Mean Health-related Quality Of Life Scores Research Articles

AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WESTERN CANADIAN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

Abstract Nursing homes (NHs) typically focus on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among residents aged 65 and over despite approximately 7% of NH residents are younger (aged 18-64). Research suggests that the needs of younger NH residents are not being met and they may have low HRQoL. However, differences in HRQoL of younger and older NH residents may not be apparent in studies that use HRQoL measures designed for research with older NH residents. We hypothesized that the younger residents would have lower HRQoL mean scores than the older (aged ≥ 65) residents using a HRQoL measure based on the HRQoL score derived from Resident Assessment Instrument – Minimum Data Set 2.0 items. The measure uses items that emphasize physical aspects of quality of life rather than social aspects. In a sample of 21,129 residents from 94 NHs in Western Canada, we performed descriptive analyses, t-test, chi-square test, and an adjusted propensity score (PS) analysis through retrospective cohort study from years 2016 to 2017. The HRQoL index score ranged from -.351 to .996 (Mean= 0.693, SD=0.265). In the PS model, the adjusted mean score for younger was higher than for older adults with a mean difference at 0.061 (95% CI 0.031, 0.091) (p<.001). Other domains such as mental health condition of quality of life must be examined in younger NH residents because it is a crucial factor influencing their daily lives, thereby we can explore a more complete set of HRQoL domains of them and redesign care for their unique needs.

Evaluation of health-related quality of life in childhood cancer survivors

BackgroundConsidering the high survival rates of childhood cancers and their stable incidence, concepts such as quality of life (QOL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are impactful issues that have consistently retained their importance worldwide. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate HRQOL at least 5 years after treatment in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) with the hypothesis that their QOL could be adversely affected later in their lives. Additionally, we sought to assess the parents of pediatric CCSs with respect to HRQOL. Patients and MethodsWe evaluated CCSs aged 8–18 years and compared the results with healthy controls (matched for age and sex). The parents of the pediatric CCSs and control groups were also analyzed. A total of 174 cases (patients and controls) and 168 parents (of patients and controls) were included in the study. HRQOL was evaluated by applying the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). ResultsThe mean HRQOL scores of CCSs were significantly lower than those of the controls (p= 0.04). No differences were found between the parents of these groups. The physical and social functionality scores of CCSs were significantly lower when compared to healthy controls (p = 0.02 and p<0.01, respectively). In addition, according to cancer type, the HRQOL scores of those with solid tumors were found to be significantly lower than those with hematological cancers (p=0.02).(p = 0.02) ConclusionThis study shows that HRQOL is lower in CCSs compared to healthy controls. The most important differences in HRQOL among CCSs were found in the physical and social subdimensions compared to the controls. In this regard, it appears to be vital to provide mental support to CCSs after cancer treatment. These findings also indicate the need for health-focused social policies that can increase HRQOL in CCSs.

Assessment of health-related quality of life in patients with spina muscular atrophy in China.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare disease that has attracted considerable interest in China due to its severity and hefty treatment costs. Few studies have been conducted on Chinese patients. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life of SMA patients in China and to investigate the real impact of new treatments. We used the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to analyze the Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with SMA in China. Information on demographics, disease-specific characteristics, and treatment were collected using a child-reported or proxy-reported questionnaire. The mean scores of HRQoL for the Nusinersen treatment group and conventional treatment groups are 55.6 and 48.4, respectively. Patients with SMA type I have the lowest scores, while those with type III have the highest scores. A higher proportion of the medication group showed improvement in the condition in the past six months (56.9% vs. 17.1%). Our results show that the clinical type, motor function and treatment strategy have a significant influence on HRQoL. The findings imply that Nusinersen benefits patients by slowing the progression of the disease and increasing their quality of life in the real world.

