Mental Health-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

Does perceived usability of a multi-component mobile device intervention improve health-related quality of life?

Abstract Background Good health-related quality of life (HRQL) is essential to healthy aging. Prior studies have demonstrated that mobile device technologies can promote HRQL in older adults. However, evidence of technology acceptance in older adults is often inconsistent and poorly understood. Purpose This study aims to 1) describe technology acceptance using efficiency, learnability, user experience (i.e., acceptability), and perceived control from the USABILITY survey of a multi-component mobile device intervention consisting of a wearable activity tracker (Fitbit Versa), access to Lose It app, and text messages (for experimental group only) in older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease, and 2) examine the correlation between technology acceptance and changes in HRQL before and after using each component of the digital intervention. Methods Data were collected using a purpose-built technology usability survey, and HRQL was assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), which measured perceived physical and mental health. Correlations were used to identify associations between technology acceptance and HRQL. Results The mean age of participants (n=54) was 65.4 ± 6.0 years; a majority were females (60%), married (53%), Hispanic (66%), and had a high school education or higher (76%). Table 1 shows that the experimental group had considerably higher HRQL at three months, but no differences in technology acceptance were noted. Fitbit technology adoption was found to be correlated with physical HRQL (r=304, p=0.027). The Lose It app showed no correlation with HRQL. Despite receiving higher usability ratings, SMS messages were not correlated with physical or mental HRQL. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that older persons at risk for cardiovascular disease find mobile device intervention components acceptable. However, each component affected physical and mental health differently. These findings inform more complete technology acceptance models for older individuals' technology design, education, and deployment. Older persons prefer personalized communication, such as customized text messages, as the most favored aspect of the multi-component mobile device intervention. It warrants a larger clinical trial to determine its efficacy on HRQL.

The humanistic burden of immunoglobulin A nephropathy on patients and care-partners in the United States.

This cross-sectional survey study quantified the humanistic burden of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), in terms of physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity, among adults with primary IgAN and their care-partners. HRQoL was assessed (01/31/22 - 05/31/23) with validated tools including the KDQoL-36 (with SF-12), GAD-7 (anxiety), PHQ-9 (depression), and WPAI: SHP (work productivity). Participant characteristics and total/domain scores were summarized; selected outcomes were compared to an external, kidney disease-free cohort. 117 adults with IgAN and their care-partner pairs, and one adult without a care-partner, were included. The mean ages of patients and care-partners were 38.0 (SD: 8.6) and 40.2 (11.8) years, respectively; 55.9% and 43.6% were female. Mean physical and mental SF-12 scores for patients were 46.7 (SD: 8.0) and 41.9 (9.2), respectively, and 50.7 (7.3) and 43.7 (10.24) for care-partners. Both SF-12 components for patients, and the mental component for care-givers, were significantly worse compared to the US general population. Among patients, 27.1% had moderate/severe anxiety and 49.2% reported at least moderate depression. Compared to external controls, patients experienced significantly higher severity of anxiety (6.6 vs. 5.4) and depression (8.1 vs. 6.6; both p < 0.0001). Among care-partners, 13.7% experienced moderate anxiety and 37.8% experienced moderate/moderately-severe depression. Among employed individuals, both groups reported IgAN-related absenteeism (8.8-9.4%), presenteeism (25.1-25.9%), and overall work impairment (30.4-30.5%). US adults with IgAN and their care partners experience impairments to mental and physical HRQoL and heightened levels of depression and anxiety, underscoring the need for effective IgAN therapies and care-partner support.

One-year trajectories of physical and mental health-related quality of life, fatigue and dyspnoea in COVID-19 survivors.

