Mean Total Quality Of Life Score Research Articles

The Use of Standardized Measures to Predict and Assess Quality of Life after Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair

The literature regarding laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair is difficult to interpret because of inconsistencies in describing hernia characteristics and outcome measures. This study was performed to evaluate risk factors for an unsatisfactory outcome after repair using objective definitions of hernia size and a clinically relevant outcome instrument. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was conducted over a seven-year period. Data collected included patient demographics and hernia-related variables. Outcomes were defined using a validated quality of life (QOL) instrument. Postoperatively, the mean total QOL score decreased from 22.9 to 5.8 (P < 0.001). In all, 13.8 per cent of patients had unsatisfactory QOL scores postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that high gastroesophageal (GE) junction position (P = 0.03) and female gender (P = 0.02) were the only significant factors associated with an unsatisfactory postoperative QOL. Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair significantly improves QOL. With respect to predicting clinically relevant outcomes, hernias are best characterized by the position of the GE junction. Females with high GE junction position are at the highest risk for an unsatisfactory outcome.

QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The QOL of HD patients was found to be considerably impaired when compared to that of healthy individuals of the general population. The careful assessment of QOL helps to guide and achieve medical management to optimize their health experience.Methods: Cross-sectional research design was adopted with 130 samples who met the inclusion criteria to conduct the study in the dialysis unit, India. The instrument used for the study was to collect the data are demographic variable and kidney disease QOL - short form version 1.3 scale.Results: The mean total score of QOL was 48.73±22.65, the highest score was for dialysis staff encouragement scale (84.04±14.89) followed by social support scale (80.38±20.38) and quality of social interaction (71.52±18.74). However, role limitation caused by physical health problems, role limitation caused by emotional health, and burden of kidney disease scales yielded the lowest scores (22.12±18.05, 26.92±24.15, and 38.03±12.81, respectively).Conclusion: The present study findings concluded that patients on HD were not having adequate QOL in all domains except patient satisfaction due to changes in the physiological, chemical changes occur in the kidney.

The effect of Tualang honey on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6-months regime of honey supplementation in improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsA single blind randomized controlled trial on 34 patients with COPD was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups, including honey (n = 22) and standard care (n = 12). St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess the QoL. The QoL total score was analysed using repeated measure ANOVA.ResultThere were no significant differences between the honey and standard care groups for socio-demographic and QoL variables. The within-time analysis showed statistically significant differences between baseline and post 2, 4 and 6-months in the total QoL score in the honey group. Otherwise, only marginally significant difference was detected between baseline and post 2-months in the standard care group. A comparison of total QoL score between the two groups, based on time (between and within), favoured the honey group. The honey group demonstrated a significantly lower mean total QoL score compared with the standard group at 4-months (28.89; 95% CI: 21.19, 36.59 vs 42.38; 95% CI: 31.95, 52.81) and 6 months (22.91; 95% CI: 14.94, 30.87 vs 41.95; 95% CI: 31.17, 52.73).ConclusionSupplementation of honey in patients with COPD results in better intermediate and long-term changes in the overall QoL.

A comparative study of quality of life of families with children born with cleft lip and/or palate before and after surgical treatment