Urinary Incontinence and Sleep Quality in Older Women with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Urinary incontinence (UI) and poor sleep negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study explored the UI-related factors and the relationships between UI, sleep quality, and HRQoL. This cross-sectional study collected data from 237 women with type 2 diabetes. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify the factors associated with UI. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean sleep quality and HRQoL scores of women without UI and those who experienced UI of varying severities. Correlation coefficients were estimated, and multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine the relationships between UI severity, sleep quality, and HRQoL. Of the 237 women, 115 (48.52%) experienced UI and 139 (58.65%) were poor sleepers. The three factors associated with UI were advanced age, a higher body mass index, and a history of vaginal delivery. Significant associations between UI severity and sleep quality and between sleep quality and HRQoL were revealed. UI severity and night-time voiding frequency were both associated with sleep quality. One factor associated with UI (body mass index) is modifiable. UI severity is associated with sleep quality as the possible influence of night-time voiding frequency on sleep quality has been considered.

Health and Quality of Life of Individuals with Dental Conditions during COVID-19 Lockdown in Jordan.

To assess the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors among individuals with dental conditions requiring treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan, and to highlight COVID-19 impacts on these individuals' mental health and dental care. A cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted. The study questionnaire was composed of items related to stress during COVID-19. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the study's main outcome measures, and multiple variable regression analysis was conducted to identify the quality of life predictors. Participants' HRQoL mean scores as measured by SF-12 were 69.5 (± 19.3) for the physical component and 58.9 (± 21.1) for the mental component. Mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress measured by DASS21 were 10.1, 7.8, and 11.7, respectively. The regression model showed depression (β = -0.76 [95%CI -0.92 to -0.59], p < 0.001), stress (β = -1.74 [95%CI -2.53 to -0.94], p < 0.001), and oral HRQoL (β = -1.25 [95%CI -1.95 to -0.55], p = 0.001) as statistically significant negative predictors for HRQoL. Finally, family income was identified as positive significant predictor for HRQoL (β = 2.51 [95%CI 0.06 to 4.95], p = 0.045). This study found that patients with dental issues had a low quality of life and a high level of mental health symptoms during COVID-19 in Jordan. Healthcare policymakers should consider the continuation of dental services when planning for similar emergencies in the future, particularly if accompanied by lockdowns.

Preliminary Results of a Study Comparing Pre-sleeve Endoscopic Fundoplication to Gastric Bypass on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Outcomes.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a significant complication of sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) is considered the primary treatmentfor bariatric surgery candidates with GERD. Post-operative options for GERD management are limited. This study compares the effect of transoral fundoplication (TF) prior to SG vs LRYGB in patients with GERD . Of 30 consecutive bariatric surgery patients with GERD between 3/22/2018 and 6/23/2020, 15 patients underwent TF prior to SG (TF/SG) and 15 patients underwent LRYGB. Subjective and objective criteria, including the GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) survey, were used to assess symptoms. Surveys were collected pre-operatively, post-TF/pre-SG, 4-6 and 12-15months post bariatric procedure. Preoperative mean scores were as follows: HRQL 32.53, RSI 21.7, 93% proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, 6.5% satisfaction rate. Mean BMI: 45.99 (TF/SG), 42.27 (LRYGB). At 12-15months postoperatively: mean HRQL scores were 5.53 (TF/SG) and 6.67 (LRYGB). Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in HRQL-RSI postoperatively. PPI usage was 13% (TF/SG) and 34% (LRYGB). BMI decrease was 24% (TF/SG) and 31% (LRYGB). TF/SG is at least equivalent to LRYGB in resolution or reduction of reflux symptoms at 12-15months.

