Mean Total Quality Of Life Score Research Articles

Exploring quality of life disparities among 177 families with children affected by cleft lip and/or palate: A comprehensive analysis using the Impact on Family Scale

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of parents/caregivers of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) using the Impact on Family Scale (IOFS).Methods: Families of children requiring primary or secondary CLP repair were recruited based on the inclusion criteria. The IOFS questionnaire was utilized to assess perceived QoL. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine factors linked to impacted QoL.Results: Out of the 192 families contacted, 177 participated (92.2%). The patients had a mean age of 8.9 ± 5.4 months, with a majority of families residing in rural areas (67.2%). The questionnaires assessed QoL before surgery, revealing a mean total QoL score of 68.8 ± 19.4, with 49.7% of families experiencing affected QoL. The analysis demonstrated a significant association between the female sex of parents/caregivers and a more impacted QoL (p = 0.018), as well as between the absence of a history of CLP in the family and a more affected QoL (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.3 – 6.7; p = 0.008).Conclusion: Caring for a child with CLP significantly decreases parents/caregivers’ QoL in all domains. The results emphasize the significance of considering the family history of CLP and the gender of the parents in the comprehensive care of affected families.

Exploring quality of life disparities among 177 families with children affected by cleft lip and/or palate: A comprehensive analysis using the Impact on Family Scale

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of parents/caregivers of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) using the Impact on Family Scale (IOFS).Methods: Families of children requiring primary or secondary CLP repair were recruited based on the inclusion criteria. The IOFS questionnaire was utilized to assess perceived QoL. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine factors linked to impacted QoL.Results: Out of the 192 families contacted, 177 participated (92.2%). The patients had a mean age of 8.9 ± 5.4 months, with a majority of families residing in rural areas (67.2%). The questionnaires assessed QoL before surgery, revealing a mean total QoL score of 68.8 ± 19.4, with 49.7% of families experiencing affected QoL. The analysis demonstrated a significant association between the female sex of parents/caregivers and a more impacted QoL (p = 0.018), as well as between the absence of a history of CLP in the family and a more affected QoL (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.3 – 6.7; p = 0.008).Conclusion: Caring for a child with CLP significantly decreases parents/caregivers’ QoL in all domains. The results emphasize the significance of considering the family history of CLP and the gender of the parents in the comprehensive care of affected families.

Exploring the Correlation Between Sexual Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life among Stroke Survivors in South-East Nigeria

Stroke’s multifaceted impact necessitates understanding its effects on survivors’ psychological well-being, daily functioning, and sexual health. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between sexual function, mental health, and quality of life (QoL) among stroke survivors. This cross-sectional survey involved 82 stroke survivors recruited from selected healthcare centers in Nnewi. The stroke-specific QoL scale and Mental health inventory-38 were used to evaluate the QoL and mental health status of the participants, respectively. Male and female sexual functions were assessed using the International Index for Erectile Function and Female sexual index, respectively. Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank order correlation were used to analyze data. The participants’ mean total QoL score was 112.57±37.67, representing 46% of the maximum possible score, with the highest and lowest scores in vision (68.94%) and social role (24.39%) domains. The participants scored <50% in seven quality-of-life domains. The mean total mental health score was 141.76±13.70, with the highest and lowest scores in anxiety (70.75%) and emotional tie (50.71%) domains, respectively. Males had a mean total sexual function score of 30.80%, with none reaching the 50th percentile, except overall satisfaction (50.61%), while females scored 16.41%, with none reaching the 50th percentile and 0.0% in the pain domain. This study highlights the significant challenges stroke survivors face in QoL, mental health, and sexual function. The findings underscore the need for holistic and tailored interventions addressing these multidimensional aspects of post-stroke care, focusing on improving sexual well-being to enhance overall life satisfaction in male survivors.