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) of parents/caregivers of children with cleft lip and/or palate before and after surgical repair of an orofacial cleft.Materials and MethodsFamilies of subjects who required either primary or secondary orofacial cleft repair who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited. A preoperative and postoperative health-related QoL questionnaire, the ‘Impact on Family Scale’ (IOFS), was applied in order to detect the subjectively perceived QoL in the affected family before and after surgical intervention. The mean pre- and postoperative total scores were compared using paired t-test. Pre- and postoperative mean scores were also compared across the 5 domains of the IOFS.ResultsThe proportion of families whose QoL was affected before surgery was 95.7%. The domains with the greatest impact preoperatively were the financial domain and social domains. Families having children with bilateral cleft lip showed QoL effects mostly in the social domain and 'impact on sibling' domain. Postoperatively, the mean total QoL score was significantly lower than the mean preoperative QoL score, indicating significant improvement in QoL (P<0.001). The mean postoperative QoL score was also significantly lower than the mean preoperative QoL score in all domains. Only 3.2% of the families reported affectation of their QoL after surgery. The domains of mastery (61.3%) with a mean of 7.4±1.8 and finance (45.1%) with a mean score of 7.2±1.6 were those showing the greatest postoperative impact. The proportion of families whose QoL was affected by orofacial cleft was markedly different after treatment (95.7% preoperative and 3.2% postoperative).ConclusionCaring for children with orofacial clefts significantly reduces the QoL of parents/caregivers in all domains. However, surgical intervention significantly improves the QoL of the parents/caregivers of these children.

Predictors of quality of life among adolescents with epilepsy in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Assessment of quality of life (QOL) reveals the impact of diseases and factors responsible for the impairment of quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the QOL among adolescents with epilepsy (AWE) in the state of Andhra Pradesh. One hundred and fifty AWE aged 13-19 years were evaluated for QOL using the Telugu version of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory for Adolescents (QOLIE) AD-48 and the data were analyzed to predict the factors responsible for determining the QOL. The mean age of AWE was 15.86 ± 2.14 years. The age at onset of seizures among AWE was 9.28 ± 4.90 years. Generalized (45%) and partial seizures (34%) were the predominant types of seizures. The majority of AWE (77%) were taking anti epileptic medication for 1-8 years, were on monotherapy (55%), and were seizure free for the last 1 year (56%). The mean total QOL score in AWE was 72 ± 15. The high school-educated, seizure-free, and monotherapy-taking AWEs showed a significantly higher mean total QOL when compared to the primary school- educated, seizure-frequent, and polytherapy-taking AWEs (P < 0.01). Education (standardized beta [Sβ] = 0.163 P < 0.05), seizure frequency (Sβ-0.603; P < 0.01), and poly therapy (Sβ-0.08; P < 0.01) were significant predictors of QOL in AWE. The results of the study suggest that in addition to seizure control, encouraging monotherapy and enhancing the education level may improve the QOL in AWE.

The Impact of an Interactive Computer Game on the Quality of Life of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Background:Quality of life (QOL) of children with cancer reduces right from the diagnosis of disease and the start of treatment. Computer games in medicine are utilized to interact with patients and to improve their health-related behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an interactive computer game on the QOL of children undergoing chemotherapy.Materials and Methods:In this clinical trial, 64 children with cancer aged between 8 and12 years were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental or control group. The experimental group played a computer game for 3 hours a week for 4 consecutive weeks and the control group only received routine care. The data collection tool was the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Cancer Module Child self-report designed for children aged between 8 to 12 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software.Results:Before intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean total QOL score (p = 0.87). However, immediately after the intervention (p = 0.02) and 1 month after the intervention (p < 0.001), the overall mean QOL score was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group.Conclusions:Based on the findings, computer games seem to be effective as a tool in influencing health-related behavior and improving the QOL of children undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, according to the findings of this study, computer games can be used to improve the QOL of children undergoing chemotherapy.

Mindfulness Training and Quality of Life Among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background The pregnancy period is associated with a variety of physical and psychological changes, which can affect the females’ quality of life (QOL). Objectives The current study aimed to examine the effect of mindfulness training on QOL among pregnant females. Methods In this clinical trial, 80 pregnant females eligible for inclusion were selected by convenience sampling method from Akramian, Taleghani and Ketabchi health centers in Kashan, Iran. The participants were randomly allocated into experimental and control groups (n = 40, each group) by block randomization method. Females in the experimental group received eight sessions of 90-minute mindfulness training, while females in the control group only received routine prenatal care services. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a short-form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire to measure the QOL. Chi-square, independent samples T-test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results The results showed that the total QOL score and subscales of emotional role functioning, vitality, mental health, social functioning and general health in the experimental group had significant changes compared to those of the control group. However, there was no significant difference between other subscales. The mean total QOL score before intervention was 44.84 ± 4.44 and after intervention and follow-up was 50.42 ± 3.71 and 49.42 ± 5.24, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions Mindfulness training can be used as a psychological prenatal care to moderate negative emotions, improve social functioning and cope with psychological and physical changes.

