Lower SF-36 Scores Research Articles

Risk factors Associated with Pain Severity in Syrian patients with non-specific low back Pain

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) majorly contributes to activity limitations and work absences worldwide. Therefore, a comprehensive knowledge of the risk factors linked to non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) can enable early and timely interventions to achieve long-term improvements. Current study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with the severity of NSLBP patients in Syria.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional design and a self-assessment questionnaire to collect data on NSLBP, as well as personal and physical factors, across four provinces in Syria (Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Latakia) from November 2021 to September 2022. The assessments incorporated the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Then we examined the relationship between the severity of NSLBP and these potential risk factors. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. Additionally, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for non-specific low back pain.ResultsThe study included a total of 875 patients with NSLBP. The results indicated that patients with primary school education, a high body mass index (BMI), prolonged driving and sitting durations, smoking habits, and recurrent low back pain had higher VAS and ODI scores, as well as lower SF-36 scores (p < 0.01). Additionally, workers and drivers had higher VAS and ODI scores and lower SF-36 scores compared to waiters and patients who lifted objects heavier than 10 kg for more than a quarter of their work time for over 10 years (p < 0.01). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that lower education levels, low back pain lasting 1–7 days, chronic low back pain in the past year, smoking, driving for prolonged time, and higher BMI were associated with more severe VAS scores.ConclusionThe severity of NSLBP is related to lower education levels, poor living conditions, strenuous physical labor, inactive lifestyle, and driving for a long time. Additionally, patients with recurrent NSLBP experience more intense pain. To manage these issues, potential interventions could include reducing obesity rates, limiting the duration of hard physical work, limiting driving duration and reducing sedentary behaviors and smoking. These measures may help alleviate the overall burden of NSLBP.

Quality of Life Outcomes Following Aortofemoral and Iliofemoral Bypass Surgery in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Two-Year Follow-Up Study.

Peripheral arterial disease is a circulatory disorder characterized by reduced blood flow to the extremities, predominantly affecting the lower limbs. This study aims to evaluate the impact of aortofemoral and iliofemoral bypass surgeries on patients' quality of life two years post operation and identify predictors of quality-of-life improvements. This cross-sectional study included adult patients with aortoiliac disease who underwent bypass surgery (aortofemoral or iliofemoral) at East Jeddah General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022. Quality of life was assessed using the Arabic version of the Short Form Health Survey 12 (SF-12) preoperatively and two years postoperatively. Data on sociodemographic factors (age, sex, education, income) and medical factors (smoking, BMI, comorbidities) were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and regression analyses using IBM SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The study included 275 patients. Significant improvements in both physical and mental SF-12 scores were observed postoperatively across all patient groups (P < 0.001). Older age, unemployment, and lower income were associated with lower SF-12 scores. Males had higher postoperative mental scores (P = 0.036). Higher BMI and smoking pack-years negatively correlated with SF-12 scores. Patients with comorbidities had significantly lower preoperative and postoperative SF-12 scores (P < 0.05)but showed significant improvements postoperatively (P < 0.001). Aortofemoral and iliofemoral bypass surgeries significantly improve the quality of life in peripheral arterial disease patients two years post operation. Key predictors of lower quality of life include older age, unemployment, lower income, high BMI, smoking, and comorbidities. Targeted interventions, such as smoking cessation programs, weight management, and comprehensive medical care, are essential for optimizing postoperative outcomes and enhancing patients' physical and mental well-being.

