Lower Physical Health-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

#1462 Muscle mass, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients results of the TransplantLines Biobank & cohort study

Abstract Background and Aims Muscles play a vital role in nearly every aspect of daily living, and kidney transplant recipients (KTR) often experience reduced muscle mass and strength, potentially contributing to their diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the potential relationship of muscle mass and muscle strength with physical HRQoL in KTR. Method Data of stable KTR (≥1 year after transplantation) enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Studies were used. Muscle mass was assessed using both appendicular skeletal muscle mass (via bioimpedance analysis) indexed to height squared (ASMI) and 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion rate indexed to height squared (CERI). Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength indexed to height squared (HGSI). HRQoL was assessed using the physical component score derived from the Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results A total of 751 KTR (61% male, mean age 56 ± 13 years) at a median of 3 years after transplantation were included. Mean ASMI was 7.5 ± 1.2 kg/m2, mean CERI was 4.1 ± 1.1 mmol/24 h/m2 and mean HGSI was 12.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2. The mean physical HRQoL score was 70 ± 21. Lower ASMI, CERI and HGSI were all associated with lower physical HRQoL, independent of potential confounders. Both associations were best characterized by a significant non-linear relationship (see Figure). Below median values, ASMI, CERI and HGSI were each associated with physical HRQoL, whereas above median values, associations were far less pronounced. When associations of ASMI, CERI and HSGI were adjusted for each other, associations of below median values of ASMI and CERI with physical HRQoL materially weakened, while those of HGSI remained strongly associated. Compared to the 50th percentile, a decrease to the 10th percentile was associated with a decrease in physical HRQoL of 6.0% for ASMI (P = 0.006), of 5.1% for CERI (P = 0.006) and 13.2% for HGSI (P < 0.001), whereas an increase to the 90th percentile was associated with an increase in physical HRQoL of only 1.3% for ASMI (P = 0.22), of 3.6% for CERI (P = 0.05) and −0.4% for HGSI (P = 0.73). Conclusion Our findings suggest that low muscle mass and muscle strength are potentially modifiable risk factors for impaired physical HRQoL. Both muscle mass and muscle strength were complementarily associated with HRQoL. However, muscle strength was most strongly associated with physical HRQoL. The non-linear nature of the associations implies that KTR with low muscle mass or strength may particularly benefit from (p)rehabilitation interventions to improve HRQoL.

Determinants of Physical and Mental Health-related Quality of Life among Patients with Breast Cancer During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The concern surrounding the physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with breast cancer emerged during COVID-19. However, there is a lack of sufficient studies that have specifically addressed this issue. It is crucial to emphasize the evaluation of this aspect as it significantly impacts the enhancement of future physical and mental HRQoL for these patients.Purpose: This study investigated the determinants of physical and mental HRQoL among patients with breast cancer during COVID-19.Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted between September and October 2022, participation involved 260 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, selected through convenience sampling. Our observation focused on assessing the outcomes of physical and mental HRQoL using the Short Form (SF-12) questionnaire for data collection. Additionally, the data underwent analysis via binary logistic regression.Results: Respondents aged <50 years (p=0.010; aOR=2.08; 95% CI=1.18–3.67), unemployed (p=0.022; aOR=2.29; 95% CI=1.16–4.53), and had high depression (p=0.026; aOR=2.41; 95% CI=1.13–5.12) have a more likelihood to have low physical HRQoL. In addition, unemployed respondents (p=<0.001; aOR=4.15; 95% CI=2.14–8.04) and had high anxiety (p=0.004; aOR=2.71; 95% CI=1.38–5.33) have more likelihood to have low mental HRQoL.Conclusion: In this study, it was found that anxiety, depression, and unemployed respondents were associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing lower physical and mental HRQoL. Nurses and healthcare workers should prioritize addressing psychological issues such as anxiety and depression among breast cancer patients, emphasizing the necessity for interventions aimed at alleviating these concerns.

