Mean Quality Of Life Score Research Articles

Assessment of quality of life in children with epilepsy in Oman

PurposeThe study aims to describe the quality of life (QoL) in Omani children with epilepsy at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.MethodsOne hundred and one Omani children, with an age range from 5 to 18 years, diagnosed with epilepsy were enrolled in the study over 3 months. Descriptive epidemiology was used to characterize QoL in these children. QoL was measured using the PedsQL (4.0) questionnaire, a 23-item child and parent report questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare mean QoL scores, and agreement between the QoL reports of children and parents was evaluated using Spearman’s rho; while, Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to determine differences in subscale ratings.ResultsFactors affecting QoL included family status, income level, social security coverage, type of treatment, seizure frequency, age of onset, and seizure-free duration in years. Children between 5 and 7 years and females, in general, were most affected, as reflected by the overall QoL subscale. Consistency between the children's self-reports and parent proxy reports on the PedsQL™ was moderate to low.ConclusionOmani children with epilepsy have poor QoL, and their psychosocial function is severely affected. Therefore, QoL should be an important outcome measure in managing children with epilepsy rather than just seizure control.

Effectiveness of Symptom Management Intervention for Improving the QOL of Cancer Patients.

Managing the symptoms of cancer patients is challenging for health care providers and interventions individually designed are required to improve the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients. to assess the efficacy of symptom management intervention on symptom reduction and the QOL of cancer patients. A Quasi-experimental study using pre and post-test design was conducted among 200 cancer patients selected by a convenient sampling technique from the selected cancer hospitals. The intervention group received symptom management intervention and the control group received routine clinical care. The data were collected from individuals who had been diagnosed with breast/head and neck cancer and were in the third or fourth stages of cancer, using symptom assessment and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) QOL tool. After the pre-test, symptom management intervention was provided, and a post-test was conducted at one month and three months after the intervention. The mean age was 50.93 years among the participants. Fifty-two percent and 68% of them were in stage IV cancer in the intervention group and control group respectively. The mean QOL score of head and Neck cancers in the intervention group increased from 20.76 (1.82) to 97.03 (3.33) and the mean scores of QOL of breast cancer patients in the intervention group increased from 22.44 (2.92) to 94.39 (8.30). Repeated measure ANOVA showed that the intervention program was effective in enhancing symptom reduction and QOL among cancer patients (Head and Neck cancers F(1.3, 114) =391.62, p< 0.001 and Breast cancer F (1, 75) =177.41.41, p=.001). Nurses play a vital role in providing care to cancer patients and improving their quality of life since nurses are more involved in care.

An observational study of best supportive care with or without oral capecitabine in patients with metastatic gallbladder cancer.

521 Background: Patients with metastatic (M+) gallbladder cancer (GBC) have a median survival between 3 - 6 months and therefore palliation of symptoms without compromising quality of life (QoL) is the principal goal of treatment. This study aimed to compare overall survival (OS), toxicity and QoL in patients receiving best supportive care (BSC) with or without oral capecitabine (X). Methods: Patients with M+ GBC and a KPS of ≥70 were prospectively assigned to BSC + X - arm A or BSC alone - arm B, based on physician discretion. Arm A received BSC + X @1650 mg/m2 d1-14, repeated every 21 days for a maximum of 6 cycles. BSC measures included pain palliation; ascitic fluid drainage; jaundice mitigation and other palliative measures. Overall survival (OS) was computed by the Kaplan-Meier method from the date of histologic confirmation and compared using log-rank test. Qol was measured using FACT-Hep v4 administered at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Mean differences in scores were compared using Mann Whitney / Independent t-test and the linear mixed effects model was used for longitudinal analysis to determine the impact of treatment and time on QoL. Results: Between December 2020 to April 2022, 64 patients were assigned, 32 to each arm; data analysed August 2022. For the arms A vs B, the mean age (years) ± SD was 53.3±10.3 vs 54.5±10.3, p=0.21; females, 72% vs 73%, p=0.21; KPS 70, 9% vs 44%, p=0.008; pre-treatment biliary drainage, 9% vs 31%, p=0.06. In arm A, 78% and 21% completed 3 and 6 cycles of X. Median survival was 3.6 vs 2.0 mo, p=0.001; 26 and 27 patients succumbed (~83%), and at 6 months the survival probability was 28% vs 0% respectively; vomiting grade 1-2, 50% vs 78%, p=0.02; diarrhoea grade 1-2, 59% vs 9%, p=0.00; hand-foot syndrome – only arm A, grade 1, 2 &amp; 3 were 32%, 6.5% &amp; 3.2% p=0.001. Baseline QoL mean scores (Table) were significantly worse for most domains in arm B. However, there was no difference in the longitudinal QoL scores between the two treatment arms – FACTG total score (arm*time p=0.759). Conclusions: Not withstanding better prognosis patients of M+ GBC receiving X with BSC compared to BSC alone, a 2 month difference in median survival in favour of arm A was associated with worse diarrhoea and hand-foot syndrome and no discernable impact on longitudinal QoL scores between the two treatment arms.[Table: see text]