Preoperative Predictors of Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of patient demographics and injury characteristics on post-arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (post-APM) patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesize that the presence of high-grade (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3-4) arthritis at any location of the knee (medial and lateral compartments, patella, trochlea), comorbidities (psychiatric history, chronic pain, diabetes, smoking, body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30), and lower scores on preoperative patient-reported measures (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) would predict poor outcomes after APM. We conducted a single-center prospective study of 92 patients who underwent APM surgery for associated knee pain. General demographic information and PROs were prospectively collected using SF-12, SF-36, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) surveys presurgery and at 6-month follow-up. Postsurgery outcomes were patient-reported satisfaction (yes/no) and obtaining a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) on IKDC. Data were analyzed with odds ratios (ORs), binomial logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney U test using IBM SPSS software. Demographic and injury characteristics that were poor prognostic indicators (had a decreased likelihood of obtaining PASS on IKDC postsurgery) included having Medicaid insurance (OR: 0.056; 0.003-1.00), chronic pain (OR: 0.106; 0.013-0.873), acute injury (OR: 0.387; 0.164-0.914), and high-grade (KL grades 3-4) medial compartment arthritis (OR: 0.412; 0.174-0.980), and preoperative SF-36 physical health score (PHS; p = 0.023) and mental health score (MHS; p = 0.006) values less than 47 and 48, respectively. Additionally, former smoking history (OR: 0.271; 0.079-0.928) showed a lower likelihood of being satisfied postsurgery. Not having psychiatric history (OR: 14.925; p < 0.001; increased likelihood of obtaining PASS on IKDC score postsurgery) and not having patellar arthritis (OR: 4.082; p = 0.025; increased likelihood of PASS on IKDC) were positive prognostic indicators. This study identifies predictive factors of poor outcomes post-APM; particularly, it highlights the usefulness of SF-36 surveys prior to APM surgery. Patients with low SF-36 score preoperatively may not find APM acceptable. Additional attention should be put on patient demographics (such as psychiatric history, chronic pain, and insurance type) and injury characteristics (presence of arthritis and acute injury) prior to performing APM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Evaluation of the Quality of Life in Moroccan Patients Diagnosed with Hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism (HPt) is a rare endocrine disorder often of postsurgical origin, resulting in hypocalcaemia. Several complications have been described including impairment of quality of life (QoL). Our study aims to evaluate the effect of hypoparathyroidism on the QoL of patients diagnosed with HPt. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition of the Hassan II University Hospital of Fez. We included in our study all patients followed for chronic HPt. Well-being was assessed using the WHO 5 index, and QoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in its validated Arabic version. Data were entered into Excel and analysed using SPSS 26. Multiple linear regression was utilized to ascertain the variables linked to the QoL in individuals diagnosed with HPt. A total of 143 patients with HPt were included in the study, 86.7% of whom were female. The mean age of the patients was 44.6 ± 17.3 years. 89.9% were of postsurgical etiology. The assessment of well-being by the WHO 5 index showed a low score (<50), meaning poor well-being in 44.8%. Regarding the QoL, the assessment showed low scores in the areas of general health (41.7), limitations due to physical condition (40.5), vitality (41.4), and limitations due to psychological condition (42.6). The multiple linear regression model revealed a noteworthy association between low SF-36 score and advanced age (β = -5.91; p < 0.001), surgical etiology (β = 8.71; p < 0.001), low education level (β = -10.1; p < 0.001), and poor compliance with medication (β = -11.3; p < 0.001). However, the relationship between impaired QoL and achievement of normocalcemia was nonsignificant (p=0.69). Our work objective is that patients with HPt have a reduced and multifactorial QoL. Despite normocalcemia, it is hypothesized that parathyroid hormone directly influences QoL. These results could serve as a basis for future research.

Factors associated with postoperative quality of life in patients with intertrochanteric fracture

Introduction: Intertrochanteric fractures, which make up the majority of hip fractures, are a common and serious injury that can greatly impact quality of life. Treatment of such fractures comprises nearly half of the costs contributed to hip fractures. Identifying the factors affecting the functional outcomes of patients after intertrochanteric fracture can help to reduce burden of disease for the patient and healthcare system. The present study investigated the factors underlying the worsening of short form-36 score (SF-36) scores for intertrochanteric fracture patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was designed based on data from our clinic. All consecutive patients with intertrochanteric fractures from November 2016 to September 2020 were reviewed. The exclusion criteria included patients having a second injury or having had previous surgery related to the hip and those with incomplete data. Baseline characteristics of patients were extracted from annotated records. The lab data were acquired from the electronic hospital system. The outcomes were SF-36 scores obtained by phone contact with patients or their families. Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS. Results: A total of 310 patients were included in the current study. The female gender, advanced age, history of diabetes, thyroid malfunction, cancer, osteoporosis, anticoagulant use and blood transfusion were identified as risk factors for lower SF-36 scores. Low levels of haemoglobin before surgery, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/Creatinine, and white blood count values correlated with lower SF-36 scores. Conclusion: Numerous contextual variables affected the functional outcomes of the patients. Consideration of these factors could be helpful in reducing costs and improving the quality of life for intertrochanteric fracture patients.

