Mean Score Of Overall Quality Research Articles

Effects of Continuous Nursing Care on Hemodialysis Patients' Quality of Life and Lifestyle: An Application of the Information, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Theory

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis often experience a low quality of life, which can significantly impact their lifestyle. Despite various proposed solutions, these patients continue to face ongoing challenges. Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the effects of continuous nursing care, based on the Information, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (IKAP) theory, on the quality of life and lifestyle of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Sixty-eight patients receiving hemodialysis treatment at 2 university hospitals in Ahvaz met the inclusion criteria for this experimental research. With the simple random method, the participants were divided into 2 equal groups: The experimental group and the control group. In addition to routine care, the experimental group received 20 to 30 minutes of continuous nursing care based on the IKAP theory every 2 weeks, while the control group received only routine care. Three questionnaires were administered: A Demographic Information Questionnaire, a Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile, and a Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (KDQOL-SF), which were completed before the intervention, 1 month after, and 3 months after by both groups. Data analysis employed independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The nursing intervention based on the IKAP model had a significant impact on the quality of life and lifestyle of patients undergoing hemodialysis. In the experimental group, the mean score for overall quality of life before and after the intervention showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001), while in the control group, this difference was not significant (P = 0.807). Similarly, the mean score for lifestyle in the experimental group before and after the intervention was statistically significant (P < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group (P = 0.991). Conclusions: Nursing intervention based on the IKAP model has a positive effect on improving the quality of life and lifestyle of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Therefore, it is important to inform health care providers and policymakers about this model, which can serve as a reference for health education in hospitals and other health care centers.

Quality of Life and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines among Narcotics Anonymous Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast Iran.

Addiction, a chronic and recurrent disorder, is associated with lasting changes in the brain and can significantly affect the quality of life of people. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with modern medical treatments can improve the quality of life of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and quality of life in narcotics anonymous patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on 189 narcotics anonymous patients in southeastern Iran. Using questionnaires such as the demographic information, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), CAM, and satisfaction with the use of CAM, the researcher was able to compile a comprehensive picture of the population. The mean score of overall quality of life and general health was 64.02 ± 23.32. Overall, 66.1 percent (n = 125) of the participants reported using at least one type of CAM in the previous year. Last year, 25.9% of participants used at least one kind of CAM, 22.8% used two types of CAM, 7.9% used three types of CAM, and 4.8% used four to five types of CAM. Thirty-nine point seven percent of them reported using prayer, 36.5% reported using medicinal herbs, 15.3% of participants reported using massage, 14.3% of participants reported using dietary supplements, 12.2% reported using wet cupping, and 8.5% reported using meditation. There were no significant differences in physical, psychological, environmental, and overall quality of life between CAM users and non-CAM users. The prayer users had significantly higher scores in terms of social relationships, environment, and overall quality of life than nonprayer users. Employed participants and opium users had significantly higher overall quality of life than others. Although there was no difference in quality of life between CAM and non-CAM users, the present study showed that prayer and medicinal herbs were the most commonly used methods among narcotics anonymous patients. However, prayer and religious beliefs were successful in improving the quality of life of these individuals. Physicians and other healthcare providers must advise patients with addiction to use different CAMs in order to improve their quality of life and quit narcotics. Future in-depth studies could help these patients use CAMs and improve their quality of life.

Stress Is Associated with Quality of Life Reduction among Health Professionals in Vietnam: A Multisite Survey

Stress in healthcare workers is increasingly common in recent times. Stress can have negative effects on the mental health and quality of life of healthcare workers. This study is aimed at measuring the quality of life and determining the relationship between quality of life and stress of health professionals in some hospitals in Vietnam. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 520 health professionals working at Hanoi Medical University Hospital and Thai Binh Medical University Hospital. The World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) scale were used to assess the quality of life and the stress status of healthcare workers. Multivariate regression was performed to measure the relationships between stress and quality of life. Results showed that the level of stress of health workers according to the DASS-21 scale at mild, moderate, severe, and very severe was 10.7%, 8.7%, 5.6%, and 2.9%, respectively. The mean score of overall quality of life was 60.97 ± 11.39 . Health workers under stress had a decrease in quality of life scores in physical, mental, social, and environmental domains. Stressed health workers had a reduced quality of life. Attention should be paid to providing appropriate interventions to reduce stress and improve the quality of life in healthcare workers.