The clinical characteristics and quality of life of 248 pediatric and adult patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment. Patients may face stigmatization, which may affect their quality of life (QoL). Therefore, we assessed the clinical characteristics and QoL of patients with CAH in the Middle East. This case-control study included patients with CAH aged >5 years from two tertiary centers (2020-2021). The patients were matched to a healthy control group and were then divided into pediatric and adult groups. Data were collected from their electronic medical records. Additionally, the EQ-5D-5L QoL questionnaire was completed by both the patients and control group to assess five domains (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). The study included 248 patients with CAH (females: 58.8%), with a family history of the condition (57.3%) and/or parental consanguinity (68.1%). The most frequently reported gene defect was CYP21A2, while the most commonly reported symptoms/signs were ambiguous genitalia and obesity. Almost all female patients had received corrective surgery. The questionnaire response rate was 86.3% (n=214/248). The CAH patient group's mean total QoL score was 85.2 compared with 99.8 in the control. Further, CAH patients had lower QoL scores in all domains compared to those in the control group (p ≤ 0.0001-0.0023). The pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression domains were affected significantly more than the other domains were, with 47.7% and 44.4% participants, respectively, p<0.0001. Additionally, obesity was found to be a predictor of reduced mobility following a logistic regression analysis (p ≤ 0.04, OR (0.18-0.98)). Patients with CAH reported lower QoL overall, particularly in the pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression domains. Based on this, we recommend the early involvement of psychologists in a multidisciplinary team approach, pre-marital screening, and the implementation of awareness programs for people diagnosed with CAH in communities with high consanguineous mating.

Factors Impacting Quality of Life of Caregivers of Cancer Patients in the Sub-Himalayan Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Caregivers of cancer patients experience excessive emotional and financial stress. Objective To determine the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of cancer patients and factors affecting it in caregivers attending the OPD of a governmental tertiary care cancer center in the sub-Himalayan region. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was used. A pre-validated caregiver quality of life (CQOL) questionnaire was completed by consenting caregivers of 96 outpatient attendees. Results The mean total QOL scores were higher in attendants of subjects who did not undergo surgery versus those who underwent surgery (p-value: 0.04) and in those who received 0-5 versus >5 chemotherapy cycles (p-value: 0.015). On subdomain analyses, the burden was significantly greater in caregivers of patients who did not undergo surgery (p-value: 0.02) and had a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale (p-value: 0.03). Disruptiveness was significantly higher in married individuals (p-value: 0.01) and those aged between 36 and 60 years (p-value: 0.003). Positive adaptation was worse in caregivers with another family member suffering from chronic illness (p-value: 0.041) and in professional and skilled workers (p-value: 0.03). The greater financial burden was experienced by caregivers belonging to lower socioeconomic status (p-value: 0.03). On putting these factors in the regression model, the non-specific domain of 0-5 cycles had poor CQOL, i.e., higher scores. The burden score was more in ECOG stages 3 and 4 in comparison with stages 1 and 2. Married individuals had significant disruption. Individuals aged between 36 and 60 years perceived more disruption in their lives. A more financial impact was observed on the lower middle and lower class compared to the upper and upper middle class. Conclusion Caregivers of cancer patients experience significant stress and burden. Counseling and social and financial support to caregivers may help improve CQOL.

A study of quality of life among the elderly in urban areas of Tirupati

Abstract Background: The objectives of the study are to evaluate quality of life (QoL) among the elderly and to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and QoL. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in elderly subjects (aged 60 years and above) (n = 120) in the urban field practice areas of our tertiary care teaching institute in southern India. QoL was assessed using World Health Organization-QoL BREF Questionnaire. Results: Most of the study population were aged 60–69 years (65.8%), males (51.7%), from nuclear families (78.3%), Hindus (67.5%) and were literates (78.3%). Majority of families belong to the upper lower socio-economic group (45%). Most of them belonged to the backward caste communities (30%). The mean total QoL score was high among ≥80 years, males, illiterates and upper class. All these differences were statistically non-significant. However, the mean total QoL score showed significant relation with socio-economic class. The domain correlation ranged between 0.238 and 0.690 and was statistically significant. Conclusions: Most of the study population were leading moderate QoL, followed by good QoL. Based on total domain QoL scores, it is concluded from this study that overall QoL is good among elderly ≥80 years, males, illiterates and the population in the upper socio-economic class. The mean total QoL score showed a significant relation with socio-economic class.