A substantial number of people experience a persisting impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after COVID-19. The current study aims to identify different trajectories of physical and mental HRQoL, fatigue severity, and dyspnoea severity following hospitalisation with COVID-19, and associated factors of these trajectories. 500 patients with COVID-19 were followed for one year in a longitudinal cohort study. Self-reported outcomes were measured at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after hospitalisation. Distinct trajectories were characterised using Growth Mixture Modelling. Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of trajectories were investigated using multivariable (multinomial) logistic regression analyses. Three trajectories ('stable high' (16%), 'improving' (40%), and 'stable low' (44%)) were found for physical HRQoL, and four ('stable high' (43%), 'improving' (14%), 'middle declining' (17%), and 'low' (26%)) for mental HRQoL. Older age, overweight and obesity, lower education, and comorbidities were associated with 'low' physical HRQoL. Younger age was associated with 'low' mental HRQoL. Four fatigue trajectories ('no fatigue' (15%), 'improving' (40%), 'low-severe' (27%), and 'high-severe' (18%)) were found. Participants either experienced almost never ('no dyspnoea', 75%) or almost always ('severe', 25%) dyspnoea. High co-occurrences between low HRQoL and severe fatigue and dyspnoea symptom trajectories were found. A substantial number of COVID-19 survivors continue to struggle with reduced HRQoL over time. However, large variations in these physical and mental HRQoL trajectories exist, and trajectories are associated with persisting COVID-19-related symptoms or pre-hospitalised health status. Regular measurement of HRQoL and post-COVID symptoms may help identify those that may benefit from timely interventions.

Ten Years of Bipolar Telehealth: Program Evaluation of a Team-Based Telemental Health Clinic.

Objectives: Telemental health via videoconferencing (TMH-V) can overcome many of the barriers to accessing quality mental health care. Toward this end, in 2011, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the National Bipolar Disorders TeleHealth (BDTH) Program to provide expert mental health consultation and treatment to Veterans with bipolar spectrum disorders. Methods: Initial analyses of BDTH services suggested that participants had positive changes in quality-of-care indices and clinical outcomes; however, that evaluation was based on a limited sample of both participants and VA medical centers. We were able to confirm and expand upon those early results by using nearly eight times the number of participants and more than twice as many medical centers. Results: For the 2,456 Veterans who completed the intake to our program, there were significant improvements in some of the quality metrics (e.g., lithium use) and a 54% reduction in positive suicide screens (p < 0.05). The Veterans who completed the initial and postprogram assessments (n = 815) reported a 16.6% reduction in manic symptoms (p < 0.001), a 29.3% reduction in depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), and a 21.2% reduction in mood episodes (p < 0.001). Additionally, these Veterans demonstrated significant improvements (p < 0.001) in mental health-related quality of life between the two assessments. Conclusions: These analyses provide further support for the general effectiveness and safety of telemental health via videoconferencing. Future research should examine the generalizability of these findings across various subgroups (e.g., minority patients, patients in rural areas), populations, and health care systems.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus-related complications and their impact on health-related quality of life in Singapore.

One in three Singaporeans is at risk of developing DM (DM) in their lifetime. The majority of those with DM experience other comorbidities that often affect the course of their DM. This study explored: (a) the prevalence of DM-related complications, (b) their sociodemographic correlates, and (c) their association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Participants with DM (n = 387) were recruited from a population-based survey. Type 2 DM was self-reported as diagnosed by a doctor. The DM-related complications and comorbidities were assessed using the DM knowledge questionnaire and chronic conditions checklist. Short-Form health survey was used to examined HRQOL. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine the association between DM-related complications and sociodemographic factors and body mass index. Multiple linear regressions examined the association of complications with HRQOL. Approximately 31.6% of the participants had DM-related complications. The top three complications were nephropathy (54.4%), neuropathy (42.2%) and retinopathy (40.8%). Younger participants (aged 18-49 years) and those with higher education were less likely to develop DM-related complications. Physical HRQOL was adversely affected in participants with any chronic condition, DM for 4-9 years, DM-related neuropathy, lower leg/foot ulcers and gangrene. Mental HRQOL was adversely affected by gangrene. Younger participants had better physical HRQOL. Physical HRQOL is adversely affected when individuals develop DM-related complications. Understanding the sociodemographic corelates of DM-related complications could aid clinicians in identifying and assisting at-risk populations to prevent adverse outcomes. Educating individuals on the risk of developing DM-related complications could encourage better DM management.