Acromegaly increases depressive symptoms and reduces quality of life of cohabitants.

To assess how living with patients with acromegaly affects people's psychology and quality of life (QoL). Acromegaly patients and their cohabitants included in this study. Patients were administered Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Cohabitants were administered quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), BAI, BDI, and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI). This study included 84 patients with acromegaly and 84 cohabitants. Sixty-nine patients (n = 84, 82.1%) had an acromegalic appearance. Cohabitants who were affected by the acromegalic appearance had higher BAI, BDI, and ZBI scores than those who were not affected (p < 0.001 for all). Cohabitants who were affected by the acromegalic appearance had a significantly lower SF-36 score (p = 0.015). The BAI (r=-0.535, p < 0.001), BDI (r=-0.592, p < 0.001), and ZBI (r=-0.465, p < 0.001) scores of the cohabitants showed a negative correlation with AcroQoL. SF-36 scores showed correlation with AcroQoL (r = 0.387, p < 0.001). The chronic process of acromegaly and the external appearance of patients with this disease can negatively affect both the patients and the people living with them. Physicians being aware of this effect and taking counteractive measures may contribute positively to the course of acromegaly.

Health related quality of life in a Saudi population of patients with epilepsy.

To assess the quality of life for epilepsy patients in Saudi Arabia. Epilepsy, one of the most prevalent chronic neurological conditions in the world, frequently results in a low quality of life. This cross-sectional study analyzed data between September 2020 and September 2021 from 102 adult patients with epilepsy in outpatient clinics department of Epilepsy Program at King Fahad Medical City compared it to 108 healthy controls during the same study period. Sociodemographics and clinical data were gathered using the Arabic version of the Rand 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31). Patients with epilepsy had lower SF-36 scores when compared to the control for role limitation due to physical health, role limitations due to emotional health, and general health. The QOLIE-31 revealed that gender was associated with energy/fatigue (p=0.028), medication effect (p=0.016), and social function (p=0.003); only social functioning showed a significant association (p=0.023) with employment. Quality of life for patients with epilepsy was found to be significantly impacted in Saudi Arabia. Certain factors found in this study differentiate it from data that has already been released. This might be due to Arab differences in family support as well as cultural and religious beliefs.

Evaluation and correlation analysis of ocular surface disorders and quality of life in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to reveal the association between ocular surface disorders and psychological, physiological situations among autoimmune rheumatic patients.MethodsNinety autoimmune rheumatic patients (180 eyes) hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University and 30 controls (60 eyes) were enrolled in the study. All participants were assessed for ocular surface disorders including dry eye disease (DED) by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) for symptoms evaluation, and slim lamp examinations for tear break-up time (TBUT), meibomian gland secretion, symblepharon and corneal clarity, Schirmer I test, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF). Systematic conditions were evaluated using the Short Form 36-Health Survey (SF-36) for health-related quality of life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depression, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) for difficulties in activities of daily living, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality. Pearson and spearman’s analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between systematic conditions and ocular surface conditions.ResultsThe analyses were controlled for age and sex. 52.22% of eyes (94 in 180) of autoimmune rheumatic patients and 21.67% of eyes (13 in 60) of controls were diagnosed with DED. The autoimmune rheumatic patients showed significant higher OSDI score, fewer basal tear secretion, more severe CFS and conjunctivochalasis than controls. There were no statistically significant differences in TBUT, meibomian gland secretion, symblepharon, and corneal clarity between the two groups. For systematic conditions, autoimmune rheumatic patients had significantly lower SF-36 scores, higher anxiety scores, and HAQ-DI scores than controls. No statistically significant differences were detected in depression scores and PSQI between the two groups. Among autoimmune rheumatic patients, OSDI scores were moderately correlated with quality of life, anxiety, depression and sleep quality.ConclusionFactors including quality of life, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality are associated with ocular surface conditions, especially DED symptoms. Management of systemic conditions and psychotherapy should also be considered as part of the treatment among autoimmune rheumatic patients.

