Medical Outcomes Short Form Research Articles

Baseline patient reported outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease and type 2 diabetes from STRIDE: a phase 3, 52-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Introduction Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerotic steno-occlusive arterial lesions in the lower extremities and can lead to intermittent claudication, severe functional impairment and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). People living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at higher risk of developing PAD than those without T2D. The most common clinical manifestation of PAD, functional impairment, can be stratified based on severity using Fontaine classification (stages I-IV). There are a limited number of therapies approved for the management of PAD related functional impairment and no glucose-lowering medication has been shown to improve functional capacity in people with PAD and T2D. STRIDE is a phase 3 clinical trial investigating once-weekly subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide treatment in people with PAD (Fontaine IIa claudication) and T2D. Purpose To report the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at baseline from STRIDE and elucidate the impact that PAD has on the functional capacity and HRQoL in this early-stage symptomatic PAD population with T2D. Methods STRIDE enrolled 792 participants with PAD (Fontaine IIa claudication) and T2D who were randomised to receive either 1 mg once-weekly s.c. semaglutide or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary outcome of STRIDE is the change in maximum walking distance at week 52 on a constant load treadmill. Baseline PRO assessments included two Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) questions and three patient-reported questionnaires: the six items version of the Vascular Quality of Life questionnaire (VascuQoL-6), the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results Baseline responses to both PGI-S questions showed that two thirds of patients reported a moderate-to-severe limitation in their ability to walk (64.9%) and reported that the impact of poor blood circulation in their legs on their HRQoL was also moderate-to-severe (62.5%) (Figure 1A and B). The baseline VascuQoL-6 median score was 15 (score range: 6-24, with a low score indicating more severe impact) and details of impact on the six domains are presented in Table 1. Baseline responses to the WIQ indicated that 20.1% of participants found the degree of difficulty to walk 200 meters either ‘much difficulty’ or were ‘unable to do so’ and 21.8% reported the same when climbing 2 flights of stairs. The secondary supportive outcome assessed in the SF-36 questionnaire was the domain physical functioning where a median baseline value of 38.09 was observed (score range: 19.03-57.60, with a low score indicating more impact). Conclusion Participants in STRIDE, characterized as having early-stage symptomatic PAD, have reported moderate-to-high impact on their physical functioning and HRQoL at baseline. These findings highlight the need for better therapies that improve the functional capacity and HRQoL in people with PAD and T2D.

Mental wellness and health-related quality of life of young adult survivors of childhood cancer in Singapore.

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of experiencing psychological distress years after completing cancer treatments. We aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors affecting psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among CCS in Singapore, and compare with their siblings without a history of or existing cancer as control. We recruited 143 young adult CCS aged ≥18 years attending survivorship clinics at KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore who were in remission for ≥5 years and treatment-free for ≥2 years, and 57 siblings. CCS and siblings were matched at a 1:1 ratio based on sociodemographic factors yielding 46 pairs for comparison. Among CCS participants, 79 (55.2%) were male, 86 (60.1%) had leukaemia, 29 (20.3%) had solid tumours, 15 (10.5%) had lymphoma and 13 (9.1%) had brain tumours. All participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) questionnaires from August 2021 to July 2022. There were 35 (24.5%) CCS who reported psychological distress in the BSI-18 Global Severity Index. Five (3.5%) and 31 (21.7%) CCS reported low HRQOL in the physical and mental composite scores, respectively. Mean scores between CCS and their siblings were not statistically significant across all domains of the BSI-18 and MOS SF-36. Associated risk factors for psychological distress and low HRQOL among CCS were history of psychiatric illness after cancer diagnosis and mood affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CCS reported significant psychological distress and low HRQOL although they were not statistically different from their siblings. A holistic and risk factor-centric follow-up programme can aid early detection and mitigation of psychological late effects for CCS and their families.

