Lower Levels Of Health-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

Health-Related Quality of Life in Pregnant Women With Gestational Hypertension: A Systematic Review.

This review seeks to evaluate the levels of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among pregnant women experiencing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). It also aims to identify the specific aspects of HRQoL most impacted by PIH during pregnancy and determine the existence of effective interventions to enhance the HRQoL of these pregnant women. A systematic literature search was conducted in the following databases: PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and EMBASE using the following keywords: Health-related quality of life; pregnancy; pregnancy-induced hypertension; quality of life; gestational hypertension. Among the 32 studies assessed, only eight met the criteria for inclusion, exhibiting a good quality based on assessment with both AXIS (Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies) and CASP(Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklists. The findings indicate a decline in HRQoL among pregnant women with gestational hypertension, notably affecting both physical and mental dimensions. Furthermore, some studies provided recommendations for interventions that healthcare professionals could employ to improve poor HRQoL levels. Limited research has focused on the HRQoL in pregnant women with PIH. Compared to their healthy counterparts, pregnant women experiencing PIH exhibit a decrease in their HRQoL. It's crucial for healthcare practitioners to proactively address the HRQoL of these pregnant women using effective strategies to mitigate this decline. This approach aims to safeguard both pregnant women and their fetuses from potential complications associated with lower HRQoL levels.

An evaluation of sexual function and health-related quality of life following laparoscopic surgery in individuals living with endometriosis.

What is the relationship between sexual function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and laparoscopic surgery in individuals living with endometriosis? A higher number of laparoscopic surgeries is significantly associated with poorer HRQoL and greater levels of sexual dysfunction in individuals with endometriosis. Prior research indicates that endometriosis is associated with lowered HRQoL and sexual function and that these outcomes are influenced by endometriosis-related symptom profiles, medical, and surgical management. A limited number of studies have examined changes in sexual function in individuals with endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery or following repeated surgeries. A cross-sectional community-based online survey was used to examine the relationships between sexual function, HRQoL, and laparoscopic surgery (n = 210). Individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis were recruited via online advertising through social media and gynaecology clinics. Endometriosis-specific data (e.g. diagnostic delay, symptom experience) was collected in addition to engagement with laparoscopic surgery, level of HRQoL (EuroQol-5 Dimension: EQ-5D-5L), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index: FSFI). Bivariate correlational analyses and hierarchical multiple regression were used to determine the associations between the variables of interest. Individuals with endometriosis have substantially poorer HRQoL in comparison to Australian normative samples, with greater levels of endometriosis-related symptom burden, distress, and pain significantly associated with lower levels of HRQoL. The mean FSFI score was suggestive of clinically significant female sexual dysfunction, with the lowest level of function noted in the domain of sexual pain and the highest level of function noted in the sexual satisfaction domain. A greater number of laparoscopic surgeries was significantly associated with poorer overall HRQoL and greater levels of sexual dysfunction. The cross-sectional nature of the data precludes direct findings of causality and further longitudinal research is recommended. The information pertaining to engagement in laparoscopic surgery was self-report in nature and was not medically verified. The study's findings highlight the pervasive impact of endometriosis on all domains of living, emphasizing the need to extend treatment planning beyond that of physical pain management alone. Early referral for assessment and management of sexual wellbeing is recommended prior to, and post-surgical intervention, with a focus on maintaining post-surgical changes, potentially reducing the need for multiple surgeries. The study was not associated with research funding. Author CN reports grant funding from the Australian Government and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and was a previous employee of CSL Vifor (formerly Vifor Pharma Pty Ltd). N/A.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors in Bangladeshi adolescents during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying countermeasures significantly disrupt the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents. We aimed to estimate the status and associated factors related to HRQoL of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from the community population of Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study followed two-stage sampling. From eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh, 2030 adolescents were enrolled. The KIDSCREEN-10 index was used to measure the HRQoL of adolescents. In addition to this, adolescents'data on sociodemographics, mental well-being, parenting style, insomnia, food insecurity, depression, anxiety and stress, resilient coping, screen-based activity, and anthropometry were taken for finding out the factors associated with HRQoL of adolescents. The hierarchical multilinear regression was performed to assess the association. More than 47% of adolescents were found to have moderate and high HRQoL, while 4.7% of adolescents experienced low HRQoL during data collection. Higher age (B: -0.671), having more siblings (B: -0.316), food insecurity (B: ‒2.010), depression (B: ‒0.321), anxiety (B: ‒0.362), and stress (B: ‒0.150) were found to have significantly negative associations with adolescents'HRQoL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas, positive parenting (B: 0.409), inconsistent parenting discipline (B: 0.266), good mental health (B: 5.662), resilient coping (B: 0.306) were found to have significant positive relationships. The findings from this study indicate that over 52% of the adolescents reported a moderate and lower level of HRQoL. In light of these results, it may be beneficial to prioritize interventions targeting psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