Association of body mass index from childhood to mid-adulthood with health-related quality of life in mid-adulthood

PurposeMost studies regarding the association of obesity with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have assessed obesity at only one or two time points. We aimed to examine the associations of life course body mass index (BMI) from childhood with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mid-adulthood.MethodsData were from a cohort study of Australian children (n = 2254, mean baseline age 12.0 (2.0) years in 1985, 46.8% male). Weight and height were measured at baseline and measured or self-reported on average 20, 25, and 30 years later. Age and sex-standardised BMI-z score was calculated at each time point. Physical and mental HRQoL and health state utilities (HSUs) were measured by SF-12 and SF-6D at the last adult follow-up. Linear regression was used to examine the associations adjusting for age, sex, and childhood health status.ResultsHigher BMI-z score in childhood (βadjusted − 1.39, 95% CI − 1.73 to − 1.05) and increasing BMI-z score from childhood to young adulthood (βadjusted − 1.82, 95% CI − 2.17 to − 1.46) and from young to mid-adulthood (βadjusted − 1.77, 95% CI − 2.28 to − 1.26) were associated with lower physical HRQoL in mid-adulthood. Similar results were found for mid-adulthood HSUs (βadjusted ranged − 0.006 to − 0.014, all P < 0.05). Only increasing BMI-z score from young to mid-adulthood significantly related to poorer mental HRQoL (βadjusted − 0.74, 95% CI − 1.29 to − 0.19) in mid-adulthood.ConclusionHigh BMI from childhood to mid-adulthood had only modest associations with HRQoL and HSUs, with effects on physical HRQoL most apparent.

Trajectories of physical function and quality of life in people with osteoarthritis: results from a 10-year population-based cohort

ObjectiveTo identify long-term trajectories of physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (HKOA) and the sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with different trajectories.MethodsParticipants with HKOA from the EpiDoC study, a 10-year follow-up (2011–2021) population-based cohort, were considered. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables were collected at baseline in a structured interview and clinical appointment. Physical function and HRQoL were evaluated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and EuroQoL, respectively, at baseline and the three follow-ups. Group-based trajectory modeling identified physical function and HRQoL trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression analyzed the associations between the covariates of interest and trajectory assignment (p < 0.05).ResultsWe included 983 participants with HKOA. We identified three trajectories for each outcome: “consistently low disability” (32.0%), “slightly worsening moderate disability” (47.0%), and “consistently high disability” (21.0%) for physical function; “consistently high HRQoL” (18.3%), “consistently moderate HRQoL” (48.4%) and “consistently low HRQoL” (33.4%) for HRQoL. Age ≥ 75 years, female sex, multimorbidity, and high baseline clinical severity were associated with higher risk of assignment to poorer physical function and HRQoL trajectories. Participants with high education level and with regular physical activity had a lower risk of assignment to a poor trajectory. Unmanageable pain levels increased the risk of assignment to the “consistently moderate HRQoL” trajectory.ConclusionAlthough the trajectories of physical function and HRQoL remained stable over 10 years, approximately 70% of people with HKOA maintained moderate or low physical function and HRQoL over this period. Modifiable risk factors like physical activity, multimorbidity and clinical severity were associated with poorer physical function and HRQoL trajectories. These risk factors may be considered in tailored healthcare interventions.

Irritable bowel syndrome in children with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in primary care.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children. However, in primary care, it is still unknown whether there are differences in the prognosis of children with IBS compared to other diagnostic subgroups. Therefore, our aim was to describe the course of symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for children with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms who either do or do not fulfil the Rome criteria for IBS in primary care. Second, we compared the diagnosis of the general practitioner (GP) with the Rome criteria. We conducted a prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up, including children aged 4-18 years with chronic diarrhoea and/or chronic abdominal pain in primary care. During follow-up, the Rome III questionnaire, Child Health Questionnaire, and symptom questionnaires were completed. A total of 60/104 children (57.7%) fulfilled the Rome criteria for IBS at baseline. Compared to children without IBS, children with IBS were more commonly referred to secondary care, used more laxatives, and more often developed chronic diarrhoea and low physical HRQoL during 1 year. The diagnosis "IBS" from the GP matched the Rome criteria for only 10% of children, as most were diagnosed with "Constipation." There seems to be a difference in the treatment and prognosis of symptoms and HRQoL between children with and without IBS in primary care. This suggests that it is relevant to differentiate between these groups. The evaluation and use of feasible criteria to define IBS in different healthcare settings remains subject for further studies.

Association of unmet basic resource needs with frailty and quality of life among older adults with cancer-Results from the CARE registry.