The Effects of Glibenclamide on Cognitive Performance, Quality of Life, and Emotional Aspects Among Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with a high incidence of long-term cognitive impairment, decreased quality of life (QoL), and psychiatric disorders. The effects of glibenclamide on such outcomes in the setting of aSAH are unknown. To assess the impact of glibenclamide in patients with aSAH on cognitive performance, QoL, and emotional aspects. Patients identified with aSAH were randomly allocated to receive 5mg of glibenclamide for 21days or placebo, starting within 96hours of the ictus. After 6 months, patients were evaluated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (cognitive performance), Medical Outcomes Short-form Health Survey (QoL), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Screen for Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (emotional aspects). The mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was 22.5 ± 6.2. No statistically significant difference was found between groups, with a mean score of 21.7 ± 6.4 in the Glibenclamide group and 23.4 ± 6.2 in the placebo group (P= 0.392). A score <23 was observed in 16 patients (35.6%) and its frequency was similar between groups (P= 0.900). The most frequently impaired domains were Attention (N= 21/45; 46.7%) and Visuospatial (18/45; 40.0%). Impairment of each domain was similar between groups (P > 0.05). In each domain, the mean score was similar between groups (P > 0.05). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores did not differ between groups (P>0.05). The mean Screen for Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms score as well as the mean scores of its domains were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Glibenclamide did not improve cognitive performance, QoL, and emotional aspects after 6 months of follow-up of aSAH survivors.

Sexual function, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in women of reproductive age using hormonal, nonhormonal, and no contraceptive methods.

Hormonal contraceptive use has been related to adverse effects, including impacts on sexual function and sexual satisfaction, although the difference in the effects on sexual function with the use of hormonal vs nonhormonal contraceptive methods remains controversial. In this study we sought to compare the prevalence of dyspareunia, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, quality of life, anxiety, and depression between women using hormonal, nonhormonal, or no contraceptive methods and to compare these outcomes between the most frequently used contraceptive methods. This cross-sectional study included sexually active women of reproductive age who were stratified into 3 groups: women using hormonal, nonhormonal, or no contraceptive methods. Based on the use of questionnaires administered to the study participants, we compared sexual function in the 3 groups and more specifically among users of oral contraceptives, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices, and barrier methods. Participants completed 4 questionnaires to assess sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), sexual satisfaction (Sexual Quotient-Feminine Version), quality of life (12-item Medical Outcomes Short Form Health Survey), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). This study included 315 women classified into 3 groups on the basis of contraceptive use: 161 in the hormonal contraceptives group (median [interquartile range] age, 24 [23-28] years), 97 in the nonhormonal contraceptives group (age 26 [23-30] years), and 57 in the no contraceptive methods group (age 28 [24-35] years). Dyspareunia prevalence showed no difference between the groups. In the quality of life domain, compared with women in the nonhormonal contraceptive group, women in the hormonal contraceptive group were younger and had lower sexual function satisfaction, reduced arousal, and heightened pain (P< .05), as well as higher anxiety and depression levels (P= .03, for both), increased pain (P= .01), and poorer overall health (P= .01). No difference was found between these groups in other quality of life domains. Regarding contraceptive methods, women using copper intrauterine devices had better sexual function, including higher rates of arousal and lower anxiety, than women using oral contraceptives (P< .05). The results of this study highlight worse sexual function and sexual satisfaction and higher levels of anxiety and depression in women using hormonal contraceptive methods than in women using nonhormonal methods. The findings of this study strengthen the evidence of differences in sexual function between women using oral contraceptives and those using copper intrauterine devices. Sexual function was also compared among users of oral contraceptives, copper and hormonal intrauterine devices, and barrier methods. However, less frequently used contraceptive methods, such as hormonal injections and vaginal rings, could not be compared in this sample. Women using hormonal contraceptive methods were younger, had lower sexual function and satisfaction, and experienced higher anxiety and depression levels than women using nonhormonal contraceptive methods.