Quality of Life in Patients with Alopecia Areata presenting to the Department of Dermatology at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Alopecia Areata (AA), also known as spot baldness is thought to be autoimmune in origin, marked by patchy, non-scarring hair loss. More recently, a strong association between the sufferers of AA and disorders of mood disturbances, anxiety and depression has been noted. Aim: To determination the mean quality of life score in patients with alopecia areata (AA). Study design: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Place and duration: Department of Dermatology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from March 2021 to September 2021. Methodology: After ethical approval, we included 124 patients irrespective of their gender aged between 18-60 years presenting with AA in this study after informed consent. Patient’s demographic details were noted. Quality of life was assessed using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score. Results: Of the total 125 patients, about 59.2% patients were male and 40.8% females, with a mean of 29.72±11.01 years. The mean duration of disease was 9.45±8.56 months. DLQI score ranged from 2 to 24 with a mean of 6.74±4.60. When stratified, DLQI score was significantly higher among females (p=0.008), those with disease duration &gt;12 months (p=0.000) and severe disease (p=0.024). Conclusion: This study found that AA is associated with deterioration of quality of life of patients and the effect is more marked among female patients and those with more severe and chronic disease. Key-words: alopecia areata, quality of life, dermatology, autoimmune disease

Treatment Outcomes of Older Participants in a Randomized Trial Comparing Two Schedules of Twice-Daily Thoracic Radiotherapy in Limited-Stage SCLC

IntroductionHalf of the patients with limited-stage SCLC (LS SCLC) are above or equal to 70 years old, but they account for less than 20% of participants in most trials. Comorbidities and reduced organ and physical function might lead to more treatment toxicity, and population-based studies indicate that fewer older than younger patients with LS SCLC receive standard chemoradiotherapy, although there is limited evidence for such a policy. MethodsWe compared baseline characteristics, comorbidity, survival, treatment completion, toxicity, health-related quality of life, and treatment outcomes between patients above or equal to 70 years old and those younger than 70 years old in an open-label, randomized phase II trial comparing twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy of 45 Gy in 30 fractions with 60 Gy in 40 fractions in LS SCLC. All patients received concurrent i.v. cisplatin (75mg/m2) or carboplatin (AUC 5-6 mg/ml x min) day 1 and i.v. etoposide (100 mg/m2) day 1-3 chemotherapy. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02041845). ResultsA total of 170 patients who were above or equal to 18 years old and had performance status of 0 to 2 were randomized. Of these, 53 patients (60 Gy: 25, 45 Gy: 28) were above or equal to 70 years old and 117 (60 Gy: 64, 45 Gy: 53) were younger. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, treatment completion rates, toxicity, or response rates across the age groups. Health-related quality of life mean scores were similar during year one, but older patients reported more decline on functional scales than younger patients during year two. Overall survival was shorter for older patients, whereas there was no difference in progression-free survival or time to progression. ConclusionsPatients above or equal to 70 years old tolerated concurrent twice-daily chemoradiotherapy and achieved similar disease control as younger patients, indicating older patients should receive the same treatment as younger patients.