Basic resource needs related to transportation, housing, food, and medications are important social determinants of health and modifiable indicators of poverty, but their role in modifying the risk of frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains unknown. The goal of our study was to examine the prevalence of unmet basic needs and their association with frailty and HRQoL in a cohort of older adults with cancer. The CARE registry prospectively enrolls older adults (≥60 years) with cancer. Assessments of transportation, housing, and material hardship were added to the CARE tool in 8/2020. The 44-item CARE Frailty Index was used to define frailty, and subdomains of physical and mental HRQoL were assessed using the PROMIS® 10-global. Multivariable analysis examined the association between unmet needs with frailty and HRQoL subdomains, adjusting for covariates. The cohort included 494 participants. Median age of 69 years, 63.6% were male and 20.2% were Non-Hispanic (NH) Black. Unmet basic needs were reported in 17.8% (transportation 11.5%, housing 2.8%, and material hardship 7.5%). Those with unmet needs were more often NH Black (33.0% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.006) and less educated (<high school: 19.5% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.023). Compared to those without unmet needs, unmet needs were associated with higher odds of frailty (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.3, 95% CI 1.8-5.9), low physical (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.8) and low mental (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.4) HRQoL. Unmet basic needs represent a novel exposure that is independently associated with frailty and low HRQoL and warrants the development of targeted interventions.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use, Fatigue, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results From the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study

Prior studies report that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can adversely affect gut microbiota and gastrointestinal uptake of micronutrients, in particular iron and magnesium, and are used frequently by kidney transplant recipients. Altered gut microbiota, iron deficiency, and magnesium deficiency have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic fatigue. Therefore, we hypothesized that PPI use may be an important and underappreciated cause of fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. Cross-sectional study. Kidney transplant recipients (≥1 year after transplantation) enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study. PPI use, PPI type, PPI dosage, and duration of PPI use. Fatigue and HRQoL, assessed using the validated Checklist Individual Strength 20 Revised questionnaire and Short Form-36 questionnaire. Logistic and linear regression. We included 937 kidney transplant recipients (mean age 56±13 years, 39% female) at a median of 3 (1-10) years after transplantation. PPI use was associated with fatigue severity (regression coefficient 4.02, 95% CI, 2.18 to 5.85, P<0.001), a higher risk of severe fatigue (OR 2.05, 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.84, P<0.001), lower physical HRQoL (regression coefficient-8.54, 95% CI,-11.54 to-5.54, P<0.001), and lower mental HRQoL (regression coefficient-4.66, 95% CI,-7.15 to-2.17, P<0.001). These associations were independent of potential confounders including age, time since transplantation, history of upper gastrointestinal disease, antiplatelet therapy, and the total number of medications. They were present among all individually assessed PPI types and were dose dependent. Duration of PPI exposure was only associated with fatigue severity. Residual confounding and inability to assess causal relationships. PPI use is independently associated with fatigue and lower HRQoL among kidney transplant recipients. PPI use might be an easily accessible target for alleviating fatigue and improving HRQoL among kidney transplant recipients. Further studies examining the effect of PPI exposure in this population are warranted.

Identifying Latent Patterns and Predictors of Health Behaviors and Healthcare Barriers Among LGBT Older Adults.

Heightened risk of adverse health behaviors is of major concern among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Yet, no previous research has investigated heterogeneity of LGBT older adults on a set of health behaviors in conjunction with healthcare barriers. We aim to identify latent classes of the behavior and barrier patterns and examine differences in physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by the specified latent classes while exploring predictors of the class membership. Three-step latent class analysis applying survey weights was conducted with 14 indicators of health-risk behavior, health-promoting behavior, preventive care use, and healthcare barriers from baseline data of the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS, N = 2450). The best empirical and substantive fit was determined with four classes consisting of (1) healthy behaviors and minimal barriers (C1, 39%), (2) less healthy behaviors and high barriers (C2, 31%), (3) healthy behaviors and healthcare system barriers (C3, 19%), and (4) optimal health behaviors with risks of limited healthcare access (C4, 11%). Compared to C1, C2 and C3 had lower physical HRQOL and C2 also had lower psychological HRQOL. C4 did not differ in HRQOL from C1. C2 was associated with more day-to-day discrimination, lower mastery, and lower social support. Efforts to lower healthcare barriers are warranted in addition to interventions to strengthen social support and reduce marginalization. Positive relationships between LGBT older adults and healthcare need to be established via trust-building and cultural competency.