The role of psycho-emotional factors in assessing the prognosis of different types of myocardial infarction

Aim. To study the features of psycho-emotional status and its clinical and prognostic significance in patients with type 1 and 2 myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods. Of the 1293 patients hospitalized at the District Cardiology Dispensary "Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery" with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, 277 (21,4%) patients with confirmed MI were consecutively included in the observational study. There were 194 (15,0%) patients with type 1 MI (MI1) and 83 (6,4%) with type 2 MI (MI2). MI types were determined based on the IV Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (UDMI). During the hospital period, type D personality was identified using the Russian version of the Type D scale-14 (DS-14), while the presence and severity of anxiety and depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Follow-up was conducted through outpatient visits, telephone or email interviews for 12 months after discharge. Patients' adherence to drug therapy was assessed using 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and quality of life (QoL) using Short Form Medical Outcomes Study (SF-36) questionnaire.Results. During the hospital period, in the group of patients with MI2, patients with type D personality were more often identified compared with MI1 (30 (36,1%) vs 55 (28,3%), p&lt;0,05). Patients with MI2 had a significantly higher subclinical level of anxiety (34 (41,0%) vs 43 (22,2%), p=0,002), expressed level of anxiety (10 (12,1%) vs 12 (6,2%), p=0,011), as well as a significant level of depression (13 (15,7%) vs 14 (7,2%), p=0,03). At the same time, in patients with type D, regardless of MI type, subclinical levels of anxiety and depression were significantly expressed (63 (74,1%) vs 14 (7,3%) (p&lt;0,001) and 58 (68,2%) vs 25 (13,0%) (p&lt;0,001)). There were no significant differences in inhospital complications between the MI1 and MI2 groups depending on type D personality. After 12-month follow-up, patients with the distressed personality type had higher rate of all-cause death (5 (7,2%) vs 5 (1,6%), p&lt;0,05 without type D), rehospitalization for decompensated heart failure (8 (11,5%) vs 9 (4,8%), p=0,04). Patients with type D were less adherent to drug therapy compared to patients without type D (30 (43,4%) vs 9 (4,8%) p=0,001, respectively), and they had lower QoL scores.Conclusion. Type D personality, the presence of anxiety and depression, high all-cause mortality and rehospitalization rate of decompensated heart failure were more often observed in MI2 compared to MI1, as well as in patients with type D, regardless of MI type. Low adherence to drug therapy and poor quality of life, regardless of MI type, were also associated with the type D personality.

Kirschner Wire Internal Fixation of the Medial Tibiotalar Joint for Indirect Repair of Deltoid Ligament Injury: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Ankle joint fractures are often accompanied by medial deltoid ligament rupture. There is controversy over whether or how to treat deltoid ligament rupture. This study was aimed to explore the feasibility of repairing the medial deltoid ligament using Kirschner wire internal fixation of the medial tibiotalar joint combined with external fixation. Forty-six patients with ankle fractures involving deltoid ligament rupture, treated between October 2012 and February 2021, were retrospectively evaluated. Twenty-five patients were treated with a Kirschner wire to fix the tibiotalar joint and indirectly repair the deltoid ligament as the repaired group. Twenty-one patients underwent reduction and fixation of internal and external malleolus fractures, and the deltoid ligament was not repaired in the unrepaired group. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analog scale (VAS), Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-item questionnaire score (SF-36), and Medial clear space perpendicular (preoperative, postoperative, final follow-up) were used for functional evaluations and reduction assessments. Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the differences between the groups. The follow-up time was 13-112 months with a mean of 59.32 months for the repaired group and 11-94 months with a mean of 53.43 months for the unrepaired group. There was no significant difference in the operative time or intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot and SF-36 scores of the repaired group were significantly higher than those of the non-repaired group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the VAS pain score was significantly lower and the Medial clear space perpendicular was significantly narrower in the repaired group than that in the unrepaired group. Tibiotalar joint fixation using Kirschner wires is a simple and effective technique that can indirectly reduce and repair the deltoid ligament and stabilize the ankle.