Health-related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Graves’ Disease

Background: Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children. In adults, it influences physical and mental health as well as health-related quality of life (QoL) of the patients. However, study of QoL in children has been limited. Objective: To measure QoL in children with Graves’ disease by means of the PedsQL™ and EQ-5D-Y by using Thai version questionnaires. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study examined 21 Graves’ disease patients with the mean age 13.6 ± 3.1 years. All of the participants and their care givers reported the PedsQL™ questionnaires and 20 participants older than eight years completed the EQ-5D-Y questionnaires. Results: The total mean QoL scores by child- and parent-report PedsQL™ questionnaires were 85.4±17.8 and 82.1±16.3, respectively. Both reported the lowest scores in the emotional functioning domain. The scores by child and parent reports were not different except in the school domain, in which parents reported lower scores. For the EQ-5D-Y questionnaires, 40% of the children reported problems in the domain of having pain or discomfort and 40% reported problems in the domain of feeling worried, sad, or unhappy. Mean (±SD) EQ-5D visual analogue scale value was 86.5±12.0. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with Graves’ disease reported their lowest QoL life scores in the domain of emotional functioning, followed by the physical functioning domains. However, the total QoL score was not lower than the total QoL scores in the previous studies of general healthy populations. Keywords: Health-related quality of life; Quality of life; Children, Graves’ disease

The Characteristics of Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Low Quality of Life: a Decision Tree Analysis.

To provide appropriate and adequate information and support for Asian American breast cancer survivors, it would be essential to identify risk groups among them to target in future cancer education interventions. In this secondary analysis, the characteristics of risk groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors who had low quality of life were identified using a decision tree analysis. For this analysis, only the pre-test data of 185 women from a parent study were selected. Multiple instruments including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) were used in the parent study. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and decision tree analyses. The decision tree analyses showed six combined characteristics associated with lower quality of life scores than the total mean quality of life scores. For instance, the women with lower quality of life scores (than the total mean quality of life scores) had high perceived barriers (cut point = 1.84), low self-efficacy for coping (cut point = 81.50), and high global symptom distress (cut point = 2.27). Also, the characteristics linked to the lowest quality life scores were different depending on the dimensions of the quality of life. The characteristics associated with the quality of life of Asian American breast cancer survivors need to be considered in future education programs for this specific population.

The impact of chemotherapy on quality of life in advanced-stage lung cancer patients.

Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, where chemotherapy plays an important role. This prospective study was conducted to determine the impact of palliative chemotherapy on quality of life (QOL) in advanced-stage lung cancer patients. QOL in lung cancer out-patients was assessed at diagnosis and end of treatment using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Changes in mean QOL scores were calculated. The correlation between patients' tumor response and change in QOL scores was also studied. Scoring was done according to the EORTC manual and results were analyzed using SPSS statistical package. Out of 52 patients, 46 (88.46%) were men and six (11.54%) were women. After chemotherapy, patients' overall QOL score improved significantly (P = 0.005). Cognitive functioning significantly worsened (P = 0.01). Physical functioning (PF) and emotional functioning (EF) scores improved, while role functioning (RF) and social functioning (SF) scores worsened. Pain, dyspnea, and sleep significantly improved (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.005 respectively). On the other hand, nausea, vomiting (P = 0.000), diarrhea (P = 0.004), and financial difficulties (P = 0.009) worsened. Overall QOL improved in patients with partial tumor response (PR) and stable disease (SD) (P = 0.044 and P = 0.000, respectively), but worsened in progressive disease group (PD) (P = 0.648). Symptom scores improved markedly in PR and SD groups. Chemotherapy toxicity was maximum in PD group (P = 0.028). Global quality of life and symptom control significantly improved in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy. Deterioration of cognitive functioning, increased financial burden, and chemotherapy-related toxicity were noteworthy. Changes in QOL were coherent with patients' tumor response.