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 Adolescent Pregnant Women Referred to Healthcare Centers in Arak

Background &amp; Aims Pregnancy is associated with physiological and psychological changes. Pregnancy in adolescence may affect the quality of life (QoL) of young women. This study aims to investigate the QoL of adolescent pregnant women in Arak, Iran. Materials &amp; Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 217 adolescent pregnant women referred to comprehensive health centers in urban areas of Arak city in 2020 who were selected by a multi-stage sampling method. A demographic form and the QoL gravidarum questionnaire (QoL-GRAV) were used to collect information. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation test were used to examine the relationship between the study variables in SPSS software, version 22. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 17.86±1.42 years. Their mean total score of QoL was 1.83±0.56, which was higher than average. They had the highest score in the psychological health domain (Mean=2.01) and the lowest score in the social functioning domain (Mean=1.5). Mother's educational level, husband's educational level, economic status , and pregnancy status (unplanned/planned) according to women and their husbands had a statistically significant relationship with the QoL. Conclusion The QoL of adolescent pregnant women in Arak is higher than the average. Those with higher educational level, those with husbands having higher educational level, those with better economic status, and those with planned pregnancy have better QoL.

Quality of life beyond diagnosis in intellectual disability – Latent profiling

ObjectiveTo compare quality of life (QOL) across diagnoses associated with intellectual disability, construct QOL profiles and evaluate membership by diagnostic group, function and comorbidities. MethodPrimary caregivers of 526 children with intellectual disability (age 5–18 years) and a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, CDKL5 deficiency disorder or Rett syndrome completed the Quality of Life Inventory-Disability (QI-Disability) questionnaire. Latent profile analysis of the QI-Disability domain scores was conducted. ResultsThe mean (SD) total QOL score was 67.8 (13.4), ranging from 60.3 (14.6) for CDD to 77.5 (11.7) for Down syndrome. Three classes describing domain scores were identified: Class 1 was characterised by higher domain scores overall but poorer negative emotions scores; Class 2 by average to high scores for most domains but low independence scores; and Class 3 was characterised by low positive emotions, social interaction, and leisure and the outdoors scores, and extremely low independence scores. The majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome belonged to Class 1 and the majority with CDKL5 deficiency disorder belonged to Class 3. Those with better functional abilities (verbal communication and independent walking were predominately members of Class 1 and those with frequent seizures were more often members of Class 2 and 3. ConclusionThe profiles illustrated variation in QOL across a diverse group of children. QOL evaluations illustrate areas where interventions could improve QOL and provide advice to families as to where efforts may be best directed.

Depression, sleep disturbance, and quality of life in patients undergoing dialysis therapy

AimsTo examine the association between depression, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing dialysis. BackgroundSleep disturbance and depression are highly prevalent symptoms in patients on dialysis and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, the complex association between EDS and depression in patients on dialysis and the determination of which of the two has a greater impact on QOL are not well documented. MethodsThis study used a correlational cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 180 patients on dialysis was surveyed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the short version of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life. Multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the predictors of QOL. ResultsThe overall mean total QOL score was 52.13 ± 19.22. The mean scores of depression and EDS were 16.36 ± 9.95 and 7.544 ± 531, respectively. Considering cut-off scores of ≥11 for BDI-II and ≥10 for ESS, 5.6 % of the participants had depression and 32.2 % had EDS. Depression was independently associated with a lower QOL score (r = −0.57, p < 0.001). The model showed a 38 % variation in the total QOL score. ConclusionsDepression and EDS were high among patients on dialysis, and depression was the main predictor of QOL. Screening for these unpleasant symptoms using brief and proven methods should be included in the standard clinical practice.

Effectiveness of the Educational-Supportive Program to Improve the Quality of Life Among Patients with Hepatitis C virus (HCV): A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection reduces its victims' quality of life (QoL). Generally, hepatitis-C patients seem to face decreased social, family, and friends support and a social phobia that lowers their QoL and emotional state. There is a need to pay special attention to hepatitis-C patients' emotional and social needs. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of social support, family, and education on the quality of life of hepatitis drug users. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 144 male drug users (72 people in each intervention and control group) with hepatitis C referring to two Drop-in Centers covered by the Welfare Organization in Isfahan, Iran, in 2017 - 2018. Convenience sampling was used in this study, and the sample size was determined to be 72 subjects in both groups, and through tossing a coin, drop-in-center no. 1 was selected as the intervention group and the drop-in-center no. 2 as the control group. Those in the intervention group were divided into six 12-person groups and were invited to participate in a supportive-educational program with a family member. A self-administered questionnaire measuring demographic characteristics, high-risk behaviors, the status of hepatitis C, and SF-36 for determining the QoL was completed by participants in both intervention and control groups before and after the intervention. Results: The mean QoL score and changes in this score during the three times of measurements were significantly different between the two groups. However, after the intervention, the mean total QoL score in the intervention group (71.32 (16.15)) was significantly higher than the control group (48.22 (25.81)) (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Educational programs with a strong emphasis on family support and companionship can improve some dimensions of the QoL in patients with HCV.

