Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Research Articles

Implications of perceived empathy from spouses during pregnancy for health-related quality of life among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Anhui, China

BackgroundEmpathy is a critical component of nursing care, impacting both nurses’ and patients’ outcomes. However, perceived empathy from spouses during pregnancy and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are unclear. This study aimed to examine pregnant women’s perceived empathy from their spouses and assess the relation of perceived empathy on HRQoL.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, performed in the obstetric clinics or wards of four well-known hospitals in Anhui Province, China, included 349 pregnant women in the second or third trimester; participants were recruited by convenience sampling and enrolled from October to December 2021. A general information questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), a purpose-designed empathy questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used to evaluate the pregnant women’s general information, perceptions of empathy and HRQoL. Data were analysed using SPSS 22 at a threshold of P < 0.05. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, Student’s t test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were used for analysis.ResultsThe pregnant women’s total empathy, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were 41.6 ± 9.0, 41.6 ± 7.6, and 47.7 ± 9.1, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the purpose-designed empathy questionnaire items were significantly positively correlated with perspective taking and empathic concern but were not correlated with the personal distress dimension and were only partially correlated with the fantasy dimension. Maternal physical condition during pregnancy, planned pregnancy, and occupational stress were predictors of the PCS score (β = 0.281, P < 0.01; β = 0.132, P = 0.02; β = -0.128, P = 0.02). The behavioural empathy item of our purpose-designed empathy questionnaire and empathic concern were important predictors of the MCS score (β = 0.127, P = 0.02; β = 0.158, P < 0.01), as well as other demographic and obstetric information, explaining 22.0% of the variance in MCS scores totally (F = 12.228, P < 0.01).ConclusionsPregnant women perceived lower empathy from their spouses and reported lower HRQoL. Perceived empathy, particularly behavioural empathy, may significantly impact pregnant women’s MCS scores but has no effect on their PCS scores. Strategies that foster perceived empathy from spouses among pregnant women are essential for facilitating healthy pregnancies and potentially improving maternal and child health.

Abstract 7441: Health-Related quality of life and DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers among survivors of childhood cancer: Results from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort

Abstract Background: Childhood cancer survivors often reported poorer health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) compared to age/sex-matched controls, indicating toxic stress resulting from high burden of treatment-related late effects. This study aimed to investigate cross-sectional associations between poorer HRQOL and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) using several epigenetic clocks as well as other DNA methylation (DNAm)-based aging biomarkers. Methods: DNAm was generated using the Infinium EPIC BeadChip version 1 with blood-derived DNA (median [min-max] for age at blood draw = 34.5 [18.5-66.6] years) from 2,206 long-term survivors in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. DNAm-based aging biomarkers and epigenetic age using multiple clocks (e.g., GrimAge; DNAmB2M: beta-2-microglobulin; DNAmADM: adrenomedullin) were derived from the DNAm Age Calculator (https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu). HRQOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey which assesses eight domains, and physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries. General linear models evaluated associations between HRQOL and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA, e.g., EAA_GrimAge) or other DNAm-based biomarkers (e.g., chronological age adjusted residuals of DNAmB2M, which was similar to the approach in which EAA was derived) after adjusting for age, sex and cancer treatment exposures. Results: Worse physical and mental HRQOL was associated with greater EAA_GrimAge (PCS: β [95%CI]=-0.621 [-0.744, -0.499] years, P=2.48 × 10−21; MCS: -0.548 [-0.667, -0.430] years, P=2.82 × 10−18; and all eight individual HRQOL domains), followed by chronological age adjusted residuals of DNAmB2M (PCS: -0.101[-0.144, -0.058], P=2.31 × 10−5; MCS: (-0.053 [-0.094, -0.011], P=0.030; and seven HRQOL domains), and chronological age adjusted residuals of DNAmADM (PCS: -0.096 [-0.139, -0.053], P=5.45 × 10−5; and five HRQOL domains). EAA_Horvath (Horvath clock, the representative 1st generation epigenetic clock) was the least informative biomarker, which was not associated with any HRQOL domains. Conclusions: Worse HRQOL in different domains was associated with EAA_GrimAge and chronological age adjusted residuals of DNAmB2M, although future longitudinal studies are needed to illuminate the cause and consequence relationship between HRQOL and aging biomarkers. Citation Format: Noel-Marie Plonski, Yue Pan, Cheng Chen, Qian Dong, Xijun Zhang, Nan Song, Kyla Shelton, John Easton, Heather Mulder, Jinghui Zhang, Geoffrey Neale, Emily Walker, Hui Wang, Rachel Webster, Tara Brinkman, Kevin R. Krull, Gregory T. Armstrong, Kirsten K. Ness, Melissa M. Hudson, Qin Li, I-Chan Huang, Zhaoming Wang. Health-Related quality of life and DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers among survivors of childhood cancer: Results from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7441.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and measurement properties of the WaLIDD score.