Identifying Latent Patterns and Predictors of Health Behaviors and Healthcare Barriers among LGBT Older Adults

AbstractBackgroundHealth behaviors are multi‐dimensional and associated with various barriers to healthcare. With no previous research having investigated patterns of health behaviors in conjunction with healthcare barriers among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults, we aim to identify latent classes of the behavior and barrier patterns, to examine differences in physical and psychological health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) by the specified latent classes, and to explore predictors of the class membership.MethodThree‐step latent class analysis with survey weights was conducted using baseline data of the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS, N = 2,450). Health behavior and healthcare barrier indicators were analyzed in four dimensions: risk‐taking behavior, health‐promoting behavior, preventive care, and healthcare barriers.ResultThe best empirical and substantive fit was determined with four classes consisting of (1) healthy behaviors and minimal barriers (C1, 39%), (2) unhealthy behaviors and high barriers (C2, 31%), (3) healthy behaviors and healthcare system barriers (C3, 19%), (4) Very healthy self‐care behaviors, low preventive care use, and moderate barriers (C4, 11%). Compared to C1, C3 had lower physical HRQOL and C2 had lower physical and psychological HRQOL. C4 did not differ in HRQOL from C1. Modifiable predictors of C2 include more day‐to‐day discrimination and lower mastery and social support.ConclusionEfforts to lower healthcare barriers are warranted in addition to interventions to strengthen social support and to reduce marginalization. Positive relationships between LGBT older adults and healthcare need to be established via trust‐building and cultural competency.

Health‐Related Quality of Life Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults Living With Cognitive Impairment

AbstractBackgroundWhile sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults are found to be at heightened risks of cognitive impairment, they may face unique challenges in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) due to bias, social isolation, and other SGM‐related risks. This study examined risk and protective factors predicting HRQOL among SGM older adults living with cognitive impairment.MethodA subset of longitudinal survey data collected over three time points (2014, 2016, 2018) was drawn from the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. Participants were 855 people who were born in 1964 or earlier and self‐reported having cognitive impairment at Wave 1 (2014). We employed multilevel modeling to investigate the effects of risk and protective factors on the overall levels of physical and psychological HRQOL and their longitudinal changes.ResultLifetime SGM‐related discrimination and victimization (b = ‐0.17, p &lt; .001; b = ‐0.22, p &lt; .001, respectively), identity stigma (b = ‐0.91, p &lt; .05; b = ‐2.97, p &lt; .001), and insufficient food intake (b = ‐2.70, p &lt; .001; b = ‐3.69, p &lt; .001) were associated with lower physical and psychological HRQOL. Having more chronic conditions (b = ‐1.52, p &lt; .001) was associated with lower physical HRQOL. Factors positively associated with physical and psychological HRQOL were physical activity (b = 0.12, p &lt; .01; b = 0.19, p &lt; .001), outdoor leisure activity (b = 3.57, p &lt; .001; b = 5.40, p &lt; .001), optimal sleep (b = 3.47, p &lt; .001; b = 2.32, p &lt; .001), and social network size (b = 0.19, p &lt; .01; b = 0.66, p &lt; .001).ConclusionThe results of this study have important implications for further research. Most research on cognitive impairment has previously adopted a disease and deficit‐focused model rather than investigating the resilience and quality of life of people living with cognitive impairment. It is critical to further identify ways to help SGM older adults with cognitive impairment adhere to health‐promoting behaviors and to foster and maintain social resources as we develop targeted and culturally responsive interventions that support their optimal aging.