The effectiveness of using pulsed electromagnetic fields for osteoarthritis of the knee joint

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of pathology of the musculoskeletal system with significant impairment of motor function, which is one of the main causes of disability in the population.&#x0D; AIM: This study was aimed at testing the effectiveness of the portable device "ALMAG+" with pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included patients with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis and persistent pain greater than 40 mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The study included daily treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields from the ALMAG+ device for 1 month in 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcome measure was reduction in pain intensity assessed by VAS and WOMAC scales. Secondary outcomes included the 36-item Short Form Medical Outcomes Study version 2 (SF-36 v2) quality of life, pressure pain threshold, and changes in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug/analgesic use.&#x0D; RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the study, and 60 completed the study. After 1 month of treatment, pulsed electromagnetic fields caused a significant reduction in pain VAS and WOMAC scores compared to placebo. In addition, patients receiving pulsed electromagnetic fields improved pain tolerance, which was reflected in changes in pain threshold, and physical condition. We obtained a significant and statistically significant effect of the organized pulsed electromagnetic fields factor on VAS pain scores (F=47.6; p=0.00006); assessments of the severity of pain, joint function and stiffness on the scales of the WOMAC questionnaire also significantly changed under the influence of the pulsed electromagnetic fields factor (F=14.7; p=0.001). 26% of patients in the pulsed electromagnetic fields group discontinued non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug/analgesic therapy. No adverse events were identified during treatment.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy is effective in relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis and also affects pain threshold, stiffness, and physical functioning. In the future, it is desirable to conduct larger studies, including those comparing the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy with standard pharmacological approaches for osteoarthritis.

A - 83 Associations between Subjective and Objective Cognition, Depression, and Quality of Life in Men Living with HIV.

In people living with HIV, subjective cognitive dysfunction is widely reported; however, few studies have examined the relationship between subjective cognitive functioning and performance-based measures of cognitive functioning, mood, and quality of life (QoL). Men living with HIV (MLWH) (n = 51, mean age = 54years, 67% Black) completed measures of subjective cognitive functioning (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire; CFQ), objective cognitive performance (HVLT-R, TMT, UFOV, WRAT-3 Reading), health-related QoL (Medical Outcomes Short-Form; SF-36), mood (CES-D), and overall QoL (Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure Quality of Life Scale; CASP-19). Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to examine significant associations between variables. Alpha was set at 0.01 for all analyses. The CFQ was not significantly correlated with performance on objective cognitive tests. However, significant associations were found between the CFQ and self-reported depression severity (CES-D; r = 0.655, p < 0.001), quality of life (CASP-19; r = -0.642, p < 0.001), and multiple subscales of the SF-36 (all p's < 0.003). Of note, correlations between the CFQ with SF-36 scales and CASP-19 were no longer significant after controlling for depressive symptoms. Consistent with prior work, we found that subjective cognitive functioning may inadequately capture the full range of a person's cognitive functioning status. We extend these findings to a sample of MLWH and further clarify the possible influence that depressive symptoms have on subjective cognitive functioning and self-reported QoL measures. Future studies with larger samples and a more comprehensive neuropsychological battery will be helpful in understanding the full nature of these relationships.

