Mean Quality Of Life Score Research Articles

Quality of Life among Malnourished Elderly Population in Rural Puducherry, South India

Context: Health of the elderly will be an important issue in defining the health status of a population in coming years. There is a paucity of information with regard to quality of life (QOL) among malnourished elderly. Aims: To assess the QOL among malnourished elderly in a rural field practice areas of tertiary care hospital, Puducherry, and to find the sociodemographic factors associated with QOL among malnourished elderly population. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study in the rural field areas of Government Medical College of Puducherry. Subjects and Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, the study was conducted among 225 malnourished elderly (>60 years) from April to June 2019 using multistage random sampling technique. Sociodemographic data were obtained using a semistructured questionnaire. Malnutrition was screened using Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form and QOL was assessed using World Health Organization QOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the study participants' age was 69.89 + 6.3 years. 57.8% of them were female, 81.3% were unemployed, and 73.3% were dependent on their old age pension for their livelihood. QOL of malnourished elderly was poor in all the domains when compared to those without malnourished and this is found to be statistically significant. In binomial logistic regression analysis, the presence of comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.4 and 95% confidence interval: 1.3–4.4), unemployed (AOR: 4.8; 1.4–15.9), and living without family (AOR: 0.2; 0.06–0.7) revealed the statistically significant association with low QOL score among malnourished elderly. Conclusions: The mean score of QOL among malnourished elderly was below average in all four domains in which psychosocial domain was badly affected.

Comparison of the Quality of Life of COVID-19 Patients Cared for at Home and in the Hospital

Background: The demand for home care services has increased not only due to the increase in the elderly population but also due to consumer preference and technological advances that allow for the provision of sophisticated home care. Home healthcare services aim to help people improve their performance, live a more independent life, improve their well-being, and help them stay at home, and avoid hospitalization. Objective: This study was conducted to compare the quality of life (QoL) of COVID-19 patients under home care at a hospital in Qazvin City, Iran. Methods: his study was a cohort study. The samples included two groups of patients, hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 and patients with COVID-19 who received medical and nursing care at home. Patients were matched for age, underlying disease, and severity of the COVID-19 disease. In this study, a 3-month follow-up on changes in QoL compared to before hospitalization and receiving care at home was performed using a QoL questionnaire (SF-12). Findings: The mean score of QoL in the home care group was 32.36±2.15 and in the hospitalized group, it was 29.70±2.94, which shows a statistically significant difference, and the quality of home care patients reported to be higher than hospitalized patients (P<0.001, t=7.20) Conclusion: Receiving hospital care at home increases the QoL for patients with COVID-19. This finding can be generalized during different epidemics, and home care can be an excellent alternative to hospitalization for some patients.

Long-term outcomes of bilateral thoracoscopic T3 sympathectomy for primary focal hyperhidrosis in children

BackgroundThoracoscopic bilateral T3 sympathectomy for primary focal palmar hyperhidrosis in children has excellent short-term outcomes. However, data in the literature, on the long-term outcomes of the operation are scarce. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective institutional review of all children and adolescents undergoing T3 bilateral thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary focal palmar hyperhidrosis between June 2013 and October 2020. We composed a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire evaluating the patient's perception of how much the hyperhidrosis affected their daily life in multiple domains. The questionnaire was completed before the operation and at every postoperative follow-up visit. ResultsWe operated on 58 patients with a median age of 15 (6–25) years. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and all patients had immediate complete postoperative resolution of their palmar hyperhidrosis. Fifty-three patients (91.4%) had long-term follow-up data available with a median of 2.5 (range 0.1–7.5) years. Two patients (3.4%) experienced recurrence of their palmar hyperhidrosis. Nine patients (15.5%) experienced compensatory hyperhidrosis and required occasional medical management with oral anticholinergics. Two patients reported regretting having undergone the operation. Overall, the mean QoL score improved remarkably, from 42/100 before the operation to 92/100 at 1 month, 89/100 at six months to a year, 97/100 between two and four years, and 80/100 ≥ 5 years after the operation. ConclusionThoracoscopic bilateral T3 sympathectomy has a high success rate for primary palmar hyperhidrosis in children in the mid- to long-term. Compensatory sweating and recurrence can occur years after the operation, so long-term follow up is mandatory. Level of evidenceIV.