Prevalence and Association of Pruritus and Its Current Treatment During the First Year of Dialysis: A DOMESTICO Study.

Pruritus is common in dialysis patients and associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sleep disturbances. Its pathophysiology remains unclear resulting in limited treatment options and lack of treatment guidelines. The exact trajectory of pruritus after dialysis initiation nor the state of current medical treatment has been studied. Incident dialysis patients (n=1438), included in the Dutch nOcturnal and hoME dialysis Study To Improve Clinical Outcomes (DOMESTICO), were studied. Outcome parameters were prevalence of pruritus, severity of pruritus and the use of antipruritic medication, repeatedly measured during the first year of dialysis. Associations between treatment, pruritus and quality of life were longitudinally studied using linear mixed models. The prevalence of pruritus ranged from 50.5% to 56.6% during the first year of dialysis. Throughout the year approximately 35% experienced persistent pruritus and 40% fluctuating pruritus. During follow-up 21.5% to 26.5% received medical treatment for pruritus. Emollients were associated with more severe pruritus (adjusted β = 0.31, 95% CI 0.15; 0.48), the remaining treatments did not show any association. Pruritus was significantly associated with lower physical and mental HRQoL (adjusted β = -2.04, 95% CI -2.78; -1.30 and β = -1.73, 95% CI -2.51; -0.94, respectively), irrespective of treatment. During the first year of dialysis, pruritus is highly prevalent, predominantly fluctuating, and associated with impaired HRQoL. The minority of patients received medical treatment; in our study current treatment was not associated with an improvement of pruritus. These results highlight the need for more awareness among clinicians and for the development of effective treatment options.

Longitudinal assessment of health-related quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associations with clinical and social characteristics in a general practice population

BackgroundWe aimed to investigate the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 and the effects of clinical and psychosocial factors, accounting for post-COVID conditions (PCC), on the mental and physical aspect of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.MethodsData from the Nivel Corona Cohort were used, which includes individuals with an established SARS-CoV-2 infection that received four questionnaires over a year’s time with questions regarding HRQoL (SF-12), symptoms and social characteristics. PCC was determined based on questionnaire data. Data on medical history and healthcare utilization were obtained from electronic health records from general practice. A repeated measures linear mixed model was used to explore associations between clinical and social characteristics, and the course of mental and physical HRQoL after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, taking PCC into account.ResultsOne hundred fifty-eight individuals of whom it was possible to determine whether they had PCC or not were included in this study. Seventy-six (48.1%) developed PCC, which was associated with a persistent reduction in both physical and mental HRQoL. Hospitalization during the acute phase of the infection had a negative impact on the physical HRQoL, which decreased over time. Females, people older than 53, and those with increased resilience and mental HRQoL before infection were more likely to report a more positive mental HRQoL over time.ConclusionThe negative association PCC has with both mental and physical HRQoL for at least six months, calls for more research to support patients with PCC.

Informal caregiver burden in dialysis care and how it relates to patients’ health-related quality of life and symptoms

Abstract Background Informal caregivers play a crucial role in dialysis care but may experience significant burden, potentially affecting both caregiver and patient outcomes. Research on caregiver burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the relation to patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to 1) describe informal caregivers’ experienced burden and HRQoL and 2) investigate how these are related to dialysis patients’ HRQoL and symptoms. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at dialysis initiation with 202 adult informal caregiver-dialysis patient dyads. Caregiver burden was measured with the Self-Perceived Pressure from Informal Care (SPPIC) questionnaire, HRQoL with the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and symptom number and burden with the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). Data were analysed using linear and logistic ordinal regression. Results Around 38% of caregivers experienced moderate to high burden. Patients’ lower mental HRQoL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92; 0.99), higher symptom number (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02; 1.12), and higher symptom burden (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01; 1.04) were associated with greater odds of higher caregiver burden. Patients’ lower mental HRQoL (β=0.30, 95% CI 0.15; 0.46), higher symptom number (β=-0.55, 95% CI -0.78; -0.31), and higher symptom burden (β=-0.17, 95% CI -0.25; -0.10) were also associated with a lower mental HRQoL in caregivers. Conclusion We show that a third of caregivers feel moderate to high burden and that caregiver burden is associated with patients’ mental HRQoL and symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing informal caregivers and the nature of their burden.

