Mean Scores For Scales Research Articles

Assessment of quality of life among breast cancer patients undergoing different Treatment Modalities at tertiary hospitals in north Karnataka, India

IntroductionBreast cancer treatment is an aggressive therapy that affects the patient's quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess the impact of breast cancer treatment on the QoL of breast cancer patients undergoing treatment. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients attending two tertiary care hospitals between August 2021 to December 2022. QoL of female patients above 18 years of age with a histopathological confirmation of Stage I-III breast cancer and an ECOG Performance Status between 0 and 1 was assessed using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ C30) and Breast Cancer Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ BR 23). Kruskal -Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests were used to assess the impact of treatment on QoL of breast cancer patients. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of QoL. ResultsA total of 428 respondents with a mean age of 48.67 years participated in the study. Mean score for Global Health Status was 59.87. High mean scores for functional scales were observed in cognitive functioning (79.17), followed by role functioning (72.04) and physical functioning (71.45). Among the symptom scales, high scores were noted for financial difficulty (67.60) followed by hair loss (54.52). QoL score of patients who underwent surgery was high (54.93) as compared to patients undergoing radiation (49.37) and chemotherapy (44.96). ConclusionThe overall QoL of women with breast cancer undergoing treatment was good. QoL of patients undergoing chemotherapy was the lowest, while patients who underwent surgery exhibited a better QoL.

Effectiveness of strengthening exercises on positive thinking skills, psychological wellness and mental strength in athletes with a meniscus-ripped knee

This study aims to examine the influence of positive thinking, psychological well-being, and mental toughness on the recovery process following strengthening exercises in individuals diagnosed with a meniscus tear in the knee. The research cohort comprises 32 athletes diagnosed with a meniscus tear through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Of these participants, 26 are male, and 6 are female, all aged above 18, engaged in amateur sports across diverse disciplines, and having sustained injuries during athletic activities. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (experimental, n=16) and Group B (control, n=16). The study adopts a mixed model incorporating experimental, survey, and relational methodologies. The experimental model utilizes the experimental method with pretest-follow-up test and posttest control group design. Over an 8-week period, participants engage in exercises with each training session comprising 10 repetitions conducted twice daily. Assessments using the Positive Thinking, Psychological Well-Being, and Mental Resilience scales occur during the Pre-Test, Follow-up Test, and Post-Test stages throughout the study duration. Analysis of the research results reveals mean scores for positive thinking and psychological well-being scales above the medium level, whereas mental toughness scale scores approximate the middle level. The study concludes a moderate, yet statistically insignificant, positive correlation among positive thinking, psychological well-being, and mental toughness scale scores. Significantly, participants, guided by a physical therapist, exhibit a faster recovery rate compared to the control group. Consequently, it is inferred that the incorporation of psychological support alongside physical exercises contributes to an accelerated recovery process.

Health-related quality of life assessment among patients with oesophageal cancer at Tikur Anbessa Specialised Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

In low-income countries, oesophageal cancer often presents at an advanced stage, leaving patients with limited curative treatment options. Furthermore, palliative treatments such as oesophageal stents or brachytherapy are lacking. This has a detrimental effect on their quality of life. In this study, we investigated the health-related quality of life of patients with oesophageal cancer at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialised Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia. The validated Amharic version of the questionnaire of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire Cancer 30 (EORTC QLQ C-30) and the oesophageal cancer disease-specific questionnaire QLQ-OES18 were used to assess the quality of life of each patient. The overall mean score for the EORTC QLQ C-30 was 35.43 (SD 18.04). The mean scores for the functional scales revealed that cognitive function was the highest, whereas role function was the lowest. The symptom scale results showed the highest score for pain and the lowest for diarrhoea. Dysphagia, choking, role functioning and financial difficulty correlated with the quality of life of patients with oesophageal cancer. Dysphagia, choking, role functioning and financial difficulty are important factors that affect the quality of life of patients with oesophageal cancer patients. Increasing the availability of palliative treatments for dysphagia to improve the quality of life in patients with oesophageal cancer is recommended.

Acute toxicity and quality of life in prostate cancer patients treated with definitive hypofractionated pelvic radiation therapy: a single-center report.