Quality of life of stroke survivors in Bangladesh

Objective: In Bangladesh, the factors that contribute to the reduced quality of life were not systematically investigated in long-term stroke survivors, and only a few studies have used preference-based measures to assess the quality of life. We sought to assess the quality of life in stroke survivors who comprise physical health status, psychological state, social relationship, and surrounding environment of the stroke patients. Methods: The quality of life among stroke patients was assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire using the validated Bangla Version of the World Health Organization, Quality-of-Life scale among the patients who survived beyond 28 days of first-ever stroke occurrence presenting in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in the period between November 2020 and October 2021. Results: Of the 77 patients who were identified as post-stroke patients, the mean score of overall quality of life (as assessed by Q1 and scored in a range of 1–5) was 3.14 ± 1.08. The mean scores of quality of life were highest for the psychological domain (51.18 ± 19.73) followed by environmental (52.08 ± 13.13), social (45.62 ± 22.73), and physical domains (37.18 ± 18.56). According to the classification of the Bangla Version of the World Health Organization, Quality-of-Life, 75.3% had a low physical quality of life, 37.7% had a low psychological quality of life, 53.2% had a low social quality of life, and 53.2% had a moderate environmental quality of life. The average scores for the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains were notably lower in stroke survivors with comorbid chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and ischemic heart disease in comparison to those without such conditions. Conclusion: In our study, post-stroke patients with lower quality of life were associated with factors such as female gender, lower level of education, urban dwellers, and chronic diseases.

Evaluation of Chemical, Physical, Microbial and Sensory Properties of Garlic Butter by Using Cow Milk

Butter is a popular dairy product composed of mainly milk fat and other minor components such as water, vitamins, enzymes, and minerals which are beneficial for health. The study was to investigate the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) powder addition on the chemical, physical, microbial, and sensory properties of butter, incorporated with garlic at the rate of 2% garlic chips and 2% garlic powder (w/w) and 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder (w/w). Butter samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, microbial and sensory properties during refrigerated storage at 7 °C. The physico-chemical and sensory characteristics were analyzed during storage. Moisture, total solids, fat, free fatty acids, titratable acidity, and pH were significantly different (p<0.05) among the treatments on day one. The results of this study revealed that the moisture (14.09±0.10%) and total solids (85.91±0.10%) content were significantly (p<0.05) higher in butter without incorporating garlic chips and powder. Fat content (80±0.00%) was significantly (p<0.05) lowest in butter incorporated with 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder. While free fatty acids were significantly (p<0.05) highest in butter incorporated with 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder and lowest in butter without added garlic chips and powder. pH (6.09±0.03%) was significantly (p<0.05) lowest in butter incorporated with 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder. Titratable acidity (0.13±0.02%) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in butter without added garlic chips and powder 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder added to butter showed the highest (48.75±1.18 Mm/g) antioxidant activity. During storage, the pH value was significantly (p<0.05) decreased and titratable acidity was increasing with the storage period. The cohesiveness, gumminess and springiness were significantly (p<0.05) increased. Organoleptic characteristics revealed that 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder added to butter had the highest mean score of overall quality of all sensorial properties. Finally, most of the panelist accepted, that butter is made from 2% garlic chips and 4% garlic powder than other types of butter.

Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Evaluation of Non-Meat Ingredients Chicken Sausage

Non-meat ingredients are used to impart flavor, slow bacterial growth, and increase the yield of the sausage production. To study the quality of chicken sausage incorporated with non-meat ingredients namely, soy protein powder, non-fat milk powder and potato starch at the rate of 2% (w/w) concentration. Sausage samples were analyzed for physical, nutritional, and sensory properties during refrigerated storage at -4 ℃. The nutritional, physical and sensory characteristics were analyzed, at day 1, week 1, week 2 and week 3 of storage. Moisture, ash, dry matter, fat, pH, texture, and color were significantly difference (p<0.05) among the treatments at day one. During storage the ash, pH content and dry matter content were significantly (p<0.05) increased, and fat content and moisture content was significantly (p<0.05) decreased storage period. At week one, the higher hardness value showed in soy protein powder incorporated chicken sausage and least value showed in without added non-meat ingredient (control) sausage. As results of organoleptic characteristics revealed that, 2% of potato starch incorporated chicken sausage had the highest mean score of overall quality of all sensorial properties namely, color, taste, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability.

