Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Research Articles

Speech and swallowing characteristics in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

Although facial muscle weakness is common in patients with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), the literature is scarce on the speech and swallowing aspects. To investigate speech and swallowing patterns in FSHD and assess the correlation with clinical data. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with clinical confirmation of FSHD and aged above 18 years were included and paired with healthy control individuals by age and gender. Individuals who had neurological conditions that could interfere with test results were excluded. The following assessments were applied: speech tests (acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis); swallowing tests with the Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet (NDPCS), the Eat Assessment Tool (EAT-10), the Speech Therapy Protocol for Dysphagia Risk (PARD), and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS); disease staging using the modified Gardner-Medwin-Walton scale (GMWS); and quality of life with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The correlation between test results and clinical data was verified by non-parametric statistics. Thirteen individuals with FSHD and 10 healthy controls were evaluated. The groups presented significant differences in the motor bases of phonation and breathing. Regarding swallowing, two (15%) individuals presented mild dysphagia and seven (53.8%) showed reduced facial muscles strength. These results were not correlated with duration of the disease, age at symptoms onset, and quality of life. Dysphagia was related to worsening disease severity. FSHD patients presented mild dysarthria and dysphagia. Frequent monitoring of these symptoms could be an important way to provide early rehabilitation and better quality of life.

Balance factors affecting the quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) affects the quality of life (QOL) and balance control of elderly people; our study explored the balance factors that affected the QOL in patients with knee OA.ObjectivesTo determine the balance factors that affected the QOL of patients with knee OA who attended general clinics.MethodA total of 30 healthy controls and 60 patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral knee OA, all aged 55–75 years, were enrolled in our cross-sectional study. All participants were interviewed; the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey was used to assess their QOL in eight dimensions, and the Balance Master System was used to evaluate their balance control according to six parameters. Descriptive statistics were used to reduce the data; an independent t-test determined differences between the two groups, and a multiple regression analysis was undertaken to establish associations between variables from the balance control test and SH36 physical and mental health components. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsIn the OA group, significant negative correlations were observed between sway velocity and the physical health component (p = 0.003) and between sway velocity and the mental health component (p = 0.006). Thus, sway velocity had a major impact on the QOL of patients with knee OA.ConclusionsThe sway velocity at the centre of gravity in balance control was a crucial factor for determining the QOL of patients with bilateral knee OA.Clinical implicationsSway velocity is a key factor affecting the QOL and may provide a basis to formulate preventive actions and design treatment goals for patients with knee OA.

Atomoxetine in comorbid ADHD/PTSD: A randomized, placebo controlled, pilot, and feasibility study.

PTSD and ADHD often occur comorbidly. Research indicates that the cognitive deficits in PTSD may be related to the same disturbance of fronto-temporal systems as observed in ADHD, and ADHD has been shown to impact PTSD treatment outcomes. The presented study evaluated the safety and efficacy of atomoxetine in Veterans with comorbid ADHD/PTSD. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over pilot and feasibility study was conducted. Atomoxetine was examined as an adjunctive treatment over this 10 weeks, two phase, crossover study which compared treatment with atomoxetine 80 mg daily to placebo daily. The primary outcome was improvement in ADHD symptoms as measured by the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales-Self-Report: Short Version (CAARS-S:S), the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), and the Adult ADHD Quality of Life-29 (AAQoL-29). Secondary outcomes included the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the response inhibition task Go/NoGo (GNG). Atomoxetine treated patients had greater reductions in ADHD symptoms as defined by total scores on the CAARS-S:S (F(1, 29) = 6.37, p = .017); both the BAARS-IV (F(1, 26) = 3.16, p = .087); and GNG overall errors test (F(1, 29) = 3.88, p = .06), reached a trend level of significance. No significant differences were noted in quality of life assessments, GNG latency periods, or CAPS scores. Atomoxetine was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events observed. In Veterans with ADHD comorbid with PTSD, atomoxetine demonstrated modest efficacy for ADHD symptoms; quality of life measures and PTSD symptoms were not affected.

