Multidimensional Quality Of Life Research Articles

Harm from others' drinking among young adults in Taiwan: Predictors and deteriorating quality of life.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different forms of harm from others' drinking (HFOD), predictors and the relationship with multi-dimensional quality of life among young adults in an emerging alcohol market in Asia-Taiwan. Data were extracted from a 2018 household survey with national representativeness on substance use experiences. The analytic sample comprised 4901 participants aged 18-34. Eight items were used to measure HFOD experiences. Five-dimensional quality of life was assessed by the EQ-5D-5L. Multivariable regressions with complex survey analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence and risk association. Almost 4.2% of young adults experienced any form of HFOD; psychological harm occurred more prevalently than physical harm (3.7% and 1.5%, respectively). Those aged 25-29 and 30-34 had a two- to three-fold risk of HFOD compared with those aged 18-24. Both non-drunk drinking and drunk drinking were associated with an increased risk of psychological HFOD (adjusted odds ratio 2.36 and 5.89, respectively), whereas the risk of physical HFOD was related only to drunk drinking (adjusted odds ratio 7.8). Psychological HFOD victimisation emerged as the strongest predictor for deteriorated quality of life (adjusted b -0.14; 95% confidence interval -0.24, -0.04), especially in the dimensions of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Among HFOD victims, only 33% sought help. The HFOD among young adults, commonly exhibited in psychological form, was linked with deteriorated quality of life; nonetheless, young HFOD victims are under-recognised. When devising interventions for alcohol harm, developmental perspectives should be integrated into policies implemented in healthcare and community settings.

A randomized controlled trial examining the effect of camp HOPE Tennessee on youth functioning: Results from a pilot study.

Family violence can negatively affect youth's psychosocial functioning. Strengths-based interventions may enhance positive youth functioning among youth experiencing adversity, but little is known about the effectiveness of camp-based interventions for youth exposed to family violence. The current study examined the effectiveness of Camp HOPE Tennessee in promoting multidimensional well-being and school engagement among youth exposed to family violence. This pilot study employed a nonmasked, parallel randomized controlled design. Participants were 47 children and their caregivers who sought services from a Family Justice Center. Children were 7-12 years old (M = 9.55, SD = 1.63; 79% Black/African American). Using block randomization, caregiver-child dyads were assigned to the camp (n = 23) or waitlist control (n = 24) condition and completed evaluations at baseline, 2-month follow-up, and 5-month follow-up. Children reported on two indicators of positive functioning: multidimensional Quality of Life (i.e., Physical Well-Being, Psychological Well-Being, Autonomy And Parent Relations, Social Support And Peers, And School Environment) and School Engagement. Piecewise latent growth curve models evaluated between-group differences in positive youth functioning at 2- and 5-month follow-up (ClinicalTrials.gov: CampHopeTN). Results suggest that Camp HOPE positively impacted children's psychological well-being (difference = 12.28, SE = 2.84, p < .001, g = 0.94) and autonomy and parent relations (difference = 7.96, SE = 2.95, p = .007, g = 0.77) at 2-month follow-up. Additionally, the camp appeared to have a long-term effect on school engagement at 5-month follow-up (difference = 9.97, SE = 4.83, p = .039, g = 0.59). Results suggest that camp interventions may enhance positive functioning among youth exposed to family violence. Larger investigations are needed to strengthen the evidence base for Camp HOPE's effectiveness and support further dissemination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Stress and alcohol-related coping mechanisms linking lifetime suicide ideation and attempt to multidimensional quality of life

BackgroundSuicide ideation and attempt are linked to adverse mental health outcomes, but few studies have examined their associations with quality of life (QoL). This study examined the impact of lifetime history of suicidal ideation and attempt on four QoL domains via perceived stress and problematic drinking. MethodsParticipants were drawn from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Natural History Protocol (N = 1055), including those with no history of suicidality (78.6 %), suicidal ideation only (15.3 %), and a history of suicide attempt (6.2 %). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test perceived stress and drinking as mediational pathways to multidimensional QoL. ResultsIndividuals with a history of suicide ideation and/or attempt reported higher perceived stress in the past month, more problematic drinking in the past year, and lower QoL domains in the past two weeks. SEM showed significant mediation effects through dimensions of perceived stress (helplessness, lack of self-efficacy) and alcohol problems. When these mediators were considered simultaneously, the mediation effects through alcohol problems were attenuated, while several direct effects of suicidality on physical, psychological, and social QoL were weakened but remained significant. LimitationsCross-sectional data with retrospective report of suicidality history. ConclusionsA lifetime history of suicidality was associated with lower multidimensional QoL. These associations were partially explained by stress and alcohol-related coping mechanisms such as feeling helpless or inadequate when encountering stressors and problematic drinking. Perceived stress and drinking to cope may be important intervention targets to improve QoL among those with a history of suicidality.