Dysmenorrhea is the pain related to menstruation; to screen for the symptoms, a working ability, location, intensity of days of pain, and dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) score was created. The purpose of this work was to culturally adapt and assess the measurement properties of the WaLIDD score for dysmenorrhea in Brazilian women. In this cross-sectional online study, we evaluated women with and without dysmenorrhea. Criterion validity and construct validity were assessed, respectively, by the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve and correlations with the bodily pain and social functioning domains of medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), self-report of absenteeism and Stanford Presenteeism Scale for presenteeism. Test-retest reliability and measurement errors were assessed, respectively, by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland and Altman Graph. 430 women completed the test, 238 (55.4%) women had dysmenorrhea, and 199 (46.3%) answered the questionnaire twice for the retest. The cutoff points ≥4, ≥5, and ≥5 could discriminate between women with and without dysmenorrhea, absenteeism, and presenteeism related to dysmenorrhea, respectively. Correlations between SF-36 - pain and social functioning domains and WaLIDD score were weak to strong and negative. For WaLIDD total Score, ICC was 0.95 and the limits of agreement were -1.54 and 1.62. WaLIDD score is a short, valid and reliable instrument to screen and predict dysmenorrhea and could predict absenteeism and presenteeism related to dysmenorrhea in Brazilian women.

Health-Related quality of life and DNA Methylation-Based aging biomarkers among survivors of childhood cancer.

Childhood cancer survivors are at high risk for morbidity and mortality and poor patient-reported outcomes, typically health-related-quality-of-life (HRQOL). However, associations between DNA methylation (DNAm)-based aging biomarkers and HRQOL have not been evaluated. DNAm was generated with Infinium EPIC BeadChip on blood-derived DNA (median[range] for age at blood draw = 34.5[18.5-66.6] years) and HRQOL was assessed with age at survey (32.3[18.4-64.5] years) from 2,206 survivors in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort. DNAm-based aging biomarkers, including epigenetic age using multiple clocks (eg, GrimAge) and others (eg, DNAmB2M beta-2-microglobulin; DNAmADM: adrenomedullin), were derived from the DNAm Age Calculator (https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu). HRQOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey to capture eight domains, and physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS). General linear models evaluated associations between HRQOL and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA, eg, EAA_GrimAge) or other age-adjusted DNAm-based biomarkers (eg, ageadj_DNAmB2M) after adjusting for age at blood draw, sex, cancer treatments, and DNAm-based surrogate for smoking pack-years. All P values were 2-sided. Worse HRQOL was associated with greater EAA_GrimAge (PCS β[95%CI]=-0.18[-0.251,-0.11] years, P = 1.85 × 10-5; and four individual HRQOL domains), followed by ageadj_DNAmB2M (PCS: -0.08[-0.124,-0.037], P = .003; and three individual HRQOL domains), and ageadj_DNAmADM (PCS: -0.082[-0.125,-0.039], P = .002; and two HRQOL domains). EAA_Hannum (Hannum clock) was not associated with any HRQOL. Overall and domain-specific measures of HRQOL are associated with DNAm measures of biological aging. Future longitudinal studies should test biological aging as a potential mechanism underlying the association between poor HRQOL and increased risk of clinically assessed adverse health outcomes.

Quality of life, sleep and anxiety status among patients with rosacea in the Yunnan plateau region: A 2-year retrospective study.

To investigate the life, sleep quality and anxiety of rosacea patients in Yunnan and the improvement of these aspects after treatment. A total of 141 patients with rosacea and 123 healthy controls were included in our study. The quality of life, sleep quality and anxiety of patients with rosacea and healthy controls were investigated by the Rosacea Severity Scores (RSSs), the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). The quality of life, sleep quality and anxiety of patients with rosacea were assessed again after treatment. Compared with healthy controls, patients with rosacea had significantly lower physical component scores (PCS) and mental component scores (MCS) but higher PSQI and SAS scores. After treatment, rosacea patients showed significantly higher MCS but lower PSQI and SAS scores. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between PCS, MCS, PSQI, SAS and RSSs. Patients with rosacea have a lower quality of life and sleep quality and tend to be more anxious than healthy controls. In addition, the mental quality of life, sleep quality and anxiety of rosacea patients can be significantly improved after treatment. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the psychological status of rosacea patients. Psychological counseling and intervention are necessary to better prevent and treat rosacea.