How do determinants of health relate to children's quality of life? A cross-sectional study in Izmir, Turkey.

This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (QoL) and the related factors from the perspective of social determinants of health among children. Childhood is the most intense period of life, and environmental factors surrounding children, as well as individual lifestyle factors, are related to the child's physical and mental well-being. To our knowledge, there is a lack of studies evaluating the relationship between determinants of health and the QoL of healthy children in general. This cross-sectional study was executed in the Bayrakli district of Izmir city. Stratified clustered sampling was used including 24 schools and 3367 7th-grade children, and 1284 students were targeted (50% prevalence, 95% CI, %5 margins of error, 2.25 design effect, and 20% replacement). The response rate was 84.9% (n = 1090). The Turkish KID-KINDL Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children was used to assess QoL. Independent variables were examined in four layers using Dahlgren's Determinants of Health Model: basic characteristics, lifestyle factors, family characteristics, and life conditions. The mean QoL score was 71.3 ± 12.6. Our study explained 31.7% of the variance in QoL. Higher QoL scores were associated with better health status, perceived academic achievement, normal/thin body perception, physical activity (PA), and adequate sleep duration. Living with both parents and having fewer siblings positively influenced QoL. Moreover, the presence of structural problems in the household and poorer health perceptions were associated with lower QoL scores (P < 0.05) This study highlighted the multifaceted nature of QoL in Turkish children, revealing the importance of various determinants of health. The results show that in order to improve the general well-being of this population, interventions and policies are required that concentrate on elements including health status, academic accomplishment, body perception, physical activity, family structure, and living situations.

Health-related quality of life and its association with the symptom score and the thyroid function status of patients with primary hypothyroidism on replacement therapy.

A number of patients with primary hypothyroidism have reduced health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), even with optimum thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This study aimed to assess the HR-QoL of patients with hypothyroidism under replacement therapy and identify its relationship with the symptom score and thyroid function status. Using a cross-sectional study design, 175 hypothyroid patients under replacement therapy who visited the Endocrinology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care center were selected by convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured data collection tool comprising, HR-QoL Short Form-36 questionnaire, and Zulewski's clinical score. Inferential statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Karl-Pearson Correlation tests. The overall mean quality of life score was 44.22 ± 12.14, with a substantial decline in role functioning because of physical health. A significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) was found between HR-QoL and hypothyroidism symptom score. A significant association was observed between participants' HR-QoL and their dosage of thyroxine supplement (P < 0.05,) but no association was found with thyroid function status. There was a substantial reduction in the quality of life of the patients despite being on thyroid replacement therapy and achieving euthyroid status. This underlines the importance of symptom reduction and hormone optimization to enhance the quality of life.

Quality of Life of End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Multi-Center Study from Saudi Arabia.