Vision-specific and cancer-specific quality of life in ocular graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

To compare the vision-specific and cancer-specific quality of life (QOL) between patients with and without ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT). This cross-sectional observational study analyzed 142 patients after alloHCT including 94 patients with oGVHD and 48 without. oGVHD was diagnosed according to International Chronic Ocular GVHD Consensus Group (ICOGCG) criteria. QOL was assessed by using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Compared with non-oGVHD patients, patients with oGVHD had worse vision-specific (NEI VFQ-25: 64.3 ± 20.3 vs. 77.6 ± 19.3, P < 0.001) and cancer-specific (EORTC QLQ-C30: 59.9 ± 20.3 vs. 67.4 ± 17.5, P = 0.03) QOL, as well as impaired cognitive function (72.7 ± 22.1 vs. 82.3 ± 19.0, P = 0.01). The vision-specific QOL was significantly correlated with ICOGCG score (β = - 1.88, 95%CI: - 3.35 to - 0.41, P = 0.01) and post-alloHCT medical expense (β = - 5.70, 95%CI: - 10.35 to - 1.05, P = 0.02), while cancer-specific QOL was strikingly correlated with post-alloHCT medical expense (β = - 9.91, 95%CI: - 14.43 to - 5.39, P < 0.001), frequency of ophthalmic medication (β = - 0.93, 95%CI: - 1.64 to - 0.21, P = 0.01), education (β = - 6.97, 95%CI: - 13.31 to - 0.62, P = 0.03), and peripheral blood stem cell use (β = - 6.42, 95%CI: - 12.59 to - 0.25, P = 0.04). Patients with oGVHD experienced significant impairment in both vision-specific and cancer-specific QOL including cognitive function when compared with those without after alloHCT. Multidimensional QOL assessment should be included in the long-term alloHCT survivorship care.

Evaluating childhood policy impacts on lifetime health, wellbeing and inequality: Lifecourse distributional economic evaluation

We introduce and illustrate a new framework for distributional economic evaluation of childhood policies that takes a broad and long view of the impacts on health, wellbeing and inequality from a cross-sectoral whole-lifetime perspective. Total lifetime benefits and public cost savings are estimated using lifecourse microsimulation of diverse health, social and economic outcomes for each individual in a general population birth cohort from birth to death. Cost-effectiveness analysis, policy targeting analysis and distributional analysis of inequality impacts are then conducted using an index of lifetime wellbeing that allow comparisons of both value-for-money (efficiency) and distributional impact (equity) from a cross-sectoral lifetime perspective. We illustrate how this framework can be applied in practice by re-evaluating a training programme in England for parents of children at risk of conduct disorder. Our illustration uses a simple index of lifetime wellbeing based on health-related quality of life and consumption, but other indices could be used based on other kinds of outcomes data such as life satisfaction or multidimensional quality of life. We create the detailed underpinning data needed to apply the framework by using a previously published meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to estimate the short-term effects and a previously published lifecourse microsimulation model to extrapolate the long-term effects.

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) Among Patients With Steroid-Refractory or -Dependent Chronic Graft-vs-Host Disease (cGVHD) Randomized to Ruxolitinib (RUX) vs Best Available Therapy (BAT)

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) Among Patients With Steroid-Refractory or -Dependent Chronic Graft-vs-Host Disease (cGVHD) Randomized to Ruxolitinib (RUX) vs Best Available Therapy (BAT)

Problematic Gaming in Youth and Its Association with Different Dimensions of Quality of Life.

