Mental Health Component Research Articles

Peroral Endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in pediatric achalasia: a retrospective cohort on institutional experience and quality of life.

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder with an estimated annual incidence of 1-5/100.000 and a mean age at diagnosis > 50 years of age. Only a fraction of the patients has an onset during childhood (estimated incidence of 0.1-0.18/ 100.000 children per year). No curative treatment is currently available. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a widely accepted treatment option to improve symptoms in adults. Studies evaluating safety and efficacy of POEM in children are scarce and no data exist regarding the quality of life in patients after POEM. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of POEM in a cohort of children that was treated for achalasia and we prospectively evaluated their quality of life. We compared the results to a previous cohort evaluating Pneumatic Dilation (PD) and Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy (LHM) in children with achalasia. Thirty-three achalasia patients (age at time of POEM 14.1(± 2.5) years, 54.5% female) were included. Twenty-nine (87.8%) percent had received previous treatment (PD (n = 20); LHM (n = 1); PD + LHM (n = 7); PD + Botox (n = 1). POEM was technically successful in all patients and no major complications occurred. Mean follow-up duration was 33 (± 25) months. Twenty three (70%) patients did not need retreatment after POEM during the follow up period. Quality of life after POEM did not differ from the population norms. Patients with an Eckardt score > 3 had a significantly worse general (Kidscreen-52: physical score 44.7 vs. 52.4; p = 0.011; mental score: 42.5 vs. 51.3; p = 0.038) and disease specific (35 vs. 16; p = 0.017) quality of life compared to those with an Eckardt ≤ 3. The SF-36 mental health component score was significantly lower (44.2 vs. 53.1; p = 0.036) in patients treated with POEM compared to those treated with PD and LHM. These lower scores could be related to a selection bias, as more severe patients received POEM, and other influences such as the Corona pandemic. However, the overall, quality of life after POEM was not significantly different to PD and LHM. POEM is an effective and safe treatment for achalasia in children. Quality of life after POEM is comparable to the results obtained after PD and Heller.

Psychometric Validation of the Hemophilia Functional Ability Scoring Tool (Hemo-FAST).

The Hemophilia Functional Ability Scoring Tool (Hemo-FAST), consisting of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) part and a clinician-reported outcome (ClinRO) part, was developed as a rapid and effective tool to assess functional mobility in clinical practice. This study (NCT04731701) aimed to validate the psychometric properties of Hemo-FAST for assessment of joint health in people with haemophilia (PwH). PwH A or B aged ≥18 years completed questionnaires including the PRO part of Hemo-FAST and the short-form 36 health survey (SF-36) during one study visit. Clinicians completed the Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and the ClinRO part of Hemo-FAST at the same visit. Validation was performed using reliability, construct validity, and structure validity assessments. The study enrolled 180 PwH A or B from 14 centres across France. Estimated time to complete the PRO part was mean (standard deviation) 4.6 (5.4) minutes. PRO items showed good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient value ≥0.70). Inter-rater values were >0.70 for 7/9 ClinRO items, indicating good reliability. All items (15 PRO; 9 ClinRO) had high internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficient alpha: 0.97). Hemo-FAST demonstrated convergent construct validity with HJHS and the SF-36 physical component and discriminant construct validity with the SF-36 mental health component. Hemo-FAST scores distinguished between subgroups of people with expected differences in joint health status, including by haemophilia severity (p < 0.0001). This study successfully validated Hemo-FAST as a rapid and reliable tool for the functional assessment of joint health in adults with haemophilia, both in clinical practice and clinical research settings.