The objective was to report acute toxicity and quality of life in prostate cancer patients treated with definitive hypofractionated pelvic radiation therapy. Patients were designated candidates for hypofractionated pelvic radiation therapy if biopsy or imaging studies evidenced unfavorable intermediate-risk, high-risk or node-positive disease. Patients were treated using a regimen of 44 Gy to the nodal areas and simultaneous integrated boost of 60 Gy to the prostate in 20 fractions with CBCT-based imaging and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT). Patient data was obtained retrospectively; acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity was classified per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 and obtained from clinical records. Quality of life was surveyed via phone call using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire QLQ-PR25. 78 patients were treated between May and December 2021. 83.33% of patients had high-risk disease, 16.67% had intermediate-risk disease, and 34.62% patients had node-positive disease. Median follow-up was 10.6 months. No patients presented acute grade >3 GI toxicity, and one patient presented grade 3 GU toxicity. 25.64% patients presented acute G2 GI toxicity and 17.95% patients presented acute G2 GU toxicity. 60.26% of patients responded to the EORTC-PR25 questionnaire. Mean scores for symptom scales were 11.26, 4.96 and 9.57 for Urinary Symptoms, Bowel Symptoms and Hormonal Treatment-Related Symptoms; mean scores for Sexual Activity and Functioning were 19.86 and 31.08, respectively. Definitive hypofractionated pelvic radiation therapy has an acceptable acute toxicity and QoL profile in this series of patients, although longer follow-up is needed to properly evaluate short and long-term toxicity. Further follow-up and patient recruitment is ongoing.

Quality of life of older gynecologic oncology patients at the initiation of chemotherapy.

To evaluate older gynecologic oncology patients' quality of life (QOL) at the initiation of chemotherapy and compare their QOL scores with a female age-matched general population (GP) sample. Cross-sectional. Older (n = 122) gynecologic oncology patients completed the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) that evaluates global health and five functional scales (range from 0 to 100). Differences in QOL scores between our sample and the GP were evaluated using one-sample t-tests and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. Patients' mean age was 70.7 years (±6.6). Mean scores for the function scales ranged from 58.5 (±31.1) for role function to 86.1 (±17.0) for cognitive function. Compared to the GP, our sample reported significantly lower scores for global health status, social, role and physical functioning, and a significantly higher score for cognitive functioning. No differences were found in emotional functioning scores. No patient or public contribution.

Sluggish cognitive tempo profiles in survivors of childhood cancer as compared to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Neurocognitive late effects including problems with attention have been reported in pediatric oncology survivors. While some researchers have characterized these late effects as similar to symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, inattentive presentation (ADHD-I), there remains some controversy as to whether these concerns in oncology patients are best conceptualized according to an ADHD-I or sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) framework. The aim of this study was to describe SCT symptoms in children with ADHD-I or oncology diagnoses; identify groups of SCT symptoms among children with brain tumors (BT), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), or ADHD-I; and identify whether specific SCT profiles are associated with these diagnoses. The sample was comprised of 364 youth (146 BT, 149 ADHD-I, 69 ALL) referred for a neuropsychological evaluation at an academic medical center. Caregivers completed the SCT scale as part of the clinical evaluation. Groups differed on mean scores for the SCT scales (Total, Sleepy/sluggish, Low initiation, and Daydreamy) by diagnosis (all p < 0.05), with the ADHD-I group having higher SCT symptoms on all scales. Latent profile analysis showed significant differences between latent SCT classes according to ADHD-I versus cancer diagnosis. The ADHD-I group was significantly more likely to be in the high SCT class compared to the oncology groups. Findings add to the understanding of SCT symptoms in pediatric oncology survivors. There is utility in applying the SCT framework to the oncology population; however, pediatric survivors are likely to be rated differently than youth with ADHD-I. Implications and future directions are discussed.

The Development and Effectiveness of Combining Case-Based Online Lecture and Simulation Programs to Facilitate Interprofessional Function Care Training in Nursing Homes.