Effects of an Adapted Sports Intervention on Elderly Women in Need of Long-Term Care: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an adapted sports intervention on elderly women in need of long-term care (NLTC). Although participation in sports activities positively impacts subjective health status, few studies have evaluated the safety, comfort, and effectiveness of competitive sports in elderly women in NLTC. In this study, ten elderly women in NLTC (age: 80.6 ± 8.2 years) were asked to participate in boccia, a sport adapted to prevent falls. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition Short-Form and the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey Version 2. The results showed an improvement in mood states (anger–hostility, tension–anxiety, and total mood disturbance) of elderly women in the NLTC group compared with the control group. Therefore, boccia, an adapted sport, can be considered a safe and competitive option for such women.

Electro-acupuncture for protracted amphetamine abstinence syndrome: study protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BackgroundProtracted amphetamine abstinence syndrome is one of the primary causes of relapse for amphetamine-type drug abusers during withdrawal. However, the importance of the management of protracted amphetamine abstinence syndrome is underestimated. Electro-acupuncture may be a safe and effective alternative therapy for protracted amphetamine abstinence syndrome, but the evidence is limited.MethodsThe study is a prospective, two-center, randomized, waitlist controlled, open-label pragmatic trial. A total of 300 patients with protracted amphetamine abstinence syndrome will be recruited. All participants will be randomly assigned to an electro-acupuncture group or a waitlist group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the electro-acupuncture group will receive the electrical-acupuncture treatment. Waitlist group participants will not receive electro-acupuncture treatment but will be assessed at each visit. Treatments will be administered twice a week for a total of 4 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome in this study is the change in the ACSA between baseline (week 0) and the completion of treatment (week 4), and the secondary outcomes are changes in the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the visual analog scale (VAS), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).DiscussionThis study will assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in PAAS in real-world settings to provide support for clinical decisions and a basis for subsequent trials comparing acupuncture with other positive regimens.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2000040619. Registered on 3 December 2020

Quality of life and its influencing factors among diabetic patients two years after a self-management intervention in six provinces and cities in China: a follow-up study

Objective To analyze the quality of life (QoL) and its influencing factors among diabetes mellitus patients two years after undergoing a community-based diabetes self-management and to provide references for improving medical service to diabetes. Methods From August to October of 2013, 1 653 diabetic patients were recruited in 84 communities in three cities (Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing) and three provinces (Jiangsu, Guangdong and Zhejiang) to carry out a 2-month diabetes self-management group intervention. A follow-up survey was conducted during September – December 2015 to analyze changes in QoL and its influencing factors before and after the self-management intervention. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used in QoL evaluation. Results Among the 1 653 diabetic patients recruited in 2013, 1 603 (96.98%) completed a baseline survey, of which, 1 299 patients were followed up and 304 (18.96%) were lost to follow-up in 2015. Compared to those before the intervention, the patients′ median (quartile range, QR) of SF-36 physical health score increased significantly two years after the self-management intervention (76.50 [23.75] vs. 75.00 [25.00], Z = – 2.53; P = 0.011), but the patients′ median (QR) of SF-36 mental health score was not significantly different (78.44 [25.03] vs. 78.44 [23.31], P > 0.05). The results of unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that two years after receiving the diabetes self-management intervention, the patients suffering from diabetes 5 years or more and smoking were less likely to have an increased physical health score, while those with an improved self-efficacy were more likely to have an increased physical health score; the patients with following characteristics were less likely to have an increased mental health score: female, with medication reimbursement by medical insurance for urban workers, having complication of other chronic disease, smoking, and being capable of self-injection of insulin or not needing insulin injection. Conclusion The quality of life was improved to a certain extent among a group of community diabetic patients in China two years after a self-management intervention and the improvement was influenced by the patients′ gender, major payer of the medication cost, disease course, comorbidity of other chronic diseases, self-efficacy, smoking, and self-injection of insulin.

The effects of acupuncture on psychological symptoms in patients with insomnia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInsomnia is a common sleep-related condition that includes dissatisfaction with sleep quality, difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, and early morning waking. Insomnia can affect daytime functioning by causing fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Medications are the most common method for the management of insomnia but can cause adverse effects, including psychological and physical dependence, residual daytime sedation, and cognitive impairment. Acupuncture is a common traditional Chinese therapy. It has been used in the treatment of insomnia, depression, and anxiety in China. However, there are no high-quality studies focusing on acupuncture for insomnia, especially for depression and anxiety due to insomnia. Therefore, we have designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving a placebo control to ensure blinding of participants to investigate the effects of acupuncture on insomnia in improving sleep quality and psychosocial symptoms.MethodsWe have designed a single-center, parallel-group, single-blinded RCT. A total of 252 participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated into a manual acupuncture group or sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will receive 24 sessions of acupuncture (30 min per session, three sessions per week for 8 weeks). Participants will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, self-assessment anxiety scale, self-assessment depression scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey at baseline and 8 weeks. All analyses will be based on an intention-to-treat principle. The results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.DiscussionThe results of this study are expected to clarify the effects of acupuncture on sleep quality and psychosocial symptoms in patients with insomnia. This will contribute to the clinical practice of acupuncture in the management of insomnia.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trail Registry ChiCTR2100049172. Registered on 24 July 2021.