Objective: The problematic use of computer games was included in the DSM-5 and in the ICD-11. Initial research revealed associations between problematic gaming (PG) and quality of life (QoL). However, clarification is needed concerning which dimensions of the multidimensional construct QoL are particularly relevant for PG. Method: To answer this question empirically, we asked 503 parents (mean age: 47.63 years) to rate their 503 children (average age: 14.60 years) regarding QoL and PG, using validated questionnaires on parental assessments of adolescent PG and health-related QoL to collect the data. Correlation analyses were calculated to determine bivariate relations, and a multiple linear regression was used to conduct a multivariable analysis. Results: In the bivariate analyses, a higher severity of PG was associated with a lower health-related QoL in all five surveyed dimensions. In the multivariable model (corrected R2 = 0.35), we observed statistically significant associations between higher severity of PG and male sex and lower age of the adolescent as well as lower QoL in the dimensions of physical well-being and school environment. Conclusions: According to the findings of the present study, physical well-being and school environment should be especially focused on in preventive approaches against the development of PG in youth.

Individual quality of life and the environment \u2013 towards a concept of livable areas for persons with disabilities in Poland

BackgroundThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [1] highlights the need to create proper socioeconomic and political conditions for persons with disabilities, with a special focus on their immediate living conditions. According to the Convention, these conditions should be built to ensure that persons with disabilities have the potential to enjoy a high quality of life (QoL), and this principle is reflected in the notion of livable areas. The crucial aspect of this framework is the relationship between the individual QoL and the environment, broadly understood as the socioeconomic as well as the technical conditions in which persons with disabilities function.MethodsThe basic research problem was to assess the relationship between individual QoL for the population with disabilities as a dependent variable and livability indicators as independent variables, controlling for individual characteristics. The study used a dataset from the EU-SILC (European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions) survey carried out in 2015 in Poland. The research concept involved several steps. First, we created a variable measuring the QoL for the entire population with disabilities. To measure the multidimensional QoL, we used Sen’s capability approach as a general concept, which was operationalized by the MIMIC (multiple indicators multiple causes) model. In the second step, we identified the livability indicators available in the official statistics, and merged them with survey data. Finally, in the last step, we ran the regression analysis. We also checked the data for the nested structure.ResultsWe confirmed that the general environmental conditions, focused on creating livable areas, played a significant role in shaping the QoL of persons with disabilities; i.e., we found that the higher the level of the local Human Development Index, the higher the quality of life of the individuals living in this area. This relationship held even after controlling for the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Moreover, we found that in addition to the general environmental conditions, the conditions created especially for persons with disabilities (i.e., services for this group and support for their living conditions) affected the QoL of these individuals.ConclusionsThe results illustrate the need to strengthen policies aimed at promoting the QoL of persons with disabilities by creating access to community assets and services that can contribute to improving the life chances of this population.

Every Day Counts: a randomized pilot lifestyle intervention for women with metastatic breast cancer

To explore the feasibility, adherence, safety and potential efficacy of Every Day Counts; a randomized pilot trial designed for women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) framed by the American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity (PA) guidelines METHODS: Women with clinically stable MBC were recruited to complete an interview, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry imaging and phlebotomy at baseline and post-intervention. Multidimensional quality of life, symptom burden, lifestyle behaviors (nutrition and PA) and biomarkers of prognosis were procured and quantified. Women were randomized to the immediate intervention or a waitlist control arm. The 12-week intervention included a curriculum binder, lifestyle coaching (in-person and telephone-based sessions) and intervention support (activity monitor, text messaging, cooking classes.) Women in the waitlist control were provided monthly text messaging. Forty women were recruited within 9months (feasibility). Women in the immediate intervention attended 86% of all 12 weekly coaching sessions (adherence) and showed significant improvements in general QOL (p = 0.001), and QOL related to breast cancer (p = 0.001), endocrine symptoms (p = 0.002) and fatigue (p = 0.037), whereas the waitlist control did not (all p values ≥ 0.05) (efficacy). PA significantly increased for women in the intervention compared to control (p < 0.0001), while dietary changes were less evident across groups due to high baseline adherence. No significant changes in biomarkers or lean mass were noted, yet visceral adipose tissue declined (p = 0.001). No intervention-related injuries were reported (safety). Qualitative feedback strongly supports the desire for a longer intervention with additional support. Lifestyle interventions are of interest, safe and potentially beneficial for women with MBC. A larger trial is warranted.