The aim of this study was to (1) develop a case-based combination of online lectures and simulations for function-focused care by nursing home interdisciplinary caregivers and (2) evaluate participants' increasing shared team and task knowledge by surrogate measures of team process and team performance. The study comprised the following steps: (1) the design of a learning module using a shared understanding of function-focused care as a shared mental model; (2) the establishment of two computer programs for online lectures and simulations using cases involving older adults with disabilities; and (3) testing the educational programs using a repeated-measures design. Participants were 61 interdisciplinary caregivers from seven nursing homes in four regions. Data from participants' team process and team performance were collected pre test, post online lecture, and post simulation. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the mean scores for scales of "transactive memory system," "knowledge sharing and utilization," "team outcomes," "motivation for learning transfer," "self-efficacy," "interpersonal understanding," "proactivity in problem solving," and "function-focused care knowledge" differed significantly between the time points. The results indicate that a case-based program of a combination of online lectures and simulations elicits significant improvements in participants' team process and team performance.

Increased stressful impact among general population in mainland China amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide cross-sectional study conducted after Wuhan city's travel ban was lifted.

Objectives:Our study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological responses and lifestyle changes among the general population in mainland China following the re-opening of the Wuhan city.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2020. Participants of Chinese nationality aged ⩾ 18 years were asked to complete a modified validated Chinese version of a questionnaire regarding the impact of event scale (IES), family and social support, mental health–related lifestyle changes, and indicators of negative mental health impacts.Results:A total of 728 participants (i.e., 217 males and 511 females) completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 32.9 ± 10.4 years, with a majority of them (92.2%) having a higher educational qualification level. The overall mean IES in participants was 21.5 ± 7.0, reflecting mild stressful impact (i.e., following the re-opening of the Wuhan city); 25.5% of the participants had an IES score ⩾ 26. Being females and married were significantly associated with a higher mean IES score. The overall mean scores for intrusion and avoidance score scales in participants were 9.4 ± 3.7 and 12.1 ± 4.2, respectively.Conclusions:The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased stressful impact in our participants following the re-opening of the Wuhan city when compared with our previous study, which should not be taken lightly.

219 A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between hidradenitis suppurativa, depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with pain, disfigurement and psychological distress. However, previous studies found conflicting results about whether HS is associated with increased prevalence of depression or anxiety. We sought to determine the complex relationship between HS, depression, and anxiety. A systematic review was performed of all published observational studies in MEDLINE, Pubmed, EMBASE, GREAT, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus and PsychInfo that analyzed depression or anxiety in HS. Two reviewers performed study title/abstract review and data abstraction. Pooled meta-analysis was performed using random-effects weighting. Overall, 39 studies met inclusion criteria; 27 had sufficient data for meta-analysis. The prevalence of depression was higher in persons with vs. without HS (26.6% vs. 6.6%; logistic regression, odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.54 [2.15-3.01]). In particular, HS was associated with higher odds of questionnaire based (2.61 [1.36-6.00]) and physician diagnosed (2.58 [2.15-3.08]) depression. Severe HS was associated with even higher odds of depression (n=3 studies). Similar results were found for anxiety (18.1% vs. 7.1%, 2.00 [1.66-2.42]). HS was associated with higher mean scores for multiple depression (n=11 studies) and anxiety scales (n=3 studies), and higher odds of anti-depressant (n=2 studies) and anxiolytic use (n=1 studies), and suicidality (n=2 studies). In conclusion, HS patients have higher odds of depression, anxiety, and suicidality.

Health-related quality of life in women with endometriosis, compared with the general population and women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Women with endometriosis have reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, comparisons to the general population and other patient groups are lacking. The present cross-sectional questionnaire study included 157 women with endometriosis, 156 women from the general population, and 837 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). During a period from 2012 to 2013, women aged 18-45years were recruited from the Norwegian Endometriosis Association and from a random sample of women residing in Oslo, Norway. HRQoL data from women with RA were included from a survey conducted in 2009 among patients of the Oslo Rheumatoid Arthritis Register. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. Compared with the control group, the endometriosis group had significantly reduced mean scores for all SF-36 scales. The difference was largest for the scale bodily pain with a mean score of 47.6 in the endometriosis group vs 81.5 in the control group. Compared with the RA group, the endometriosis group had significantly reduced mean scores for the three SF-36 scales vitality, social functioning, and mental health. The mean scores of these scales in the endometriosis group were 33.4, 62.7, and 66.3, respectively, vs 42.7, 68.8, and 72.6 in the RA group. Women with moderate to severe endometriosis seem to have overall impaired HRQoL compared with women from the general population, and poorer mental HRQoL compared with women with RA.