Quality of life and psychological impact among chronic disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: Patients diagnosed with chronic disease may experience psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue, all of which may adversely affect their quality of life (QoL). The main objective of this study is to identify the level of QoL, to know the prevalence of these symptoms among chronic disease patients in Oman during the third wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to explore the contributing factors.Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Therapy (FACT)–General, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the FACT–Fatigue subscale via Qualtrics® software. Linear regression analyses were used to explore factors that were associated with QoL.Results: Of 990 patients with chronic disease who participated, the mean total QoL score was 67.7 (standard deviation = 16.1). Participants aged above 51, those with a basic education, those with heart disease, or those with more than one comorbidity had a significantly lower QoL. Linear regression revealed that the main factors associated with lower QoL included heart disease (β = 0.05, P = 0.02), diabetes (β = 0.12, P < 0.01), having taken one dose of COVID-19 vaccine (β = 0.05, P = 0.04), anxiety (β = −0.24, P < 0.01), depression (β = −0.31, P < 0.01), insomnia (β = −0.12, P < 0.01), and fatigue (β = 0.27, P < 0.01).Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the individuals' level of QoL and affected the mental health of patients diagnosed with chronic diseases. Appropriate strategies to monitor psychological problems and interventions to prevent and reduce these among such patients are needed.

Quality of life and empowerment among women.

BACKGROUND:Few women in history were respected by society because of their contributions to the field of science, arts, politics, and so on, but in general, women are deprived of their rights and being refrained from decision-making in major areas of individual and family life. This research tried to investigate the degree of empowerment and quality of life (QOL) of the women to find out the relationship between empowerment and QOL of women.MATERIALS AND METHODS:An exploratory survey was carried out among 210 purposively selected married women aged between 20 and 49 years in a selected municipality area of West Bengal. Data were obtained by one-to-one interviews using Women Empowerment Interview Schedule and WHOQOL Scale BREF.RESULTS:The mean total QOL score of the women was found as 98.59 ± 13.61. The transformed scores in the physical, psychological, social relation, and environmental domains were 74.92 ± 14.97, 66.58 ± 15.78, 81.00 ± 18.07, and 65.28 ± 17.99, respectively. The degree of empowerment was calculated as 64.71 ± 6.79. Among the women, 5% had poor, 62% had medium, and 33% had a high degree of empowerment. A weak positive correlation (r = 0.325, P = 0.001) was found between QOL and empowerment. Significant associations were established between empowerment and education (Fisher's exact = 13.975 [0.007]) and education gap with husband (Fisher's Exact = 8.68, P 0.069). Multiple regression analysis between empowerment dimensions and QOL shows that personal or family dimensions, including health, are a significant predictor for the QOL (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION:Most of the women had medium degree of empowerment. Increased degree of empowerment improves their QOL of women. Women should be aware of their rights that can enhance the empowerment in different dimensions of life.

A case-control study of pattern and determinants of quality of life of patients with diabetes in a developing country