Effect of an 8-Week Tailored Physiotherapy Program on Sexual Health in Women with Scleroderma and Myositis: A Controlled Pilot Study.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are very rare rheumatic diseases burdened by a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions. However, no specific treatment has been proposed to date. To our knowledge, this is the first (pilot) study aiming to investigate the effect of an 8-week tailored physiotherapy program on the sexual health of women with SSc and IIM. In total, 12 women with SSc and 4 women with IIM were enrolled in the study. Based on the patients' capability to participate in the program, they were divided into an intervention group (IG) (mean ± SD age 46.8 ± 8.6years) and a control group (CG) (mean ± SD age 46.3 ± 8.5years). IG underwent the 8-week program (1h of supervised physiotherapy twice weekly), whereas CG received no physiotherapy. At weeks 0 and 8, all patients filled in questionnaires assessing sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women [BISF-W]), sexual quality of life (Sexual Quality of Life-Female [SQoL-F]), functional ability (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), quality of life (Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 [SF-36]), and depression (Beck's Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]). The changes were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Friedmann's test. Compared to the statistically significant deterioration in CG over weeks 0-8, we found statistically significant improvements in the total scores of FSFI and BISF-W, and some of their domains, functional status, and the physical component of quality of life. Our 8-week physiotherapy program not only prevented the natural course of progressive deterioration of functional ability but also led to a significant improvement in sexual function and quality of life in women with SSc and IIM. However, due to the lack of randomization and a relatively small sample size resulting from the strict inclusion criteria, further validation of our results is needed. ISRCTN91200867 (prospectively registered).

Impact of gestational low back pain intensity on quality of life, sleep quality, functional status, anxiety and depression

Introduction: Gestational low back pain (GLBP) have impact on performance of daily life activities, although it remains uncertain the impact of pain intensity in clinical outcomes. Aims: To verify the impact and relationship of pain intensity of GLBP on quality of life (QoL), sleep quality (SQ), functional status, anxiety and depression. Methods: Pregnant women above 20 weeks of gestation completed the sample characterization form and answered five questionnaires to assess pain (Visual Analogue Scale), QoL (Medical Outcomes Short Form Health Survey–36 item), SQ (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), functional status (Oswestry Disability Index), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Participants were divided in two groups, with GLBP (GLBP group) and without GLBP (CG). GLBP group was stratified according to pain intensity in two groups: mild pain (VAS≤3: M-GLBP) and moderate to severe pain (VAS&gt;3: MS-GLBP). Results: 75 participants were included, 75% in the GLBP (n=56, 30[27-34] years) and 25% in CG (n=19, 32[30-34] years). GLBP presents worse QoL, SQ, functional status, anxiety and depression (p&lt;0.05). MS-GLBP (n=32) had worse SQ (p=0.006), functional status (p&lt;0.0001), anxiety and depression (p&lt;0.05) compared to CG and present worse QoL (p&lt;0.05) compared to M-GLBP (n=24). M-GLBP has worse functional status compared to CG (p&lt;0.001). Pain intensity is moderately correlated to functional status (r=0.56; p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Women with moderate to severe GLBP presented worse QoL, SQ, functional status, increased depression and anxiety compared to CG, even mild GLBP have impact on functional status and pain intensity have moderate correlation with functional status.

Reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the International Spinal Cord Injury Activities and Participation Basic Data Set.

The International Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Activities and Participation Basic Data Set (APBDS) was created to facilitate comparisons of levels of function and disability in SCI individuals worldwide. Evaluating the reliability and validity of the APBDS's Hebrew translation was our goal. Observational, cross-sectional study. University and Outpatient Rehabilitation Department of a Medical Center. Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The APBDS's Hebrew version was administered to fifty individuals with SCI. Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach Alpha Test and a test-retest method. Validity was determined by testing for convergence with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale (WHODAS) 2.0 and the Medical Outcomes Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The Hebrew APBDS had a high test-retest reliability (ICC=0.792) and an adequate Cronbach alpha test (α=0.792). Significant convergent validity was partial with both the WHODAS 2.0 (strong in the self-care objective (r=-0.648) and subjective (r=-0.666), moderate in the total objective (r=-0.640) and subjective (r=-0.570) domains of the APBDS) and the SF-12 (moderate between the total objective domain and the Physical composite score (r=0.378), poor with the Mental composite score (r=0.310)). Although the Hebrew APBDS's moderate reliability and validity warrants further research, it opens new vistas regarding assessment of SCI individuals' satisfaction, activity, and participation. We feel that this data set may be used in the long-term follow-up of SCI individuals in the Sheba SCI rehabilitation registry.