“It was terrible, I didn’t sleep for two years”: A mixed methods exploration of sleep and its effects among family caregivers of in-home hospice patients at end-of-life

Background: Due to overnight caregiving demands; exacerbation of high rates of anxiety, depression, and distress; and inadequate support, millions of family caregivers of patients receiving in-home hospice are at risk of poor sleep and negative health effects. Aim: To describe sleep experiences of family caregivers of in-home hospice patients and perceptions of these experiences on caregivers’ wellbeing in the context of caregiver health and live-in status. Design: Developed using the Symptom Management Model, this mixed methods study featured a concurrent nested design prioritizing qualitative reflexive thematic analysis. Setting/participants: About 47 family caregivers of in-home hospice patients from two randomized clinical trials (NCT03712410, NCT02929108) were interviewed (United States, 2021). Anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), quality-of-life (QOL) (CQLI-R), and self-rated health and energy were reported prior to interviews. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: compromised sleep quality, factors influencing sleep, effects of sleep. 72.5% of hospice family caregivers described “fair” or “poor” sleep quality, with “interrupted” sleep and frequent night-waking due to “on-call” “vigilance” and anxiety. Negative effects included exhaustion, mental and physical health decline, and reduced caregiver function. Live-in caregivers reported higher mean depression scores (8.4 vs 4.3, p = 0.08), higher mean anxiety scores (7.7 vs 3.3, p = 0.06), and lower mean QOL scores (24.8 vs 33.6, p < 0.001) than live-out caregivers. Anxiety, depression, and QOL worsened as self-reported caregiver sleep quality decreased. Few caregivers had adequate support. Conclusion: End-of-life family caregivers experience disrupted sleep with negative effects and inadequate support. Clinicians must assess sleep, offer sleep interventions, and provide more supports to hospice family caregivers.

Health-related quality of life and associated factors among adult podoconiosis patients in Debre Elias district Northwest, Ethiopia.

BackgroundPodoconiosis is endemic non-filarial elephantiasis and non-infective neglected tropical disease. It has a wide impact on the physical, social and psychological aspects of the well-being of a person. However, limited information is available about the disease burden on health-related quality of life and associated factors in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed is to determine health-related quality of life and associated factors among adult podoconiosis patients in Debre Elias district, Northwest, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to March 30, 2020 in the Debre Elias district. A multi-stage stratified; systematic random sampling technique was employed to select 403 podoconiosis patients. The data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. After the assumption check for the linear regression model, simple and multiple regression was done to see the association between the predictor and outcome variables. Predictor variables that had p-value <0.2 at simple linear regression were taken into multiple linear regression. β coefficient with 95% CI and p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant variables in multiple linear regression analysis.ResultThe overall mean quality of life score among podoconiosis patients was 61.93±17.14. The mean quality of life score for the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains were 75.57±21.86, 60.43±18.58, 30.34±10.46, and 81.38±22.77 respectively. Foot care had a statically significant association with all domains. Higher quality of life podoconiosis patients was associated with foot care. Lower quality of life was associated with the presence of anxiety, advanced stage of the disease, and frequent adenolymphangitis attack.ConclusionSocial and psychological domains of quality of life were lowest as compared to physical and environmental domains of quality of life. Early medical treatment, psychosocial support, and home-based foot care should be encouraged to improve the quality of life in podoconiosis patients.

Effect of Health Education via Mobile Application in Promoting Quality of Life Among Asthmatic Schoolchildren in Urban Malaysia During the COVID-19 Era: A Quasi-experimental Study.

Bronchial asthma among children is a common chronic disease that may impact quality of life. Health education is one of the strategies to improve knowledge and quality of life. This study aims to assess the effect of health education via a mobile application in promoting the quality of life among schoolchildren with asthma in urban Malaysia during the COVID-19 era. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-intervention design was used in this study involving a total of 214 students, randomly assigned into two groups (an intervention group and a control group). The control group received face-to-face health education, whereas the experimental group received health education via a mobile application. The findings showed that the total score of quality of life improved from a mean total score at pre-intervention of 5.31 ± 1.27 to post-intervention of 5.66 ± 1.28 for the control group, compared with the experimental group with a mean total score of quality of life at pre-intervention of 5.01 ± 1.36 and post-intervention of 5.85 ± 1.29. A comparison between the experimental and control groups using an independent t test showed statistically significant differences in their mean quality of life scores. The effect of health education via a mobile application showed a statistically significant improvement in the mean quality of life score from pre- to post-intervention (F1,288 = 57.46, P < .01). As recommended, the use of mobile technology in health education improved the quality of life of schoolchildren with asthma as compared with the traditional methods of a face-to-face lecture and/or a handbook. Thus, educational modules using mobile applications do improve quality of life.