Longitudinal trajectories and psychological predictors of weight loss and quality of life until 3 years after metabolic and bariatric surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe longitudinal trajectories of Total Weight Loss (%TWL), and mental and physical health related quality of life (HRQOL), as well as to identify preoperative psychological predictors of these trajectories. MethodsA prospective observational study including Dutch patients treated with metabolic and bariatric surgery (n = 420, age 44.8 ± 10.3 years, 78.6% females) was performed. Trajectories of %TWL and HRQOL from screening to 1-, 2-, and 3-years post-surgery were described using growth mixture modelling. Multivariable and lasso regression models were used to identify predictors. ResultsThree trajectories described %TWL, varying in the degree of first-year weight loss. No pre-surgical psychological factors were associated with %TWL trajectories. We identified four physical and five mental HRQOL trajectories. Approximately 25–30% of patients exhibited patterns of initial improvements followed by decline, or persistently low levels of HRQOL. Higher depressive symptoms were associated with these unfavourable physical HRQOL trajectories (OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04–1.39), adjusted for confounders. Unfavourable mental HRQOL trajectories were predicted by depressive and anxiety symptoms, neuroticism, insecure attachment, and maladaptive coping. In contrast, self-esteem, extraversion, and conscientiousness were associated with favourable mental HRQOL trajectories. DiscussionPsychological factors did not predict weight loss, but they significantly impacted patient's HRQOL after metabolic and bariatric surgery. A subgroup with unsuccessful HRQOL after surgery was identified, who would benefit from tailored preoperative counselling to optimize surgery outcomes. Metabolic and bariatric surgery may not be universally beneficial for all patients, challenging the conventional approach to surgical interventions for severe obesity and advocating for a more nuanced, individualized assessment of potential candidates.

Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by a progressive clinical course marked by frequent exacerbations and repeated hospitalizations, leading to considerably high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with HF present with a constellation of bothersome symptoms, which range from physical to psychological and mental manifestations. With the transition to more advanced HF stages, symptoms become increasingly more debilitating, interfere with activities of daily living and disrupt multiple domains of life, including physical functioning, psychological status, emotional state, cognitive function, intimate relationships, lifestyle status, usual role activities, social contact and support. By inflicting profuse limitations in numerous aspects of life, HF exerts a profoundly negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). It is therefore not surprising that patients with HF display lower levels of HRQOL compared not only to the general healthy population but also to patients suffering from other chronic diseases. On top of this, poor HRQOL in patients with HF becomes an even greater concern considering that it has been associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes and poor prognosis. Nevertheless, HRQOL may differ significantly among patients with HF. Indeed, it has consistently been reported that women with HF display poorer HRQOL compared to men, while younger patients with HF tend to exhibit lower levels of HRQOL than their older counterparts. Moreover, patients presenting with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (III-IV) have significantly more impaired HRQOL than those in a better NYHA class (I-II). Furthermore, most studies report worse levels of HRQOL in patients suffering from HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared to patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Last, but not least, differences in HRQOL have been noted depending on geographic location, with lower HRQOL levels having been recorded in Africa and Eastern Europe and higher in Western Europe in a recent large global study. Based on the observed disparities that have been invariably reported in the literature, this review article aims to provide insight into the underlying differences in HRQOL among patients with HF. Through an overview of currently existing evidence, fundamental differences in HRQOL among patients with HF are analyzed based on sex, age, NYHA functional class, ejection fraction and geographic location or ethnicity.