Factors associated with poor quality of life among Iranian infertile women undergoing IVF

Infertility is a medical and social condition and has a considerable impact on a person’s quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study was to determine the QoL of women with fertility problem, and identify factors associated with poor QoL. This cross-sectional study included 155 women with fertility problems undergoing IVF in a referral fertility center in Tehran, Iran. The Fertility Quality of Life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and demographic and fertility information questionnaire were administered to all women. The mean total QoL score was 62.57 ± 16.89. Multivariate analysis showed that the anxiety (β = −1.59, p < 0.001) and depression (β = −2.09, p < 0.001) had a negative impact on QoL. Cause of infertility and failure in previous treatment were also significant factors of poorer QoL. The findings indicate that the QoL was worse in women with high depression and anxiety level, failure in previous treatment and unknown cause of infertility. Thus, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial interventions and support, is absolutely essential to improve the QoL in these women.

Effect of short-term oral immunotherapy with Cry j1-galactomannan conjugate on quality of life in Japanese cedar pollinosis patients: A prospective, randomized, open-label study.

We have recently reported that a new regimen of short-term oral immunotherapy (OIT) with the Cry j1-galactomannan conjugate for Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) is effective to the improvement in the symptoms and medication use during the pollen season and relatively safe. The effect of OIT on quality of life (QOL) of JCP patients has not been assessed. Therefore, we evaluated for the first time the effect of OIT on QOL during the Japanese cedar/cypress pollen season. A prospective, randomized, open-label trial was conducted over a period of 4 months. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. The OIT and control groups comprised 23 and 24 subjects, respectively. The build-up phase was initiated 1 month before the expected pollen season. The maintenance phase was continued for 51 days during the peak of the cedar pollen season. The QOL score in the Japan Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JRQLQ) No. 1 and visual analog scale (VAS) throughout the pollen season were evaluated. Participants receiving OIT showed significant improvements in the total QOL score and VAS throughout the pollen season compared with the control group. In addition, the mean total QOL score and VAS correlated in both groups during the pollen season. The new regimen of short-term OIT using the Cry j1-galactomannan conjugate results in meaningful improvements in QOL of JCP patients. Our findings suggest that short-term OIT using allergen-galactomannan conjugates, as well as sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy, improves QOL of patients with pollinosis. The study was registered in UMIN-CTR (UMIN000013408) as the name of "a prospective, randomized, open study of oral Cry j1-galactomannan conjugate immunotherapy for Japanese cedar pollen allergy".

Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Female Members and Non-members of the Elderly Support Association.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) in postmenopausal members and non-members of the elderly support association in Borujen city, Iran.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional descriptive study being applied to the participants were postmenopausal women of over 55 years. Thus, 40 postmenopausal members of the elderly support association of Borujen city and 40 non-members were randomly selected. The 36 item short-form health survey (SF-36), with the 4 psychological, social, physical-movement, and environmental domains, was completed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.ResultsThe mean total score of QOL of member of the association was significantly greater than non-members. Student's t-test showed a significant relationship between QOL and membership of the association (P < 0.05). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the mean QOL of postmenopausal women, according to membership and marital status (P < 0.01), housing (P < 0.01), and underlying disease (P < 0.01), was statistically significant.ConclusionsAccording to the results, supportive measures, such as increasing the participation of the elderly in public life through proper preparations to join them and membership in peer groups such as support associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can be greatly effective in improving QOL. The results showed that the QOL of the participants was at a moderate level and membership in support associations for the elderly was effected on the QOL in postmenopausal women. Moreover, considering the importance of the elderly in the community.