Differential associations of emotional and physical domains of the MacNew Heart with changes in 6-min walking test

AimsCardiac rehabilitation (CR), a key component of secondary prevention in cardiac patients, contributes fundamentally to improved cardiovascular health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a widely employed outcome measure in CR, yet, its predictive properties on exercise capacity change during CR are poorly understood. Aim of this study was to examine the association between baseline HRQOL and its subdomains on improvement of exercise capacity during CR.MethodsStudy participants were 13,717 inpatients of six Swiss CR clinics from 2012 to 2018. We measured HRQOL at admission to CR with the MacNew Heart (MNH) questionnaire and exercise capacity at admission and discharge using the six minutes walking test (6MWT). Following factorial analyses, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to test the predictive properties of baseline global HRQOL and its domains for improvement in exercise capacity, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.ResultsMean improvement in 6MWT was 114 m (SD = 90), achieved after 17.4 days (SD = 5.5). Lower emotional HRQOL (b = 7.85, p = < .001, 95% CI [− 5.67, 10.03]) and higher physical HRQOL (b = − 5.23, p < .001, 95% CI [− 6.56, − 3.90]) were associated with less improvement in the 6MWT. Global MNH and social HRQOL showed no association with exercise capacity improvement.ConclusionPatients entering CR with low emotional and high physical HRQOL are at risk for a lower gain in exercise capacity during CR. Global MNH alone does not provide a reliable assessment of HRQOL; thus a focus on specific domains of HRQOL is needed.

Differential associations of emotional and physical domains of the MacNew Heart with changes in 6-minute walking test

Abstract Aims Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), a key component of secondary prevention in cardiac patients, contributes fundamentally to improved cardiovascular health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a widely employed outcome measure in CR, yet, its predictive properties on exercise capacity change during CR are poorly understood. Aim of this study was to examine the association between baseline HRQOL and its subdomains on improvement of exercise capacity during CR. Methods Study participants were 13,717 inpatients of six Swiss CR clinics from 2012 to 2018. We measured HRQOL at admission to CR with the MacNew Heart (MNH) questionnaire and exercise capacity at admission and discharge using the six-minutes walking test (6MWT). Following factorial analyses, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to test the predictive properties of baseline global HRQOL and its domains for improvement in exercise capacity, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results Mean improvement in 6MWT was 114 meters (SD=90), achieved after 17.4 days (SD=5.5). Lower emotional HRQOL (b=7.85, p≤0.001, 95% CI [−5.67, 10.03]) and higher physical HRQOL (b=−5.23, p&amp;lt;0.001, 95% CI [−6.56, −3.90]) were associated with less improvement in the 6MWT. Global MNH and social HRQOL showed no association with exercise capacity improvement. Conclusion Patients entering CR with low emotional and high physical HRQOL are at risk for a lower gain in exercise capacity during CR. Global MNH alone does not provide a reliable assessment of HRQOL; thus a focus on specific domains of HRQOL is needed. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Determinants of physical activity among 6856 individuals with diabetes: a nationwide cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe aims of this cross-sectional study were to (1) describe habitual physical activity and adherence to WHO recommendations, and (2) investigate the association of comorbidity, obesity, stress, and health-related quality...

Sleep-disordered breathing was associated with lower health-related quality of life and cognitive function in a cross-sectional study of older adults.

Background and objectiveThe clinical significance of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) in older age is uncertain. This study determined the prevalence and associations of SDB with mood, daytime sleepiness, quality of life (QOL) and cognition in a relatively healthy older Australian cohort.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was conducted from the Study of Neurocognitive Outcomes, Radiological and retinal Effects of Aspirin in Sleep Apnoea. Participants completed an unattended limited channel sleep study to measure the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) to define mild (ODI 5–15) and moderate/severe (ODI ≥ 15) SDB, the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the 12‐item Short‐Form for QOL and neuropsychological tests.ResultsOf the 1399 participants (mean age 74.0 years), 36% (273 of 753) of men and 25% (164 of 646) of women had moderate/severe SDB. SDB was associated with lower physical health‐related QOL (mild SDB: beta coefficient [β] −2.5, 95% CI −3.6 to −1.3, p < 0.001; moderate/severe SDB: β −1.8, 95% CI −3.0 to −0.6, p = 0.005) and with lower global composite cognition (mild SDB: β −0.1, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.0, p = 0.022; moderate/severe SDB: β −0.1, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.0, p = 0.032) compared to no SDB. SDB was not associated with daytime sleepiness nor depression.ConclusionSDB was associated with lower physical health‐related quality of life and cognitive function. Given the high prevalence of SDB in older age, assessing QOL and cognition may better delineate subgroups requiring further management, and provide useful treatment target measures for this age group.

Objective Physical Activity Levels, Sedentary Time, and Muscle Mass, Strength, and Function: Impact on Physical and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults.

