. Education programmes and information on epilepsy and treatment also play a major role in reducing stigma.

Mobility in association with anxiety and quality of life in middle-aged and older female fallers and non-fallers

Objective ― The goal of our study was to compare mobility vs. cognitive function and quality of life in middle-aged and older women, both fallers and non-fallers. Material and Methods ― A total of 246 healthy community-dwelling women 55-74 YO participated in this study. They were distributed among two subgroups: (1) fallers (n=95) and (2) non-fallers (n=151). Fallers had falls in the past 12 months, while non-fallers did not. Walking tests were performed using Balance Master® posturography system. Trait anxiety and state anxiety were assessed by Spielberger-Hanin test; health state and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated from SF-36 health survey questionnaire; subjectively experienced age (SEA) and the rate of aging were also estimated. Results ― In Walk Across test, the average speed was lower in fallers (p=0.020), as compared with non-fallers. In Tandem Walking test, step width (p=0.016) and endpoint sway velocity (p=0.029) were higher, while speed (p=0.030) was lower in fallers vs. non-fallers. Step-Quick-Turn test time (p=0.016) was longer and sway (p=0.011) was higher in fallers in the course of turning both to the left and to the right. SEA in female non-fallers was less (p=0.033) than in female fallers of the same age. Trait anxiety was higher in female fallers (p=0.012) with a lower QoL level (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion ― Our results validated the need for early assessment of the postural control dynamic components in order to prevent the development of falls as a geriatric syndrome.

The Association Between Health Literacy and Quality of Life and Its Associated Factors Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Public Primary Care Clinic

Introduction: Low health literacy (HL) is one of the contributing factors that leads to negative diabetic outcome. Quality of life (QOL) is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. There is limited evidence on association of HL and QOL among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), therefore the objectives of this study were to identify the HL and QOL status, to determine the association between HL and QOL and factors associated with QOL among T2DM patients. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving patients with T2DM from two public primary care clinics. HL and QOL were measured using translated and validatedHLS – Asia Q16 and DQoL-BCI questionnaires respectively among T2DM patients. Results: The mean HL score was 12.39 (3.34), 17.7 % had “inadequate HL”, 25.7% had “problematic HL” and 56.6% had “sufficient HL”. The mean DQoL-BCI score was 32.09 (6.51). Lower QOL level was negatively associated with age (b -0.140; CI: -0.190, - 0.090; p&lt;0.001), not obese (b -1.476; CI: -2.605, - 0.347; p&lt;0.011), and HL level (b -0.425; CI: -0.59, - 0.259; p&lt;0.001). Lower QOL level was positively associated with uncontrolled glycaemic status (HbA1c &gt;6.5%)(b 1.308; CI: -0.042, 2.659; p&lt;0.058), treatment with insulin (b 4.163; CI:1.538, 6.788; p&lt;0.002) and combination treatment of insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) (b 2.450; CI:1.145, 3.756; p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that age, body mass index, HL, glycaemic control, treatment with OHA and insulin were significantly associated with QOL. This suggest the importance of identifying high risk patients with poor QOL for targeted intervention.

Quality of life, psychiatric symptoms, and stigma perception in three groups of persons with epilepsy

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to describe quality of life (QoL) levels, psychiatric symptoms prevalence, and perceived stigma levels in persons with either drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) or drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE) and in persons with epilepsy (PwE) with DRE that underwent epilepsy surgery (DREES). MethodsPersons with epilepsy diagnosed as having DRE according to International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria, DSE, and DREES were enrolled at the Epilepsy Unit of the Neurological Institute Carlo Besta of Milan. Sociodemographic and clinical data, Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and the Epilepsy Stigma Scale (ESS) were collected based on self-reported information and on medical records. ResultsSociodemographic, medical, and psychological data were obtained from 181 PwE: 80 with DRE, 31 with DSE, and 70 with DREES. We found that QoL is higher and psychiatric symptoms are lower in persons with DSE compared with DRE and that patients with DREES, who were drug-resistant before surgery, are in between DSE and DRE for both measures. Perceived stigma level is different in DSE and in DRE, that report the highest levels of stigma, and is between the other two groups in DREES. SignificanceThis study suggests that low QoL levels and high psychiatric symptoms prevalence in drug-resistant PwE may be significantly improved after epilepsy surgery and suggests the importance of a biopsychosocial approach when planning therapeutic intervention.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Quality of Life of Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Selected Rural Community at Kancheepuram District Tamil Nadu, India