Correlation between Generic and Disease-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaires in Patients with Venous Ulcerations: A Cross-Sectional Study Carried out in a Primary Health Care Setting in Brazil.

Venous Ulcers (VU) are a serious health problem that affect the Quality of Life (QoL). They are evaluated by many different scales in the literature. We aimed to analyze the correlation between the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health QoL (SF-36) and Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ) scales. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a Brazilian center specializing in chronic VU of the Primary Health Care (PHC) provided to patients with active VU. The general QoL instrument SF-36 and the CCVUQ, specific for people with VU, were used. Spearman's Rho Test determined the correlation between the variables analyzed. Our sample had a total of 150 patients. We found a direct correlation between the domestic activities division (CCVUQ) aspect and the SF-36 Physical role functioning (strong), and Physical functioning (moderate) domains. The Social interaction division (CCVUQ) aspect presented moderate correlation with the domains of the SF-36 Physical role functioning and Physical functioning. The Vitality domain (SF-36) showed moderate correlation with the aspects of CCVUQ Cosmesis division and Emotional status division. The greatest forces of direct correlation were observed between the physical, functional and vitality aspects of SF-36 with those represented by domestic activities and social interaction in the CCVUQ.

Restoration in mental health after visiting urban green spaces, who is most affected? Comparison between good/poor mental health in four European cities

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the association between green space and health, and one of these is the restoration theory, based on the idea that it is possible to increase mental health and decrease stress visiting a natural environment. The aims of the present study were to understand what activities are most related to restoration and if these are the same for people with poorer and better mental health. A questionnaire was administered in four European cities and data about restoration outcomes, type of activity carried out in green spaces and mental health were collected and analyzed. A cross sectional design was used and total of 3134 respondents participated to the questionnaire. The restoration experience was measured with the restoration outcome score, and the mental health was evaluated with a subscale related to mental health of the Medical Outcome Short Form. Participants were divided in two groups according to mental health score. A multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between mental health, type of activity and restoration. The cities showed a similar trend in the association between restoration and type of activity performed in green environment. People with poorer mental health seem to be more sensitive to the positive effect of visiting the green environment and restoration was more evident in these people than in those with better mental health. At the same time, the type of activity was less evident in people with better mental health, and they seemed to be less influenced by the visiting of green space. Green prescription is important for the entire population: people with poorer mental health could have important restorative effects and people with better mental health could continue to protect their well-being using green space.

Correlation of Health-Related Quality of Life with Negative Symptoms Assessed with the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms Scale (SNS) and Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Routine Psychiatric Care.

(1) Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by various symptom groups that tremendously affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to specify whether negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia correlate and can predict HRQoL. (2) Methods: Patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia were invited to participate in the study. Participants were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and were asked to fill out the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms scale (SNS) and the Medical Outcomes Short Form Survey (SF-36). Pearson's and Spearman's correlations were used to calculate the correlations between cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. We performed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the variables correlated with SF-36 scores. (3) Results: HRQoL correlated significantly with the negative symptoms; however, it did not correlate with cognitive deficits. ROC analysis showed that the abulia subscore of the SNS showed the most significant predictive potential of HRQoL. (4) Conclusions: Negative symptoms correlate more significantly with the HRQoL than cognitive symptoms. The SNS offers the possibility of predicting the HRQoL of patients with schizophrenia and is useful as a screening tool in clinical practice.