Virtual Interpolation Images of Tumor Development and Growth on Breast Ultrasound Image Synthesis With Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks.

We sought to generate realistic synthetic breast ultrasound images and express virtual interpolation images of tumors using a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN). After retrospective selection of breast ultrasound images of 528 benign masses, 529 malignant masses, and 583 normal breasts, 20 synthesized images of each were generated by the DCGAN. Fifteen virtual interpolation images of tumors were generated by changing the value of the input vector. A total of 60 synthesized images and 20 virtual interpolation images were evaluated by 2 readers, who scored them on a 5-point scale (1, very good; to 5, very poor) and then answered whether the synthesized image was benign, malignant, or normal. The mean score of overall quality for synthesized images was 3.05, and that of the reality of virtual interpolation images was 2.53. The readers classified the generated images with a correct answer rate of 92.5%. A DCGAN can generate high-quality synthetic breast ultrasound images of each pathologic tissue and has the potential to create realistic virtual interpolation images of tumor development.

Development of set yoghurt adding three different edible oils

Edible oils constitute valuable natural antioxidants as the bio active compounds and therefore yoghurt can be enriched by fortification with edible oils. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to investigate the nutritional and physical properties and shelf life of yoghurts incorporated with edible oils namely, sunflower oil, and olive oil and sesame oil, at the rate of concentration 1.5% (w/w). Yoghurt samples analyzed for physico-chemical and sensory properties during refrigerated storage at 4oC and sensory characteristics analyzed, at day 1, week 1, week 2, week 3 and week 4 of storage. Ash, dry matter, fat, pH, titratable acidity and mineral contents were significantly difference (p<0.05) among the treatments at day one. The results of this study revealed that, the ash (0.85±0.05%) and dry matter (26.28±1.55%) content were significantly (p<0.05) higher in yoghurt incorporated with of olive oil. Fat content was significantly (p<0.05) higher in yoghurt incorporated with of sesame oil, (8.70±0.17%). pH was significantly higher in yoghurt incorporated with olive oil (4.97±0.02%). Sesame oil added yoghurt showed the highest antioxidant activity (0.311) and least value (0.166) showed in without oil added yoghurt at 593 nm absorbance. Syneresis of yoghurt was significantly (p<0.05) higher in yoghurt with olive oil after 1 hour of syneresis. During storage, the ash and dry matter content and fat content was significantly (p<0.05) increased. pH was significantly (p<0.05) decreased and titratable acidity increased with the storage period. Finally, 1.5% of sunflower oil added yoghurt had the highest mean score of overall quality of all sensory properties among sensory panelists.

Youth Matters: Philly (YMP): Development, usability, usefulness, & accessibility of a mobile web-based app for homeless and unstably housed youth

BackgroundYoung people experiencing homelessness accounted for about 7% of the total homeless population in the United States in 2018. These young people are among the most marginalized youth populations and face numerous hardships. Accessing and connecting with provider organizations is challenging for these young people for myriad reasons related to their marginalization and vulnerability. As a result, homeless and unstably housed youth exhibit low rates of health and social service utilization, despite high rates of need. Objectives(1) To document the development of a mobile web-based app called Youth Matters: Philly (YMP) for young people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing that is designed to help them search, identify, locate, and utilize Philadelphia-based social and health services; and, (2) To explore youth’s perceptions of the usability, usefulness, and accessibility of YMP. MethodsWe used the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) to assess young people’s perceptions of YMP’s usability, usefulness, and accessibility. Ten young people who either were currently experiencing homelessness/unstable housing or recently had experienced such hardship participated in the study. During a two-week window, participants logged onto YMP at least three times and searched for resources. They then completed the MARS. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 25 years old (M = 21.5 years; SD = 2.3 years), mostly female (67%), and mostly black/African American (67%). Thirty percent identified as Hispanic/Latinx. All had spent time in foster care and aged out, with an average length of 8.1 years in care (SD = 4.0 years). We used Qualtrics to collect all data and descriptive statistics to analyze all data in SPSS. ResultsThe mean scores on the subscales of the MARS (Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information) ranged from 3.60 (Aesthetics) to 3.98 (Functionality; Information) out of 5. The mean score for overall Quality was 3.47 (out of 5). We also asked a set of questions specific to YMP to assess perceived impact of the app on the respondents’ awareness, knowledge, attitudes, help seeking, and behavior change related to experiencing homelessness and unstable housing. For all questions, at minimum, all participants “somewhat agreed.” ConclusionsYMP is a promising way to increase engagement and overcome barriers to accessing services for youth experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Findings offer insights into ways to improve future versions of YMP. YMP also offers a model for other localities committed to improving access to services for young people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Future research directions for YMP and similar technology are discussed.