Health-related quality of life at diagnosis and follow-up in Faroese and Danish patients with inflammatory bowel disease – a Faroese IBD cohort study

Background and aims Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than the general population. The highest incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in the world are found in the Faroe Islands, however, the HRQoL of Faroese patients is unknown. This study aimed to determine their HRQoL at diagnosis and two years of follow-up in comparison with Danish patients. Methods All patients (15 years or older) were invited to answer the Short Form 12 questionnaire (SF-12) and Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) at diagnosis and follow-up. Faroese patients were included from 2010 to 2022, and Danish patients in 2010. Results 160 Faroese patients and 160 Danish patients completed questionnaires twice. For Faroese patients with IBD, the physical and mental component summary scores (SF-12) significantly improved from 46.6 and 44.0 to 49.4 and 47.7, respectively. Total SIBDQ scores also improved from 46.6 to 53.9. However, Faroese patients had significantly lower scores at diagnosis of social functioning, mental health, and mental component summary (SF-12) as well as lower emotional scores (SIBDQ) compared with Danish patients. Conclusions Faroese patients with IBD improved their HRQoL from diagnosis to follow-up, although greater improvements were observed for Danish patients. Increased awareness of the HRQoL of this patient group is warranted as Faroese patients had lower mental and emotional scores than Danish patients at diagnosis.

Prevalence of Knee Pain and Its Relation to Depression, Anxiety, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Background/Objectives: Knee pain in hemodialysis (HD) patients might affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and may be related to anxiety and depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of knee pain in chronic HD patients and to determine its relationship with anxiety, depression, and HRQoL, Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out on chronic HD patients. Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected. The Knee Pain Screening Tool (KNEST) was used to screen for knee pain. Patients with knee pain were instructed to complete the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). The patients also completed an Arabic-language version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36™) questionnaire. Results: This study included 271 chronic HD patients; the median age was 51 (IQR 21) years, and most of them were males (59%). Of them, 158 had knee pain. Those with knee pain were more likely to have anxiety compared to those without (p = 0.002) and significantly lower scores on the symptom/problem (p = 0.03) and burden of kidney disease domains (p = 0.047) and the physical health (p < 0.001) and mental health components (p = 0.001). Furthermore, those with moderate to severe knee pain were more likely to experience anxiety (p = 0.001) and depression (p = 0.005) and have a lower physical health composite (PHC) than those with mild knee pain (p = 0.046). Conclusions: HD patients have a significant prevalence of knee pain that is usually associated with anxiety and leads to worse HRQoL than those without knee pain.

Impact of a Long-Term Home-Based Rehabilitation Program on Quality of Life, Balance, and Autonomy in Adults with Disabilities.

Rehabilitation is a critical process for enhancing functionality, independence, and quality of life in individuals with disabilities. Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, it addresses physical, emotional, and social dimensions through personalized, evidence-based interventions. By integrating standardized assessments and continuous evaluation, rehabilitation has the potential to promote recovery and support active participation in society. This study evaluated the impact of a long-term, multidisciplinary, home-based rehabilitation program on quality of life, balance, and functional autonomy in adults with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities. A total of 559 participants received individualized interventions from a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other health professionals. Functional independence, balance, depressive symptoms, and quality of life were assessed using the Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. A longitudinal analysis comparing pre- and post-intervention outcomes revealed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) across all metrics. The Barthel Index median increased from 85 to 90 points, indicating greater functional independence, while the Berg Balance Scale improved from 39 to 47 points, reflecting reduced fall risk. Depressive symptoms decreased, with Beck Depression Inventory scores dropping from 12 to 9, and both physical and mental health components of the SF-36 showed marked enhancements. These findings demonstrate the program's effectiveness in addressing both physical and emotional needs, emphasizing the value of extended, personalized, home-based care in improving health, autonomy, and overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This study underscores the potential of multidisciplinary approaches to support long-term rehabilitation in diverse populations.