Diabetic 2 mellitus is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetic mellitus. It is associated withabnormalities in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and may result in the chronic complicationincluding micro vascular, macro vascular and neuropathic disorders. The reality is that diabetes influencespatients’ lives. The mere presence of diabetes deteriorates a person’s quality of life. When diabetes coexistswith other chronic illnesses the effect is even worse. The objectives of the study is to assess the quality oflife of type 2 diabetes mellitus patient in a selected rural area and association between the quality of lifeand the demographic variables. A purposive sampling technique is used to collect drug from the samples.The sample size was 93 type 2 diabetes patients at selected rural community area. The quality of life wasassessed by final quolid questionnaires. The result shows that 6(6%) of sample had low level of quality oflife, 79(85%) of the sample had average level of quality of life, 8(9%) of sample had high level of qualityof life.

РECULIARITIES OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENT DEGREES OF OBESITY DURING SURGICAL AND RADIATION TREATMENT

Purpose. Determination of the baseline peculiarities and dynamics of the quality of life (QOL) in patients with breast cancer (BC) with obesity during surgical and radiation treatment.&#x0D; Materials and methods. 45 patients with stage II–III breast cancer were examined at the stages of combined treatment. The levels of insulin, leptin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the blood serum and hematological parameters were determined. All patients underwent an anthropometric examination and calculated body mass index (BMI). The analysis of heart rate variability was performed using the methods of time and spectral analysis and the method of variational pulsometry. Assessment of QOL was performed using the QLQ-C30 questionnaire.&#x0D; The results. All patients were divided into 4 groups based on BMI. The level of QOL and the severity of psychosomatic disorders (PD) before the start of therapy, after surgical and radiation treatment were analyzed. A low level of QOL and the highest severity of PD in patients with degree III obesity at all stages of treatment were established. The most significant predictors of the development of individual PD in patients with breast cancer have been established.&#x0D; Conclusions. In patients with breast cancer who receive anticancer treatment, the level of QOL, the number and severity of PD depends on the degree of obesity. The most significant predictors of PD development are glucose, IL-6, index of centralization and BMI.

The Roles of Individual and Psychosocial Factors in Predicting Quality of Life Among Working Women in Shanghai.

Working women are at a high risk of suffering from occupational stress and burnout, which can result in reducing Quality of Life (QoL). Guided by the QoL construct and Luban et al.’s conceptual framework, this study aimed to (a) investigate the roles of individual factors (i.e., age) and psychosocial factors (i.e., occupational stress, burnout) on QoL among working women, and (b) examine the age differences among study variables (young versus middle-aged groups). Participants were 375 working women (Mage = 42.06) recruited in Shanghai, China. They completed previously validated questionnaires assessing their occupational stress, burnout (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy), and QoL (physical health, psychological health, social relationship, and living environment). Confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson product-moment correlation, hierarchical regressions, and factorial multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) were used to examine the relationships and differences between occupational stress, burnout, and QoL among working women. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that occupational stress and burnout were significantly associated with QoL among these participants. Two one-factor MANOVAs demonstrated that young-aged working women had higher occupational stress and burnout, but lower levels of QoL than middle-aged women. These results suggest that adopting specific coping strategies to reduce or prevent occupational stress and burnout are needed to improve QoL among working women.

Relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in patients with bipolar disorder

Objective:Sleep disorder is one of the most classic symptoms of patients with bipolar I disorder (BID), which affects their quality of life (QOL). The current study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in patients with bipolar I.Methods:In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 180 patients with bipolar I disorder were selected using convenience sampling in Farshchian Psychiatric Center of Hamadan, Iran, in 2017. The data collection instruments were Pittsburgh Sleep Inventory and Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression by SPSS 23.Results:The results indicated that 41.1% and 54.4% of patients with bipolar I disorder experienced low level of sleep quality and QOL, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between sleep quality and QOL (r=-0.571, p<0.001), so that low sleep quality has a negative impact on the QOL in these patients.Discussion:Patients with bipolar disorder suffer from sleep disorder affecting their QOL. Therefore, it is suggested that treatment and care interventions be designed and implemented to improve sleep quality and patients’ QOL. Moreover, treatment interventions of bipolar disorder are inseparable from the treatment of sleep disturbance.

Quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with psoriasis: A case-control study

ObjectiveTo compare quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption and other correlates between patients with psoriasis and controls; and to identify features of psoriasis associated with lower levels of QoL. MethodCase-control study including 70 subjects with moderate-severe psoriasis and 140 controls without psoriasis. All participants answered the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), with physical and mental component scores of quality of life, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Among subjects with psoriasis, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were used, respectively, to measure the severity of psoriasis and the impact of psoriasis on the specific quality of life. ResultsCompared to controls, patients with psoriasis showed higher HADS depression score and alcohol consumption, and lower QoL. Among subjects with psoriasis, multivariate analysis showed: 1) poorer physical QoL was associated with older age, articular lesions and anxious symptoms, whereas poorer mental QoL was associated with younger age, female sex, genital lesions and depressive symptoms; 2) the higher the severity of psoriasis, the lower the level of QoL and the higher the levels of anxious or depressive symptoms; and 3) female sex and articular or genital location of lesions are linked with higher HADS scores. ConclusionHigher scores in anxiety and depression and lower QoL is common in psoriasis, especially among women and those with genital or articular lesions. Dermatologists should give special attention to this subgroup of persons with psoriasis in order to prevent future psychopathology.

Sedentary Behavior and Quality of Life in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease

Background. Sedentary behavior is a growing public health concern and may have particular relevance for the Parkinson disease (PD) population. However, the influence of sedentary time on factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in PD is unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to examine relationships between sedentary behaviors and markers of PD-specific QOL. A secondary purpose was to examine relationships between physical activity behaviors and QOL. Methods. We assessed sedentary and active behaviors using objective and interview measures and examined relationships between these behaviors and a measure of PD-specific QOL in individuals with PD. Results. Results demonstrated that sedentary time was significantly related to several aspects of QOL, including perceived deficits in the domains of mobility, cognitive processing, and communication. Additionally, results showed that time spent watching television was more strongly associated with lower levels of QOL than other more engaging sedentary activities. For physical activity, relationships between objective measures and QOL were weaker and only significantly associated with mobility. Time spent doing housework was associated with lower levels of QOL, whereas time spent in recreational activity was associated with lower levels of discomfort. Discussion. These results suggest that targeting decreases in sedentary behaviors (eg, reducing time spent watching television, breaking up prolonged bouts of sedentary time) may be effective for improving QOL in individuals with PD.

Correlation of Anxiety Disorder and Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, can cause damage and impairment in the nervous system. Patients who had any manifestation of neurology can be classified as patients with Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE). One of the most frequent NPSLE manifestation is anxiety disorder. The presence of anxiety disorder is believed to be correlated with their ability to carry out daily activities. This study aims to see the correlation between anxiety disorder and quality of life (QOL) in patients with SLE.&#x0D; Method: an analitic cross-sectional study was done. The data were collected by distributing validated questionnaires to patients diagnosed with SLE in the outpatient clinic of dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Quality of life and anxiety disorder was measured using Short From-36 (SF-36) and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (Zung-SAS), respectively. Normality test was done before correlating the variables using Pearson method.&#x0D; Result: Forty-six SLE patients fitted with the inclusion criteria were participated in the study. The assessment using Zung-SAS showed that 9 (19.56%) correspondents had mild–moderate anxiety, and 1 (2.17%) had severe anxiety. The analysis of SF-36 showed the means of Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) which were 45.18 ± 8.23 and 47.11± 9.78, in order. The correlation test of Zung-SAS with PCS and MCS showed the result of r= -0.651 (p &lt; 0,01) and -0.654 (p &lt; 0,01), respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a significant negative correlation between anxiety disorder and QOL in patients with SLE. The result of this study showed that the high degree of ones anxiety was in a parallel line with their low level of QOL, so it is important to do an early detection and prevention of anxiety disorder in SLE patients.&#x0D; Keywords: Anxiety disorder, quality of life, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale.