Effect of twice-weekly iron supplementation on attention of female high school students

Background: Achieving quality care is an important issue which is often paied attention to in providing nursing care. It seems that communication skills can affect the quality of care. Aim: This study investigated the effect of training the communication skills on the quality of nursing care in patients. Methods: The study was a pretest/posttest experimental design with control group. 60 nurses working in Qhaem and Emamreza hospitals were selected using stratified sampling and then randomly allocated to one of the two groups. In addition, three patients per each nurse were selected using convenience sampling before and also one, two and three weeks after the intervention. The intervention included communication skills training workshop which was held for eight hours over two days in 2012. Data collection tools included demographic data sheet, Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC) and communication skills Check list. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using t student test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests. Results: The mean score for overall quality of care in communication skills training group was significantly higher at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after the intervention compared with the control group (p <0/001). This increase was not similar in different dimensions of quality care. It was 50.8% in the individual psychosocial, 63.8% in the group psychosocial, 54.4% in the relationship, 50/6% the physical, 41% in the general and 98% in the professional dimension. In both intervention and control group, the mean score for overall quality of care significantly decreased at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after the intervention compared with preintervention period (p <0/001). Conclusion: As communication skill training is an effective method to improve the quality of care, it is suggested that managers and staff should consider it to improve the quality of patients' care.

The Effect of early ambulation on nausea in patients undergoing Appendectomy

Background: Achieving quality care is an important issue which is often paied attention to in providing nursing care. It seems that communication skills can affect the quality of care. Aim: This study investigated the effect of training the communication skills on the quality of nursing care in patients. Methods: The study was a pretest/posttest experimental design with control group. 60 nurses working in Qhaem and Emamreza hospitals were selected using stratified sampling and then randomly allocated to one of the two groups. In addition, three patients per each nurse were selected using convenience sampling before and also one, two and three weeks after the intervention. The intervention included communication skills training workshop which was held for eight hours over two days in 2012. Data collection tools included demographic data sheet, Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC) and communication skills Check list. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using t student test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests. Results: The mean score for overall quality of care in communication skills training group was significantly higher at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after the intervention compared with the control group (p <0/001). This increase was not similar in different dimensions of quality care. It was 50.8% in the individual psychosocial, 63.8% in the group psychosocial, 54.4% in the relationship, 50/6% the physical, 41% in the general and 98% in the professional dimension. In both intervention and control group, the mean score for overall quality of care significantly decreased at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after the intervention compared with preintervention period (p <0/001). Conclusion: As communication skill training is an effective method to improve the quality of care, it is suggested that managers and staff should consider it to improve the quality of patients' care.

THE EFFECT OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS TRAINING ON THE QUALITY OF NURSING CARE OF PATIENTS

Background: To achieve quality care is an important issue that is often paied attention to in providing nursing care. It seems that communication skills can affect the quality of care. Aim: This study investigated the effect of communication skills training on the quality of nursing care in patients. Methods: The study was a pretest/posttest experimental design with control group. 60 nurses working in Qhaem and Emamreza hospitals were selected using stratified sampling and then randomly allocated to two groups, Also three patients per each nurse were selected using convenience sampling before and also one, two and three weeks after the intervention. The intervention included communication skills training workshop which was held for eight hours over two days in 2012. Data collection tools included demographic data sheet, Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC) and communication skills Check list. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using t student test, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and ANOVA tests. Results: The mean score for overall quality of care in communication skills training group was significantly higher at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after the intervention compared with control group (p<0/001). This increase was not similar in different dimensions of quality of care. It was 50.8% in the individual psychosocial, 63.8% in the group psychosocial, 54.4% in the relationship, 50/6% the physical, 41% in the general and 98% in the professional dimension. In both intervention and control group, the mean score for overall quality of care significantly decreased at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks after the intervention compared with preintervention period (p<0/001). Conclusion: As communication skills training is an effective method to improve the quality of care, it is suggested that managers and staff to consider it to improve the quality of patients' care.