Sparing the Prod: Providing an Alternative to Endomyocardial Biopsies With Noninvasive Surveillance After Heart Transplantation During COVID-19

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has reduced access to endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) rejection surveillance in heart transplant (HT) recipients. This study is the first in Canada to assess the role for noninvasive rejection surveillance in personalizing titration of immunosuppression and patient satisfaction post-HT. MethodsIn this mixed-methods prospective cohort study, adult HT recipients more than 6 months from HT had their routine EMBs replaced by noninvasive rejection surveillance with gene expression profiling (GEP) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing. Demographics, outcomes of noninvasive surveillance score, hospital admissions, patient satisfaction, and health status on the medical outcomes study 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) were collected and analyzed, using t tests and χ2 tests. Thematic qualitative analysis was performed for open-ended responses. ResultsAmong 90 patients, 31 (33%) were enrolled. A total of 36 combined GEP/dd-cfDNA tests were performed; 22 (61%) had negative results for both, 10 (27%) had positive GEP/negative dd-cfDNA results, 4 (11%) had negative GEP/positive dd-cfDNA results, and 0 were positive on both. All patients with a positive dd-cfDNA result (range: 0.19%-0.81%) underwent EMB with no significant cellular or antibody-mediated rejection. A total of 15 cases (42%) had immunosuppression reduction, and this increased to 55% in patients with negative concordant testing. Overall, patients’ reported satisfaction was 90%, and on thematic analysis they were more satisfied, with less anxiety, during the noninvasive testing experience. ConclusionsNoninvasive rejection surveillance was associated with the ability to lower immunosuppression, increase satisfaction, and reduce anxiety in HT recipients, minimizing exposure for patients and providers during a global pandemic.

Relationship of food allergy with quality of life and sleep in psychiatric patients

AimFew studies have examined the relationship between food allergy (FA) and psychiatric disorders. We aimed to examine the possible relationship of FA with quality of life (QOL) and sleep in adult patients with psychiatric disorders.MethodsOf the 812 participants (451 females, mean age: 42.7 ± 11.3 years), 430 had schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, 106 had depression, 124 had bipolar disorder, 40 had anxiety disorders, 38 had developmental disorders, and 11 had eating disorders; 63 were other cases. We documented FA and sleep disturbance via a questionnaire. QOL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 8‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐8 Japanese version).ResultsThere were 126 patients (15.5%) reporting FA. SF‐8 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were both significantly lower among individuals with FA than those without. Moreover, PCS and MCS scores decreased as the number of allergens increased. Sleep disturbance was common among patients (76.0%). The proportions of individuals with sleep disturbance and nocturnal awakening were significantly higher in the group with FA, with the proportions increasing with higher number of allergens.ConclusionWe obtained the first evidence that FA is associated with impaired QOL and sleep in psychiatric patients, which can be improved by avoiding exposure to food allergens.

Perception of health-related quality of life, sleep quality and sleepiness index in an educational environment at a dental school in Southeast Brazil.

University entrance is often associated with changes in quality of life, individuals' cognitive and physical behavior. The present study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sleep quality and sleepiness index in dentistry students at a university in Southeast Brazil, in different semesters of their course. Samples were obtained from 55students from the dentistry course at the Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG). For collecting information, validated SF-36 questionnaires (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey), namely, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), were used as instruments in an educational environment. The relationship between the association of demographic factors and academic performance with SF-36, PSQI and ESS was assessed with an alpha of 0.05. The worst HRQoL parameters reported by the participants were observed in the domains of body pain, vitality, general health perception, and limitations due to emotional and social aspects when associated with the investigated variables. Regarding the relative sleep quality index, differences in the PSQI domains were observed when related to demographic factors and academic performance. There was no significant difference in the sleepiness index of these students according to the mean values of the ESS domains. The SF-36, PSQI and ESS questionnaires indicated that it is a reliable instrument for measuring the impact of quality of life on dentistry students. In addition, dentistry students of UNIFAL-MG had poor indicators of quality of life associated with health and an inadequate index of quality of sleep.