Abstract 13113: Health-Related Quality of Life After Neonatal Treatment of Symptomatic Tetralogy of Fallot: Insights From the Congenital Cardiac Research Collaborative

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is impaired for patients with chronic illnesses and critical congenital heart disease (cCHD). For symptomatic neonates with tetralogy of Fallot who require neonatal intervention (sTOF), existing studies are limited but suggest early surgical management and ongoing disease burden negatively impact HRQOL. The current study aims to explore HRQOL in sTOF patients after primary repair (PR) vs. staged repair (SR; initial palliation with subsequent complete repair). Methods: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to assess HRQOL. Age-appropriate PedsQL modules and a parent survey were sent to all living sTOF patients with neonatal intervention from 2005-2017 across 9 centers. These were compared to established population data from children who are healthy, have chronic illness, and have cCHD. Differences in patient and clinical factors were compared between those with normal and low (&gt;2 standard deviations below the mean) HRQOL scores. Results: Of 511 surveys sent, 143 were returned (28%). Of the respondents (53% male, age 3.2-15.9 years), PedsQL scores were lower than the healthy population (total score 75 vs 84, p&lt;0.001) but similar to patients with chronic illnesses (74, p=0.64) and cCHD (76, p=0.72). Although only 7% and 2% of parents rated their child’s overall health and QOL as fair or poor, up to 27% of patients had PedsQL scores &gt;2 SD below the healthy population mean. Factors associated with low HRQOL included longer duration of inhalational anesthetic exposure within 18 months of life (p=0.04) and any hospital complications after index procedure (p=0.01). There was no association between HRQOL and initial treatment strategy (PR vs SR, p=0.9). Conclusions: Lower HRQOL in sTOF is consistent with those with chronic illnesses and other forms of severe CHD. Initial treatment strategy was not associated with differences in HRQOL in sTOF patients so future comparison to other CHD groups, including non-cyanotic TOF patients, may help elucidate drivers of lower HRQOL. The discrepancy between parental description of QOL and standardized measurement of QOL is striking, warranting further investigation of parental expectations and potential impact on health resource utilization.

Quality of life, out-of-pocket expenditures, and indirect costs among patients with the central nervous system tumors in Thailand.

The aim of this study was to investigate out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures, indirect costs, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with the central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Thailand. A prospective study of CNS tumor patients who underwent first tumor resection at a tertiary care institution in Thailand was conducted. Patients were interviewed during hospitalization for undergoing first surgery. Within 6 months, they were interviewed once more if the disease continued to progress. Costs collected from a patient perspective and converted to 2019 US dollars. For dealing with these skewed data, a generalized linear model was used to investigate the effects of disease severity (malignancy, progressive disease, Karnofsky performance status score, and histology) and other factors on costs (OOP, informal care, productivity loss, and total costs). P < 0.05 was considered statistical significant for all analysis. Among a total of 123 intracranial CNS tumor patients, there were 83 and 40 patients classified into benign and malignant, respectively. In the first brain surgery, there was no statistical difference in HRQoL between patients with benign and malignant tumors (P = 0.072). However, patients with progressive disease had lower HRQoL mean scores at pre-operative and progressive disease periods were 0.711 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.662-0.760) and 0.261 (95% CI: 0.144-0.378), respectively. Indirect expenditures were the primary cost driver, accounting for 73.81% of annual total costs. The total annual costs accounted for 59.81% of the reported patient's income in malignant tumor patients. The progressive disease was the only factor that was significantly increases in all sorts of costs, including the OOP (P = 0.001), the indirect costs (P = 0.013), and the total annual costs (P = 0.001). Although there was no statistical difference in HRQoL and costs between patients with benign and malignant tumor, the total costs accounted for more than half of the reported income in malignant tumor patients. The primary cause of significant increases in all costs categories was disease progression.