Prevalence of Gynecological Related Symptoms and Quality of Life in Women Living with HIV/AIDS: a Secondary Analysis from an Online, Cross-Sectional Survey in China.

ObjectiveOur study aims to completely understand the experience of gynecological related symptoms (GRS) and the association between GRS and quality of life (QOL) among HIV-infected women in China.DesignA cross-sectional, multicenter survey.SettingThe HIV/AIDS designated medical institutions of seven regions in China.ParticipantsOne hundred and fifty-three women with HIV infection.Primary and Secondary Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures included the score of GRS and QOL from analysis sample.ResultsAmong 153 participants, 60.13% were asymptomatic, and 39.87% were symptomatic according to their self-report data. In the symptomatic group, 47.54% reported only one symptom, 18.03% reported 2 symptoms, others reported more than 3 symptoms. The most common symptoms were vaginal discharge (25.49%), followed by irregular period (18.95%), bad cramps (13.07%), vaginal odor (11.11%), and vaginal itching (10.46%). The mean score of QOL was 86.82 ± 15.53. The symptomatic group had higher score than the asymptomatic group on each domain of QOL. GRS were negatively correlated with QOL after adjustment for confounding factors. Correlation matrix of GRS and six domains of QOL demonstrated significant negative correlation with each domain of QOL, especially the most strongly negative correlation with physical function of participants. But the association between GRS and environmental domain was weaker.ConclusionThese findings present the multidimensionality of common gynecologic related symptoms and highlight the clinically meaningful associations between GRS and quality of life among women with HIV infection in China. There is an urgent need to take measures to increase vaginal care and education in advance, delivered by trusted health professionals.

Impact of meibomian gland dysfunction on quality of life and mental health in a clinical sample in Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the impact of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on quality of life and psychosomatic conditions.DesignThis was a clinic-based cross-sectional study.SettingThis study was conducted at the eye clinic of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.Participants215 clinical subjects visiting the clinic for a comprehensive eye examination.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSymptomatic MGD, asymptomatic MGD, quality of life scores, depression, anxiety and stress.Results215 clinical subjects consented to participate in the study, but 212 were included in the analysis. The mean age was 21.9 (± 3.8) years, 54 had MGD and 158 did not have MGD served as controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean quality of life scores between subjects with MGD and subjects without MGD (t=1.57, p=0.12). The quality of life scores (DEQS) (p=0.022) were significantly higher in the symptomatic MGD group compared with the asymptomatic MGD group. There was no significant difference in quality of life scores (DEQS) (p=0.251) in the asymptomatic MGD group compared with healthy controls. Using Pillai’s trace in the MANOVA, there was a significant effect of MGD on depression, anxiety and stress (V=0.05, F(3,208)=3.76, p=0.012). Furthermore, Pillai’s trace in the MANOVA showed a significant difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic MGDs for depression, anxiety and stress scores stress (V=0.24, F(3, 51)=5.24, p=0.003).ConclusionThe study revealed no difference in the quality of life scores between MGD and non-MGD groups. However, the symptomatic MGD group had worse quality of life and psychosomatic symptoms than the asymptomatic MGD group and non-MGD group.

The Effect of Peer Group-Based Training Using Health Belief Model on Quality of Life and Foot Ulcer Self-Care Behaviour in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of peer group-based training (PGBT) using the health belief model (HBM) on the quality of life (QOL) and foot ulcer self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: The present study was a randomized controlled clinical trial performed on patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to the Diabetic Care Clinic in Shiraz (Iran) from September 2019 to June 2020. A total of 70 patients participated in the study and were randomly assigned to peer training (n = 35) and control groups (n = 35). Diabetes Quality of Life, and diabetes self‑care behaviors, which were completed by both groups before, immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the Chi‑square test, paired t-test, independent t‑test, ANOVA, and descriptive statistical methods. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that mean scores of QOL, constructs of HBM (awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceives severity, perceived benefit, self-care behavior, and foot care) before the intervention did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups, but immediately one month after the educational intervention, the mean values for the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: PGBT using HBM was effective in increasing the mean score of QOL and self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, this method is recommended to be utilized alongside other methods to train patients.

Implementation of a nursing rehabilitation model to improve quality of life of patients with hand burns: A randomized clinical trial.