5184 Tirzepatide Improved Mental and Psychosocial Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Obesity or Overweight: Results from the SURMOUNT-4 phase 3 Trial

Abstract Disclosure: T.M. Gibble: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. D. Cao: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. M. Murphy: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. I. Jouravskaya: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. B. Liao: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. Background: Tirzepatide is a once weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist approved in the U.S. for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. In the phase 3 SURMOUNT-4 trial with randomized withdrawal of tirzepatide maximum tolerated dose (MTD) after the first 36 weeks, continuing tirzepatide for a total of 88 weeks led to a mean weight reduction of 25.3% from baseline compared to 9.9% for those who switched to placebo (PBO).[1] This analysis evaluated the effect of tirzepatide versus PBO on mental and psychosocial health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes using the SURMOUNT-4 trial data. Methods: Adults (n=783) with body mass index ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 and ≥1 obesity-related complication (excluding T2D) were enrolled in an open-label lead-in period to receive tirzepatide once weekly subcutaneously for 36 weeks, escalated to MTD (10 mg or 15 mg). At week (W) 36, 670 participants were randomized 1:1 to continue tirzepatide MTD (n=335) or were switched to PBO (n=335) for 52 weeks. HRQoL was evaluated from W0 to W88 using the Short Form-36 Version 2 Health Survey (SF-36 v2) acute form and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite-Clinical Trials Version (IWQOL-Lite-CT), where the last observation before discontinuation was carried forward. Higher scores of SF-36v2 (Mental Component Summary [MCS], role-emotional, and mental health), and IWQOL-Lite-CT (psychosocial composite) reflected better levels of mental function. Least square mean (LSM) changes and estimated treatment differences (ETD) between tirzepatide and PBO were calculated using an analysis of covariance model. Results: LSM changes in mental domain scores for SF-36 v2 and IWQOL-Lite-CT were comparable during lead-in (W0 to W36) between participants randomized to tirzepatide and PBO. Significant improvements were observed from W36 to W88 in SF-36v2 mental domain scores for tirzepatide versus PBO, with LSM scores ( ETD) as follows: MCS, 54.6, 52.9 (1.7, p=0.001); role-emotional, 53.0, 51.1 (1.9, p=0.001), and mental health, 55.4, 52.9 (2.4, p&amp;lt;0.001), respectively. LSM change from W36 to W88 in SF-36 v2 mental domain scores for tirzepatide and PBO were: MCS, 0.1 and -1.6; role-emotional, 0.6 and -1.2, and mental health, 0.3 and -2.1, respectively. Tirzepatide showed significant improvements in IWQOL-Lite-CT psychosocial scores versus PBO from W36 to W88, with LSM scores ( ETD) of 87.7, 75.6 (12.1; p&amp;lt;0.001), respectively. LSM change from W36 to W88 in IWQOL-Lite-CT psychosocial scores for tirzepatide and PBO were 5.1 and -7.0, respectively. Conclusion: In the SURMOUNT-4 trial, adults with overweight or obesity continuing on tirzepatide MTD showed significant and sustained improvements in mental and psychosocial HRQoL compared to those switching to placebo. [1] Sattar N. 59th Annual Meeting European Association for the Study of Diabetes; Oct 2023; Hamburg, Germany. Presentation: 6/1/2024

9229 Tirzepatide Improved Mental and Psychosocial Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Obesity or Overweight: Results from the SURMOUNT-4 phase 3 Trial