Health-related quality of life and psychological distress among adults in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLittle data is available on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health of the general population in Tanzania. We aimed to describe HRQoL and level of psychological distress among adults in Mbeya and Songwe Regions of Tanzania.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study between April and October 2019 in Mbeya and Songwe Regions. Data were collected using the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and the Page Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). We described demographic characteristics of participants and used log-binomial regression to identify participant characteristics associated with psychological distress (K10 score ≥ 20).ResultsA total of 393 adults were enrolled. The participants had a median age of 29 years (IQR 23–40) and 54.2% were male. Participants reported a physical component summary score (PCS) with a mean of 54.7 (SD7.1) and a mental component summary score (MCS) with a mean of 55.5 (SD5.1). Older participants (≥ 40 year) and those that were divorced/widowed reported lower physical functioning, energy/vitality and emotional well-being compared to their counterparts (p < 0.05). In terms of psychological distress, majority of participants (78.4%; 305/389) reported that they were likely to be well (K10 score < 20), while 13.4% (52/389) reported to have mild (K10 score 20–24), 5.7% (22/389) moderate (K10 score 25–29), and 2.6% (10/389) severe (K10 score ≥ 30) psychological distress.ConclusionsPhysical function and mental well-being in this adult population from Tanzania were lower than that reported in other similar research in Tanzania and other African countries. This study provides valuable references for other research initiatives and clinical services in this region.

Effects of Conventional Rehabilitative and Aerobic Training in Patients with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy.

To investigate the efficacy of conventional rehabilitation alone and conventional rehabilitation combined with aerobic training on muscle strength and function, health condition, and quality of life for patients with stable idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). This is a historical retrospective cohort study, in which the medical records of patients with IIM, who received the combination of conventional rehabilitative therapy and aerobic training (combined training group [CTG]), from February 2015 to December 2017 were reviewed. Patients with IIM who received conventional therapy alone were matched based on their age, gender, and disease activity as the control group (CG). Scores obtained on manual muscle testing of eight designated muscles (MMT8) was the primary outcome measure, and scores on the myositis Functional Index-2 (FI-2), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and 36-item Short Form Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire (SF-36) at 12 weeks during training were the secondary outcomes. Fifty-six patients (28 in the CTG and 28 in the CG) were included in this analysis. Patients in both groups had improved MMT8, FI-2, HAQ, and SF-36 scores after 12 weeks of physical therapy. The CTG had a significantly higher score on the MMT8 and HAQ than the CG in the 12th week. The FI-2 scores were significantly higher in the CTG for the four items (P < 0.05) of hip flexion, step test, heel lift, and toe lift. SF-36 scores of the CTG were also higher than those of the CG for the five items (P < 0.05) of physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Physical exercise training including conventional rehabilitation and aerobic training improved muscle function, health condition, and quality of life. Conventional rehabilitative training combined with aerobic training achieved better improvement compared with conventional rehabilitation training alone.

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOSOMATIC STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH POSTMASTECTOMIC LYMPHEDEMA AFTER RADICAL TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF REHABILITATION TREATMENT

The main complication after radical treatment of breast cancer is postmastectomic lymphedema, which leads to a cosmetic defect, restrictions on daily activities, and a deterioration in the quality of life of patients. The purpose of the study was to determine the features of the psychosomatic status using various methods of questioning patients, to establish patterns of change in the process of rehabilitation treatment. The study group included 90 patients; the Short Form Medical Outcomes Study (MOS SF-36) and the Hamilton Depression Scale were used to assess the quality of life. According to the data obtained by MOS SF-36, indicators of the physical and psychological components of health are significantly positively changing. After a course of rehabilitation treatment, the psychological state of the patients improved markedly according to the Hamilton Depression Scale. Thus, restorative treatment of postmastectomic lymphedema has a positive effect on the quality of life of patients, psychosomatic status and rehabilitation prognosis.

Quality of life measures in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A systematic review.