Relationship between Mental Health and Quality of Life among Health Care Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has serious consequences around the world, especially in the healthcare system. With a crucial role in the pandemic, mental health and quality of life among health care workers (HCWs) needs to be addressed. Purposes: The study aimed to describe mental health and the health-related quality of life among HCWs and explore the relationship between mental health and quality of life among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 April to 19 April 2020 at nine hospitals in Vietnam. The questionnaire included participant's characteristics, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). De-pression and anxiety were defined as PHQ scoregreater than or equal to 10 and GAD scoregreater than or equal to 8, respectively. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data with a significant level at p less than 0.05. Results: A total of 3,757 HCWs were enrolled in the study. Proportions of de-pression and anxiety were 4.5 Percentage and 3.1 Percentage, respectively. The overall mean score of HRQoL was 73.4 ± 14.9 (possible score range from 0 to 100). Protective factors of HRQoL consisted of physical activity, ability to pay for medication, gender, and social status, while its risk factors included suspected COVID-19 symptoms, smoking status. HRQoL was associated with depression (B(95 PercentageCI) = -8.15 (-10.76 to -5.55) and anxiety (B(95 PercentageCI) = -6.87 (-9.99 to -3.75)), p less than0.001. Conclusion: There was a relationship between mental health and the health-related quality of life among HCWs. Integration of healthy lifestyles and psychological support can help improve mental health and quality of life for HCWs during the pandemic.

Relieving care burden and promoting health-related quality of life for family caregivers of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease via an empowerment program.

BackgroundEffective strategies should be adopted to reduce care burden (CB) and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in family caregivers (FCGs) of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of empowerment program (EP) on CB and HRQoL of FCGs.MethodsThe present two-group experimental study was conducted on 70 FCGs of the elderly with AD who were selected by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the empowerment program group (EPG, n = 35) and control group (CG, n = 35). Data collection tools were 12-item Short Form Health Survey and Zarit Burden Interview. The EP was held for 5 weeks, one session of 20 to 30 min each week. Data were collected before, immediately and 3 months after EP and analyzed by SPSS version 25 software at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe results showed a significant decrease in the mean CB score in FCGs of elderly with AD in EPG before, immediately and 3 months after EP (p < 0.001). The result also revealed that there was a significant increase in the mean HRQoL score in EPG immediately and 3 months after EP (p < 0.001).ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, EP can reduce CB and increase HRQoL in FCGs of elderly with AD. Policymakers and planners active in the field of healthcare for the elderly can benefit from the results of our study to improve the health of FCGs of the elderly with AD.

Health-related quality of life amongst children with chronic kidney disease in Malaysia: performance of the Bahasa Melayu version of the PedsQL 3.0 ESRD Module : (PedsQL 3.0 VerBATIM: version in Bahasa Melayu. Translated for use in Malaysia).

The PedsQL 3.0 End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Module is a well-accepted instrument internationally but it is not available in the local language. We aimed to validate the Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) version and determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores amongst children with CKD in Malaysia. The source questionnaire in English was translated into Bahasa Melayu. Linguistic validation guidelines by the MAPI Research Institute were followed. The already validated Bahasa Melayu PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales was used for comparison. Sociodemographic data were collected during the interview. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0. Sixty-nine children aged 8 to 18 with CKD stages 4 and 5, with or without dialysis, and their caregivers were recruited. Mean age was 12.62 ± 2.77 (SD). Evaluation of the PedsQL 3.0 ESRD Module Bahasa Melayu version demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.82). There was good agreement between child self-report and parent proxy report in all domains; average intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.78, 95% CI (0.71, 0.84). Scores obtained from Generic 4.0 scales correlated with the disease-specific ESRD 3.0 scale, Spearman's rho = 0.32, p = 0.007. The Kruskal-Wallis H test indicated that there were no significant differences between stages of CKD and their respective mean HRQoL score, χ2(2) = 2.88, p = 0.236. The PedsQL 3.0 ESRD Module Bahasa Melayu version is a reliable and feasible tool for cross-cultural adaptation. A longer prospective study may help better illustrate the quality of life in this group of children.

Health-related quality of life in children with congenital heart disease following interventional closure versus minimally invasive closure.