The use of youth healthcare services and its association with health-related quality of life, physical and mental health and over-the-counter analgesics use in 13–19-year-old adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundYouth healthcare services in Norway include a public health nurse (PHN) at school and local youth health centres (YHCs). They provide health services for all adolescents free of charge, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. The present study aimed to assess possible associations between health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical and mental health, over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA) use and use of youth healthcare services among 13–19-year-old adolescents.MethodsThis study was based on national, cross-sectional data from the Ungdata Survey conducted in 2022. The sample was comprised of 16 482 adolescents. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse the associations between HRQoL, headaches, selected physical symptoms, psychological distress, use of OTCA, PHN availability, sociodemographic variables, and use of the PHN at school or at a YHC. The KIDSCREEN-10 was used to measure HRQoL, and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist 10 was used to measure symptoms of psychological distress.ResultsGirls used the youth healthcare services more frequently than boys. Better HRQoL was significantly associated with fewer visits to the PHN at school. Girls reported lower HRQoL and mental health, and more pain and frequent OTCA use than boys. When having symptoms of psychological distress, boys had greater odds of visiting the PHN at school than girls. For girls in senior high school, headaches and OTCA use were strongly associated with visiting the PHN at school and the YHC. In senior high school, boys with an immigration background had greater odds of visiting the YHC than native Norwegian boys, while girls with an immigration background were less likely to visit the YHC than native Norwegian girls.ConclusionsOur results show that more girls than boys use youth healthcare services. When adolescents experience pain, have mental problems, use OTCA, or report low levels of HRQoL, they have greater odds of using youth healthcare services. Youth healthcare services offer excellent opportunities to support and follow up with adolescents. The findings provide important insights into youth healthcare services used by adolescents for various stakeholders, including PHNs and policy makers, with potential implications for future public health efforts.

Burnout and quality of life among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have had to deal with large numbers of confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 and were at a high risk of burnout and dissatisfaction regarding their work-life integration. This article aims to assess burnout, the work-life balance (WLB), and quality of life (QoL) among healthcare workers and the relationship between these aspects in Saudi Arabia. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 491 HCPs from five secondary hospitals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Three standardized questionnaires were used to gather data, including WLB, burnout, and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF. Results. Healthcare professionals struggled to balance their work and personal lives during COVID-19 and reported many burnout symptoms and a low level of QoL. Two-thirds (68.8%) of HCPs arrived home late from work and (56.6%) skipped a meal. HCPs who worked through a shift without any breaks were found in 57.8%. It was reported that 39.3% of HCPs felt frustrated by technology while being exhausted from their work (60.5%). The correlation coefficients between the WLB and health-related QoL (HRQoL) showed a significant negative correlation for all items, which ranged from (-.099 to -.403, P<0.05). The WLB and burnout scores were successful predictors of low levels of HRQoL (P<0.001 for both explanatory variables). Conclusions. Work-life imbalances, high levels of burnout, and low QoL levels are common among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19. Hospital administration should address the WLB and reduce burnout symptoms among HCPs to increase satisfaction and improve the quality of care.

The health–related quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the Kingdom of Bahrain

AimsThe aims of this study were to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adult Bahraini patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and to explore factors associated with poor HRQoL. MethodsCross-sectional HRQoL data were obtained from a sample of patients in active treatment for DFU at a large public hospital in Bahrain. Patient-reported HRQOL was measured using the following instruments: DFS-SF, CWIS and EQ-5D. ResultsThe patient sample included 94 patients, with a mean age of 61.8 (SD: 9.9) years, 54 (57.5%) were males, and 68 (72.3%) were native Bahrainis. Poorer HRQoL was found among patients who were unemployed, divorced/widowed, and those with a shorter duration of formal education. Additionally, patients with severe DFUs, persisting ulcers, and a longer duration of diabetes reported statistically significantly poorer HRQoL. ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate a low level of HRQoL among Bahraini patients with DFUs. A longer duration of diabetes, in addition to ulcer severity and status statistically significantly influence HRQoL.