In this study we systematically investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tools, which have been most often used over the last five years to evaluate the QoL in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), focusing on their items and applications. A detailed literature search was conducted: the inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) studies including at least 50 patients; 2) studies including at least 25 patients with SLE; 3) quality of life testing with validated measures. The systematic review was based on 119 studies for a total of 32,449 SLE patients and 3092 controls. A total of 35 different patients-reported quality of life measures, applied in cohorts of patients with SLE, were retrieved with the 36-item Medical Outcome Short Form (SF-36) (63 studies of 119 =52.95%), Lupus Quality of Life (LupusQoL) (17 studies =14.3%) and Lupus Patient-Reported Outcome (LupusPRO) (12 studies =10%) being the most commonly used tools. Overall, this systematic review of the literature indicated that quality of life in patients with SLE appears to be poor and generally lower compared to both the general population and patients with other chronic conditions, as was shown by a few studies that used SF-36 and LupusPRO. The use of HRQoL scoring in SLE is gaining increasing interest and is used both in randomized controlled trials and in real-life. Future efforts are needed to improve the understanding of the impact of the disease burden on quality of life from the patient's perspective.

Functional Comorbidity Index and health-related quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The role of comorbidities in determining health-related quality of life (HRQL) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pa-tients has not been thoroughly investigated. Commonly used comorbidity tools, such as Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), have been designed with mortality as the outcome variable. A new tool, the Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI), has been especially developed to assess the effect of comorbidities on the "physical functioning" subscale of the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). 1) To determine the role of FCI in the prediction of the effect of comorbidities on HRQL in OSA. 2) To determine whether FCI and CCI are equally robust in predicting the effect of comorbidities on HRQL in OSA. Two hundred and fifty-five OSA patients were enrolled. Patients completed the SF-36 and the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS) forms, while their comorbidity status was assessed by FCI and CCI. The SF-36 physical (PCS-36) and mental component summary (MCS-36) scores were also calculated. PCS-36 was predicted by FCI (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.002) and the "awakening with "breathlessness/headache" MOS-SS subscale (p = 0.011) (R2 = 0.348). Among these predictors, FCI exerted the most important quantitative effect. MCS-36 was predicted only by the "sleep disturbance" (p = 0.005) and the "awakening with breathlessness/headache" MOS-SS subscales (p < 0.001) (R2 = 0.221). In patients with OSA, FCI is an independent predictor of the physical aspect of their HRQL. FCI is more robust than CCI in assessing the effect of comorbidities on HRQL in OSA.

THE EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE EDUCATION ON ANXIETY LEVELS AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE SURGERY

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety is a common attitude in patients scheduled to undergo r surgery and represents with psychological and physical disturbances affecting postoperative recovery and quality of life (QoL). Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the effect of preoperative education on preoperative and postoperative anxiety and postoperative QoLin patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and inguinal hernia (IH) repair, without prior surgical experience. Methods: Patients scheduled to underwent LC and IH repair were randomly assigned to control group (CG) and to interventional group (IG). The 'State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults' questionnaire was used to validate anxiety before surgery and after 3 months postoperatively. The 36- item Medical Outcomes Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to investigate mental, physical and emotional domains of QoL. The CG was received only routine information by doctors. The IG received additionally oral information plus a booklet from an experienced surgical nurse. Data analyzed using paired and unpaired t-test and Αnova tests. The level of statistical signicance was set at ≤ 5%. Results: Four hundred and fty patients were scheduled to undergo either LC or IH repair, with 200 assigned to the IG and 250 to the CG. Age, sex, marital status and educational level were similar in both groups. Postoperative State anxiety was signicantly lower in IG (p&lt;0.001). Patients of the IG showed greater improvement in all of the SF-36 scale domains, specically in physical functionality (p&lt;0.001), physical role (p&lt;0.001), physical pain (p&lt;0.001), general health (p&lt;0.001), vitality (p&lt;0.001), social functionality (p&lt;0.001), emotional role (p&lt;0.001) and mental health (p&lt;0.001). There was not mortality or signicant morbidity in both groups. Conclusion: Preoperative education by an experienced nurse with oral and written information improves perioperative state anxiety and QoL. This method could be used for all surgical patients, irrespective for the surgical procedure.