Resilience, coping and spinal cord injury: A pilot study for the validation of a specific scale

Resilience corresponds to one's ability to positively outcome while experiencing aversive situation. It may be linked with a disparity of coping strategies after a spinal cord-injury (SCI). After a recent work realized in a population without SCI, suggesting the influence of empathy and alexithymia, the aim of our work consisted in studying their relative contribution on resilience in a sample of SCI patients. The survey consisted in the French version of the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CDRISC10), the interpersonal reactivity index (IRI), the Toronto-alexithymia-scale (TAS20), the Brief-cope scale (b-COPE), the Hospital anxiety-depression scale (HAD) and the sense of coherence scale (SOCS), administered to 17 SCI patients included in the French study QaliPREPS (qualitative analysis of SCI patients’ perception of a systematic medical follow-up). Mean scores for full scales and their respective dimensions were calculated. The correlations between the different constructs were analyzed and the predictors of resilience were highlighted on the basis of multiple linear regression studies. Mean scores calculated for anxiety/depression, adaptation, sense of coherence and resilience were comparable to those calculated for a sample of adults with no SCI. Resilience presented significant positive correlation with copying ability and empathy, and significant negative correlation with alexithymia. Our data suggested that two dimensions of alexithymia (i.e., difficulty to describe one's own emotions and externally oriented thinking) and one dimension of empathy (fantasy ability) are negative predictors of resilience. By contrast, three dimensions of empathy (perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress) positively influenced the resilience. We present the first analysis of resilience predictors in SCI patients. However, our study is limited by the small number of patients included into the survey. It justifies a scaling up in order to increase the strength of our conclusions.

Physician–patient interactions in African American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Demographic characteristics and relationship with disease activity and depression

ObjectiveAfrican American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at high risk for poor outcomes. Both patient characteristics and the severity of the disease may influence physician–patient interactions, which in turn can impact disease outcomes. We aimed to examine whether patient perceptions of interpersonal processes of care (i.e. physician–patient interactions) varied by demographic characteristics, disease activity, and/or depression in African American patients with SLE. MethodsThe Georgians Organized Against Lupus (GOAL) is a cohort drawn from a population-based registry of people with SLE. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patient-reported data collected in 2016–17 among 698 African American participants (out of 863 GOAL participants). We assessed physician–patient interactions (communication, patient-centered decision making, and physician interpersonal style) through the Interpersonal Processes of Care survey (IPC-29), disease activity through the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire, and depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Mean scores of the IPC-29 scales were compared by gender, age and educational attainment with Wilcoxon rank-sum 2-sample test or Kruskal Wallis test. We conducted linear trend test to examine demographic-adjusted scores of IPC across severity of disease activity and depression, and multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the association of disease activity and depression with suboptimal IPC scores. ResultsOverall, the lowest mean scores were observed for the patient-centered decision making domain, and specifically about how often doctors assessed patients’ problems to follow recommendations and treatment among females compared with males (mean scores 3.13 ± 1.42 and 3.64 ± 1.38, respectively; p = 0.015). Mean scores for the assumed socioeconomic level subdomain (how often doctors make assumptions about a patient's socioeconomic level) were worse in individuals aged 18–34 (mean score 1.59 ± 0.94), compared to those aged 35–55 (mean score 1.47 ± 0.94; p = 0.033). Patients with some college or higher educational attainment reported poorer mean scores for most communication and interpersonal style scales than those who reported high-school or less. We found significant linear trends of poorer scores for all communication scales across more severe disease activity and depression symptoms, and poorer scores for all interpersonal style scales across more severe disease activity. Multivariate models revealed that while depression was associated with suboptimal quality of both communication (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04–1.39) and interpersonal style (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.01–1.25), disease activity only increased the odds of suboptimal interpersonal style (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.03–1.25). ConclusionIn the African American population with SLE, suboptimal interactions with providers may be explained in part by the mental and physical symptoms of the patient, regardless of age, gender and education. In addition to standard of care treatment, SLE patients with more severe disease activity and depression might need provider-based interventions focused on communication and interpersonal style.