Abstract Disclosure: T.M. Gibble: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. D. Cao: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. M. Murphy: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. I. Jouravskaya: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. B. Liao: Employee; Self; Employment and stockholder, Eli Lilly and Company. Background: Tirzepatide is a once weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist approved in the U.S. for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. In the phase 3 SURMOUNT-4 trial with randomized withdrawal of tirzepatide maximum tolerated dose (MTD) after the first 36 weeks, continuing tirzepatide for a total of 88 weeks led to a mean weight reduction of 25.3% from baseline compared to 9.9% for those who switched to placebo (PBO).[1] This analysis evaluated the effect of tirzepatide versus PBO on mental and psychosocial health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes using the SURMOUNT-4 trial data. Methods: Adults (n=783) with body mass index ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 and ≥1 obesity-related complication (excluding T2D) were enrolled in an open-label lead-in period to receive tirzepatide once weekly subcutaneously for 36 weeks, escalated to MTD (10 mg or 15 mg). At week (W) 36, 670 participants were randomized 1:1 to continue tirzepatide MTD (n=335) or were switched to PBO (n=335) for 52 weeks. HRQoL was evaluated from W0 to W88 using the Short Form-36 Version 2 Health Survey (SF-36 v2) acute form and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite-Clinical Trials Version (IWQOL-Lite-CT), where the last observation before discontinuation was carried forward. Higher scores of SF-36v2 (Mental Component Summary [MCS], role-emotional, and mental health), and IWQOL-Lite-CT (psychosocial composite) reflected better levels of mental function. Least square mean (LSM) changes and estimated treatment differences (ETD) between tirzepatide and PBO were calculated using an analysis of covariance model. Results: LSM changes in mental domain scores for SF-36 v2 and IWQOL-Lite-CT were comparable during lead-in (W0 to W36) between participants randomized to tirzepatide and PBO. Significant improvements were observed from W36 to W88 in SF-36v2 mental domain scores for tirzepatide versus PBO, with LSM scores ( ETD) as follows: MCS, 54.6, 52.9 (1.7, p=0.001); role-emotional, 53.0, 51.1 (1.9, p=0.001), and mental health, 55.4, 52.9 (2.4, p&amp;lt;0.001), respectively. LSM change from W36 to W88 in SF-36 v2 mental domain scores for tirzepatide and PBO were: MCS, 0.1 and -1.6; role-emotional, 0.6 and -1.2, and mental health, 0.3 and -2.1, respectively. Tirzepatide showed significant improvements in IWQOL-Lite-CT psychosocial scores versus PBO from W36 to W88, with LSM scores ( ETD) of 87.7, 75.6 (12.1; p&amp;lt;0.001), respectively. LSM change from W36 to W88 in IWQOL-Lite-CT psychosocial scores for tirzepatide and PBO were 5.1 and -7.0, respectively. Conclusion: In the SURMOUNT-4 trial, adults with overweight or obesity continuing on tirzepatide MTD showed significant and sustained improvements in mental and psychosocial HRQoL compared to those switching to placebo. [1]Sattar N. 59th Annual Meeting European Association for the Study of Diabetes; Oct 2023; Hamburg, Germany. Presentation: 6/1/2024

The Impact of a Digital Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit on Older Cancer Survivors' Health Outcomes.

Cancer predominantly affects older adults. An estimated 62% of the 15.5 million American cancer survivors are 65 years or older. Provision of supportive care is critical to this group; however, limited resources are available to them. As older survivors increasingly adopt technology, digital health programs have significant potential to provide them with longitudinal supportive care. Previously, we developed/tested a digital Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit for older adults, Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit Silver. The study examined the preliminary impact of the Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit Silver on older survivors' health outcomes. This was a 2-arm randomized controlled trial with two observations (baseline, 8 weeks) on a sample of 60 older cancer survivors (mean age, 70.1 ± 3.8 years). Outcomes included health-related quality of life, self-efficacy for coping with cancer, symptom burden, health behaviors, and patient-provider communication. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear mixed models, and content analysis. At 8 weeks, the Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit Silver group showed more improved physical health-related quality of life (P < .001, effect size = 0.64) and symptom burden (P = .053, effect size = -0.41) than the control group. Self-efficacy (effect size = 0.56), mental health-related quality of life (effect size = 0.26), and communication (effect size = 0.40) showed clinically meaningful effect sizes of improvement. Most participants reported benefits on health management (mean, 19.41 ± 2.6 [3-21]). Further research is needed with larger and more diverse older cancer populations.