Comparing quality of life difference between diabetics and non-diabetics during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and post-pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study India

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has irreversibly altered the global landscape, with far-reaching consequences for individuals’ quality of life (QOL). In India, the series of lockdowns imposed to combat the pandemic presented unique challenges, exacerbating mental health concerns and amplifying anxiety and discontent among the population. Notably, the pandemic’s impact on QOL has been unevenly distributed, with diabetic individuals potentially facing distinct challenges compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Existing research in India has primarily focused on the health-related concerns of diabetic individuals, leaving a significant knowledge gap regarding the QOL of non-diabetic individuals during and following the pandemic. A comprehensive understanding of QOL differences between diabetic and non-diabetic populations is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving overall well-being. Objective: This study aims to address this gap by exploring and comparing the QOL of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals in India during and after COVID-19, providing valuable insights into the pandemic’s impact on this critical aspect of health. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, comparative online-based survey study was conducted among 212 participants (diabetic and non-diabetic) aged 18 years and below 60 years visiting SRM General Hospital, between July and August 2021 during the COVID-19, and their self-reported scores were compared two years post-pandemic. A snowball sampling method was employed due to the pandemic's dynamic nature and online data collection feasibility. The RAND SF-36, a widely used 36-item quality-of-life questionnaire, was administered online via Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms and email invitations. Paired t-tests compared quality of life (QOL) during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Multivariate regression analysis identified independent predictors influencing RAND SF-36 subscale scores. Results: The study involved the collection of responses from a total of 212 participants, with a mean age of 46.61±17.4 years. The RAND SF-36 questionnaire assessed the quality of life (QOL) during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The results revealed significant differences in the general (45.8±13.0 vs 64.9±19.7; p=0.001) and mental health (53.5±12.3vs. 62.7±12.8, p&lt;0.001) between the two time periods.Furthermore, the study revealed age (β=-0.369, p=0.004, 95%CI [-0.608, -0.101]) and employment status(β=-2.11, p=0.041, 95%CI [ -0.083, -4.139]) showed significant negative association with physical health-related component. In addition, the duration of comorbidities (β=-5.326, p=0.047,95%CI [-11.408, -0.756] gravely affected the mental health component, respectively.&gt; Conclusion: Significant differences were noted in quality of life (QOL) between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic period and after, with lower general health and mental health scores shown in diabetics as compared to non-diabetic individuals. Older age and unemployment were associated with worse physical health QoL, while the longer duration of comorbidities negatively impacted mental health QOL regardless of diabetes status. These findings suggest the pandemic substantially affected various aspects of QoL, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.

Health-associated quality of life impairment in people who inject drugs (PWID) after bloodstream infection.

People who inject drugs (PWID) have high rates of bloodstream infections (BSI) with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and group A streptococcus (GAS). Little is known about health-related quality of life outcomes after BSI. We performed a prospective pilot cohort study of patients with BSI due to SA or GAS. Health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression and cognitive function were assessed using validated tools (EQ5-5D-5L), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) at baseline, 28 days post-discharge and 6 months post-infection. 66 patients were recruited over a 12-month period, including 17 PWID. For the whole cohort, global health rank improved from baseline to day 28 (median 40 to 60, p=0.002), with no significant improvement from day 28 to day 168 (median 60 to 75, p=0.161). At baseline, PWID had lower overall health-related quality of life than non-PWID (median 25 vs 45, p=0.229), persisting at day 28 (non-PWID median 65, PWID median 43, p=0.036) and day 168 (non-PWID median 75, PWID median 40, p=0.035). This difference was driven by worse scores in the EQ-5D-5L mental health component and HADS, with HADS scores being significantly impaired in PWID at baseline (p=0.001) and day 28 (p=0.007). PWID have impaired health-related quality of life after SA and GAS BSI that persists for up to 6 months. Poor mental health is the major component of this, and further studies could clarify if this is a target for intervention.