Contextualized personality measures in employee selection: Extending frame‐of‐reference research with job applicant samples

AbstractThis study compared contextualized and non‐contextualized personality measures in operational hiring situations, unlike previous research which has largely relied on student or job incumbent samples. Comparisons were made with regard to (A) the frames‐of‐reference adopted by applicants when responding to the measures, (B) relations with subsequent employment interview scores, (C) applicant reactions, and (D) mean scores for the personality scales. The findings highlight potential concerns with using non‐contextualized personality measures for employee selection, as job applicants will likely adopt various frames‐of‐reference unrelated to the intended focus of measurement (i.e., work). Results also indicated that it may be premature to assume contextualized measures elicit improved applicant reactions despite their apparent job‐relatedness. The discussion concludes with suggested directions for future research.

QOL-12SELF- AND PROXY-REPORTED CLINICAL OUTCOMES ASSESSMENTS (COAS) IN A LARGE COHORT OF CHILDREN WITH EPENDYMOMA.

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing emphasis on the evaluation of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in children with brain tumors. These metrics are especially critical for children with ependymoma, who frequently have prolonged treatment courses and undergo recurring cycles of remission and progression that may lead to significant morbidity. However, very few studies have examined PROs or COAs in children with ependymoma. This study details the COA data derived from the Pediatric Ependymoma Outcomes (PEO) project within the CERN Foundation. METHODS: Data in the PEO study were collected via an online survey using self-report and parent-proxy measures in the PROMIS battery, specifically, the Physical Function-Upper Extremity, Physical Function-Mobility, Pain Interference, Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, and Peer Relations scales. RESULTS: Twenty-seven parent-child dyads participated. Self-reporters were 59.3% male, 85.2% non-Hispanic white, and had a mean age of 11.7 years (range, 5-22). Parent-proxy reports were completed by more mothers (74.1%), who were well-educated (74% at least some college education). Of importance, mean scores for most scales were generally within normal limits, reflecting good overall functioning. Even so, approximately a third of self- and parent-reports (32% and 36%, respectively) described poor physical mobility (at least 1 SD below the mean). In addition, a third of parents (32%) perceived their children as having elevated levels of fatigue. Finally, although children generally indicated typical levels of anger, depression, or anxiety, nearly a third (32%) reported peer relations that were at least one SD below the mean. Associations between demographics, disease, and treatment variables will also be presented. CONCLUSIONS: Children with ependymoma and their parents reported average COA as a group across multiple scales, demonstrating general physical and psychosocial well-being. However, there is a sizable percentage of children who exhibit difficulties in physical and social adaptation following diagnosis.

Gender norms, psychometric properties, and validity for the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory

The Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory [EPSI; Forbush KT, Wildes JE, Pollack LO, Dunbar D, Luo J, Patterson K, et al. Development and validation of the EPSI. Psychological Assessment, in press] is an empirically derived self-report measure of eating disorder (ED) symptoms. The EPSI is able to capture the majority of variance associated with established ED measures, yet possesses additional content that is not currently represented in any existing multidimensional ED measure. The purpose of this study was to present normative and psychometric data for the EPSI in a large sample of college men (N = 502) and women (N = 625). Participants completed the EPSI and a battery of self-report measures to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity. To provide context as to how normative scores compare to ED psychopathology, undergraduate student scores were compared to scores from individuals with EDs (N = 150). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the EPSI had a robust eight-factor structure that was replicated in both men and women. Mean scores for most scales were significantly higher in women, except for Excessive Exercise, Muscle Building, and Negative Attitudes toward Obesity, which were significantly higher in men. Most scale scores were significantly lower in college students than in patients with EDs. Results indicated excellent convergent and discriminant validity in both genders. These data provide the first large-scale normative data for the EPSI in young adults, as well as additional evidence supporting the psychometric properties and construct validity of the EPSI.