Burn is known as a life-threatening event in people's lives, causing numerous physical, psychological, and social harms and negatively affecting patients' quality of lives. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a nursing rehabilitation model in improving the quality of life of people with hand burns. This was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 60 burn patients admitted to the Shahid Motahari Hospital, Burn Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2021. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control (n = 30 per group). The participants of the intervention group received a 5-week nursing rehabilitation program in two phases: at the acute phase (admission) and the recovery phase (before discharge). Data were collected using the Burns Specific Health Scale Brief (BSHS-B) questionnaire before each phase. The quality of life (Qol) - was significantly different comparing the two groups before the intervention (p = 0.042). Covariance analysis showed that after the intervention, the mean quality of life score was significantly higher in the intervention than the control group, indicating a better Qol in the recent group (p <0.001). In the control group, the mean score of Qol was not significantly different before and after the intervention; however, this difference was statistically significant in the intervention group (p = 0.001). The implementation of the nursing rehabilitation model improved the Qol of patients with hand burns. So, this model seems to be an appropriate and effective strategy to accelerate the rehabilitation of patients with hand burns and their return to society.

Health-related quality of life predictors in people with chronic wounds

ObjectiveTo assess health-related quality of life and its predictors among people with chronic wounds. Material and methodsA cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with 85 people with chronic wounds, from July to September 2019, at a university hospital in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected using forms and the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule (CWIS). For data analysis, multiple linear regression was performed. ResultsThe mean quality of life score according to the CWIS was 45.57. The variables gender, marital status, comorbidities, duration of injury and appearance of exudate were negatively associated with the well-being domain. Injury duration, tissue depth, tissue type, and exudate volume were variables negatively associated with physical symptoms and mastery of daily living. Religion, wound origin, duration, lesion size, and tissue depth were negatively associated with the social life domain. ConclusionSociodemographic characteristics and wound-related aspects need to be considered when assessing and caring for patients with chronic wounds to ensure a better quality of life.

Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Women Quality of Life in Indonesia

The COVID-19 outbreak and its designated policy conveyed unprecedented impacts on the life of women. This study aims to assess women’s quality of life (QOL) during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Java and Sulawesi, as both sites implemented the large-scale social restriction policy. The Indonesian version of the WHO Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to collect the QOL data. The whole questionnaire was self-administered online by 191 women using Google Form. Descriptive analysis and Mann-Whitney test were carried out to analyze the data in statistical software. Overall, women who were involved in this study conveyed a relatively moderate quality of life (4.08 + 0.76 SD). The highest and lowest mean scores of QOL were observed in the social relationship (78.3 + 17.05 SD) and physical health domain (60.8 + 10.76SD). Family monthly income and type of family were significantly associated with environmental health (p0.05). Astoundingly, during the outbreak women described high satisfaction on social relationship. These results may advocate policy in regards to women’s welfare.

The effect of probiotics on mood and sleep quality in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.

Symptoms associated with menopause could be a public health issue in the world, characterized by a permanent cessation of menstruation due to lack of ovarian follicular activity 12 months after menopause. It leads to mood swings, sleep disturbances and hot flashes. Modification of lifestyle and proper nutrition program are involved in improving mood and sleep quality. Thus, the aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of probiotics on mood and sleep quality (primary outcomes), quality of life, satisfaction with the intervention and side effects (secondary outcomes) in postmenopausal women. This triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 66 postmenopausal women aged 45-55 years in Behbahan city-Iran in 2020-2021. Women were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Intervention group received 100g of yogurt containing probiotics and control group received 100g of ordinary yogurt daily after lunch for 6 weeks. Before the intervention and 6 weeks after the intervention, the participants completed the Pittsburgh sleep quality scale, DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items), and the menopause quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U and ANCOVA tests were used for data analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and baseline values. Six weeks after the intervention, based on ANCOVA test and by adjusting the baseline score, the mean anxiety score (adjusted mean difference (AMD): -0.56, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.01 to -1.12; P=0.044), mean stress score (AMD: -0.76, 95% CI: -0.01 to -1.52; P=0.046) and mean quality of life score (AMD: -4.86, 95% CI: 3.06 to -6.66; P<0.001) in the group receiving probiotic yogurt were significantly lower than those in the control group. However, in terms of mean scores of depression and sleep quality, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The results of this study suggest the effects of consuming probiotic yogurt on improving anxiety, stress and quality of life in postmenopausal women. However, further studies are needed to obtain a definite conclusion in this regard. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20120718010324N57; Date of registration: 30/06/2020. URL: https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/47177/view; Date of first registration: 21/07/2020.

Comparative Analysis of the Quality of Life in the Pretreatment of Head and Neck Cancer Patients According to Tumor Site.