Limited studies from Saudi Arabia have assessed the quality of life (QoL) of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on hemodialysis and its associated factors. To determine the physical, psychological, familial, and social factors that impact the QoL of ESKD patients in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included adult patients with ESKD who underwent hemodialysis at King Salman Center for Kidney Disease and King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between June and July 2021, and had been on dialysis for ≥1 year were included. The Arabic version of the Quality of Life Index-Dialysis (QLI-D) version III was used, which has four sub-scales. A total of 173 respondents completed the questionnaire. The overall mean (±SD) QoL score was 22.2 (±4.30), while the scores for the sub-scales ranged from 20.8 (±5.25) (Health and Functioning subscale) to 26.0 (Family subscale). Respondents aged >70 years had significantly lower average score (P < 0.05) and lower Health and Functioning subscale score (P < 0.05). Education and higher income had significant positive correlation with the Social and Economic subscale (r = 0.234, P < 0.01; and r = 0.162, P < 0.05, respectively). Diabetes was significantly associated with lower scores in the Health and Functioning subscale (P < 0.05). There was a positive linear trend in the association between the number of years on dialysis and the overall QLI-D score and the subscales of QLI-D (P < 0.05). Higher education level and income and longer duration of dialysis were factors associated with better QoL, while older age and having diabetes were associated with poorer QoL. Awareness among healthcare providers regarding these factors can help improve the QoL of these patients.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus by using a Specific GDMQ-36 Questionnaire: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has physical, social, mental, and psychological consequences that can affect mothers' Quality of Life (QOL). This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the QOL of mothers with GDM and its associated factors using a specific questionnaire. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 mothers with GDM who were referred to clinics affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University and Qom University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2019-2020. The specific QOL questionnaire for women with GDM (GDMQ-36) and the demographic questionnaire were completed for participants. Independent variables were entered into the multiple linear regression model and were analyzed. The total Mean(SD) score of the QOL of mothers with GDM who participated in the study was 46.83 (11.66) based on percentage. The highest and lowest QOL Mean (SD) scores were obtained on the support 76.50 (14.50) and concerns about a high-risk pregnancy 31.40 (19.80), subscales, respectively. The total QOL score decreased by 7.14 and 5 points on average in mothers treated with medication regimens and mothers who had a pre-high school education, respectively. The support subscale score increased by 5 points in mothers who had a previous history of GDM. The present study showed that the QOL of women with GDM had been severely affected by concerns about a high-risk pregnancy. Some individual and social factors can be associated with the QOL of mothers with GDM and its subscales.

Caregiver Quality of Life During Pediatric Influenza-Like Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of this study was to quantify the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers with children with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and to identify factors associated with worse QoL. This was a cross-sectional cohort study of caregivers in a pediatric emergency department with previously healthy young children with ILI. The primary outcome was caregiver QoL. Additional measures included health literacy, social support, and caregiver health status. Two hundred and eighty-one caregivers completed the study. And 41% reported overall QoL was worse during their child's illness. The median QoL score was 3.8 [3.1, 4.6] in a 7-point scale. Illness duration was associated with worse overall QoL score (0.128 worse for each additional day of illness). The median emotions domain score was 2.5 [1.5, 4.0], the worst of any domain. Caregivers who perceived worse illness severity had lower emotions domain scores (2.61 vs 6.00, P = .0269). Caregivers with adequate literacy had lower mean QoL scores (3.08 vs 4.44, P < .0001). Childhood illnesses worsen caregiver QoL. Factors associated with worse QoL were perception of illness severity and duration. Addressing caregiver QoL could mitigate the impact of childhood acute illnesses on caregiver wellbeing.

Post Surgical Outcomes in Paediatric Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Subjective and Objective Evaluation.

The aim of the study was to determine the post surgical outcomes in pediatric adenotonsillar hypertrophy with OSA using portable polysomnography (PSG), OSA 18 Questionnaire and Quality of life (QoL) scores. Secondly to correlate the subjective outcomes with objective scores of polysomonography. A prospective, single-arm, nonrandomized, single center study was performed at a tertiary care centre on children aged 3-12years (n = 30) with adenoid hypertrophy/ tonsillar hypertrophy/adenotonsillar hypertrophy and symptoms suggestive of OSA. All subjects underwent appropriate surgical intervention. A portable PSG and OSA 18 questionnaire evaluation was performed pre surgery and 06weeks post surgery to assess objective and clinical assessment for OSA. The mean age of children enrolled in the study was 8.68 ± 3years. The mean pre treatment AHI was 12.56 ± 13.16 which improved to 1.72 ± 1.53 post surgery and was statistically significant (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). There was a statistically significant improvement in other PSG indices such as RDI and ODI post surgery also. The mean total symptom score (TSS) and QoL score also showed a statistically significant improvement post treatment (p < 0.05). However there was no correlation between the PSG and OSA 18 questionnaire scores pre and post surgery. Children with OSA like symptoms can undergo a portable polysomnography pre and post surgery to demonstrate severity of OSA and objectively monitor improvement in OSA post treatment. In the absence of availability of PSG, OSA 18 questionnaire is a suitable alternative to monitor disease severity and outcomes. Further studies may plan to include impact of paediatric OSA on other function such as the cardiac, dentition & malocclusion and neurocognitive function.