Enhancing the multi-dimensional assessment of quality of life: introducing the WHOQOL-Combi

IntroductionWe revisited the global concept of subjective quality of life (QoL) as assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF to investigate whether it could be elaborated into a conceptually more comprehensive instrument with good psychometric properties. Responding to a growing need for shorter QoL measures with broader social, spiritual and environmental contents, facets from WHOQOL international modules were examined for potential integration into the new WHOQOL-Combi.MethodAdults over 65 years, diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases (n = 2833), completed 41 WHOQOL items during the CLASSIC survey; each item represented a WHOQOL facet. This pool of specific QoL facets contained 24 from the WHOQOL-BREF (excluding general items), and 17 from recent international WHOQOL short-form modules, selected for their generic properties. Rasch modelling reduced the final item pool when assessing the WHOQOL-Combi’s conceptual structure. Comparisons are made with the WHOQOL-BREF.ResultsModelling confirmed the tenability of a 36-item solution scored as a five-domain profile, comprised of 24 WHOQOL-BREF facets and 12 new facets from modules. Social and psychological domains were strengthened by three facets, spiritual QoL by five, and physical QoL by one. The WHOQOL-Combi showed sound model fit, excellent internal consistency (α = .95), and scores discriminated between socio-demographic categories. Concurrent validity with the EQ-5D-5L was confirmed for physical and psychological domains. Performance was similar to the WHOQOL-BREF.ConclusionThe WHOQOL-Combi offers a contemporary, comprehensive, integrated, multi-dimensional subjective QoL instrument with enhanced evaluations of social, spiritual, psychological and physical QoL. Acceptable to older people, future research should evaluate younger age groups and other cultures.

Quality of Life and Depression in the General Korean Population: Normative Data and Associations of the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) with Depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and Socioeconomic Status

This study aimed to present normative data of Quality of life (QoL) and to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, multidimensional QoL and depression. A questionnaire including the Short Form-12 (SF-12) for physical and mental health-related QOL (HRQOL), the McGill Quality of Life questionnaire (MQOL) for existential well-being and social support-related QOL, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms was designed and administered to 1200 Korean participants as part of a population-based survey. The MQOL of the entire and female population decreased notably with age (p $3000 reported a better mental HRQOL (aOR = 1.42 and 1.38). Those who were educated at higher than college level or were religious reported a worse mental HRQOL (aOR = 0.70 and 0.69). Unlike QOL measured by the SF-12, MQOL was lower among women (aOR = 0.77) and participants who were divorced or separated (aOR = 0.23 for existential well-being and 0.40 for social support). Participants who were educated at higher than college level (aOR = 1.51) and those living in a city/country reported a better MQOL (aOR = 1.50 for existential well-being and 1.60 for social support). Among the QOL scores that were significantly related to depression, existential well-being-related QOL had the highest aOR (aOR = 38.15), followed by physical HRQOL score (aOR = 4.52). Further consideration is needed to raise awareness of the need for evaluating multidimensional QOL in the general population.

Disability and multidimensional quality of life: A capability approach to health status assessment.

This paper offers an approach to assessing quality of life, based on Sen's (1985) theory, which it uses to understand loss in quality of life due to mobility impairment. Specifically, it provides a novel theoretical analysis that is able to account for the possibility that some functionings may increase when a person's capabilities decrease, if substitution effects are large enough. We then develop new data consistent with our theoretical framework that permits comparison of quality of life between those with a disability (mobility impairment) and those without. Empirical results show that mobility impairment has widespread rather than concentrated impacts on capabilities and is associated with high psychological costs. We also find evidence that a small number of functionings are higher for those with a disability, as our theory allows. The paper concludes by discussing possible implications for policy and health assessment methods.

Quality of life: Validation of an instrument and analysis of relationships between domains

ABSTRACT Quality of life (QoL) is now widely recognised as a multidimensional concept. This study validates an instrument to measure multidimensional QoL, and investigates the relationships between the domains thereof. The domains analysed are: health, housing and infrastructure, socio-economic status, social relationships, governance and safety. We utilise a rich household-level dataset collected by the GCRO on QoL in the Gauteng city-region of South Africa. To validate the instrument, we subject the different domains to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to confirm the unidimensionality of each dimension, and then employ confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate the instrument and to investigate the interrelationships between the domains of QoL. The results show that the items included to measure the different scales/domains of QoL are valid measures of the constructs. Furthermore, all domains are positively related, implying that policy measures implemented to improve a specific dimension may also positively influence the other domains of QoL.