Differences in Caregiver Food Allergy Quality of Life Between Tertiary Care, Specialty Clinic, and Caregiver-Reported Food Allergic Populations

Food allergy is associated with diminished caregiver quality of life (QoL), but the heterogeneity of this effect is unknown. The objective of this study was to explore potential differences in caregiver QoL between self-selected caregivers reporting a child with food allergy (SS) and caregivers with children followed at a food allergy referral center clinic (RC). The Food Allergy Quality of Life Parental Burden (FAQL-PB) index and screening questions regarding the child's most severe food reaction were administered to caregivers of milk, egg, peanut, or tree nut allergic children. SS were recruited via the email and/or social media networks of 2 large national food allergy advocacy groups, and RC from a tertiary referral center specialty clinic. Among 2003 SS and 305 RC, the mean total FAQL-PB QoL score was 2.67. Compared with SS, RC had a lower (better) mean total QoL score (1.84 vs 2.81, P < .001), individual FAQL-PB domain scores (mean difference range 0.51-1.93; all P < .001), and lower QoL scores for all allergens (mean difference range 0.89-1.32; peanut P < .001, tree nut P < .001, milk P = .006, egg P = .001). In an adjusted multiple linear regression model, RC were associated with a lower QoL score (-1.6 [95% CI, -1.91 to -1.29], P < .001). Factor analysis of the index revealed 2 dimensions. A minimal clinically important difference of 0.3 was calculated for the FAQL-PB using the standard error of measurement method. Caregiver food allergy QoL is heterogeneous, and worse among SS versus RC. Clinically and statistically significant differences were noted in the total, domain-specific, and allergen-specific QoL scores, which indicated that the food allergic population may be segmented and have different risk profiles and/or burdens of illness, despite a common diagnosis.

Comparison of the quality of life in cerebral palsy children with physical therapy more and less than 10 months

Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of severe physical disability in childhood. These limitations may cause lower level experience or quality of life (QoL). Physical therapy (PT) plays a central role in managing CP. Objective To compare QoL in CP children with PT more and less than 10 months and to compare gross motoric level before and after PT. Methods A cross sectional study was performed from June 2012 to March 2013 in Medan. Eligible population were four to twelve year old CP children who received PT. Subjects were divided into 2 group, group I was CP children with PT more than 10 months, group II was CP children with PT less than 10 months. Parents were asked to fill CP QOL questionnaires. To evaluate motor impairment level we used gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) that classified the motoric impairment into 5 levels. Data was analyzed by using independent T-test and MannWhitney U test with 95% confidence interval. Results There were 60 CP children divided into 2 groups of 30 children. The mean duration of PT in group I was 35.7 (SD 19.37) months and group II was 4.2 (SD 3.13) months. Gross motoric level in both group increased from GMFCS IV to GMFCS II in group I (P=0.0001) and from GMFCS IV to GMFCS III (P=0.002) in group II. The mean total CP QoL scores in group I and II were 79.63 (SD 5.73) and 47.71 (SD 6.85), respectively (P=0.0001). Conclusions Cerebral palsy children who received more than 10 months PT have higher QoL than children with less than 10 months PT. There was significant gross motor improvement after PT in both groups.

Quality of life in caregivers of children and adolescents with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of genetic disorders of collagen biosynthesis, characterized by low bone density leading to fractures. Most patients exhibit functional impairment and require the aid of a caregiver. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of patients with OI.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a convenience sampling strategy was used to enroll adult caregivers of children and adolescents with OI who attended a referral center in southern Brazil. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used to assess QoL.ResultsTwenty-four caregivers of 27 patients (10 with type I, 4 with type III, and 13 with type IV OI) were included in the study. Eighteen caregivers were the patients’ mothers, two had OI, and 22 cared for only one patient. Mean WHOQOL-BREF scores were 14.59 for the physical health domain, 13.80 for the psychological domain, 15.19 for the social relationships domain, and 12.87 for the environmental domain; the mean total QoL score was 14.16. QoL scores did not differ significantly according to patients’ OI type or number of fractures. Economic status was not correlated significantly with QoL scores.ConclusionsQoL appears to be impaired in caregivers of patients with OI. Additional studies are required to confirm these findings and to ascertain which factors account for this phenomenon.