Relationship between Child Occupational Self-Assessment and Quality of Life in Elementary School Children

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the Child Occupational Self-Assessment (COSA) and quality of life (QoL) in elementary school children. A total of 77 children from a public elementary school were included in the study. A survey was conducted using the COSA and the Kid-KINDLR. The COSA consists of 25 items on occupational competence and value. The items are classified into four factor structures: challenging occupation, motivated occupation, daily life tasks, and expected tasks. The Kid-KINDLR is a scale consisting of 24 items in question form by which the QOL of children can be grasped in multiple dimensions. Groups that obtained high and low QoL levels showed a significant difference in COSA regarding the value score obtained in the challenging occupation factor. Tackling, trying to solve, or struggling with difficult tasks may improve QoL. Children actively working on mandatory activities, rather than doing given assignments, appear to have higher QoL.

Factors associated with Quality of Life among Disaster Victims: An Analysis of the 3rd Nationwide Panel Survey of Disaster Victims

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess socio-demographic, disaster-related, physical health-related, psychological, and social factors that may adversely affect disaster victims’ QoL (Quality of Life). Methods: A cross sectional study was designed by using the secondary data. From the 3rd Disaster Victims Panel Survey (2012~2017), a total of 1,659 data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression. Results: Older people with lower health status lacking financial resources prior to a disaster were more at risk of low levels of QoL. Lower levels of perceived health status, resilience, and QoL were reported by disaster exposed individuals, while their depression was higher than the depression in the control group of disaster unexposed ones. Resilience, social and material supports were positively associated with QoL whereas depression and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders) were negatively associated. Conclusion: These findings suggest that psychological symptoms and loss due to disasters can have adverse impacts on the QoL of disaster victims in accordance with their prior socio-demographic background. They also indicate that targeted post-disaster community nursing intervention should be considered a means of increased social support as well as physical and mental health care for disaster victims.

Факторы влияющие на динамику качества жизни после хирургического лечения расслоения восходящего отдела и дуги аорты

Aim.To assess the impact of clinical and intraoperative factors on the dynamics of quality of life (QOL) after aortic prosthetics in patients with chronic dissection of ascending aorta and aortic arch.Material and methods. The study included 56 patients (mean age 50 years) with chronic DeBakey type I aortic dissection. With the help of the SF­36 questionnaire, QOL was examined before and later (12 months) after aortic prosthetics. The method of multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors that influence the dynamics of various parameters of QOL in the late postoperative period.Results.Before the operation, patients scored from 52 points and below almost in all parameters of the questionnaire, which indicates a very low initial level of QOL. In the long­term period after aortic prosthetics, a statistically significant improvement in the following physical and psycho­emotional indicators was noted: role functioning (p=0,004); bodily pain (p=0,0001); vitality (p=0,009); social role functioning (p=0,002); emotional role functioning (p=0,009); physical health (p=0,02); mental health (p=0,03). At the same time, there was no positive change in the initial low parameters of general health and psychiatric health perceptions.According to multivariate regression analysis, the dynamics of QOL parameters in the long­term period after surgical treatment of the dissection of ascending aorta and aortic arch are affected by both intraoperative conditions (cerebral protection method) and the early postoperative period (neurological complications, cardiopulmonary failure, atrial fibrillation). Indicators such as gender, age, body weight, comorbidity, type of prosthesis of the ascending aorta, time spent in the intensive care unit, duration of artificial pulmonary ventilation do not have a significant effect on QOL in the long­term postoperative period.Conclusion.Clinical and intraoperative factors that adversely affect the dynamics of various indicators of QOL in long­term periods after prosthetics of the ascending aorta and aortic arch were: cerebral protection in conditions of deep hypothermia and craniocerebral hypothermia against the background of systemic circulatory arrest; development of neurological complications, as well as atrial fibrillation and cardiopulmonary failure in the early postoperative period.