QUALIDADE DE VIDA RELACIONADA À SAÚDE DE PESSOAS COM FERIDAS CRÔNICAS E FATORES ASSOCIADOS

ABSTRACT Objective to assess health-related quality of life in people with chronic wounds and its association with sociodemographic and health characteristics. Method a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 85 individuals with chronic wounds in a university hospital from Paraíba, Brazil. The data were collected from June to September 2019 through interviews guided by the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey generic Quality of Life assessment instruments and the Cardiff Wound Impact Schedule specific tool for people with chronic wounds. The Student's t, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney's U, Kruskal-Wallis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were applied to analyze the data, with 5% significance. Results there was predominance of aged and married women with venous wounds not healing for over 24 weeks. The mean score of the generic instrument, which was 35.08, indicated a negative association between the physical capacity domain and female gender; as well as between vitality and age over 60 years old; between emotional aspects and marital status; of functional capacity, limitation of physical activity and emotional aspects with lack of religious practices; and of functional capacity with worse financial situation, all with p≤0.042. The specific instrument had a mean score of 45.57 and presented negative associations in the physical domain with female gender; as well as between social life without religious practices and social life with worse financial situation, all with p≤0.047. Conclusion the scores of the specific and generic instruments indicated low Quality of Life influenced by factors such as female gender, advanced age, being divorced/separated, lack of religious practices and having financial problems.

Work-related accidents, musculoskeletal pain, and health-related quality of life among Pantanal farm workers in Brazil and ganaderos in Mexico.

IntroductionThe agricultural and livestock production of Brazil and Mexico stand out in the global scenario. In this context, this economic activity is one of the most vulnerable, presenting alarming incidence and prevalence rates of work-related accidents and diseases.ObjectivesThis study characterized and compared the occurrence of occupational accidents and musculoskeletal pain, as well as the health-related quality of life of Pantanal farm workers (pantaneiros) in Brazil and their equivalents in Mexico - the ganaderos. This study included 100 farm workers of the Brazilian municipality of Aquidauana, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Mexican municipality of Atemajac the Brizuela, state of Jalisco.MethodsThe research instruments used in this study were the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, a questionnaire on occupational accidents in rural areas, a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.ResultsAmong the participants, 84% of the Brazilians and 90% of the Mexicans suffered some type of accident; 48% of the Brazilians and 28% of the Mexicans reported lower back pain; and 36% of the Brazilians and 42% of the Mexicans reported knee pain. Both the Brazilian and Mexican workers had the best score (90.6) for emotional aspects of health-related quality of life, in contrast with their worst scores: pain (19.4 for Brazilian workers, 13.8 for Mexican workers).ConclusionsThese indicators imply that these workers are exposed to risks of accidents, pain, and illnesses that interfere with their health-related quality of life.

The association between objectively measured physical activity and health-related quality of life, life-space mobility and successful ageing in older Indian adults.

BackgroundLongevity is increasing, accompanied by a rise in disability and chronic diseases with physical activity (PA) delaying disability, ensuring successful ageing (SA) and independent living in older adults.AimThis study aimed to determine objectively measure PA levels, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), life-space mobility and SA of older adults as well as their mutual associations.SettingKwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.MethodsA total of 210 older adults aged 65–92 years were purposively sampled and completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the Life-Space Mobility, and Successful Ageing questionnaires. Physical activity levels were measured using an Omron Pedometer, which the participants wore for seven consecutive days.ResultsThe average number of steps taken per day for the 7 days was 2025, with 98.6% of the entire study population classified as sedentary. The Vitality domain (one of 8 categorised) reflected the best health status (M = 59.9, s.d. ± 18.8) with a significant 93% of the participants indicating that they had not visited places outside their immediate neighbourhood (p < 0.0005). A significant, negative association between the average number of steps taken in 7 days and all three SA variables, namely, the physical (r = –0.152, p = 0.027), sociological (r = –0.148, p = 0.032) and psychological (r = –0.176, p = 0.010), and a significant, positive association with life-space mobility (r = 0.224, p = 0.001) was noted.ConclusionThe majority of the older adults were sedentary, affecting their HRQoL, life-space mobility, and SA negatively.ContributionIt is imperative to develop effective physical activity programmes to ensure successful ageing by improving older adults’ quality of life and physical activity levels.