Quality of life of caregivers of mentally ill patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Objectives:To explore the quality of life (QOL) and its association with psycho-sociodemographic factors among caregivers of mentally ill patients in a tertiary care hospital in urban India.Materials and Methods:Sample consisted of 100 caregivers attending outpatient services in a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected using World Health Organization QOL-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The higher score meant a better QOL.Results:Of 100 caregivers, 66% were men, 47% were parents and 64% were literate. 52% of the caregivers were providing care for 1–5 years. The mean total score of QOL of the study population was 13.34 with the highest score 15.15 in the physical domain, followed by 12.75 in social, 12.96 in environmental, and 12.52 in psychological domain. In a multiple linear regression model, caregiver's elderly age was significantly associated most of the domains of WHOQOL.Conclusion:Caregivers of mentally ill patients have diminished QOL levels. Studies measuring QOL among caregivers can help initiate early intervention among the vulnerable caregivers. This study would help in increasing the awareness among the professional health care workers, to identify at risk caregivers. Health workers by providing better health services and better psycho-education to the caregivers can improve their QOL.

Risk factors affecting quality of life in a group of Italian children with asthma.

The measure of Quality of Life (QoL) has become one of the most important criteria used to assess the impact of chronic illness, such as asthma, on the patient’s daily life, in adults and children alike. The objective of our open observational study was to measure the QoL and analyze several factors that potentially affect QoL, such as symptoms and functional respiratory parameters, in a cohort of children with asthma. One hundred and twenty-seven children with asthma, 6 to 14 years of age, living in the city of Rome, were enrolled as outpatients. They were subjected to Skin Prick Tests (SPT), underwent spirometry and filled out the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ). One hundred and eleven children were diagnosed with intermittent asthma, 12 (10&#x0025;) with mild asthma, and four with moderate persistent asthma. Ninety-six children had a positive SPT. The mean total score of QoL, obtained from the questionnaire, was 5.4 (&#x2213;1.2 SD). Two QoL groups were created. Children with total QoL score <5.5 were included in the “Lower QoL” score group while children with total QoL score &#8805; 5.5 were included in the “Higher QoL” score group. Children in the Higher group and their mothers had a higher mean age, suffered from fewer asthma exacerbations during the year preceding the study, and showed a higher mean value of forced expiratory volume (FEV1) compared to the children in the Lower category. Using Logistic regression we identified the main factors that may affect QoL as FEV1, symptoms in the previous year and mother’s age. QoL is correlated with the frequency of asthma exacerbations and FEV1 values. Furthermore, our research shows that a significant impairment of QoL may also occur in patients with normal lung function, pointing out the importance of evaluating QoL in all children with asthma.

Differences In Food Allergy Quality Of Life Between Caregivers In a Clinic-Based and a Caregiver-Reported Food Allergic Population