Glycemic status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in populations at risk of diabetes in two Latin American cities

PurposeTo estimate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to glycemic status, and its relationship with sociodemographic and clinical factors in a population at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsCross-sectional study, using cluster sampling. Data were collected from 1135 participants over 30 years of age, at risk of developing T2D from the PREDICOL project. Participants' glycemic status was defined using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Participants were divided into normoglycemic subjects (NGT), prediabetes and diabetics do not know they have diabetes (UT2D). HRQOL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire of the EuroQol group. Logistic regression and Tobit models were used to examine factors associated with EQ-5D scores for each glycemic group.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 55.6 ± 12.1 years, 76.4% were female, and one in four participants had prediabetes or unknown diabetes. Participants reported problems most frequently on the dimensions of Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression in the different glycemic groups. The mean EQ-5D score in NGT was 0.80 (95% CI 0.79–0.81), in prediabetes, 0.81 (95% CI 0.79–0.83), and in participants with UT2D of 0.79 (95% CI 0.76–0.82), respectively. Female sex, older age, city of residence, lower education, receiving treatment for hypertension, and marital status were significantly associated with lower levels of HRQOL in the Tobit regression analysis.ConclusionsHRQOL of NGT, prediabetes, and UT2D participants was statistically similar. However, factors such as gender, age. and place of residence were found to be significant predictors of HRQOL for each glycemic group.

Loneliness as a mediation from social support leading to a decrease of health-related quality of life among PLWHIV.

This study focused on the mental health of people living with HIV(PLWHIV) and explored their relationship between loneliness and perceived social support, health related quality of life (HRQoL) with a method of structural equation model. We collected clinical and psychological data from consecutively enrolled PLWHIV. A total of 201 PLWHIVs were enrolled and measured with self-reporting survey instruments of UCLA Loneliness Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Social Support Ratio Scale and Short Form Health Survey-36. The levels of loneliness, depression, anxiety, perceived social support and HRQoL were assessed. PLWHIV enrolled were divided into two groups of loneliness and non-loneliness based on their UCLA Loneliness Scale scores. Multivariable analysis indicated that being married is a protective factor associated with loneliness (OR = 0.226; P = 0.032). We further found the loneliness group had a higher level of depression (P < 0.001) and anxiety (P < 0.001), but lower level of HRQoL (P < 0.001) than the non-loneliness group. We found there was a positive linear correlation between social support and HRQoL among the enrolled PLWHIVs (r2 = 0.0592; P = 0.0005). A structural equation model (SEM) was established to evaluate whether the loneliness played as a mediation role between social support and HRQoL. The model showed loneliness as a mediation from social support leading to a decrease of HRQoL. Our findings showed a potential psychological pathway from social support to HRQoL, suggesting the need for interventions focusing on social support may improve poor HRQoL lead by loneliness.

Differences in health-related quality of life between the Roma community and the general population in Romania

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that Roma people report worse health outcomes than the general population and suffer from a myriad of economic and social disadvantages. The objective of this study was to assess the differences in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between the Roma people and the Romanian general population.MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted face-to-face in 2018 and 2019 in two nationally representative samples of both the general population and Roma communities, recruited from all regions of Romania. Both samples completed the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS questionnaires, as well as a range of sociodemographic questions. Coarsened Exact Matching and several different regression models were used to assess the differences in HRQoL between the two groups.Results2308 respondents were included in the matched sample: 1,621 general population individuals; 687 Roma people. Roma people had more problems with self-care, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression than the general population. They also reported a lower overall level of HRQoL than the general population of Romania, as reflected by the lower EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores. Our sensitivity analysis between Coarsened Exact Matching and other matching procedures showed consistent results across all regression models.ConclusionsIn Romania, the Roma community has a lower level of HRQoL than the general population. Understanding the underlying causes of this inequality should be the focus of future research. Policies aimed at reducing the level of health inequality between the Roma and the general populations should be promoted locally.