IntroductionThe presence of atrial septal defect (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD) significantly affects children’s quality of life and, if not treated adequately, can contribute to increased mortality. In this study, we evaluated and compared the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children who underwent treatment using either minimally invasive closure (MIC) or interventional closure (IC).Materials and methodsIn this observational and comparative study 199 children (2 to 4.5 years of age) underwent closure treatment for simple ASD or VSD at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between February 2021 and September 2021. Of these, 116 were treated with IC and 83 with MIC. Both preoperative and postoperative HRQL scores were assessed using the PedsQLTM3.0 Cardiac Module and the children were followed up at 3 and 6 months after surgery.ResultsThe two groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, or pre-operative data. The duration of anesthesia (45 mins vs. 109 mins), procedures (25 mins vs. 48 mins), and length of postoperative hospital stay (4.32 days vs. 6.87 days) in the IC group were significantly less than in the MIC group (P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the VSD patients who underwent MIC was significantly higher than in those who underwent IC treatment (28.9% vs. 0 percent, P < 0.001). The HRQL scores increased significantly in both groups following treatment and follow-up evaluations (P < 0.001). The mean HRQL score of the IC group 3 months after treatment was significantly higher than that of the MIC group (88.9 vs. 85.7, P < 0.001), indicating a significant increase from the baseline score compared with the MIC group (5.4 vs. 2.6, P < 0.001). The IC group also showed higher scores than the MIC group (P < 0.05) in the dimensions of “Heart Problems and Treatment,” “Treatment Anxiety,” and “Cognitive Problems,” with higher scores indicating fewer problems.ConclusionThe health-related quality of life in children with ASD and VSD improved continuously regardless of IC or MIC intervention. However, IC led to better HRQL in the early postoperative stage.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life of south indian population with chronic venous leg ulcers - A hospital based pilot study

ObjectiveVenous leg ulcers (VLU) are chronic, recurrent and have a significant impact on the patients’ health- related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed the association of patient-specific factors on the HRQoL of patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Materials and MethodsThe study included 21 males and 21 females aged 18 years and above, with chronic VLU. Data on demographics, education, occupation, per capita income, duration of ulcer were subjectively recorded. The socio-economic status was scored based on the Modified Kuppuswamy scale 2019, ulcer severity was assessed using M.A.I.D. Scale and the HRQoL of the patients were assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Version 1.0. The differences in the mean HRQoL scores between patients based on their gender and socio-economic class were assessed using an unpaired sample t-test. The association of age, severity, duration of the ulcer with the HRQoL were assessed using Pearson's correlation. A probability value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThere were 21 (50%) males and 21 (50%) females with a mean age of 55.45 ± 7.73 years. The mean duration of ulcers was 7.26 ± 3.34 months and the mean ulcer severity score was 2.16 ± 0.96. Role limitations due to the physical health were found to be most impacted due to the disease condition with the least mean score of 26.78 ± 31.90 %. There were no significant differences in the mean scores of the physical and the mental components of HRQoL based on gender but there were significant differences based on socio-economic status. The lower the socio-economic status, the poorer the HRQoL. Age, severity of ulcers and ulcer duration had a significant negative correlation with HRQoL. ConclusionThe study observed a low HRQoL of patients in physical aspects reflecting on the extensive limitation on the performance of daily physical activities. Patient-specific factors such as age, socio-economic status, severity, and chronicity of ulcers were found to influence HRQoL.

Estetrol Prevents Hot Flushes and Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy: The PCombi Study