Intersections between rural women's resilience and quality of life: a mixed-methods study.

to analyze the intersections between rural women's quality of life and resilience. convergent mixed methods design in which a cross-sectional quantitative study is triangulated with a qualitative study guided by Oral History. Data were collected concomitantly, using a socio-demographic form, Resilience Scale, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and open-ended interviews. The analysis was based on descriptive and inferential statistics and inductive thematic analysis, which was integrated later. an association was found between the social aspects domain of quality of life and a moderate level of resilience related to the characteristics of life in rural areas. The integration of results enabled verifying that these two constructs (which mutually influence each other) are mediated by protective factors, resilience developed by the rural women, such as spirituality and the formation of social support, enchantment, and a feeling of belonging to their context. by developing protective factors, rural women develop a resilient behavior that favors their quality of life. Identifying these factors enables the development of psychosocial interventions to promote rural women's health.

Differences in the Relationships Between Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, Balance Function, and Quality of Life for Middle-Aged and Older Breast Cancer Survivors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle strength, muscle mass, balance function, and quality of life (QOL) among middle-aged breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and older BCSs. The study included 53 middle-aged (<65 years old) BCSs and 49 older (≥65 years old) BCSs. Muscle strength was evaluated via handgrip and knee extensor strength, and muscle mass was assessed using a body composition test. Balance function was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and the body sway test. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. The older BCSs had significantly lower right grip strength, right knee extension strength, and muscle mass (P < .05) than the middle-aged BCSs. In addition, the body sway test showed that older BCSs had a significant increase in the length of center of pressure compared to middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). Older BCSs showed significantly lower physical functioning subscales in QOL compared to middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). The associations among muscle strength, muscle mass and QOL were more significantly observed in the older BCSs (P < .05). Furthermore, a significant correlation between QOL and balance function was observed in the older BCSs, but not in the middle-aged BCSs (P < .05). There may be associations among muscle strength, muscle mass, balance and QOL in older BCSs, but not in middle-aged BCSs. We believe that the findings of this study will be relevant in the context of planning rehabilitation for older BCSs.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis technique combined with locking compression plates guided by C-Arm X-Ray machine in treatment of tibial metaphyseal fractures: Curative effect and postoperative complications.

Objectives:To explore the curative effect of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technology combined with locking compression plates (LCP) guided by C-arm X-ray machine in the treatment of tibial metaphyseal fracture and its impact on the surgical indexes and postoperative complications.Methods:The present study was a retrospective analysis focusing on the clinical data of 104 cases of tibial metaphyseal fracture who were treated surgically in our hospital from February 2019 to February 2021. According to different surgical methods, patients who were treated by using MIPPO technology combined with LCP guided by C-arm X-ray machine were divided into the observation group (n=54), while those who underwent traditional open reduction and internal fixation were classified into the control group (n=50). Further comparison was made on the differences of the curative effect, surgical index (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and healing time) and postoperative complications between the two groups. In addition, the differences in ankle function, knee function and quality of life [Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36)] were evaluated between the two groups before treatment and 6 months after treatment.Results:The clinical curative effect and total efficacy of the observation group were better than those of the control group (All p<0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, and healing time were lower in the observation group when compared to those of the control group (All p<0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications was also lower in the observation group than that in the control group (p<0.05). In addition, the scores of ankle function, knee function and MOS SF-36 in both groups were higher after 6 months of treatment than those before treatment; besides, the inter-group comparison showed that the scores of ankle function, knee function and MOS SF-36 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (All p<0.05).Conclusion:MIPPO technology combined with LCP guided by C-arm X-ray machine has a significant curative effect on the treatment of tibial metaphyseal fracture. It can significantly improve the surgical index, reduce postoperative complications, and have an obvious effect on postoperative recovery of ankle function, knee joint function and quality of life.