Quality of life in Schizophrenia patients with and without adequate pharmaceutical care: A randomized controlled study

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a complicated mental illness manifesting in a variety of disturbing clinical presentations in an individual, resulting in varying treatment results and poor Quality of Life (QoL). This study was aimed at assessment and comparison of QoL in patients with and without provision of pharmaceutical care and evaluation of the drug utilisation pattern among the patients. Materials and methodsA randomized controlled study was conducted among 104 patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria, randomly assigned to control and interventional group, with 52 patients in each group. At baseline and follow up, QoL scores were compared using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire for each group. Patient counselling was provided to the intervention group. ResultsSchizophrenia was prevalent in females (56.2%) and 34.4% were below 30 years. Factors such as marital, employment, education, socio-economic status were influenced. Post-follow up WHOQOL-BREF scores among the intervention group were found to be significant as compared to that of the control group. ConclusionThere is improvement in the domain wise mean and total QoL scores in Schizophrenia patients in the interventional group as compared to that of the control group at the follow up.

Factors associated with reduced function and quality of life among adult people with HIV with depression and substance use in the Asia-Pacific region.

Depression and substance use (SU) disorders are prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) and impact health outcomes despite successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). We explored quality of life, functional ability and associated factors among PWH screened positive for depression and/or SU. This cross-sectional study recruited adult PWH during routine follow-up at five HIV clinical sites in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants were screened for depression using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and SU using Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Quality of life (QoL) was assessed with WHOQOL-HIV BREF and functional ability with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). Factors associated with mean QoL and disability scores were analysed using linear regression. Of 864 PWH enrolled, 753 screened positive for depression or SU. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 38 (31-47) years and 97% were on ART. Overall mean WHOQOL-HIV BREF and WHODAS scores indicated greater impairment with increasing depressive symptom severity and SU risk. In multivariate analysis, PWH reporting previous trauma/stress (difference = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-3.9, P < 0.001) and past mental health diagnosis (difference = 5.0, 95% CI 2.9-7.1, P < 0.001) were associated with greater disability and poorer QoL scores across multiple domains ( P < 0.01 for all). Higher CD4 T-cell counts was also associated with better QoL scores and functional ability. PWH with depression/SU experienced poorer QoL and function despite routine engagement in HIV care. Efforts to integrate mental health services and interventions addressing disability into HIV management should be prioritized in the region.

Comparing the quality of life of endometriotic patients’ before and after treatment with normal and infertile patients based on the EHP30 questionnaire

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the quality of life (QOL), in patients with endometriosis ± infertility (B and C groups) and compare those to healthy women, and also infertile groups without endometriosis as a control groups (A and D), considering the fact that endometriosis and infertility reduces the quality of life in patients.MethodsThe present prospective comparative study was carried out between January 2018 and September 2020. A total of 400 women were included (100 women in each group). The participants filled in a validated questionnaire of quality of life, Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30), and a visual analog scale of pain used, at the first visit, and 3 months after the medical or surgical treatment in the endometriosis group without infertility, additionally.ResultsThe majority of the patients were married, categorized in the middle-class of socio-economic state and housewives. They were of Persian descent. BMI was high in the infertile groups; however, the time of infertility was not different between the two groups of B and C (P = 0.054). The mean score of QOL was significantly lower in B, C, and D groups in comparison to the healthy women as the control group (A) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the infertile group (B), in comparison to endometriosis ± infertility groups (C and D), had the lowest mean score of QOL (P < 0.001). In each group, those who were older and had better educational level reported a better quality of life than other participants in that group. Social support plays a very important role in reducing the endometriosis related pain symptoms both before and after treatment. Three months after the treatment of endometriosis (D), a significant improvement was observed in all the aspects of QOL-related endometriosis. Nonetheless, the improvement of the quality of life in the surgical group was significantly higher than that in the medical treatment. The mean visual analog score of pain decreased from 62.22 ± 22.78, to 5.15 ± 2.73 following the surgical treatment (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe lowest quality of life belonged to the infertile group, followed by the endometriosis group. The quality of life of the endometriosis group improved after the treatment. Thus, endometriotic patients’ treatment in terms of improvement of quality of life should be considered by all professional health care teams.