How Does Physical Activity Affect the Quality of Life of University Students

The concept of quality of life is multifaceted, encompassing various dimensions, including physical health, social relationships, and psychological well-being. Physical activity level is one of the factors that affects quality of life. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life perceptions among young people. The study sample consisted of 360 students, 102 males and 258 females, enrolled at XXX University during the 2023-2024 academic year. The data were collected using a crosssectional design, with the participants completing the Physical Activity Scale-2, SF-12 Quality of Life Scale, and a personal information form. The data were collected based on selfreport. The statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between moderate and high physical activity levels and both physical and mental health components of quality of life (p &lt;0.05). Additionally, gender differences were observed, indicating that males exhibited higher physical activity and quality of life scores compared to females (p &lt;0.05). The findings indicate that it may be beneficial to promote physical activity to enhance general well-being among young people. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering gender as a variable in the perception of physical activity levels and quality of life. Overall, the results suggest that interventions to increase physical activity levels may be an effective approach to improve the quality of life of young people. It is crucial to consider the gender factor in the planning of these strategies.

Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement Extracted from Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.f.) in Overweight Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial.

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy in improving body composition and in weight management of a dietary supplement consisting of 400 mg of a standardized extract of the persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L.f.) in adult subjects with a BMI between 25 and 34.99 kg/m2 administered for 120 consecutive days. In total, 36 participants were assigned to the placebo group and 35 to the experimental group (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05750342)). Primary analysis focused on overweight subjects (placebo, n = 26; experimental, n = 23). In this group, fat mass expressed in kg and percentage evaluated by both dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) decreased significantly (between-group differences p < 0.001) in those receiving the persimmon extract as compared with the placebo. No significant reduction in lean mass was observed, suggesting that the muscle mass was maintained during fat loss. The use of the investigational product improved classic anthropometric parameters to a statistically significantly greater extent than the placebo, including body weight, BMI, and waist and abdominal circumference (p < 0.001), in the overweight group. In the overall population, similar improvements were observed, with significant between-group differences (p < 0.001) in fat mass reduction and improvements in body composition. Changes in the biochemical lipidic, glycemic, and anti-inflammatory profile were not found, except for between-group significant differences (p < 0.001) in decreases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and increases in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in favor of the experimental condition. There was a significant increase in fecal fat excretion in the experimental group at the end of the study in subjects with low fecal fat (9%) at baseline. Consumption of the investigational product vs. placebo improved the quality of life, with significantly greater scores in the total score and the mental health component of the SF-12 questionnaire. The persimmon extract was safe and well tolerated.

Risk Factors for Suicide in Pakistan: A Mixed Methods Study of Psychological Autopsies and Perspectives of Health Professionals.

Suicide is a significant but understudied public health concern in developing nations like Pakistan, where risks factors have not been investigated by mixed methods studies. Hence, we aimed to explore the risk factors for suicide based on a mixed methodology. This study followed a mixed methods convergent component design. A retrospective case-control psychological autopsy with a semistructured interview protocol was performed. Additionally, health professionals' opinions on the psychiatric risk factors for suicide were assessed through qualitative interviews. Data were collected between 2021 and 2022 and analyzed by SPSS (V-25) and thematic analysis (NVIVO-12 Plus). Based on the mixed methods meta-inferences, suicidal ideation; depression; hopelessness; social isolation; previous history of self-harm and traumatic experiences; lack of motivation; purposelessness; feeling like a burden; substance abuse; impulsivity; anger; anxiety; psychiatric disorders such as personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, gaming addiction, and eating disorders; and family history of psychiatric illness were identified as risk factors for suicide. More must be learned about the mental health components contributing to suicide and the culturally appropriate prevention methods used in Pakistan. This study reveals novel targets for suicide prevention and may aid policymaking by providing a better understanding of predictors and specific psychiatric characteristics of suicide in Pakistan.