Abstract P5-17-03: Quality of life (QoL) results from the TURANDOT trial comparing two bevacizumab (BEV)-containing regimens as first-line treatment for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (mBC)

Abstract Background: BEV has been shown to significantly improve the efficacy of both paclitaxel (PAC) and capecitabine (CAP) as first-line therapy for HER2-negative mBC. TURANDOT, a randomized phase III trial comparing BEV-PAC vs BEV-CAP, includes extensive QoL evaluation. Methods: Patients (pts) with HER2-negative mBC who had received no prior chemotherapy for mBC were randomized to receive either BEV-PAC (BEV 10 mg/kg d1 &amp; 15 + PAC 90 mg/m2 d1, 8, &amp; 15 q4w) or BEV-CAP (BEV 15 mg/kg d1 + CAP 1000 mg/m2 bid d1-14 q3w) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS); QoL, assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30, is a secondary endpoint. Pts were asked to complete QLQ-C30 at baseline, q12w during study therapy, at the end of treatment, and 28 days after discontinuing from the study. Results: On-treatment QoL questionnaires were available from all 561 of the treated pts at baseline, 394 at week 12, 266 at week 24, 186 at week 36, 129 at week 48, and &amp;lt;100 at subsequent assessments. For time points up to week 48, there were more questionnaires available from the BEV-PAC than the BEV-CAP arm; the pattern reversed thereafter. Mean global health score was similar in the two treatment arms with little change from baseline over time. In the BEV-PAC arm, mean baseline score was 58.0, remaining above the baseline score up to week 60; mean changes from baseline ranged from +8.3 at week 96 (n = 4) to −9.2 at week 60; mean changes for time points with data from &amp;gt;50 pts ranged from +1.5 to +2.6. In the BEV-CAP arm, mean baseline score was 56.0; the mean score remained above the baseline mean score until week 96. Mean change from baseline ranged from −3.9 at week 84 to +4.9 at week 96. Mean scores for most individual symptom scales were low (typically &amp;lt;20) at baseline and remained low until week 96, suggesting that symptoms evaluated in QLQ-C30 did not represent a major burden to pts. The highest mean baseline symptom scores in both treatment arms were for fatigue (34.1 with BEV-PAC vs 38.8 with BEV-CAP), pain (30.4 vs 34.3, respectively), and insomnia (29.3 vs 32.4, respectively). Mean scores for these symptom scales showed no meaningful increase (representing a deterioration in QoL) over time. Mean scores for the appetite loss and dyspnea scales slightly favored the BEV-CAP arm from week 36 onwards. Scores for financial difficulties fluctuated over time. Physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning scales showed slight or no change over time and no difference between treatment regimens. Conclusion: Extensive QoL evaluation in the TURANDOT trial revealed no clear difference in global health score and little or no difference in functioning and symptom scales between the treatment regimens. Importantly, BEV-containing therapy was not associated with a deterioration in global health score in either arm. This has important implications when considering the potential benefit of a treatment, particularly in the first-line mBC setting, where clinically meaningful endpoints continue to be debated. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-17-03.

Cross-Informant Agreement Between Parent-Reported and Adolescent Self-Reported Problems in 25 Societies

We used population sample data from 25 societies to answer the following questions: (a) How consistently across societies do adolescents report more problems than their parents report about them? (b) Do levels of parent–adolescent agreement vary among societies for different kinds of problems? (c) How well do parents and adolescents in different societies agree on problem item ratings? (d) How much do parent–adolescent dyads within each society vary in agreement on item ratings? (e) How well do parent–adolescent dyads within each society agree on the adolescent's deviance status? We used five methods to test cross-informant agreement for ratings obtained from 27,861 adolescents ages 11 to 18 and their parents. Youth Self-Report (YSR) mean scores were significantly higher than Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) mean scores for all problem scales in almost all societies, but the magnitude of the YSR–CBCL discrepancy varied across societies. Cross-informant correlations for problem scale scores varied more across societies than across types of problems. Across societies, parents and adolescents tended to rate the same items as low, medium, or high, but within-dyad parent–adolescent item agreement varied widely in every society. In all societies, both parental noncorroboration of self-reported deviance and adolescent noncorroboration of parent-reported deviance were common. Results indicated many multicultural consistencies but also some important differences in parent–adolescent cross-informant agreement. Our findings provide valuable normative baselines against which to compare multicultural findings for clinical samples.