Sleep as a Predictor of Health-Related Quality of Life among Economically Disadvantaged Black Older Adults.

Sleep disturbances may partially account for the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) disparities experienced by Black older adults when compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults. The present study examined the role of self-reported sleep duration and the belief that one is not getting enough sleep on physical and mental HRQoL among Black older adults. Participants were 281 community-dwelling, economically disadvantaged Black older adults between 60 and 97 years of age (Mean=69.01, SD=6.97) who lived in a large city in the Southeastern United States. The present study uses baseline data from a larger intervention study aimed at promoting social connection and food security among older adults. For this study (and as part of the larger intervention), participants completed an assessment battery that included (1) a demographic data and health questionnaire that included self-reported sleep duration and a belief that one is not getting enough sleep questions; (2) the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Health-Related Quality of Life-14 Healthy Days Core Module; and (3) the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Form. Descriptive results show that most participants slept less than 7 hours and felt like they did not get enough sleep. Results from 2 hierarchical regressions also showed that believing one is not getting enough sleep predicts lower self-reported mental and physical HRQoL. While sleep deprivation has a serious impact on quality of life for Black older adults, sleep disturbances in this population are understudied. Interventions to improve sleep duration and quality among Black older adults may help reduce disparities in quality of life between Black older adults and NHW adults.

Exploring How the Kidney BEAM Physical Activity Digital Health Intervention Improved Mental Health-Related Quality of Life for People Living With Kidney Disease: a Mixed Methods Approach

IntroductionThe Kidney BEAM randomised controlled trial reported clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical function (sit-to-stand-60, but not the physical component of HRQoL) and patient activation following a 12-week physical activity digital health intervention (DHI). This study explores factors that contributed to the effectiveness of Kidney BEAM through mixed methods analyses. MethodsQuantitative data analysis was taken from the recently published primary manuscript. Participants from the Kidney BEAM trial intervention group (n=30) completed individualized semi-structured interviews after the 12-week DHI. Interviews were analysed using the framework method with inductive and deductive coding. Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses occurred concurrently, and independently, before combining using a mixed methods analysis with joint displays to triangulate datasets and further explore the primary findings. ResultsThe integrated mixed methods analyses facilitated explanation of the primary findings. The Kidney BEAM intervention was shown to have mental and physical wellbeing benefits and enhanced self-management in this cohort of people living with CKD. Elements that contributed to the effectiveness of the intervention were reported, including the different functional levels and gradual progression of the program, shared lived experiences with other participants, self-monitoring, the sense of achievement, taking back control of their health, moving beyond medications and feeling safe and confident to exercise. ConclusionElements of the Kidney BEAM intervention that contributed to the main quantitative trial findings were identified. This will allow researchers and practitioners to maximize the effectiveness of DHI’s to enhance healthy behaviours in people living with CKD.

Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of a 6-Month Digital Health Intervention to Improve Physical Activity and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in People with CKD (Kidney BEAM)

Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of a 6-Month Digital Health Intervention to Improve Physical Activity and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in People with CKD (Kidney BEAM)

Health-related quality of life and radioiodine therapy in thyroid cancer patients: a before-and-after study.

Thyroid cancers are on the rise, but the associated vital prognosis and long-term survival rates are very good. Therefore, treated patients' quality of life and psychological well-being are important considerations. The treatment usually involves surgery and radioactive iodine (radioiodine) ablation. This study aims to investigate potential effects of radioiodine ablation therapy on health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and nutritional status at 6 months post-therapy. This study included 136 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Absorbed doses to the salivary glands were estimated from dosimeters worn by patients. Patient health-related quality of life, psychological status and nutritional status were assessed before and 6 months after therapy using standardized questionnaires (including SF-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale). Statistical analyses included random-effects logistic and linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders. While no significant association was found between radioiodine exposure and anxiety or depression symptoms, or nutritional status, a significant increase in the SF-36 role physical sub- score was observed in relation with the salivary gland dose (β= 6.54, 95%CI 2.71;10.36 for a 1-Gy increase). The findings suggest an improved physical health-related quality of life, namely reduced pain and functional impairment, 6 months after radioiodine therapy in thyroid cancer patients. No significant association was found between radioiodine exposure and mental health-related quality of life, anxiety or depression scores nor nutritional status. This study does not provide any evidence that radioiodine therapy has a potentially adverse effect on patient health-related quality of life.