МЕРЦАТЕЛЬНАЯ АРИТМИЯ И КАЧЕСТВО ЖИЗНИ ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПРИ ПРИЕМЕ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ГРУПП НЕПРЯМЫХ АНТИКОАГУЛЯНТОВ

Abstract. Introduction. Atrial fibrillation remains one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Due to the world’s population aging, it is predicted that the number of patients with atrial fibrillation will reach 14-17 million people in Europe alone by 2030 and only continue to increase annually. The presence of this arrhythmia is associated with an increased risk of life-threatening thromboembolic complications. At the same time, a balanced and reasonable choice of anticoagulant therapy determines the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation. Aim. To analyze the physical and mental health components and coagulogram parameters in patients with atrial fibrillation, associated with receiving different groups of indirect anticoagulants. Materials and Methods. The study involved 50 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and stayin in the therapeutic department of one of clinical hospitals in Kazan. All patients were divided into groups according to the form of atrial fibrillation, as well as into subgroups for taking warfarin, taking new oral anticoagulants, and without anticoagulant therapy being prescribed. Physical and mental health components were assessed out using the SF-36 questionnaire. Results and Discussion. The best indicators of the physical health component were found among patients with permanent atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, while the worst indicators were in the group of persistent atrial fibrillation who did not take anticoagulants at all. The mental health component was assessed higher in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation taking new oral anticoagulants, while the lowest values were observed among patients with persistent atrial fibrillation taking warfarin. According to the coagulogram data, there were no honestly significant differences among patients taking various groups of anticoagulants. Conclusions. In general, patients with atrial fibrillation may have insufficient adherence to anticoagulant treatment, which is associated with affordability, as well as the patient’s low awareness of atrial fibrillation complications. The data obtained indicate that the physical health component is higher and coagulogram indices are better in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation taking warfarin, whereas the best mental state is observed in patients taking new oral anticoagulants.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus: International Results from Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study.

Pruritus is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Less is known about the prevalence and outcomes of pruritus among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Herein, we describe the prevalence of pruritus and its associations with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and mortality/transfer to HD. We analyzed a multicenter, international cohort of PD patients enrolled in the Peritoneal Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS) from 2014-2022. Pruritus was assessed at entry into PDOPPS with a single-question Likert Scale capturing the extent to which patients were bothered by itch ranging from 1: Not at all, to 5: Extremely. The KDQOL-36 and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale assessed various PROs. Moderate to extreme pruritus was defined as a Likert scale score ≥3. The associations of pruritus with PROs were assessed using linear/logistic regression where appropriate. Death or HD transfer was assessed using multivariable Cox regression models. Overall, 5535 patients from seven countries were included; 43% had moderate to extreme pruritus which was highest in Thailand (50%) and lowest in the United States (33%). The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of moderate to extreme pruritus were higher for diabetes, low albumin, and elevated phosphorus but lower for residual urine volume (aOR= 0.98 per 200 ml increase in 24-hour urine volume, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.96-1.00, P=0.05). Patients with extreme pruritus had the lowest mental and physical health component scores and a higher burden of other PROs including restless legs and disturbed sleep. Overall, 899 patients died and 1221 transferred to HD. Patients with moderate to extreme pruritus were at higher adjusted risk for death or HD transfer (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.23, P=0.02) with similar point estimates for each subcomponent of the composite outcome. Pruritus is highly prevalent in PD and associated with poor health outcomes. Efforts to better identify and manage pruritus should be considered in this population.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) for Arabic-Speaking Patients.

The original English Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is widely adopted to track changes in foot and ankle function. The aim of this study is to translate it to an Arabic version of FAAM (FAAM-A), and then to assess the validity and reliability of the FAAM-A version. One hundred five consecutive Arabic-speaking participants with different foot and ankle pathologies completed the FAAM-A. Fifty-six males and 49 females with a mean age of 39.8 years; 78.1% respondents have completed high school or higher. Convergent and divergent validities were assessed using correlation coefficients between the FAAM-A subscales and the short form-36 (SF-36), physical function (PF), physical component summary (PCS), mental health (MH), and mental component summary (MCS). Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess internal consistency. A subgroup of 20 participants filled the FAAM-A twice to test for test-retest reliability, using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimal detectable changes (MDCs). The average FAAM-A was 55.32 and 43.23 for the activity of daily life (ADL) and Sports subscales, respectively. FAAM-A ADL subscale had a moderate correlation with the PF, 0.565; PCS, 0.546; and MCS, 0.447; and a low correlation with MH, 0.34. The sports subscale had a moderate correlation with the PF (0.529), PCS (0.513), and a low correlation with MCS (0. 395) and MH (0. 297). Cronbach's alpha was 0.97 and 0.95 for ADL and sports subscales, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.99 for both subscales. Minimal detectable change at a 95% confidence level was 6.81 and 8.19 for the ADL and sports subscales, respectively. The FAAM-A is proven to be valid and reliable instrument for assessing foot and ankle disability. It is an effective tool for clinical assessment and research within Arabic-speaking populations. Level II, Prospective cohort study.