Limited physical activity, sedentary behavior, and reduction in muscle mass, strength, and function are accompanied by negative outcomes. The relationship between these factors and physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has yet to be elucidated in continuing care retirement community (CCRC) residents. The current study investigated the relationships among physical activity, sedentary behavior, and muscle mass, strength, and function to physical and mental HRQoL. A sample of 105 CCRC residents participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. Findings demonstrated that low physical activity and muscle function were significantly associated with low physical HRQoL and explained 38% of the variance in physical HRQoL. Handgrip strength was significantly associated with low mental HRQoL and explained 8% of the variance in mental HRQoL. Older adults living in CCRCs may benefit from interventions targeting physical activity and the distinct muscle components of sarcopenia that have the potential to improve physical and mental HRQoL. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 15(3), 131-139.].

Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis: Association With Biopsychosocial Risk Factors.

Abdominal pain, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations impact lives of children with acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Data on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population, however, remains limited. We aimed to evaluate HRQOL in children with ARP or CP; and test biopsychosocial risk factors associated with low HRQOL. Data were acquired from the INternational Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE registry. Baseline demographic and clinical questionnaires, the Child Health Questionnaire (measures HRQOL) and Child Behavior Checklist (measures emotional and behavioral functioning) were completed at enrollment. The sample included 368 children (54.3% girls, mean age = 12.7years, standard deviation [SD] = 3.3); 65.2% had ARP and 34.8% with CP. Low physical HRQOL (M = 38.5, SD = 16.0) was demonstrated while psychosocial HRQOL (M = 49.5, SD = 10.2) was in the normative range. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems (B = -10.28, P < 0.001), episodic and constant abdominal pain (B = 04.66, P = 0.03; B = -13.25, P < 0.001) were associated with low physical HRQOL, after accounting for ARP/CP status, age, sex, exocrine, and endocrine disease (F [9, 271] = 8.34, P < 0.001). Borderline and clinical levels of emotional and behavioral problems (B = -10.18, P < 0.001; B = -15.98, P < 0.001), and constant pain (B = -4.46, P < 0.001) were associated with low psychosocial HRQOL (F [9, 271] = 17.18, P < 0.001). Findings highlight the importance of assessing HRQOL and treating pain and psychosocial problems in this vulnerable group of children.

Factors Associated With Early Elementary Child Health-Related Quality of Life: The Generation R Study.

AimTo identify the factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among early elementary age children (5–6 years) from a general population sample.MethodsWe analyzed data of 4,202 children from the Generation R Study, a population-based cohort study in the Netherlands. Children's physical and psychosocial HRQOL were measured using the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form 28 (CHQ-PF28). Associations between socio-demographic characteristics (child age, sex, ethnic background, family situation, parental educational level, parental employment status, and net household income), health-related lifestyle behaviors (physical activity and screen time), health conditions (number of chronic conditions, emotional and behavioral problems, and family functioning) and children's physical and psychosocial HRQOL were assessed using multivariate regression analyses.ResultsMean child age was 6.0 years (SD: 0.43); 63.6% had a majority (Dutch) ethnic background. Children with a non-western ethnic background, and children of unemployed mothers had a lower physical HRQOL (all p < 0.05). Older children, boys, and children from single-parent or low educated families had a lower psychosocial HRQOL (all p < 0.05). Children from a low income household family, children having chronic conditions or emotional and behavioral problems, or from families with relatively high “pathological family functioning” reported both lower physical and psychosocial HRQOL (all p < 0.05).ConclusionIndicators of adverse socioeconomic and family circumstances and indicators of child health problems were associated with lower HRQOL. Public health initiatives to improve HRQOL of children should prioritize children from a low socioeconomic status or with less favorable health conditions from early age onwards.