Modelling the factors associated with quality of life in women with osteoporosis: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundConsidering the important factors contributing to different health-related quality of life (HRQoL) subscales is essential for implementing preventive measures to increase the HRQoL among women with osteoporosis. We here evaluated the variables related to the mental and physical HRQoL in a sample of Iranian osteoporotic women. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the participants included 111 women with osteoporosis in 2013. Physical and mental of HRQoL were measured by the ECOS-16 questionnaire. Other variables included BMD t-score (Osteoporosis was diagnosed based on bone mineral density (BMD) with BMD t-score < −2.5), age, body mass index, educational level, marital status, duration of the disease, history of bone fracture in the past year, the number of pregnancies, and weekly walking hours. Final regression coefficients were obtained based on the total effects of estimations (decompositions of effects into direct, indirect and total effects) by structural equation model (SEM) analysis. ResultsThe mean scores of physical and mental domains of HRQoL were 54(21) and 54(25), respectively. The mean of BMD t-score was −3.2 (0.9). Based on the regression coefficients obtained in the SEM model, weekly walking hours(2.2), number of pregnancies (−1.2), and history of bone fracture in past year(−2.9) were the more important determinants of physical aspect of HRQoL than other included variables of this study. Furthermore, age over than 60 (−9.1), history of bone fracture in past year(−4.8), weekly walking hours(2.3), marital status(−5), and education level (3.9)influenced the mental aspect of HRQoL. ConclusionsSocial and life style factors tend to impact on physical and mental domains of HRQoL, a measure that is influenced by multiple factors among postmenopausal women. In this respect, these obtained factors should be considered for health planning to improve the physical and mental domains of HRQoL among postmenopausal women.

Marginal health care expenditures and health-related quality of life burden in patients with migraine.

Migraine, characterized by recurrent, severe headaches, presents a considerable challenge for patients, health care systems, and employers in the United States. However, there is a lack of recent estimates of the economic and humanistic burden in this population. To assess the incremental burden of migraine on the total all-cause health care costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the United States, using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). This retrospective cross-sectional study included adults (≥18 years) with and without migraine on the 2019-2021 full-year consolidated MEPS Household Component and Medical Provider Component data files. Descriptive analyses were conducted to compare health care expenditures and HRQoL among patients with and without migraine. To estimate the marginal effect of migraine on total health care spending, a two-part model generalized linear models was employed. HRQoL was evaluated using physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores based on the items in the Veterans Rand 12 Health Survey. A multivariate linear regression with log-link was conducted to understanding the factors associated with PCS and MCS scores. All analyses accounted for complex survey design of MEPS. The study included approximately 1.14 million patients with migraine and approximately 184 million patients without migraine. The patients with migraine were majorly female (82.81%), aged 18-45 years (50.24%), and residing in the southern region of the United States (41.45%). A two-part model revealed that marginal total health care expenditures among patients with migraine were $6,078.56 (95% CI = $4,618.45-$8,141.34) higher compared with those without migraine. In terms of HRQoL, average PCS scores in migraine and nonmigraine groups were 39.79 and 42.15, respectively. The average MCS scores were 46.63 and 49.95 for migraine and nonmigraine groups, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, multivariable linear regression models revealed that the PCS score was 2.14 (95% CI = 1.17-4.55) units lower, and the MCS score was 3.19 (95% CI = 2.51-6.07) units lower among patients with migraine compared with those without. Migraine imposes a substantial economic burden on both health care payers and patients in the United States. Notably, prescription drugs make up nearly half of the overall cost. Additionally, patients with migraine experience lower levels of physical and mental HRQoL compared with those without migraine.