Mental health curricula in predoctoral dental school programs: A content analysis.

Given the prevalence of mental health concerns, dentists have an opportunity to provide mental health screenings to enhance overall patient care. The purpose of this study is to summarize and discuss the characteristics of mental health curricula related to patient care in accredited dental schools. We identified accredited predoctoral dental programs incorporating mental health training related to patient care into their curriculum. We summarized course characteristics and thematically analyzed course descriptions using headings from the National Library of Medicine. From our review of curricula from 80 dental programs, 27 included a mental health component, and these were found in both didactic and clinical courses. Behavioral science and building clinical competence were the most common themes. While mental health is an important component in overall patient care, a minority of accredited dental programs' curricula address it. Further, the manner and extent of inclusion varies. Including mental health training into dental curricula will better prepare dentists for their patients' comprehensive health needs.

Dynamics of life satisfaction of students of higher education during war

Introduction. Analysis of changes in mental health components as well as the development of organizational culture models of personal support in difficult life situations are serious challenges faced by psychologists. Aim: to empirically investigate the dynamics of life satisfaction of higher education students during war and establish its correlates. Methods. A comparative and correlational research strategy was used in the empirical study. The psychodiagnostic instruments included: Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS), Posttraumatic Growth Scale (PTGI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The comparison of quantitative data was done in percentage terms and the Pearson method was used to establish the relationship. Results. The dynamics of students' life satisfaction reflected the non-linear process of their personal adaptation to life in war conditions. A significant number of students assessed their life as unfavorable and needed better resources. There was a statistical relationship between students' life satisfaction and their feeling of support during their studies as well as students' psycho-emotional stability and ability for spiritual growth. Conclusions. The obtained results make it possible to develop war-sensitive psychological support strategies for students' adaptive resources.

Quality of Life and Coping Strategies in Children with and Without Learning Disabilities from the Perspective of Their Parents and Caregivers.

Children with learning disability (LD) often experience a poor quality of life (QOL) compared to their peers without a known history of LD. Coping strategies are known to play a role in influencing their QOL. This study aims to compare the QOL and coping strategies between children with and without LD. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate how coping strategies impact the QOL of children with LD in the Eastern Governorate of Saudi Arabia. A representative sample of 6 to 18-year-old children with (n = 97) and without (n = 89) LD were recruited from different schools. The Short Form-12 (SF-12) health survey was used to assess both physical and mental health components, while the validated Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) measured coping strategies. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage), independent t-tests, Spearman's correlation, and binary logistic regression. The results reveal that participants with LD show poor QOL in terms of role functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotion, and mental health in comparison to non-disabled children. Participants with LD show greater reliance on substance abuse and religious coping than non-disabled children. The results clearly indicate a fairly to moderately strong correlation between the physical component summary and all approaches to coping strategies except religious coping. Of all the approaches to coping methods, we observe a weak correlation among denial (r = -0.17, p < 0.05), substance abuse (r = -0.15, p < 0.05), and behavioral disengagement (r = -0.18, p < 0.05) with the mental component summary aspect of QOL. The results of logistic regression analysis indicate that grade (OR = 3.79; p = 0.01) is significantly related to LD. The physical component summary score is significantly associated with denial (β = -0.33, CI = -6.87--2.19, p < 0.01), and substance abuse (β = -0.14, CI = -4.96-0.40, p < 0.05), while the mental component summary is significantly associated with active coping (β = -0.30, CI = -4.50-0.76, p < 0.01), behavioral disengagement (β = -0.20, CI = -4.48-0.30, p < 0.05), and humor coping strategy (β = 0.22, CI = 0.06-4.55, p < 0.05). These findings are relevant to researchers, psychologists, special educators, teachers, and clinicians, given the need to understand the coping variables to improve the QOL of these learning-disabled children.