Introduction Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can cause physical, psychological, and quality of life (QoL) damage, because it can disturb the physiology of eating, breathing, speaking, and compromise self-image. Objective To evaluate the QoL of the pretreatment of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer according to the anatomical location of the tumor. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 144 patients undergoing pretreatment for cancer from February 2017 to July 2019. The University of Washington QoL Questionnaire (version 4) was used to assess the QoL. The anatomical location data were obtained from medical records. The ANOVA test was used to compare the differences in QoL according to tumor location. Results A total of 144 participants were included, 66 (45.5%) of whom had the primary tumor located in the mouth. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with a higher prevalence of male (75.7%), Black (78.5%), single/divorced/widowed people (59%), and illiterates (32.6%); most of them were smokers (84.7%) and alcohol drinkers (79.2%). The mean QoL score was 830 for mouth cancer, 858 for pharynx cancer, and 891 for laryngeal cancer patients. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the QoL of patients with head and neck cancer was not influenced by tumor location. The most affected domains in the three groups were pain, appearance, chewing, swallowing, and speech ( p < 0.05).

Problematic smartphone usage and quality of life among Saudi adults.

Problematic use of and/or addiction to smartphones is a cause of concern for sociologists, psychologists, and health professionals. We aimed to assess the correlation between smartphone use and perceived quality of life. We conducted a sample survey of university students and the general public that visited health facilities in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. We used previously developed and validated questionnaires to elicit information on the extent and pattern of smartphone use and perceived quality of life. We conducted analysis of variance and binary logistic regression to evaluate the correlation between smartphone use and perceived quality of life. About 73% of participants were university students aged 18 to 24 years; there were slightly more women than men. The mean quality of life scores for physical and psychological health was significantly lower among women, singles, students, and those 18 to 24 years old. Perceived quality of physical and psychological health was significantly lower among users of applications for music and movies than users of religious applications. Participants with the lowest level of perceived quality of physical and psychological health were between 2.5 and 2.7 times more likely to have the highest level of problematic smartphone use. We found that problematic smartphone use was strongly associated with perceived quality of life in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. We recommend awareness campaigns to reduce problematic smartphone use, particularly among the younger population and physician training on the diagnosis and management of problematic smartphone use/addiction.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on the Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women

Background: Menopausal women experience unpleasant physical and mental symptoms that adversely affect their quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foot reflexology on the QoL of postmenopausal women. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 90 postmenopausal women who were referred to comprehensive health centers in Yazd, Iran. The subjects were randomly allocated to two equal groups: intervention and control. The intervention group received 15 minutes of foot reflexology on each foot, twice a week for six consecutive weeks. No intervention was performed for the control group. Data were collected through the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) questionnaire. QoL scores were compared between the groups before, immediately after the intervention, and two months after the intervention using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v. 19. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The Mean±SD of the QoL in the intervention group before, immediately after, and two months after the study were 77.44±19.05, 58.02±15.29, and 55.26±12.37, respectively. In the control group, the Mean±SD were 75.71±19.02, 74.82±16.84, and 75.46±18.05, respectively. Using Repeated Measures ANOVA, the comparison of the mean scores of QoL in the intervention group indicated that the scores decreased over time (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that foot reflexology could improve postmenopausal women’s QoL. Due to the simple and easy learning of reflexology, its training is recommended for all menopausal women to improve their QoL.

Partial Gland Ablation of Prostate Cancer: Effects of Repeat Treatment

To evaluate the near-term clinical and pathological effects of repeat partial gland ablation (PGA) in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa). One hundred seventy men with focal lesions of PCa (all GG2 or GG3) underwent PGA with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or cryotherapy (CRYO) in prospective trials. Residual PCa in or near the ablation zone was found in 37 men after a first PGA; 30 went on to receive a second PGA and were the subjects of study. At 3 timepoints, baseline and 6 months after first and second ablations, quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires (IIEF, IPSS) and MRI-guided biopsies (MRGB) were performed. Biopsies were targeted and systematic at baseline and in follow-up, comprehensively about the ablation zone. All 30 patients completed QOL questionnaires and 26 had MRGB at the 3 timepoints. Mean QOL scores were not significantly different from the baseline after the first or second PGA. No operative complications were encountered; and "decisional regret" was reported in only 2/29 men after the repeat ablation. A decrease in semen volume was reported by 25% of patients. Repeat ablation was successful (absence of csPCa on MRGB) in 14/26 (53%) of men. PSA levels decreased and MRI lesions resolved after ablations, but neither was a reliable predictor of biopsy outcomes. When initial PGA fails, repeat PGA is a reasonable consideration, because in near-term follow-up, secondary procedures appear to be safe, causing only minimal detriment to urinary and sexual function, with csPCa becoming undetectable by MRGB in approximately half the patients.