Health-related quality of life among thalassemia patients in Bangladesh using the SF-36 questionnaire

Thalassemia is one of the most common autosomal recessive hereditary blood disorders worldwide, especially in developing countries, including Bangladesh. Thus, this study aimed to determine HRQoL and its determinants of thalassemia patients (TP) in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was performed on 356 randomly selected thalassemia patients. Participants were invited to face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), independent t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate (linear and logistic regression) analysis was performed to analyze the data. Our demographic data showed that among 356 patients, 54% and 46% were male and female, respectively, with an average age of 19.75 (SD = 8.02) years. Most were transfusion-dependent (91%), 26% had comorbidities, and 52% were from low-income families. In the case of HRQoL, male patients showed significantly higher scores of bodily pains and physical health summaries than female patients. Lower income, high blood transfusion status, disease severity, comorbidities, and medical expenses (p < 0.05; CI 95%) are significantly associated with lower SF-36 scores. This study found an association between lower income, blood transfusion, disease severity, comorbidities, as well as medical expenses, and the deterioration of HRQoL among TP. Male patients experienced poorer HRQoL than females. National action plans are required to guarantee the holistic welfare of thalassemia patients.

Acceptable Fusion Rate of Single-Level OLIF Using Pure Allograft Combined with Posterior Instrumentation through the Wiltse Approach: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

Autogenic bone grafts have shown successful fusion rates in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disorders, but taking too many autogenic bones may result in donor site ischemia or infection. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of single-level oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) using pure allograft combined with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation through the Wiltse approach. A retrospective case analysis was performed on a series of consecutive patients who received a single-level OLIF procedure combined with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation through the Wiltse approach between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, in which pure allogenic bone graft was used and filled in the large window of the cage. The patients were followed up as scheduled at 1 day and 3, 6, 12, 24months after operation. Clinical outcome was assessed by multiple questionnaires, including Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score rating system, short form-36 health survey (SF-36), and visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain. Radiographic outcome was evaluated by measuring the parameters such as disc height, lumbar lordosis, and segmental angle on the standard standing lateral radiographs, and the space angle of the fusion level on the dynamic views of the lateral radiographs. Subsidence of the cage and intervertebral fusion status were evaluated on both the radiographic and CT scan images. A total of 34 patients were finally included in this study. At 2-year follow-up, the VAS for low back pain, ODI, JOA, and SF-36 scores all had significant improvement (p < 0.001). Substantial increase of anterior and posterior disc heights was observed (p < 0.001). Both lumbar lordosis and segmental angle became larger (p < 0.05). No visible change of the space angle of the fusion level was found on the dynamic views. The 1-year fusion rate of 73.5% on CT scans proceeded to 82.4% at 2-year follow-up. The fusion rate was as high as 91.2% according to Bridwell interbody fusion grading system on radiographic images. The clinical outcomes in patients with incomplete fusion were just as good as those with complete fusion. The six patients with cage subsidence had higher ODI (p < 0.001) and lower JOA (p < 0.001) and SF-36 PCS (p=0.011) scores than those without cage subsidence. The use of pure allograft in single-level OLIF resulted in an acceptable fusion rate and satisfactory clinical effect at 2-year follow-up. Supplementation of posterior pedicle screw through the minimally invasive Wiltse approach ensured the favorable outcomes both clinically and radiographically.

Clinical characteristics and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease-associated anemia in Southeast China.

Clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with anemia have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of, risk factors for, and management of anemia in IBD patients and to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) in IBD patients with anemia. We included two patient cohorts. In cohort 1, clinical data from 697 IBD patients were retrospectively collected. In cohort 2, the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) questionnaires for IBD patients were completed to evaluate the QOL. Anemia was present in 35.6% of IBD patients [38.2% of Crohn's disease (CD) patients vs. 29.3% of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, P = 0.025]. Elevated platelet (PLT) count (CD: OR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.001-1.007; P = 0.007; UC: OR, 1.010; 95% CI, 1.004-1.016; P = 0.001), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (CD: OR, 1.024; 95% CI, 1.012-1.036; P < 0.001; UC: OR, 1.025; 95% CI, 1.001-1.051; P = 0.044), and lower albumin levels (CD: OR, 0.801; 95% CI, 0.749-0.857; P < 0.001; UC: OR, 0.789; 95% CI, 0.720-0.864; P < 0.001) were associated with anemia. Among the IBD patients with anemia, only 25.8% received treatment for anemia. IBD patients with anemia had significantly lower SF-36 scores (P = 0.011) and higher FS-14 scores (P = 0.026) than those without anemia. Anemia is common in IBD patients. Elevated PLT count and ESR are risk factors for anemia in IBD patients. Anemia may negatively impact IBD patients' QOL, but few anemia patients receive treatment for anemia.