Physical and mental health trajectories: A longitudinal SF-36 analysis in Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated COPD

BackgroundThe Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) is a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure validated in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While physical health is often more impaired than mental health in people with COPD, research on alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-associated COPD is limited. This longitudinal study examines changes in physical and mental health in individuals with AATD and associated factors. MethodsAnalyses included participants of AlphaNet, a disease management program for individuals with AATD-associated lung disease who are prescribed augmentation therapy. Norm-based SF-36 scores for mental and physical component summaries (MCS and PCS) and 8 scales were analyzed. Linear mixed models evaluated mean changes in SF-36 scores over time. ResultsThe study included 2165 participants (mean age 56.9 ± 10.0 years, 47.0 % female). At enrollment, mean PCS score was 37.5 ± 9.6, and mean MCS score was 51.9 ± 10.5. Mean mMRC dyspnea score was 2.3 ± 1.3; 54.6 % had ≥2 exacerbations annually, and 46.5 % used oxygen regularly. Average follow-up was 6.6 ± 3.2 years. The HRQoL remained stable; MCS improved by 0.16 points/year (p < 0.0001), while the PCS score declined by 0.49 points/year (p < 0.0001). Subscales followed similar trends. ConclusionsAt baseline, mental HRQoL scores were higher than physical HRQoL scores, indicating better mental health than physical health in this cohort with AATD-associated lung disease. Stable HRQoL with a slight improvement in mental scores over time and a small decrease in physical scores may be a unique feature of this cohort. Further studies are needed to correlate these findings with disease-specific instruments and patient physiology.

Association of Physical Performance with Mental and Physical Health-Related Quality of Life and Low Back Pain-Related Disabilities among Older Adults with Severe Obesity.

Background: Low back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal problems and continues to be the leading cause of disabilities worldwide. The aim of this study was to cross-sectionally investigate the association of physical performance with mental and physical health-related quality of life and low back pain-related disabilities among older adults with severe obesity. Methods: A total of 96 hospitalized older adults with severe obesity (45 males, 51 females, age: 69.7 ± 5.4 years; BMI: 43.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2) were recruited into the study. Physical performance, health-related quality of life, and low back pain-related disability were measured through physical performance tests, the 12-item short-form survey (SF-12), and the Oswestry disability index, respectively. Results: LBP-related disabilities, as well as physical health-related quality of life, were associated with all the physiological parameters measured by physical performance tests, including muscular strength, aerobic capacity, balance, and lower body flexibility (p < 0.05). In contrast, mental health-related quality of life was associated with fewer physiological parameters, such as primarily muscular strength (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings could provide important insights for developing rehabilitation strategies designed to improve LBP-related disabilities, as well as the physical and mental health-related quality of life, in older adults with severe obesity.

Association between cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life and its mediation by depressive symptoms in older patients with kidney failure

BackgroundImpaired cognition, poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptoms are common in older patients with kidney failure. Understanding what influences HRQoL is important, as older patients regard HRQoL as a health priority. This study examines whether cognitive functioning is associated with HRQoL and whether depressive symptoms mediate this effect in older patients with kidney failure.MethodsOutpatients aged ≥ 65 years from 35 Dutch and Belgian hospitals with eGFR 20–10 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included from the ongoing DIALOGICA study. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Depressive symptoms were screened with 2 Whooley Questions and thereafter assessed with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. HRQoL was assessed using the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. To assess whether cognitive functioning is associated with HRQoL, cross-sectional multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Subsequent mediation analyses were performed with PROCESS using the product method.ResultsIn total, 403 patients were included, with a mean age of 76.5 years (SD 5.8) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 14.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD 3.0). Cognitive functioning was associated with mental HRQoL (adjusted β 0.30, 95% CI 0.05;0.55) but not physical HRQoL (adjusted β 0.18, 95% CI -0.09;0.44). This effect is mediated by depressive symptoms (adjusted β 0.14, 95% CI 0.04;0.25).ConclusionLower cognitive functioning was negatively associated with mental HRQoL, which was mediated by depressive symptoms in older patients with kidney failure. Future research should explore whether cognitive interventions and treatment of depression improve HRQoL in this vulnerable patient population.Graphical