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) is accompanied by side effects affecting health-related quality of life (HRQL). ObjectiveTo assess the effects of the fetal estrogen estetrol (E4) on symptoms related to estrogen and androgen deficiency, and on HRQL measured using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) questionnaire. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with advanced PCa. InterventionPatients receiving ADT were randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to daily treatment with a high dose of E4 (HDE4; n = 41) or placebo (n = 21) for 24 wk. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisThe primary outcome was the effect of HDE4 cotreatment on hot flushes (HFs). Secondary outcomes were the Q-Man questionnaire for evaluation of the effect on estrogen and androgen deficiency symptoms, and the FACT-P questionnaire for evaluating HRQL. Results and limitationsAt 24 wk, the number of patients experiencing HFs was significantly lower in the HDE4 group than in the placebo group (14.3% vs 60.0%; p < 0.001). HDE4 treatment was associated with lower incidence of night sweats, arthralgia, and fatigue, but more nipple tenderness and gynecomastia. At 24 wk, the mean HRQL score favored HDE4 over placebo for the FACT-P total score (122.2 ± 12.3 vs 118.7 ± 19.7) and for several other FACT subscales. ConclusionsDaily HDE4 coadministration almost completely prevented HFs in patients with advanced PCa treated with ADT. HDE4 also had positive effects on HRQL and counteracted other estrogen deficiency symptoms caused by ADT. These data support the dual efficacy concept of ADT and HDE4 to improve HRQL and increase the antitumor effect of ADT. Patient summaryFor patients on androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer, cotreatment with a high dose of estetrol almost completely prevents the occurrence of hot flushes and improves quality of life and well-being, but nipple sensitivity and an increase in breast size may occur.

Surviving colorectal cancer: A study of information needs and health-related quality of life.

223 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a life changing process, which impacts survivors’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). CRC survivors face new uncertainties and have specific information needs. While advances in CRC treatment have increased the number of survivors, little is known about how information needs differ across groups of survivors, or whether information deficits influence HRQoL. Methods: In 2019-2020 we surveyed patients who, in 2014-18, underwent resection of Stage III colorectal cancer and were seen at a community oncology practice, an academic cancer center, or reported to Georgia SEER (51% RR). Patients were asked questions about survivorship, including their need for additional information (NAI) about CRC follow-up care. HRQoL was measured using PROMIS—29+2 Profile v2.1. Patients also self-reported their race and their belief about whether they were cancer free. Associations between patients’ NAI and covariates (including race and belief in being cancer free) were assessed with logistic regression, while associations between HRQoL scores and covariates were assessed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). We used linear regression to assess relationships between NAI and HRQoL. Results: Data from 380 patients were included in these analyses. 44% were &gt; age 65, 84% white, 22% had &lt; high school education, and 32% had a household income of less than $60,000. 55% indicated a need for more information about CRC follow-up care. 90% believed that they were currently cancer free. Black CRC survivors were significantly more likely to report an information need compared to White patients (OR 2.446, 95% CI 1.147-5.217; p = 0.02). Patients who believed they were currently cancer-free were significantly less likely to report an information need compared to patients who did not believe they were cancer-free (OR 0.357, 95% CI 0.169-0.750; p &lt; 0.01). Having a need for additional information was significantly associated with worse HRQoL (difference in mean HRQoL score -0.26, standard error 0.19; p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Black CRC survivors were 2.4 times more likely to have an information need than White survivors. Survivors who believed they were currently cancer-free were 35% less likely to have an information need than those who did not share the same belief. Having an information need was associated with worse HRQoL. Tailored survivorship communications and patient education related to managing recurrence risk may help improve HRQoL among CRC survivors.

Healthy weight, health behaviours and quality of life among Aboriginal children living in regional Victoria

ObjectiveTo report the prevalence of healthy weight and related behaviours among Victorian Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal children and explore associations between these factors and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). MethodsAnalysis of cross‐sectional data from two cluster randomised controlled trials using logistic and linear mixed models. The sample included Aboriginal (n=303) and non‐Aboriginal (n=3,026) children aged 8–13 years. ResultsMore than two‐thirds of Aboriginal children met guidelines for fruit (75.9%), sweetened drinks (66.7%), sleep (73.1%), screen time (67.7%) and objectively measured physical activity (83.6%); and 79.1% reported consuming take‐away foods less than once per week. Aboriginal children were more likely to meet vegetable consumption guidelines (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.93), but less likely to have a healthy weight (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.85) than non‐Aboriginal children. Mean HRQoL scores were significantly higher among non‐Aboriginal children and both Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal children meeting health guidelines. ConclusionsMost Aboriginal children in this study met guidelines for fruit, physical activity, screen time and sleep, and those meeting these guidelines had significantly higher HRQoL. Implications for public healthPromoting nutrition, physical activity and sleep is likely to benefit all children. Aboriginal community‐controlled organisations can use these data to design culturally‐specific programs that may improve disparities in healthy weight and HRQoL.