The association between frailty and quality of life when aging in place

Background and objectivesAdvanced age is often associated with frailty, which in turn is associated with low quality of life. This study explores to what extent multidimensional frailty is associated with multidimensional quality of life. Material and methodsA cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a sample of 336 Flemish older people aging in place. Data were collected between 2014 and 2016 using two multidimensional self-reporting instruments; the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument to assess frailty and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Short Version to assess quality of life. Bivariate analyses were used to explore the relationship between quality of life, associated factors of quality of life and frailty. ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 74.9 years and 71.7% were woman. An inverse correlation was found between frailty and quality of life (r = −.683) and the corresponding subdomains. Nevertheless, some respondents perceived their quality of life as high, although they were defined as mild to high frail. Further analysis indicated that neither socio-demographic factors nor being ill contributed to quality of life. Discussion and implicationsPsychological frailty contributed the most to quality of life. However, the results indicate that frailty does not inevitably leads to a lower quality of life and that other factors, besides frailty, play an important role in determining quality of life. Knowledge about these factors and their mutual relationship can help policymakers and services in providing client-centered care to increase or maintain the quality of life of people aging in place.

Disability and Multi-Dimensional Quality of Life: A Capability Approach to Health Status Assessment

This paper offers an approach to assessing quality-of-life, based on Sen's (1985) theory, which it uses to understand loss in quality-of-life due to mobility-impairment. Specifically, it provides a theoretical analysis which is able to account for the possibility that some functionings may increase when a person's capabilities decrease, if substitution effects are large enough. We then develop novel data consistent with our theoretical Senian framework that permits comparison of quality-of-life between those with a disability (mobility-impairment) and those without. Empirical results show that mobility impairment has widespread rather than concentrated impacts on capabilities and is associated with higher psychological costs.. We also find evidence that a small number of functionings are higher for those with a disability, as our theory allows. The paper concludes by discussing possible implications for policy and health assessment methods.

Strategic Role of Zakat in Multidimensional Quality of Life in Sijunjung, Indonesia

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.

Focus on the Involvement of the Nose and Paranasal Sinuses in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome): Nasal Cytology Reveals Infiltration of Eosinophils as a Very Common Feature

Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a necrotizing vasculitis that predominantly affects small- to medium-sized vessels. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of extrapulmonary symptoms, including sinonasal and paranasal sinus abnormalities. These are the most common features of this disease, constituting diagnostic criteria for EGPA. However, the actual clinical features, cellular mechanisms and impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL) are still a matter of study. Methods: Thirty-nine EGPA patients underwent multidimensional rhinological evaluations, including rhinofibroscopy, nasal cytology, and QoL questionnaires. This was coupled with respiratory and rheumatological assessments. Results: Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Of these, 18 had nasal polyposis (NP). Chronic rhinitis was diagnosed in 10 patients. Of these, 3 had allergic rhinitis (AR) and seven had non-AR (NAR). Overall, only 1 patient (2.6%) was normal. Nasal cytology showed that hypereosinophilia was present in 17/28 patients with CRS, 4/7 patients with NAR and all patients with AR. SNOT-22 and SF-36 showed a severe impact of nasal symptoms on QoL. No differences in asthma control or rheumatological patterns for EGPA were observed among patients with or without NP. Conclusions: Even when the rheumatological assessment scored EGPA “under control” according to the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score and Vasculitis Damage Index, sinonasal diseases and related nasal inflammatory processes were not controlled. Therefore, there is a need for clinical monitoring and targeted treatment to control the inflammatory processes and improve the QoL of EGPA patients.