The Emotional Intelligence Profile of Successful Staff Nurses

This study investigated the emotional intelligence (EI) profile of successful staff nurses to examine correlations among EI and demographic variables. This descriptive, exploratory study examined the EI of 42 participants using the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory. Mean scores for total EI, scales, and subscales were all in the average range, indicating an ability to successfully navigate relationships in work and life. Nineteen percent of the participants scored below average on total EI, whereas 31% scored above average. A negative correlation between age and empathy was found. Relative areas of strength included stress tolerance, problem solving, self-regard, and self-actualization. The study findings suggested that successful staff nurses have average or higher levels of EI and that empathy among these nurses declines with age. Research on how empathy evolves, factors that influence empathy, and strategies to enhance EI among nurses is warranted.

Use of venlafaxine in psychiatric disorders and climacteric syndrome: is a therapeutic bridge?

Objective: To verify the efficacy of the double-action mechanism of venlafaxine for depression and climacteric symptoms. Methods: A group of 20 postmenopausal women (age range 40–60 years) with diagnosis of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and climacteric symptoms was enrolled. All participants received venlafaxine (75 mg/day) for 2 months. Clinical checkup and evaluation test were repeated every 2 weeks for 2 months of treatment. Results: Before treatment, the mean scores for the clinical evaluation scales (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) were 13.9 and 18.7, respectively (mild–moderate severity). The general level of psychopathology was not particularly high (Symptomatology Checklist-90, mean total 103), the most common psychopathological dimensions were depression and somatization. The sample suffered from mild climacteric syndrome (Kupperman Index Score, mean = 19.1). Clinical improvement was visible after 2 weeks of treatment and continued until the last checkup, 2 months after the start of treatment (final Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores: 5.1 and 6.3, respectively). Kupperman Index Scores at the end of the treatment period demonstrated complete resolution of the climacteric syndrome (mean score = 6.57). Conclusion: Venlafaxine is efficacy in treating both psychiatric disorders and climacteric symptomatology.

Utility of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for Assessing Acute Hand and Wrist Injuries in Children

Despite the frequency of hand and wrist injuries in children, patient-reported outcomes have not been systematically assessed. This study hypothesizes that the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) can be reliable, responsive, and discriminatory in assessing the impact of acute pediatric hand and wrist injuries on function and quality of life. Consecutive patients presenting to a pediatric clinic with acute hand and wrist injuries over a 3-month period completed PODCI questionnaires at initial and follow-up visits. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach α and responsiveness with standardized response means and effect sizes. Scores for each PODCI scale were compared with established age-matched normative scores and among injury types, injury locations, sexes, age groups, and visits using t tests. Changes in clinic wait times, visit lengths, and patient satisfaction were assessed as measures of feasibility through t tests and Fisher exact tests. The influence of PODCI administration on patient wait times, total visit lengths, and satisfaction was measured through t tests and Fisher exact tests. During this study, 125 patients with acute hand and wrist injuries completed PODCI questionnaires at initial presentation. Follow-up questionnaires were collected at a median of 3 weeks later from 22 patients. All PODCI scales demonstrated internal reliability and responsiveness to clinical change in this sample. At the initial visit, mean scores for all PODCI scales, except happiness, were significantly lower than established age-matched normative values. Adolescents had worse pain and global function than young children. Children significantly improved in mobility, comfort, and global function from initial visit to follow-up. At follow-up, young children were similar to norms on all scales except global function, whereas adolescents were only similar to norms on pain. PODCI administration did not influence patient wait times, total visit lengths, or satisfaction. Patient-reported outcomes can be systematically assessed in children and adolescents with acute hand and wrist injuries. The PODCI is reliable, responsive to changes over time, and able to discriminate between populations. The PODCI has potential to be an effective clinical and research tool for assessing and improving patient outcomes. Level III.