RationaleFood allergy is associated with diminished caregiver quality of life (QoL), but little is known about differences in QoL between caregivers self-reporting a child with food allergy (CSRFA) and caregivers with children followed at a food allergy referral center clinic (FARC).MethodsAn internet survey containing the 17-question, validated FAQL-PB index and screening questions regarding the child’s most severe food reaction was administered to caregivers of milk, egg, peanut, or tree nut allergic children. CSRFA were recruited via the email/social media networks of The Kids with Food Allergies Foundation, and FARC caregivers from the University of Michigan Allergy and Immunology Clinics (who were given the option of a written survey).ResultsThere were 2003 CSRFA and 305 FARC respondents. FAQL-PB Cronbach’s-α for the population was 0.94 and the mean total QoL score was 2.67. Mean peanut QoL score was significantly higher (worse QoL) than tree nut (p<0.001) or milk (p=0.001), and egg score significantly higher than tree nut (p<0.001) or milk (p=0.001). Compared to CSRFA, FARC caregivers had significantly lower mean total QoL score (1.8 vs. 3.2, p<0.0001). Furthermore, FARC caregivers had significantly lower QoL scores for all allergens (mean difference range 0.89-1.32; peanut p<0.001, tree nut p<0.001, milk p=0.006, egg p=0.001) and all 17 individual FAQL-PB domains (mean difference range 0.51- 1.65; all p<0.0001) than CSRFA.ConclusionsCSRFA with milk, egg, peanut or tree nut allergic children may have significantly worse QoL compared to FARC caregivers. Large clinically and statistically significant differences were noted in the total, allergen-specific, and domain-specific QoL scores. RationaleFood allergy is associated with diminished caregiver quality of life (QoL), but little is known about differences in QoL between caregivers self-reporting a child with food allergy (CSRFA) and caregivers with children followed at a food allergy referral center clinic (FARC). Food allergy is associated with diminished caregiver quality of life (QoL), but little is known about differences in QoL between caregivers self-reporting a child with food allergy (CSRFA) and caregivers with children followed at a food allergy referral center clinic (FARC). MethodsAn internet survey containing the 17-question, validated FAQL-PB index and screening questions regarding the child’s most severe food reaction was administered to caregivers of milk, egg, peanut, or tree nut allergic children. CSRFA were recruited via the email/social media networks of The Kids with Food Allergies Foundation, and FARC caregivers from the University of Michigan Allergy and Immunology Clinics (who were given the option of a written survey). An internet survey containing the 17-question, validated FAQL-PB index and screening questions regarding the child’s most severe food reaction was administered to caregivers of milk, egg, peanut, or tree nut allergic children. CSRFA were recruited via the email/social media networks of The Kids with Food Allergies Foundation, and FARC caregivers from the University of Michigan Allergy and Immunology Clinics (who were given the option of a written survey). ResultsThere were 2003 CSRFA and 305 FARC respondents. FAQL-PB Cronbach’s-α for the population was 0.94 and the mean total QoL score was 2.67. Mean peanut QoL score was significantly higher (worse QoL) than tree nut (p<0.001) or milk (p=0.001), and egg score significantly higher than tree nut (p<0.001) or milk (p=0.001). Compared to CSRFA, FARC caregivers had significantly lower mean total QoL score (1.8 vs. 3.2, p<0.0001). Furthermore, FARC caregivers had significantly lower QoL scores for all allergens (mean difference range 0.89-1.32; peanut p<0.001, tree nut p<0.001, milk p=0.006, egg p=0.001) and all 17 individual FAQL-PB domains (mean difference range 0.51- 1.65; all p<0.0001) than CSRFA. There were 2003 CSRFA and 305 FARC respondents. FAQL-PB Cronbach’s-α for the population was 0.94 and the mean total QoL score was 2.67. Mean peanut QoL score was significantly higher (worse QoL) than tree nut (p<0.001) or milk (p=0.001), and egg score significantly higher than tree nut (p<0.001) or milk (p=0.001). Compared to CSRFA, FARC caregivers had significantly lower mean total QoL score (1.8 vs. 3.2, p<0.0001). Furthermore, FARC caregivers had significantly lower QoL scores for all allergens (mean difference range 0.89-1.32; peanut p<0.001, tree nut p<0.001, milk p=0.006, egg p=0.001) and all 17 individual FAQL-PB domains (mean difference range 0.51- 1.65; all p<0.0001) than CSRFA. ConclusionsCSRFA with milk, egg, peanut or tree nut allergic children may have significantly worse QoL compared to FARC caregivers. Large clinically and statistically significant differences were noted in the total, allergen-specific, and domain-specific QoL scores. CSRFA with milk, egg, peanut or tree nut allergic children may have significantly worse QoL compared to FARC caregivers. Large clinically and statistically significant differences were noted in the total, allergen-specific, and domain-specific QoL scores.