Health and Care Dependency of Older Adults in Dresden, Germany: Results from the LAB60+ Study.

As the population in Europe ages, an increased focus on the health of older adults is necessary. The purpose of the population-based LAB60+ study was to examine the current health and care situation of the population of older adults in Dresden, Germany, and to assess the effect of age, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) on health outcomes. In the first half of 2021, 2399 out of 6004 randomly sampled residents of Dresden aged 60 years or older answered questions on their chronic conditions, care dependency, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and well-being, among others. Of the participants, 91.6% were afflicted with at least one chronic condition, and 73.1% had multimorbidities. More than one-tenth (11.3%) of participants were care dependent. Lower levels of HRQoL and well-being were observed compared to a published German reference population, perhaps because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Gender differences were observed for some chronic health conditions, and women had a higher risk for lower HRQoL, well-being, and depressivity compared to men. A low SES was associated with a higher risk of the vast majority of health outcomes. Particularly, socioeconomic factors and gender-related inequalities should be considered for the development of prevention and health-promoting measures during late life.

The Relationship between Unmet Need, Physical Symptoms, Psychological Well-Being and Health-Related Quality of Life in Cholangiocarcinoma Survivors.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) survivors continue to face challenges that affect their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) along the survivorship trajectory. This study intends to investigate the association and to create a model for explaining the link between unmet needs, physical symptoms, psychological well-being, and HRQOL in CCA survivors. This cross-sectional study consecutively recruited 231CCA survivors from an oncology unit of a university hospital in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Cancer-related unmet need, physical symptoms, psychological well-being and HRQOL were all assessed using the questionnaire, and medical records were used to acquire demographic and clinical data. We use a path analysis to create a hypothesized model in which symptoms, unmet need, anxiety, and depression, support care need predicting HRQOL. The mean total of HRQOL score was 75.59±6.24 (95%CI: 74.78-76.39) indicated that the subjects had a low level of HRQOL as a whole. The hypothesis model was found to fit the actual data and explained 39.8% of the variance of HRQOL. Symptoms and anxiety had a significant negative effect on HRQOL (β = -0.62, p< 0.001) and (β=-0.18, p<0.001), respectively. However, the relationship between HRQOL and other mediators was not found significant association. According to our findings, the research model can be used to investigate how symptoms affect HRQOL. It also means that cancer care providers should be aware of these factors while caring for CCA survivors in order to enhance their HRQOL.

Health-Related Quality of Life Trajectories Among Older Adults With Diabetes Mellitus: A Group-Based Modeling Approach.

Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) is an important issue among older adults with diabetes mellitus. However, information on longitudinal changes in HR-QoL over time using the illness trajectory model is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of temporal change in HR-QoL and their predictors using longitudinal data and a group-based modeling approach. European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions data for 440 older adults with diabetes mellitus were drawn from the nationwide Korea Health Panel Survey conducted from 2009 to 2013. Latent class growth analysis and multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of HR-QoL trajectories. Four distinct classes of HR-QoL trajectory were identified: high decrease (n = 46, 10.5%), high stable (n = 232, 52.7%), medium stable (n = 157, 35.7%), and low increase (n = 5, 1.1%). Participants in ``high decrease" and ``high-stable" classes tended to be men who were highly educated, physically active, and adherent to their medication regimen. High economic status, few chronic diseases, independence in activities of daily living, and high self-rated health status were also identified as indicators of being in the ``high-decrease" and ``high-stable" class group. A salient finding of this study is that HR-QoL trajectories in older adults with diabetes mellitus are not homogeneous but instead diverge into four distinct classes. Most participants showed no major changes in HR-QoL across the 5-year period, regardless of HR-QoL level. To prevent patients with diabetes from experiencing chronically low levels of HR-QoL, comprehensive assessment and individualized care based on HR-QoL are necessary.