A Hearing Intervention and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults

Health-related quality of life is a critical health outcome and a clinically important patient-reported outcome in clinical trials. Hearing loss is associated with poorer health-related quality-of-life in older adults. To investigate the 3-year outcomes of hearing intervention vs health education control on health-related quality of life. This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial included participants treated for hearing loss at multiple US centers between 2018 and 2019 with 3-year follow-up completed in 2022. Eligible participants were aged 70 to 84 years, had untreated hearing loss, and were without substantial cognitive impairment. Participants were randomized (1:1) to hearing intervention or health education control and followed every 6 months. Hearing intervention (provision of hearing aids and related technologies, counseling, education) or health education control (individual sessions covering topics relevant to chronic disease, disability prevention). Three-year change in the RAND-36 physical and mental health component scores over 3 years. The 8 individual domains of health-related quality-of-life were additionally assessed. Outcomes measured at baseline and at 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year follow-ups. Intervention effect sizes estimated using a 2-level linear mixed effects model under the intention-to-treat principle. A total of 977 participants were analyzed (mean [SD] age, 76.8 [4.0] years; 523 female [53.5%]; 112 Black [11.5%], 858 White [87.8%]; 521 had a Bachelor's degree or higher [53.4%]), with 490 in the hearing intervention and 487 in the control group. Over 3 years, hearing intervention (vs health education control) had no significant association with physical (intervention, -0.49 [95% CI, -3.05 to 2.08]; control, -0.92 [95% CI, -3.39 to 1.55]; difference, 0.43 [95% CI, -0.64 to 1.51]) or mental (intervention, 0.38 [95% CI, -1.58 to 2.34]; control, -0.09 [95% CI, -1.99 to 1.81]; difference, 0.47 [95% CI, -0.41 to 1.35]) health-related quality of life. In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, hearing intervention had no association with physical and mental health-related quality-of-life over 3 years among older adults with hearing loss. Additional intervention strategies may be needed to modify health-related quality among older adults with hearing loss. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03243422.

Evaluation of the Stronger Together Peer Mentoring Model Among Patients With Breast and Gynecologic Cancer in Viet Nam.

Stronger Together is a peer mentoring model that seeks to address the severe lack of mental health and psychosocial support for patients with cancer in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This article presents the results of the Stronger Together pilot study among patients with breast and gynecologic cancer in Viet Nam (VN). Eligible participants comprised women age 25 years or older with a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancers and receiving treatment at four participating hospitals. Participants were asked whether they wanted to proceed with usual care or be matched with a trained and supervised peer mentor (a cancer survivor). Surveys were administered at baseline (0) and 2, 4, and 6 months and assessed depression, anxiety, stress, mental health and physical health components of quality of life (QOL), self-efficacy, and social support. We computed and compared 2-, 4-, and 6-month changes in scores from baseline and conducted difference-in-difference analyses to estimate the intervention effect at 6 months. The sample size included N = 186 participants. Mentees (n = 91) exhibited improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and mental health QOL across all time points, whereas usual care participants (n = 95) experienced these improvements at later periods (4 and 6 months). Compared with usual care participants, mentees reported greater improvements in depression at 2 and 4 months, mental health QOL at all time points, and self-efficacy and social support at 4 and 6 months. Greater improvements in stress were also seen in the breast cancer subsample. Stronger Together is a promising model to improve mental health and psychosocial outcomes among patients with breast and gynecologic cancer in VN and can help fill gaps in cancer peer support interventions in many LMICs.