Effect of Mindfulness-Based Self-Care Education on the Quality of Female Nurses’ Life

Background and Objective: The stressful nature of nursing can affect the quality of nurses’ life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction can help improve the quality of their life. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based self-care education on the quality of female nurses’ life working in Afshar Hospital, Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 2020 on 60 female nurses working in Afshar Hospital (Yazd, Iran) randomly divided into experimental and control groups. For the experimental group, mindfulness-based self-care was taught in eight two-hour sessions. On the other hand, the control group did not receive any intervention. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance level of 0.05 using the SPSS software (version 19). Results: The mean quality of life score before the intervention was not significantly different (P=0.11) between the control (69.58±13.00) and the experimental (64.58±11.41) group. After the intervention, the mean was 68.75±14.21 and 69.58±09.09 in the control and experimental group, respectively; however, the difference was not significant (P=0.78). Regarding the dimensions of the quality of life, there was a significant difference only in the psychological dimension (P=0.001). Conclusion: Mindfulness-based self-care education affects the psychological dimension of the nurses’ quality of life; therefore, it is suggested that programs of this kind be implemented for nurses in this field periodically to improve the quality of their life.

Hope and Quality of Life among Adolescent with Thalassemia: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia

Background: Adolescents with thalassemia major had a worse quality of life (QOL) than healthy adolescents. Hope is considered as a protective factor to enhance QOL. The relationship between hope and quality of life in adolescents has been evaluated in various chronic diseases, across multiple countries, cultures, and settings. However studies on exploring the relationship between hope and QOL among adolescents with thalassemia are limited, especially in Indonesia. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between hope and QOL among adolescents with thalassemia in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from April to Juni 2021. The respondents in this study were 120 adolescents who met the criteria (1) they were teenagers (10-19 years old) who received regular blood transfusions, (2) they could write and read, (3) adolescents who are not mentally retarded. Instruments include demographic data sheets, Child Hope Scale (CHS), and TranQOL. Data were analysis using the Pearson correlational test and multiple regression hierarchical analysis. Results: This study found that 65 (54.17%) were boys, and 55 (45.83%) were girls. About 64.17% had transfusion period for once in 2 - 4 weeks, and 4.17% with comorbidity, and 77.5% having hemoglobin 7 mg/dl. The mean QOL score among adolescents with thalassemia was 47.82 (SD=15.38). Hope and TranQOL scores were positively and strongly associated (r = 0.463, p&lt;0.01). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, this finding revealed that hope was significantly and positively associated with QOL in step two. Hope had a significant impact on thalassemic adolescents' QOL (R2 = 0.371, R2 change = 0.239) Conclusion: Hope is a factor that is related and greatly influences the quality of life of thalassemia survivors so that the development of programs and policies that design the expectations of thalassemia survivors and their families will improve the quality of life of patients with thalassemia.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors of International Students in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the WHOQOL-BREF Instrument.

The quality of life (QoL) of an individual is affected in a complex way by the person’s physical health, psychological state, social relationships, and their relationship to their environment. We assessed the QoL of international university students using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) tool and explored the QoL-associated factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and March 2021. The WHOQOL-BREF was summarized as a four-domain construct following the WHO guidelines and QoL scores for each domain were compared through a t-test and chi-squared test. To determine the factors associated with international students’ QoL we used multiple linear regression models, with each of the domains serving as the outcome variable. In total, 261 students participated, with 52.5% being males. We reported predicted means (PM) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cronbach’s alpha for the overall WHOQOL-BREF tool was 0.88. Students’ self-reported QoL mean score was 3.67 ± 0.71 and the mean score of their overall satisfaction with health was 3.61 ± 0.83. The social relationships domain had the highest mean score at 56.88 ± 19.55 and was significantly associated with age (>25 years: PM: 59.7; 95% CI: 56.2–63.2, p = 0.033) and region of origin (Asia: PM: 54.4; 95% CI: 42.5–64.8, p = 0.027). Students above 25 years had significantly higher scores in all domains (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the social relationships and psychological health domains have more positive impact on international students’ QoL compared to the physical and environmental health domains. To cope with factors influencing international students’ QoL, universities should develop and provide efficient support systems for foreign students in South Korea.