Pre-Burn Health-Related Quality of Life: Patient and Partner Perspectives

A proxy-assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) may be an alternative for burn patients who are medically unable to self-report shortly after being admitted to the hospital. This study examined the patient–partner agreement on the recalled pre-injury HRQL of burn patients. In a multi-centre study of 117 patient–partner pairs, the recalled pre-burn HRQL was assessed with the EQ-5D-3L + Cognition during the acute phase following the burns. Agreement was evaluated with Kappa and ICC statistics. Burn severity and PTSD symptoms were assessed as potential predictors of disagreement. The results showed that pre-burn EQ-Index scores were similar to population norms, whereas the EQ Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) scores of patients were significantly higher. Agreement varied across EQ-5D domains and, after adjusting for prevalence, was substantial to almost perfect. Average agreement on the EQ-Index and EQ-VAS was, respectively, substantial and moderate, but differences between partners were larger at lower levels of HRQL, and specifically in the pain/discomfort domain. Patient–partner differences could not be explained by the patient’s age or gender, number of surgeries, partner’s presence at the burn event, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of either the patient or partner. In conclusion, patient–partner agreement is substantial and partner–proxy reports of pre-burn EQ-5D domains and EQ-Index scores may be used to complement or serve as a substitute for the patient’s assessment. Given the moderate agreement on the EQ-VAS, it may be less suited for proxy assessment.

A cross-sectional study on the quality of life in migraine and medication overuse headache in a Hungarian sample: understanding the effect of headache characteristics.

Previous studies using generic and disease specific instruments showed that both migraine and medication overuse headache are associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of our study was to assess HRQoL differences in migraineurs and in patients with MOH and to examine how headache characteristics such as years with headache, aura symptoms, triptan use, headache pain severity and headache frequency are related to HRQoL. In this cross-sectional study 334 participants were examined (248 were recruited from a tertiary headache centre and 86 via advertisements). The Comp-rehensive Headache-related Quality of life Questionnaire (CHQQ) was used to measure the participants' HRQoL. Data showed normal distribution, therefore beside Chi-squared test parametric tests (e.g. independent samples t-test) were used with a two-tailed p<0.05 threshold. Linear regression models were used to determine the independent effects of sex, age, recruitment method, headache type (migraine vs. MOH) and headache characteristics (presence of aura symptoms, years with headache, headache pain severity, headache frequency and triptan use) separately for each domain and for the total score of CHQQ. Significance threshold was adopted to p0.0125 (0.05/4) to correct for multiple testing and avoid Type I error. Independent samples t-tests showed that patients with MOH had significantly lower scores on all CHQQ domains than migraineurs, except on the social subscale. Results of a series of regression analyses showed that triptan use was inversely related to all the domains of HRQoL after correction for multiple testing (p<0.0125). In addition, headache pain severity was associated with lower physical (p=0.001) and total scores (p=0.002) on CHQQ subscales. Based on the results, different headache characteristics (but not the headache type, namely migraine or MOH) were associated with lower levels of HRQoL in patients with headache. Determining which factors play significant role in the deterioration of HRQoL is important to adequately manage different patient populations and to guide public health policies regarding health service utilization and health-care costs.

Cognitive Functioning and Its Relationship with Self-Stigma in Men with HIV Who Have Sex with Men: The Mediating Role of Health-Related Quality of Life

IntroductionThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stills remains a serious public health problem. HIV acquisition has several negative health consequences, such as a cognitive deterioration or health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment. Although these negative consequences could be directly related to a significant increase in self-stigma in this population, few previous studies have analysed the possible associations between these variables. This is especially the case in specific groups of people living with HIV, such as men who have sex with men who could be at a greater risk of stigmatisation. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between cognitive functioning, HRQoL and self-stigma in a group of men with HIV who have sex with men.MethodsThe present study was conducted in the Infectious Diseases Unit of the General University Hospital of Alicante (Spain). The final sample was composed of 70 participants who passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All were men with HIV who had sex with men and the sample’s mean age was 45 years. Each participant completed questionnaires on HRQoL and HIV self-stigma. Moreover, they completed an online cognitive assessment through the previously validated platform for cognitive evaluation CogniFit, Inc.ResultsThe obtained results showed a significant association between memory functioning impairment, lower levels of HRQoL and higher HIV self-stigma scores. Hence, HRQoL, in the mental summary domain, was shown to be a significant mediator in the relationship between low memory performance and higher HIV self-stigma.DiscussionNeurocognitive impairment could decrease HRQoL in men with HIV who have sex with men, and hence, reinforce the idea widespread in society that having HIV holds serious consequences. This fact, together with the reduced cognitive abilities to fight against their own self-stigma could represent plausible explanations of the obtained results. In this sense, intervention strategies, oriented towards reducing cognitive impairment, such as those based on cognitive training, and other psychological interventions to promote HRQoL could be effective approaches to prevent the negative effects of HIV self-stigma in this population.