Health-related quality of life among refugees from Nagorno Karabagh resided in Kotayk, Armenia

Abstract Background In September 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were displaced from Nagorno Karabakh (NK). This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors among NK refugees who settled in Kotayk province of Armenia. Methods We surveyed 197 refugees using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, which collected information about socio-demographics, chronic diseases, smoking status, HRQoL, utilization of healthcare services, living conditions and food access. The SF-36 Health Survey assessed HRQoL. Ophthalmic examination was conducted. Eyeglasses and medications were provided at no cost to those requiring them. Results The participants’ mean age was 64.8 years and 59.4% were retired. The most commonly reported chronic diseases were bone/joint diseases (67.5%), hypertension (55.3%) and heart diseases (24.9%). Around 48.7% of participants experienced sleeping disorders often/ very often. The mean total SF-36 score was 57.42±23.12; the mean physical (PHC) and mental health component (MHC) scores were 63.57±26.28 and 59.37±20.04, respectively. Only 28% of the participants utilized healthcare services after displacement. Most participants had consistent access to an adequate food supply. In the adjusted analysis age (B/PHC=-0.94, p &amp;lt; 0.001; B/MHC=-0.61, p &amp;lt; 0.001), sleeping disorder (B/PHC=-21.86, p = 0.011; B/MHC=-17.44, p = 0.001), use of medical service (B/PHC=-8.63, p = 0.022; B/MHC=-6.95; p = 0.015) and having more than one chronic disease (B/PHC=-17.35, p &amp;lt; 0.001; B/MHC=-10.90, p = 0.001) were associated with both PHC and MHC. Conclusions This study marks the first assessment of HRQoL among NK refugees. Governmental support and interventions targeting individuals with ophthalmic, sleeping, and chronic diseases might be beneficial. Follow-up assessments should track changes in both physical and mental health scores in this population, as they may fluctuate over time in response to displacement challenges. Key messages • Age, sleeping disorder, use of medical service, and the number of chronic diseases were significantly associated with decreased PHC and MHC of HRQoL • Interventions targeting individuals with restricted access to healthcare services, as well as those affected by eye diseases and chronic health issues might be beneficial.

Does perceived neighbourhood social cohesion moderate the effects of demographic changes on health?

Abstract Small-area characteristics changes over time may be associated with health. Various theories have been proposed to explain small-area effects on health, including those concerning social capital. The effect of small-area demographic changes on health are very little researched and hardly anything is known about their relationship with social cohesion. We use longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel linked to demographic measures at county level. We explore the association between 5-year changes in the proportion of over 65 and of 18-24 years-old and physical and mental health and the moderating effect of perceived neighbourhood social cohesion (SC) using random intercept models. Control variables include education, income, and relevant baseline measures. Included are all participants with a 6-year continuous exposure to their county of residence. The main outcomes are the physical and mental health components (PCS, MCS) of the SF-12. We included 21,239 persons up to 6 times in 399 counties. 5-year changes in the over 65, of 18-24 and measure of SC are associated to MCS and PCS. Significant interactions between the changes in over 65 and social cohesion are seen for MCS only in rural areas and some interactions are significant for PCS. For MCS there are no interactions between social cohesion and the changes in 18-24. Important interaction effects for PCS: for those exposed to a small decrease in 18-24, an increase in one unit of SC is associated with an increase of 1.71 (95% CI[1.38, 2.03]) PCS units. For those exposed to a large decrease this effect is lower by 0.88 PCS units. Exposition to some demographic changes have the effect to reduce the positive effects of perceived social cohesion on health. Thus, demographic changes appear to be health stressors. The evidence shown by this work need to be further developed by considering smaller scales but the evidence opens up a new range of possible intervention targets to reduce health inequalities. Key messages • County level demographic changes are associated with physical and mental health and certain exposition to changes reduce the positive effects of perceived neighbourhood social cohesion. • Social cohesion can be an intervention target to reduce small-area health inequalities, population changes can annulate positive effects. This must be accounted for in public health interventions.