Interseções entre resiliência e qualidade de vida em mulheres rurais: estudo de métodos mistos

Objective: to analyze the intersections between rural women’s quality of life and resilience.Method: convergent mixed methods design in which a cross-sectional quantitative study is triangulated with a qualitative study guided by Oral History. Data were collected concomitantly, using a socio-demographic form, Resilience Scale, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and open-ended interviews. The analysis was based on descriptive and inferential statistics and inductive thematic analysis, which was integrated later.Results: an association was found between the social aspects domain of quality of life and a moderate level of resilience related to the characteristics of life in rural areas. The integration of results enabled verifying that these two constructs (which mutually influence each other) are mediated by protective factors, resilience developed by the rural women, such as spirituality and the formation of social support, enchantment, and a feeling of belonging to their context.Conclusion: by developing protective factors, rural women develop a resilient behavior that favors their quality of life. Identifying these factors enables the development of psychosocial interventions to promote rural women’s health.

Effects of Changes in Erectile Function After Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) could be affected by surgical intervention, such as holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). The objective of the present study was to investigate whether changes in erectile function (EF) after HoLEP affect postoperative outcomes in patients with BPH. We retrospectively reviewed 54 consecutive Japanese patients with BPH undergoing HoLEP at our institution between August 2017 and December 2020, and analyzed data obtained before and 6 months after HoLEP, including the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of Life (IPSS-QOL), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), and the Medical Outcomes Study 8-Item Short-Form Health Survey consisting of a mental health component summary (MCS) and physical health component summary (PCS). Although no significant differences were observed between preoperative and postoperative EHS, postoperative EHS deteriorated in 19 out of 54 patients. Total IPSS, IPSS-QOL, and OABSS significantly improved after HoLEP, irrespective of the deterioration of EHS; however, despite the lack of significant changes in MCS and PCS in 19 patients with deteriorated EHS, significant improvements in MCS, but not PCS, were postoperatively observed in the remaining 35. A multivariable analysis of several factors identified a preoperative estimated prostate volume >100 cm3 as an independent risk factor associated with the postoperative deterioration of EHS. HoLEP had limited impact on postoperative EF in BPH patients; however, favorable QOL may be expected in patients without the postoperative deterioration of EF. Accordingly, it may be important to consider the prostate volume and its effect on postoperative EF when selecting indications for HoLEP.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire in patients with interstitial lung disease.

ABSTRACTObjective:To investigate the reliability, internal consistency and validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (UCSD SOBQ) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods:Patients with ILD completed the questionnaire at three different time points, one week apart, with the assistance of two independent assessors. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were analysed via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed with the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. For the validity analysis, associations between variables were assessed with Spearman’s or Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results:Thirty patients with ILD (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, asbestosis or non-specific interstitial pneumonia) were included (15 men; mean age, 59 ± 10 years; DLCO: 46 [33-64] % predicted). UCSD SOBQ scores showed excellent agreement and internal consistency in the intra-rater analysis (ICC: 0.93 [0.85-0.97]; Cronbach alpha: 0.95) and in the inter-rater analysis (ICC: 0.95 [0.89-0.97]; Cronbach alpha: 0.95), as well as correlating significantly with dyspnoea (as assessed by the Medical Research Council scale; r = 0.56); Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey domains bodily pain, general health, vitality and physical functioning (−0.40 ≤ r ≤ −0.74); six-minute walk distance (r = −0.38); and quadriceps muscle strength (r = −0.41). Conclusions:The Brazilian Portuguese version of the UCSD SOBQ is valid, is reliable and has internal consistency in patients with ILD in Brazil.

Monthly Disposable Income Is a Crucial Factor Affecting the Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects the quality of life (QOL) of elderly people; this study examines the demographic characteristics and QOL of patients with knee OA and identifies demographic characteristics that affect the QOL of these patients. In this cross-sectional study, 30 healthy controls and 60 patients with mild-to-moderate bilateral knee OA aged between 55 and 75 years were enrolled. All participants completed a questionnaire containing questions on 10 demographic characteristics and the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and their QOL scores in the eight dimensions of the SF-36 were evaluated. In the OA group, significant correlations were observed between monthly disposable income and physical and mental health components. Monthly disposable income was found to considerably affect the QOL of patients with bilateral knee OA (i.e., it is a crucial factor affecting these patients). The findings of this study may provide a reference for formulating preventive strategies for healthy individuals and for future confirmatory research.