BackgroundGlobally, diabetes is a leading cause of impairment of quality of life. In the sub-Saharan African region, there is a need for studies that provide more valid assessment of effect of diabetes on quality of life (QoL). This study aimed at assessing quality of life among patients with diabetes attending a tertiary health service in Nigeria.MethodsThe study design was a case-control. Diabetic cases were randomly recruited from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while non-diabetic controls were civil servants and retirees. The validated and pretested WHOQoL-BREF instrument was used to assess quality of life, with higher scores indicating higher quality of life.ResultsThree hundred and thirty subjects were studied, with mean ages of males and females of 55.2 ± 4.8 and 51.8 ± 6.3 years, respectively. The mean total QoL score was 75.77 ± 11.2, with no significant difference between males and females. Among male and female cases, the mean score of the physical health domain was significantly lower for cases compared with controls (p = 0.05). Male cases compared with controls had higher scores for the environment domain (p < 0.05). Older age and higher systemic blood pressure were associated with lower QoL scores for both sexes (p < 0.05). Unmarried status, obesity, and poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) were associated with lower QoL scores (p < 0.05). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and lipid profile were not significantly correlated with QoL score in both sexes (p > 0.05).ConclusionDiabetes contributes to low quality of life among males and females, with significant differences in the affected domains. Diabetes care providers should identify affected domains during clinic consultation, in order to improve provision of more effective care.

Quality of life in patients with hereditary angioedema in Canada

BackgroundHereditary angioedema (HAE) is associated with decreased quality of life (QoL), which has typically been measured using a generic non–disease-specific questionnaire. ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the QoL in patients with HAE type I and II in Canada using a previously validated HAE-specific questionnaire. MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to the members of two Canadian HAE patient groups to collect data on demographics, HAE clinical course, and QoL scores. All patients 18 years of age or older with HAE type I or II were eligible. The impact of the available clinical factors on the QoL scores was evaluated. Multiple linear regression was performed using clinically relevant factors to predict HAE QoL outcome. ResultsAmong the 72 patients in the study, the mean total HAE QoL score was 102 (±23) (SD) on a scale of 25 to 135, with higher scores indicating better QoL. Although the total QoL scores correlated positively with patients’ level of satisfaction and perceived control (P < .001 for both), it correlated negatively with the number of acute attacks (P = .03). Yet, the types of treatment did not have an impact on the QoL. Predictors, including sex, comorbidities, and the number of attacks, only explained 12% of the variance in the total QoL scores. ConclusionHAE continues to impair QoL in Canadian patients despite receiving recommended treatment. Although the frequency of attacks affects QoL, patients’ experience with their HAE care also affects QoL substantially. The study highlights the importance of considering patients’ experience with their HAE care as physicians develop an appropriate management plan.

Health-related quality of life correlates with time in therapeutic range in children under anticoagulants with INR self-monitoring

In paediatrics, managing oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the correlation between time in therapeutic range (TTR) and quality of life (QoL) in children participating in a non-selective INR self-monitoring VKA-educational program. Children aged from 2 to 18 years under VKA therapy were eligible for this prospective multicentre study. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Health-related QoL was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire. Correlations between QoL scores and TTR were measured. A total of 121 children were included in the study (mean age 9.6 ± 4.9 years old). Cardiac conditions represented the predominant indication for VKA. The mean TTR was 0.78 ± 0.15, overall, and 0.76 ± 0.24 over the 3-month period before QoL assessment. The mean total QoL score was 76.2 ± 18 in self-reports, 71.4 ± 22 in mother-reports, and 73.5 ± 19 in father-reports. The TTR correlated with the total QoL scores, in self-reports ( r = 0.22, P = 0.04), mother-reports ( r = 0.23, P = 0.02), and father-reports ( r = 0.28, P = 0.02). The TTR predominantly correlated with school functioning in self-reports ( r = 0.38, P = 0.002) and mother-reports ( r = 0.40, P < 0.01), and with physical functioning in father-reports ( r = 0.28, P = 0.02). TTR correlated with QoL in children participating in a non-selective INR self-monitoring VKA-educational program. Regular assessment of QoL in patient education programs participates in understanding the concerns and needs of patients.

The effect of acupressure on quality of life among female nurses with chronic back pain

BackgroundChronic back pain is one of the most common work-related diseases and most important of musculoskeletal disorders in nursing professionals and because of the physical and psychological effects, has a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). Acupressure is a holistic form of complementary medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on QOL among female nurses with chronic back pain. Materials and methodsThis randomized single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 50 nurses with chronic back pain working at the selected hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. After convenient sampling, the subjects were randomly allocated, through lottery, to the two groups of experimental (n = 25) and sham (n = 25). In the experimental group, acupressure techniques were performed during 9 sessions, 3 times a week for 14 min for each patient. In the sham group, points within 1 cm of the main points were only touched. Data were collected using the SF36 questioner, before, and immediately, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. ResultsIndependent t-test showed that the mean total score of QOL before the intervention was not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P = .68). However, it was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the Sham group, immediately, 2 weeks, and 1 month after the intervention (P < .001). ConclusionsAcupressure on specific points of the foot and back improves back pain and as a result, increases QOL. Therefore, acupressure can be used as a drug-free and low-cost approach without side effects to improve QOL in nurses with chronic back pain.