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Quality of Life among Elderly People of Kathmandu, Nepal

The world is experiencing growth in the number and proportion of older population and their population are found to be growing much faster in the developing countries. The ageing population tends to have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide. These problems can lead to decrease in quality of life of elderly. The current study aimed to study the prevalence of chronic diseases and quality of life among elderly people of Kathmandu. This is a community based cross sectional study done among 200 elderly people who are more than or equal to 60 years at Budanilkantha Municipality-13, Chunikhel. The information was obtained using semi structured questionnaire. A standardized tool of the WHOQOL‑BREF questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) of participants. Among various chronic diseases, the prevalence of hypertension was highest. The mean score of environment domain was better than physical health, psychological and social relationships domain respectively. QoL was statistically significant with increase in literacy status, education of head of family and their involvement in decision making. The overall mean score of QoL among both the diseased and not diseased elderly were similar. Thus, the present study provides valuable information regarding the QoL of the elderly in the community.

Rezūm™: yay or nay? From the patients’ perspective: a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) study from a single UK centre

Background: RezūmTM steam ablation therapy is an effective minimally invasive surgical therapy for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of this treatment from the patients’ perspective at a single centre. Methods: A patient reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaire was sent to 65 consecutive patients at least 6 months after undergoing RezūmTM therapy. We evaluated changes in their prostate symptoms, quality of life (QoL) as well as new onset sexual dysfunction. Results: A total of 44 questionnaires were analysed with a response rate of 67.7%. Mean prostate volume was 62 mL in a mean population age of 68 years. There was a significant improvement in mean International Prostate Symptom Score and QoL scores (P &lt; 0.0001). There was a higher rate of de novo sexual dysfunction noted as compared to other studies. Retreatment procedures occurred in 4.3% of patients, whilst 88.9% reported being medication free. Thirty-five (79.5%) respondents will recommend the procedure. Conclusions: This study highlighted that the beneficial effects of RezūmTM observed clinically were also perceived positively by patients in a real-world setting, which is just as equally important.

Goal setting, goal attainment and quality of life of children following selective dorsal rhizotomy.

The aim of this study is to describe the individualized occupational performance issues identified by parents/carers and children prior to selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery and analyse change up to 2 years post surgery in goal attainment and quality of life (QoL). The Australian SDR Research Registry (trial registration: ACTRN12618000985280) was used to extract data for individualized goals, goal attainment and QoL based on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children (CP QOL-Child parent-proxy) at baseline and 1 and 2 years following SDR. Change in mean scores was analysed using linear mixed models. Fifty-two children had COPM scores at baseline and 1 and/or 2 years post, of which 28 had two QoL scores. COPM problem areas included leisure (n = 39), productivity (n = 37) and self-care (n = 173). The most common goals were walking (26.1%), participation in physical activities (17.7%) and transitions (14.1%). Mean COPM scores improved significantly between baseline to 1 year and baseline to 2 years (P < 0.001). Mean QoL scores improved between baseline to 1 year for functional QoL domains: participation and physical health (P = 0.003) and pain and impact of disability (P = 0.011). Collaborative goal setting is an integral part of family-centred rehabilitation practice. The COPM was an appropriate individualized outcome measure in identifying meaningful goals for our SDR cohort. Results demonstrate improved scores in goal attainment and improvement in functional QoL domains. This paper highlights the need to include outcomes that measure daily life experiences.