Life‐Space Mobility and Quality of Life in Community‐Dwelling Older People

Life‐Space Mobility and Quality of Life in Community‐Dwelling Older People

Quality of Life of Children with Pulmonary Hypertension

Purpose Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is rare in children and can necessitate complex and invasive treatment protocols. Quality of life (QoL) has not been previously evaluated in children with PH. Methods and Materials Children attending routine outpatient appointments and their parents completed a generic QoL measure (PedsQL), covering the domains of physical, emotional, social and school functioning. Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores denoting better QoL. Parents also completed a measure of their own anxiety and depression. Clinical data were extracted from the medical notes and comparisons made with published norms. Results Data were collected on 115 children (age range: 0–17 years, median 6 years; 60 boys). Fourteen had idiopathic PH, 50 had PH secondary to heart disease, 30 secondary to lung disease and 21 due to other conditions. Nine children were on epoprostenol and the number of medications ranged from 0-10 (median 3). Twenty-seven had definite or probable learning disability (LD). The mean total QoL score for the whole group (parent rating) was 60.52 (S.D. 18.79), which was significantly lower than healthy norms (84.61; t=−13.61; p Conclusions Quality of life is impaired in children with PH compared with healthy norms. Further evaluation is required with a larger sample to determine the salience of medical and other factors for QoL so that interventions can be targeted to improve QoL outcomes for this group of patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy and Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Objective: To evaluate quality of life (QOL) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) and low-dose-rate brachytherapy (BT). Methods: Between 2001 and 2004, RP or BT was performed in 212 patients. QOL data were evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 version 3.0, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaires. QOL data were compared. Results: RP and BT were performed in 142 and 70 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up was 24 months (5–53). The mean overall global health score for patients after RP was 78 (0–100) and after BT it was 83 (33–100), and it showed a trend in favour of BT. The follow-up lasted at most 53 months, and the period was divided into yearly categories. Patients who underwent BT showed worse global health in the first year after operation, but thereafter they showed better health. Patients who received BT showed a trend towards having lower functional-scale and symptom-scale scores in the first year after operation, and then higher scores for any subsequent year of follow-up. Only diarrhoea was temporarily worse in the second year after BT compared to RP. The mean total IPSS and QOL score for BT and RP patients during follow-up showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Patients treated with BT or RP have similar QOL scores. QOL after BT is worse in the first year after treatment, but thereafter it is better than QOL after RP.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after Radical Perineal Prostatectomy

To clarify the impact of radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. A total of 117 patients with a median age of 69 years who underwent RPP alone between August 2002 and August 2005 were included in the study. We measured LUTS on the basis of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and IPSS quality of life (QOL) questionnaire before, and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The overall mean total IPSS and IPSS QOL score decreased over time after RPP and was significantly reduced at 12 months after surgery. The decrease of the score was more prominent and rapid in patients with moderate to severe symptoms (IPSS > or = 8), whereas in those with no or only mild symptoms (IPSS < or = 7), the score did not change significantly after RPP. When the patients were divided into groups with baseline scores of 0-1 and 2-5 for each of the seven composites of the IPSS, scores for the 2-5 group improved significantly after RPP in all composites, whereas the 0-1 group had significantly worse scores for voiding frequency and nocturia. No significant change was noted in any of the other five composites. This longitudinal study shows that RPP is significantly beneficial for moderate to severe LUTS, but also has adverse effects on voiding frequency and nocturia in some men with no or mild symptoms. This information is important when counseling patients about treatment options for localized prostate cancer.