Epistemic Beliefs: Relationship to Future Expectancies and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

ContextExpectations about the future (future expectancies) are important determinants of psychological well-being among cancer patients, but the strategies patients use to maintain positive and cope with negative expectancies are incompletely understood. ObjectivesTo obtain preliminary evidence on the potential role of one strategy for managing future expectancies: the adoption of “epistemic beliefs” in fundamental limits to medical knowledge. MethodsA sample of 1307 primarily advanced-stage cancer patients participating in a genomic tumor testing study in community oncology practices completed measures of epistemic beliefs, positive future expectancies, and mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Descriptive and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between these factors and test two hypotheses: 1) epistemic beliefs affirming fundamental limits to medical knowledge (“fallibilistic epistemic beliefs”) are associated with positive future expectancies and mental HRQOL, and 2) positive future expectancies mediate this association. ResultsParticipants reported relatively high beliefs in limits to medical knowledge (M = 2.94, s.d.=.67) and positive future expectancies (M = 3.01, s.d.=.62) (range 0–4), and relatively low mental and physical HRQOL. Consistent with hypotheses, fallibilistic epistemic beliefs were associated with positive future expectancies (b = 0.11, SE=.03, P< 0.001) and greater mental HRQOL (b = 0.99, SE=.34, P = 0.004); positive expectancies also mediated the association between epistemic beliefs and mental HRQOL (Sobel Z=4.27, P<0.001). ConclusionsEpistemic beliefs in limits to medical knowledge are associated with positive future expectancies and greater mental HRQOL; positive expectancies mediate the association between epistemic beliefs and HRQOL. More research is needed to confirm these relationships and elucidate their causal mechanisms.

Depressive symptoms, social support, and health-related quality of life: A community-based study in Shanghai, China

BackgroundDepressive symptoms erode both physical and mental aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Social support (SS) may improve HRQoL through its direct effects or buffering effects. The association among depressive symptoms, SS, and HRQoL has been studied in specific groups, but research in the general adult population remains limited. This study examined the association among depressive symptoms, SS, and HRQoL, including exploring whether SS (including its three dimensions: subjective SS, objective SS and support utilization) mediated or moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQoL among community-based adults. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in six communities in Shanghai, China, and 1642 adult participants with complete information on depressive symptoms and/or SS, and HRQoL were included. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association among depressive symptoms, SS, and HRQoL. In addition, we explored the mediating and moderating role of SS in the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQoL. ResultsMore depressive symptoms were associated with lower physical HRQoL (B = −0.64, p < .001) and lower mental HRQoL (B = −0.83, p < .001). SS (B = 0.07, p = .02), specifically subjective SS (B = 0.09, p = .03), was positively related to mental HRQoL. After adjusting for covariates, we found no evidence for a mediating role of SS in the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQoL, while SS (subjective SS and objective SS) moderated the association between depressive symptoms and mental HRQoL. LimitationsDue to the low voluntary participation rate of employees, participants represented approximately 50% of the individuals approached, thus limiting the generalizability of our findings. Data collected through self-report scales could lead to information bias. ConclusionsSS does not appear to underlie the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQoL. However, interventions to increase SS (in particular, subjective SS and objective SS) should be studied to determine whether they may be beneficial in alleviating the adverse impact of depressive symptoms on mental HRQoL.

The association between physical health-related quality of life, physical functioning, and risk of contralateral breast cancer among older women.

Physical limitations prior to cancer diagnosis may lead to suboptimal health outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate the impacts of poor physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical functioning (PF) on the risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC). We performed a nested case-control study of women with invasive unilateral breast cancer (UBC) who did not receive prophylactic contralateral mastectomy using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Medicare Health Outcomes Survey data resource. Among 2938 women aged ≥ 65years diagnosed with first stage I-III UBC between 1997 and 2011, we identified 100 subsequent CBC cases and 915 matched controls without CBC using incidence density samplingwithout replacement. Pre-diagnosis physical HRQOL and PF were determined using Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form-36 (SF-36)/Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) responses within 2years prior to first UBC diagnosis. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using conditional logistic regression models. Cases and controls were similar with respect to comorbidities, stage, surgery, and radiation treatments, but differed by hormone receptor status (ER/PR-negative, 23% and 11%, respectively) of first UBC. Cases had modestly lower mean pre-diagnosis physical HRQOL (-1.8) and PF (-2.2) scores. In multivariable models, we observed an increased CBC risk associated with low physical HRQOL (lowest vs. highest quartile, OR = 1.8; 95% CI 0.8-4.3), but CIs included 1.0. Low PF was associated with a 2.7-fold (95% CI 1.1-6.7) increased CBC risk. Findings indicate that low physical HRQOL, specifically poor PF, is associated with CBC risk. Efforts to understand and minimize declines in PF post-breast cancer are well motivated.