Trajectories of physical and mental functioning over 25years before onset of frailty: results from the Whitehall II cohort study.

Research on frailty, a major contributor to heterogeneity in health, is undertaken on older adults although the processes leading to frailty are likely to begin earlier in the life course. Using repeat data spanning 25years, we examined changes in physical and mental functioning before the onset of frailty, defined using Fried's frailty phenotype (FFP). Functioning was measured using the Short-Form 36 General Health Survey (SF-36) on nine occasions from 1991 (age range 40-63years) to 2015 (age range 63-85years). The poorest of four FFP scores from 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2015 was used to classify participants as frail, pre-frail, or robust. We used linear mixed models with a backward timescale such that time 0 was the person-specific date of frailty classification for frail and pre-frail participants and the end of follow-up for robust participants. Analyses adjusted for socio-demographic factors, health behaviours, body mass index and multi-morbidity status were used to compare SF-36 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores over 25years before time 0 as a function of FFP classification, with estimates extracted at time 0, -5, -10, -15, -20 and -25years. We also used illness-death models to examine the prospective association between SF-36 component summary scores at age 50 and incident FFP-defined frailty. Among 7044 participants of the Whitehall II cohort study included in the analysis [29% female, mean age 49.7 (SD=6.0) at baseline in 1991], 2055 (29%) participants remained robust, and 4476 (64%) became pre-frail and 513 (7%) frail during follow-up. Frail compared with robust participants had lower SF-36 scores at t=-25 before onset of frailty with a difference of 3.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6, 5.1] in PCS and 1.8 (-0.2, 3.8) in MCS. At t=0, the differences increased to 11.5 (10.5, 12.5) and 9.1 (8.0, 10.2), respectively. The differences in SF-36 between the robust and pre-frail groups, although smaller [at t=0, 1.7 (1.2, 2.2) in PCS and 4.0 (3.4, 4.5) in MCS], were already observed 20 and 25years, respectively, before the onset of pre-frailty. Prospective analyses showed that at age 50, scores in the bottom quartiles of PCS [hazard ratio (HR) compared with the top quartile=2.39, 95% CI 1.85, 3.07] and MCS [HR=1.49 (1.15, 1.93)] were associated with a higher risk of FFP-defined frailty at older ages. Differences in trajectories of physical and mental functioning in individuals who developed physical frailty at older ages were observable 25years before onset of FFP-defined frailty. These findings highlight the need for a life course approach in efforts to prevent frailty.

Ocular surface disorders affect quality of life in patients with autoimmune blistering skin diseases: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAutoimmune blistering skin diseases (AIBD) are a group of rare chronic autoimmune diseases which are associated with ocular surface diseases especially dry eye disease. This study is designed to investigate the relationship between ocular surface disorders and quality of life among patients with autoimmune blistering skin diseases.MethodsTwenty-four AIBD patients (18 pemphigus and 7 pemphigoid) and twenty-five non-AIBD controls were included. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), ocular surface evaluation, including slit-lamp examination, Schirmer I test, tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, lid-parallel conjunctival folds, meibomian gland evaluation, presence of symblepharon and corneal opacity were assessed. Life quality was evaluated by multiple questionnaires, including Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Ocular surface tests and quality of life were compared between AIBD patients and non-AIBD controls. In the AIBD patients, the associations between ocular surface parameters and quality of life were also evaluated.Results92% of AIBD patients and 87.5% of age- and sex-matched non-AIBD controls were diagnosed with dry eye in this study. Compared with non-AIBD controls, AIBD patients reported lower SF-36 scores (P < 0.05) and severer OSDI, Schirmer I test, tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, presence of symblepharon and corneal opacity measures (P < 0.05). OSDI, Schirmer I test were correlated with SF-36 composite scores or scores on the SF-36 subscales.ConclusionsAIBD patients experience reduced quality of life and more severe ocular surface disorders including dry eye, symblepharon and corneal opacity. Early treatments of dry eye and collaborations among multidisciplinary physicians are necessary in patients with AIBD.