Health-related quality of life correlates with time in therapeutic range in children under anticoagulants with INR self-monitoring

In paediatrics, managing oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the correlation between time in therapeutic range (TTR) and quality of life (QoL) in children participating in a non-selective INR self-monitoring VKA-educational program. Children aged from 2 to 18 years under VKA therapy were eligible for this prospective multicentre study. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Health-related QoL was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire. Correlations between QoL scores and TTR were measured. A total of 121 children were included in the study (mean age 9.6 ± 4.9 years old). Cardiac conditions represented the predominant indication for VKA. The mean TTR was 0.78 ± 0.15, overall, and 0.76 ± 0.24 over the 3-month period before QoL assessment. The mean total QoL score was 76.2 ± 18 in self-reports, 71.4 ± 22 in mother-reports, and 73.5 ± 19 in father-reports. The TTR correlated with the total QoL scores, in self-reports ( r = 0.22, P = 0.04), mother-reports ( r = 0.23, P = 0.02), and father-reports ( r = 0.28, P = 0.02). The TTR predominantly correlated with school functioning in self-reports ( r = 0.38, P = 0.002) and mother-reports ( r = 0.40, P < 0.01), and with physical functioning in father-reports ( r = 0.28, P = 0.02). TTR correlated with QoL in children participating in a non-selective INR self-monitoring VKA-educational program. Regular assessment of QoL in patient education programs participates in understanding the concerns and needs of patients.

Burden of epilepsy on adolescents and their families in Zagazig University hospital. “A cross sectional study”

Background Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, which has potentially adverse cognitive and psychosocial consequences. Objectives To assess the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents with epilepsy (AWE) and their families and also factors affecting it, related to both the disease burden and the antiepileptic drug. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was done on 217 AWE and one parent each. Sociodemographic and disease-related data were collected. Patients completed the QOL in epilepsy questionnaire (AD-48) and pediatric epilepsy side effects questionnaire. The parents completed impact of epilepsy on QOL questionnaire. Results Mean patients’ age was 14.33 years old, having disease since a mean duration of 6.62 years. Overall, 59.5% of them received polytherapy, with 37.3% having received new line of drugs. Approximately one-third of them had partial seizures. Half of them had one or two attacks per month. The mean total QOL score was 55.91±5.55. The largest percentage of parents reported that epilepsy had worse effects on their attitude, family change, general well-being, and adolescents’ QOL. There are significant relationships between QOL and mother education, age group, disease duration, seizures frequency, and type and line of antiepileptic drugs. There are significant negative correlations between all pediatric epilepsy side effects questionnaire domains and QOL. Conclusions Epilepsy had adverse effect on AWE and their families. Illiterate mothers, older, increasing duration, seizure frequency, generalized type, and being on old or combined drug regimens are the predictors of poor QOL.

Social support, functional outcome and quality of life among stroke survivors in an urban area

Sophisticated medical technologies can prolong a stroke patient’s life but not always their quality of life (QoL) due to poor functional outcomes. Social support can theoretically assist a patient’s adaptation to life after stroke and improve their QoL, but existing findings are inconclusive. This inconclusiveness is especially found in large cities where family and social bonding can be scarce. We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional study among 358 stroke patients to identify the effects of social support and functional outcome on QoL and its domains. The study took place in Bangkok, Thailand between July and December 2016. Data were collected by personal interview using a structured questionnaire that included the Short-Form WHO Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) and by review of medical records. A hierarchical linear regression method was used to analyze data. The mean age of stroke respondents was 66.0 years ( SD 13.5 years), and half were male. The mean total QoL score for patients was 68.6 ( SD 15.2). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis found emotional support significantly impacted QoL in every domain ( ps &lt; .05) when all included variables were controlled for. To improve the quality of life among stroke survivors, health personnel and family members should provide not only physical assistance but also psychological support.