Predictors of Long-term Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study

Treatment for breast cancer (BC) has been shown to negatively impact patients’ overall quality of life (QOL), however there has been little prior research on the effect of patient and treatment factors on multi-dimensional aspects of QOL. We prospectively analyzed women treated for breast cancer to identify variables associated with multi-dimensional aspects of post-treatment QOL. A total of 2,904 QOL surveys completed by 523 women treated for unilateral BC from 2009 to 2016 were analyzed. QOL assessments were conducted prior to surgery and every 3-8 months post-operatively. The primary outcome was QOL as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), which included five domains of well-being: physical, social/family, emotional, functional and additional concerns such as body image and stress levels. A global QOL score was created by combining scores across the individual domains. On univariate and multivariable analyses, linear repeated measurement models were used to compare the mean QOL scores among sub-groups. Variables with p-value <0.1 on univariate analyses were entered into the multivariable model. Surveys with less than 50% of questions answered were excluded from analysis. The median post-operative follow-up was 44.6 months (range 0.4-82.9). Clinical and treatment characteristics included: median age at diagnosis 56 years (range 27-82), median body mass index (BMI) 26.5% (range 16.1-58.9), 90.6% invasive ductal carcinoma, 73.3% lumpectomy, 10.5% no lymph node surgery, 69.2% sentinel node biopsy (SNB), 20.4% axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), 12.6% receiving no radiation therapy (RT), 9.8% partial breast irradiation (PBI), 50.1% whole breast/chest wall irradiation (WB/CW) and 27.3% WB/CW plus regional lymph node irradiation (WB/CW + RLNI). The following associations on multivariate analysis were found: WB/CW + RLNI was associated with lower mean physical (-1.73 points lower, p<0.001), emotional (-1.36, p=0.03), additional concerns (-1.67, p=0.03) and global QOL (-7.28, p=0.01) as compared to no RT. Mastectomy was associated with lower emotional (-1.56, p=0.02), functional (-1.47, p=0.007), additional concerns (-2.73, p<0.001) and global QOL (-8.97, p=0.002). Patients with BMI > 25 had worse additional concerns (-2.38, p<0.001) and global QOL (-3.72, p=0.008) as compared to those with BMI < 25. ALND was associated with lower functional QOL as compared to SLNB (-1.35, p=0.01). Factors significantly associated with worse QOL included WB/CW + RLNI, mastectomy, BMI > 25 and ALND. Clinicians should actively screen for and address multi-dimensional QOL issues in all breast cancer survivors, especially in those subgroups at highest risk for worse QOL. Radiation oncologists in particular should remain vigilant regarding QOL concerns in women receiving WB/CW + RLNI, which was associated with significantly worse QOL on multiple domains.

Quality of life among human immunodeficiency virus-1 infected and human immunodeficiency virus-1/hepatitis C virus co-infected individuals in Iranian patients.

Background:The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) of people infected with both hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study design was a cross sectional descriptive survey, using self administered questionnaires.Materials and Methods:A convenience sample of 242 patients (131 of them HIV/HCV), Iranian adults (aged 18–57) living with HIV/AIDS, was recruited from outpatient referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital behavioral counseling center in Tehran city, Iran. The instruments included the Multidimensional QOL HIV (MQoL HIV) and a demographic section.Results:The majority of the samples were male and single. The mean age was 36.52 years (standard deviation = 8.5). HIV mono infected patients reported higher scores in social support and physical functioning, but lower scores in physical health compared with HIV/HCV co infected individuals. There was no significant difference in overall MQOL HIV score between HIV and HIV/HCV patients.Conclusion:Future studies will need to explore the impact of HCV on HIV infected individuals' QOL.

The role of stable housing as a determinant of poverty-related quality of life in vulnerable individuals.

The aim of this study was to identify potential socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants associated with quality of life (QoL) in impoverished individuals admitted in emergency departments (EDs) using a self-administered multidimensional poverty-related QoL questionnaire (PQoL) and a generic QoL questionnaire (Duke). cross-sectional study. Ten EDs in France. All participants included in this study lived in impoverished conditions. We collected socio-demographic information, economic data, and data related to the ED visit. Multiple linear regressions were performed to determine which variables were linked to QoL scores. Three-hundred and eighty-seven individuals were enrolled, and 378 (98%) responded to the QoL questionnaires. PQoL was significantly lower for single individuals (β from -0.15 to -0.23), without a stable home (β from -0.17 to -0.34) and individuals without general health coverage (β = 0.20). Compared with men, women reported lower scores in the psychological well-being dimension (β = -0.19) and higher scores in the relationships with friends dimension (β = 0.17). Not having stable housing was the most important factor associated with low QoL in impoverished people. This finding demonstrates the need for support from policymakers at the national and local levels for these vulnerable populations.