Effect of Cross Theoretical Model of Behaviour Change and Motivation Interview on Self-Management Behaviour.

Objective To evaluate the effects of a trans-theoretical model (TTM) of behavioural change plus motivational interviewing on self-management behavior and quality of life (QoL) in patients with intracranial aneurysm. Methods A total of 94 patients with intracranial aneurysm treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from 2019 to 04/2021-04 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 49 patients used TTM + motivational interview as the observation group (Obs group), and 45 patients used the traditional method as the control group (Con group). The Self-Management Behavior Scale for Patients with Intracranial Aneurysm was used for analyzing the changes in the self-management behavior of the two groups of patients, and the MOS 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to analyze the changes in the QoL of the patients. The incidence of adverse events after 6 months of intervention was counted. In addition, the Barthel Index (BI) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA) were used to evaluate the recovery effects of patients. Logistic regression was conducted for analyzing the risk factors of adverse cerebrovascular events. Results After treatment, the Con group got lower self-management behavior score than the Obs group (P < 0.05), and also got lower SF-36 scores, BI, and MOCA scores than the Obs group (P < 0.05). Age and a history of hypertension were independent risk factors for adverse events. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test was adopted for testing the goodness of fit of the regression equation (P=0.903). With the established model, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting adverse events in patients with intracranial aneurysm was determined to be 0.851, indicating that the model performed well as a risk prediction model. Conclusion TTM + motivational interviewing can help improve the self-management behavior and QoL of patients with intracranial aneurysm without increasing the occurrence of adverse events.

Characteristics and quality of life of substance users and their caregivers.

The correlation between substance use and depression has been emphasized in the literature. Substance use disorders can also adversely affect the caregivers of drug-addicted persons.A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Special Hospital for Addiction Diseases in Belgrade in 2015 to analyze the characteristics, consequences, and health-related quality of life of drug users and their caregivers. The sample comprised 136 users of various substances, and 136 caregivers. A questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), and Beck Depression Inventory were administered to all participants.According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with caregivers, substance users were significantly more frequently male (P < .001), ≤ 39 years old (P < .001), and more frequently reported the use of sedatives (P = .009) and smoking (P < .001). Some level of depression was present in all participants, but severe forms were more frequent in substance users (P = .010). Among substance users, mean scores of SF-36 domains ranged from 56.62‒87.17, and among their caregivers, from 50.37‒75.07; however, the difference was significant only for the health change domain (P = .037), the score for which was lower in caregivers.Substance users suffered from more severe forms of depression compared to their caregivers, who had lower SF-36 scores in the domain of health change.

Quality of life and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms 90 days after hospital discharge.

ObjectiveWe aimed to describe the persistence of symptoms in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and quality of life (QoL) among patients 90 days after their discharge from the hospital for infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to determine differences in QoL domains concerning the absence or presence of persistent symptoms.MethodsTo measure QoL, we used a validated Spanish version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsWe included 141 patients. Ninety days after discharge, COVID-19 symptoms persisted in 107 patients (75.9%), with fatigue (55.3%) and joint pain (46.8%) being the most frequent. According to the SF-36, the role-physical score was the dimension with the lowest values (median score, 25; interquartile range, 0–75). Patients with joint pain, fatigue, and dyspnea had lower scores than patients without those symptoms, with 10 of the 13 evaluated SF-36 scales showing lower levels.ConclusionNinety days after hospital discharge from COVID-19 reference centers, most patients had persistent symptoms and had lower SF-36 scores than patients without symptoms. It is important to follow-up patients discharged from the hospital after SARS-CoV-2 infection, ideally through a post-COVID-19 health care clinic and rehabilitation program, to improve QoL in these patients.