Relationship between mental health and quality of life among health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has serious consequences around the world, especially in the healthcare system. With a crucial role in the pandemic, mental health and quality of life among health care workers (HCWs) needs to be addressed. Purposes: The study aimed to describe mental health and the health-related quality of life among HCWs and explore the relationship between mental health and quality of life among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 April to 19 April 2020 at nine hospitals in Vietnam. The questionnaire included participant's characteristics, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). De-pression and anxiety were defined as PHQ score ≥ 10 and GAD score ≥ 8, respectively. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data with a significant level at p &lt; 0.05. Results: A total of 3,757 HCWs were enrolled in the study. Proportions of de-pression and anxiety were 4.5% and 3.1%, respectively. The overall mean score of HRQoL was 73.4 ± 14.9 (possible score range from 0 to 100). Protective factors of HRQoL consisted of physical activity, ability to pay for medication, gender, and social status, while its risk factors included suspected COVID-19 symptoms, smoking status. HRQoL was associated with depression (B(95%CI) = -8.15 (-10.76 to -5.55) and anxiety (B(95%CI) = -6.87 (-9.99 to -3.75)), p&lt;0.001. Conclusion: There was a relationship between mental health and the health-related quality of life among HCWs. Integration of healthy lifestyles and psychological support can help improve mental health and quality of life for HCWs during the pandemic.

High levels of health-related quality of life five years after curative treatment of prostate cancer with HDR-brachytherapy and external beam radiation

Background and purpose The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in men with prostate cancer treated 2002–2008 with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) combined with high dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT), Cohort A, and to compare these data with age-adjusted normative data. In addition, differences in HRQoL following adjustments of the brachytherapy technique in 2001 were investigated by comparing Cohort A with men treated at the same clinic from 1998-2000, Cohort B. Methods and material Cohort A: 1495 men treated with EBRT 2 Gy to 50 Gy and 2 fractions of 10 Gy HDRBT at a single centre, 2002–2008, still alive at five years. As part of routine follow-up, the patients responded to the EORTC QLQ-C30 and PR-25 questionnaires. Cohort B: HRQoL data was retrieved from an earlier study from the original article. Results In Cohort A, 1046 (70%) men completed the questionnaires at five years, median age 66 years. In general, HRQoL mean scores were high and similar to Swedish age-matched normative data. Concerning disease-specific HRQoL, low levels of bowel and urinary problems were reported, in contrast to a substantial effect on sexual functioning. ‘No’ or ‘A little’ problems with faecal incontinence and urinary incontinence were reported by 98% and 93% of patients, respectively. The corresponding figure for sexual functioning was 39%. A difference in the frequency of nocturia in favour of Cohort A was the only statistically significant difference between Cohort A and B found in general and disease-specific HRQOL (p = 0.03), despite modifications in the brachytherapy procedure introduced in 2001. Conclusion Long-term general HRQoL was rated high and comparable to an aged-matched reference population five years after treatment with combined radiotherapy. Disease-specific HRQoL was still affected, foremost in the sexual domain.