A Study on the Self-Reported Quality of Life of HIV-Positive Slum-Dwellers in Mumbai, India

Background: HIV/AIDS emerged as one of the most important public health issues of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries and is now one of the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS by using different Domain Scores. Methods: This was a Bi-centric qualitative cross-sectional study, which was conducted in the three phases, by using standard, validated questionnaires used in WHOQOL HIV –BREF. Findings: Correlation of mean score of overall quality of life and general health score were statistically significant for gender, occupation, per capita income, age, education, marital status, current illness, treatment, CD4 count, HIV status and duration of disease. Correlation coefficient of different domains viz. physical health, psychological health, leave of independence, social relationship, environment, personal belief and spirituality, with overall quality of life score and general health score ranged from + 0.4 to + 0.7. 1.4. Conclusions Although overall quality of life was affected by different socio-demographic determinants, CD4 count, treatment, HIV status and duration of disease, it was contributed by six domain viz. Physical, Psychological, Level of independence, Social relationship, Environment and Spirituality / religion/ personal belief. So, a different approach under integrated program is required to strengthen the most affected domain in above variable to improve overall quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Benchmarking Customer Satisfaction with Hospital Food Service within the Army's Medical Command

LEARNING OUTCOME: To design and implement a standardized mechanism for measuring and improving customer satisfaction with meal service in a large, multi-hospital health care system. System-wide benchmarking offers a tool for external comparison, informed decision-making and strategic planning. In 1996, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) mandated external comparison as a mechanism for improving performance. Since Army hospital food service often doubles as a “mess hall” for soldiers, it is difficult to compare to civilian databases. With the help of the Army Personnel Survey Division, Alexandria, Virginia, the Nutrition Care Directorate (NCD) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) created and tested a dining hall satisfaction survey form and process in 1993, offered the standardized process to other Army hospitals in 1994, and expanded the process to a world-wide Army database in 1995. We added a standardized patient satisfaction survey in 1995, for patients who eat in their rooms. The survey forms are small and easy to complete, resulting in a 65% return rate. The data is scored with a 5-point weighted scale for quantifiable trending. A performance improvement coordinator consolidates and analyzes the data and produces individualized, quarterly comparison reports for each facility. Sixty-seven percent of 24 participating facilities have improved overall dining hall satisfaction. The mean score for overall quality of food in dining halls increased from 71 to 78. Twenty-seven percent of 15 participating facilities improved patient satisfaction for room meal service. The mean score for overall quality of food dropped from 80 to 78. Although some facilities are resistant to using the data or even measuring customer satisfaction, a number of facilities have used the results to better direct improvement efforts, meet accreditation standards, and plan operational changes.

Impact of nausea/vomiting on quality of life as a visual analogue scale-derived utility score.

Pharmacoeconomic analysis is often based upon incremental cost per increase in survival (cost-effectiveness). Using this definition supportive care measures, which increase quality but not quantity of life, generate a zero denominator and cannot be directly compared with other components of health care cost. Cost-utility analysis, which measures incremental cost per increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), where QALY = utility score x time at risk, addresses this problem, since successful supportive intervention increases the utility score and thus provides a finite denominator in QALY even when absolute survival is unchanged. However, utility scores for various supportive care modalities have not been well defined. As a pilot study to generate a first approximation of a utility score for nausea/vomiting, we used a rating scale technique and administered two visual analogue scale questions to 30 patients completing a cycle of chemotherapy. Patients rated their global quality of life during their previous cycle of chemotherapy with hypothetical absence or presence of nausea/vomiting as the only variable. The study population included 8 male and 22 female patients, with a median age of 56 years. The most common malignancies were breast cancer (8 patients), lung cancer (7 patients), and hematologic malignancies (7 patients). On a 100 mm visual analogue scale, the mean score for overall quality of life during chemotherapy was 79 mm without nausea/vomiting and 27 mm with nausea/vomiting (P < 0.001, paired t-test). The implied marked increase in utility with relief of nausea/vomiting suggests a significant impact on cost-utility analysis. Similar methodology could be used to estimate utility scores in other areas of supportive care.