Quality of sleep and health-related quality of life among health care professionals treating patients with coronavirus disease-19

IntroductionHealth care professionals exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are facing high levels of stress.ObjectivesThe aim was to evaluate the quality of sleep (QoS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), among health care professionals treating patients with COVID-19, as well as quantifying the magnitude of symptoms of depression and levels of anxiety.MethodsWe included 201 health care professionals in a cross-sectional, web-based study by applying 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale, Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, 36-item Health Survey of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and additional survey constructed for the purpose of the study.ResultsPoor QoS and HRQoL correlated with high health anxiety and severe depressive symptoms and several demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher scores on GAD-7 (beta = .71, p &lt; .01) and lower scores on mental health (MH) subscale on SF36 questionnaire (beta = –.69; p &lt; .01) were independent predictors of the higher PSQI score (adjusted R2 = .61, p &lt; .01 for overall model). Higher scores on GAD-7 (beta = .68, p &lt; .01) and worse self-perceived mental status (beta = .25; p &lt; .05) were independent predictors of the lower SF36 scores (adjusted R2 = .73, p &lt; .01 for overall model).ConclusionsThe major MH burden of health care professionals treating infected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that they need psychological support.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Erectile Dysfunction in Cirrhosis: Its Prevalence and Risk Factors

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ED and the factors associated with ED in men with cirrhosis. 400 men with cirrhosis [Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A, 44.0%; CTP class B, 41.0%; and CTP class C, 15.0%] having high Karnofsky performance score, and living in a stable monogamous relationship with a female partner were included in the study. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and Short-Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) were used to assess erectile function and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), respectively. ED was found in 289 (72.3%) patients. Patients with ED reported significantly lower SF-36 scores across all the eight domains of SF-36 (i.e., physical functioning score, role physical score, bodily pain score, general health perception score, vitality score, social functioning score, role emotional score, and mental health score); physical component summary score, and mental physical component summary score, compared with those without ED. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with ED were older age, longer duration of cirrhosis, CTP-C (vs. CTP-A), higher hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), presence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), presence of major depression, and lower appendicular skeletal muscle index measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA ASMI). ED is common in men with cirrhosis, and men with ED have poor HRQOL compared with those without ED. Older age, longer duration of cirrhosis, CTP-C (vs. CTP-A), higher HVPG, presence of GAD, presence of major depression, and lower DEXA ASMI are associated with ED.

Factor associated with health-related quality of life among population in Northern Jordan

Objective: This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life among Jordanians. &#x0D; Design: A cross-sectional design study was conducted at three shopping centers in Northern Jordan. Measures: Respondents were invited to fill a questionnaire assessed quality of life (QoL) using the SF-36 health survey.&#x0D; Results: Data was obtained from 915 Jordanian adults from the public with a mean age of 33.8 years (SD= 28.2). The total SF-36 score for the whole population was 71.2. Significantly, females reported lower SF-36 scores in both physical and emotional health domains (P= &lt;0.001). Furthermore, elderly reported the lowest mean score in physical health scores (P=0.05). Physical health was dramatically affected by having health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, back pain and asthma (P=0.05). On the other hand, emotional health domain was adversely affected only by monthly income (P&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusions: Quality of life among Jordanian populations is considered fine. Young adults need more concern about their emotional health, which is highly affected by their economic level.

Oral health and quality of life of people living with human T-cell leukemia virus-1 in Salvador, Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

To compare the oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1). Thiscross-sectional study included 204 seropositive patients, classified into two groups, symptomatic and asymptomatic. The first group included patients with neurological symptoms associated with HTLV-1 (n = 69), and the second group, asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (n = 135). We evaluated the total unstimulated saliva flow, oral mucosa, the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT)index, andPeriodontal ScreeningandRecording (PSR).The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP14) measured the oral health-related quality of life. General health-related quality of life was measured by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Variables with a value of p < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were selected, together with SF-36 summaries' scores and total OHIP-14, for composing a logistic regression model that had symptomatology as the dependent variable. The OHIP-14 total score was poor in symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, but with no marked difference between them. Symptomatic patients showed significantly lower SF-36 scores (P ≤ 0.05) compared to asymptomatic ones, except for mental component summary (MCS). Family income (1-2.99 minimal wages), reduced salivary flow, flossing, and lower physical component summary (PCS) were associated (P ≤ 0.05) with symptomatology. Symptomatic individuals living with HTLV-1 showed lower HRQoL and poorer OHRQoL compared to asymptomatic ones. Family income, flossing, reduced salivary flow, and lower PCS were associated with symptomatic HTLV-1 individuals. In the present study, symptomatic individuals with HTLV-1 showed higher family income, poorer oral health status, lower salivary flow, poorer OHRQoL, and lower HRQoL compared to asymptomatic ones.