1553O Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the phase III TROPiCS-02 trial of sacituzumab govitecan (SG) vs chemotherapy in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC)

The antibody-drug conjugate SG comprises an anti-Trop-2 antibody coupled to SN-38 via a hydrolyzable linker. In the ongoing randomized TROPiCS-02 trial, SG is being evaluated vs single-agent chemotherapy treatment of physician’s choice (TPC) after CDK 4/6 inhibitor, endocrine therapy, and at least 2 chemotherapies in HR+/HER2- MBC setting. Here we assess the impact of SG on HRQoL in TROPiCS-02. Patients (pts) with locally determined HR+/HER2- MBC following (2-4 prior chemotherapies) for metastatic disease, were randomized to receive SG (10 mg/kg IV on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day treatment [Tx] cycle) or TPC (capecitabine, eribulin, gemcitabine, or vinorelbine). HRQoL was assessed at baseline (BL), day 1 of each Tx cycle (CxDx) and at end of treatment visit using the EORTC QLQ-C30. The analysis included all pts with valid HRQoL assessments at BL and ≥1 post-BL visit. Linear mixed-effect models for repeated measures were used to estimate differences in overall least-square mean changes from BL between Tx arms, using on-Tx data up to C11D1 (n ≥25 in both arms). The analysis included 446 pts (236 SG, 210 TPC; median age 56 y). The EORTC QLQ-C30 completion rate was ≥85% up to C13D1 in both Tx arms. Mean HRQoL scores at BL were generally similar for SG and TPC. The SG arm showed a trend of improvement in most HRQoL domains. A significantly greater improvement in physical functioning and dyspnea was observed for SG vs TPC and greater worsening in diarrhea (table).Table: 1553OEORTC QLQ-C30 least-square mean change from baselineSG vs TPC (95% CI)Global health status/QoL2.4 (-0.7, 5.5)FunctioningPhysical3.9 (0.9, 6.9)Role3.1 (-1.2, 7.4)Emotional0.9 (-2.4, 4.3)Cognitive-0.2 (-3.3, 2.9)Social0.8 (-3.2, 4.7)Summary Score0.6 (-1.8, 3.1)SymptomsFatigue-3.3 (-7.1, 0.5)Pain-1.6 (-5.5, 2.3)Nausea/Vomiting1.4 (-0.9, 3.8)Dyspnea-4.3 (-8.5, -0.1)Insomnia-3.7 (-8.1, 0.8)Appetite Loss-3.3 (-7.3, 0.8)Constipation-1.0 (-5.5, 3.4)Diarrhea10.4 (6.3, 14.5)Financial Difficulties0.9 (-2.5, 4.2)Positive value represents improvement for functioning and worsening for symptoms.SG, sacituzumab govitecan; TPC, treatment of physician’s choice. Open table in a new tab SG, sacituzumab govitecan; TPC, treatment of physician’s choice. Despite the association with worsening diarrhea, SG demonstrated an overall HRQoL benefit in heavily-pretreated patients with HR+/HER2- MBC.

Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Autologous Blood Injection to Treat Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain. Previous work has shown promising results regarding platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of PF. The aim of this study is to prospectively compare the efficacy of PRP and autologous blood injections in a randomized anonymized patient group to treat PF. PF patients who failed at least 6 weeks of noninvasive conservative treatment aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited to be in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into group A (PRP) or group B (autologous blood). Injections were performed under ultrasonographic guidance in a double-anonymized manner. The groups were compared according to preinjection and postinjection health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores measured with Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Intragroup comparative analysis was also performed at different time points. Independent t tests and repeated measures analyses of variance were used for statistical analysis, with P <.05 set for statistical significance. Group A (PRP) included 30 (19 female, 11 male) patients with mean age 52.2 ±6.3; group B (ABI) included 30 (20 female, 10 male) patients with mean age 52.7 ± 6.5. Both groups had similar body mass index (P = .719). No injection-related complications were recorded. After treatment, both groups had improved FADI and VAS scores compared to the baseline. Although the mean HRQoL scores were higher in the PRP group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (PVAS = .589; PFADI = .742). Participants with plantar fasciitis improved statistically significantly after either PRP or ABI injections compared with baseline HRQoL scores, with no significant differences seen between the groups. Level I, prospective randomized double-anonymized clinical comparative study.