Health-related quality of life and its correlates among individuals with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Strict safety procedures including lockdowns were adopted during the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide which might have influenced mental and physical health in affected communities. This study aimed to investigate the level of Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its correlates among individuals with stroke in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study with a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographics, 12-item Short Form (SF-12) health survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), and The Stroke Impact Scale 16 (SIS-16). Descriptive analyses were used to summarize study data. Factors significantly correlated with HRQoL were determined using Pearson correlation. A total of 97 individuals successfully completed the study with a mean age of 57.9 years (±57.9). The level of HRQoL (measured by SF-12) was significantly and negatively associated with mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and the stroke recovery subscale of the SIS-16. Furthermore, participants’ HRQoL level was significantly and positively associated with participants’ age, stroke chronicity, receiving rehabilitation, and amount of help asked from caregivers. Jordanians with stroke demonstrated a relatively low level of HRQoL and high levels of mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare administrators should carefully consider individuals with stroke HRQoL and its correlates while planning for future crises.

Healthcare students' mental and physical well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown and distance learning.

The sudden shift into distance learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown might have impacted university students' well-being. This study aimed to investigate undergraduate healthcare university students' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study used an online self-administered questionnaire. The study targeted undergraduate medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing students at Jordanian universities. Data collected included demographics,12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12), students' evaluation of distance learning, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize primary outcome measures data. Predictors of HRQoL were determined using a multiple variable regression analysis. In total, 485 university students successfully completed this study with a mean age of 20.6 (±2.0). Participants' HRQoL level measured by SF-12 mean scores were 66.5 (±20.2) for physical health component and 44.8 (±21.2) for mental health component. The regression model explained 65.5% of the variation (r2 = 0.655, F = 127.8, P < 0.001) in participants' HRQoL. Factors significantly associated with HRQoL included depression, neck disability index score, stress, health self-evaluation, average of satisfaction with distance learning, IPAQ score, and weekly studying hours. This study showed that healthcare students had a relatively low level of HRQoL during COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan. Academic and non-academic factors associated with HRQoL were identified and should be considered by healthcare educational institutions for better academic planning in future similar pandemics.

Evaluating Well-being of Individuals With Chronic Visual Conditions Requiring Regular Eyecare During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors among individuals with chronic vision conditions during COVID-19 lockdown. A cross-sectional, survey-based study targeted Jordanian adults with a variety of chronic vision conditions requiring regular ophthalmic follow-up. Outcome measures included HRQoL measured by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), mental health symptoms measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and vision ability measured by the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25) General Vision and Role Limitation subscales. Data were analyzed descriptively and using a multiple variable linear regression model to identify HRQoL predictors. A total of 203 participants with a mean age of 52.09 (±15.41) years participated, and SF-12 mean scores were 58.15 for the physical component and 57.48 for the mental component. The level of HRQoL was significantly associated with VFQ-25 Role Limitation subscale, diabetes, the need of ophthalmic follow-up, and stress. The regression model explained 47.1% of the variance in HRQoL (r2=0.471, F=35.57, P<0.001). Jordanian individuals with chronic vision conditions demonstrated low levels of HRQoL during COVID-19 lockdown. Participants also showed high levels of mental health symptoms and reported low accessibility to ophthalmic care. Access to nonurgent ophthalmic care in individuals with chronic vision diseases should be carefully planned in future pandemics.