Development and initial validation of the AL-PROfile patient-reported outcome measure in light chain (AL) amyloidosis.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the AL-PROfile, a patient-reported outcome measure combining the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29, two items from PROMIS Cognitive Function, and select Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) items. Content validity was assessed through cognitive debriefing interviews of 20 patients who completed the AL-PROfile (Study 1). Study 2 involved 297 participants who completed the AL-PROfile and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability) and validity (convergent and discriminant validity, known groups validity by stage/organ involvement) were calculated. Study 1 participants found the AL-PROfile straightforward confirming the relevance of the included content. Some felt that certain questions were not related to their amyloidosis experience. Study 2 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for all domains/items except PROMIS Cognitive Function and acceptable test-retest reliability for all except PROMIS Cognitive Function and PRO-CTCAE nausea. Large correlations were seen for the same domain across measures while correlations for divergent domains within a measure and different domains across different measures were small. The PRO-CTCAE items showed small to medium correlations with each other and with PROMIS and SF-36 domains. Stage was associated with physical function, fatigue, social roles, swelling, and shortness of breath scores. The AL-PROfile has acceptable reliability and validity for use in systemic light chain amyloidosis patients.

Assessing the association between probable posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and quality of life among emergency service workers using path analysis.

Emergency service workers have highly stressful occupations; the stressors encountered can contribute to the development of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study used a conceptual model and survey to identify variables influencing the association between probable PTSD and quality of life (QOL) in emergency service workers. PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Path analysis was used to determine whether stress-coping (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced [Brief COPE] scores), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS] scores), and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale scores) explain the association between probable PTSD and QOL among 220 emergency service workers in Japan. Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores were significantly positively associated with Brief COPE Active coping scores and significantly negatively associated with MSPSS scores. Brief COPE Active coping and MSPSS scores were significantly positively associated with Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale scores, which were in turn significantly positively associated with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores. Active coping in response to stressful situations is important for maintaining good mental health among emergency service workers. Active coping and social support may strengthen resilience, and resilience may improve QOL. Screening for mental health and QOL should include simultaneous assessment of stress-coping, social support, and resilience. Although the findings of this cross-sectional study are important, it could not confirm a causal relationship between PTSD and QOL.

Associations Between Family-Assessed Quality-of-Dying-and-Death Latent Classes and Bereavement Outcomes for Family Surrogates of ICU Decedents.

To examine associations between family surrogates' bereavement outcomes and four previously determined quality of dying and death (QODD) latent classes (high, moderate, poor-to-uncertain, and worst). Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Medical ICUs at two academically affiliated medical centers in Taiwan. Three hundred nine family surrogates responsible for decision-making for critically ill patients at high risk of death (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores > 20) from a disease. None. Participants were assessed by the depression and anxiety subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, 11 items of the Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey at 1, 3, 6, 13, 18, and 24 months post-loss. We simultaneously examined associations of four QODD latent classes with physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PGD assessed over 24 bereavement months using multivariate hierarchical linear modeling. Surrogates' distinct QODD latent classes assessed at 1-month post-loss were significantly associated with bereavement outcomes, except for physical HRQOL and PGD symptoms. Significantly more depressive symptoms and worse mental HRQOL (β [95% CI]) were reported by bereaved surrogates in the moderate (1.958 [1.144-2.772], -2.245 [-3.961 to -0.529]), poor-to-uncertain (2.224 [1.438-3.010], -7.026 [-8.683 to -5.369]), and worst (2.081 [1.215-2.964], -4.268 [-6.096 to -2.440]) QODD classes than those in the high QODD class. Bereaved surrogates in the moderate (2.095 [1.392-2.798]) and poor-to-uncertain (0.801 [0.123-1.480]) QODD classes reported more anxiety symptoms, whereas those in the poor-to-uncertain QODD class suffered more PTSD symptoms (2.889 [1.005-4.774]) than those in the high QODD class. The four distinct QODD latent classes were significantly associated with ICU family surrogates' bereavement outcomes, suggesting targets to improve end-of-life care quality in ICUs.

Evaluation of differences in quality of life in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease

Objective: To evaluate the status of, differences in, and factors influencing quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Methods: From September 2021 to February 2023, a cross-sectional study of 140 patients with chronic GVHD was conducted at our center. Symptom burden was assessed by the Lee Symptomatology Scale (LSS), and QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (version 1) and five-level EuroQoL five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Results: Data from 140 respondents, including 32 (22.9%) with mild chronic GVHD, 87 (62.1%) with moderate chronic GVHD, and 21 (15.0%) with severe chronic GVHD, were analyzed. Of the respondents, 61.4% were male, and the median transplantation age was 34 (15-68) years. The primary diagnoses were acute myeloid leukemia (50.0%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (20.0%), and myelodysplastic syndrome (15.0%). The common chronic GVHD-affected organs included the skin in 74 patients (52.9%), the eyes in 57 patients (40.7%), and the liver in 50 patients (35.7%). Among the whole cohort, the eye (20.48±23.75), psychological (16.13±17.00), and oral (13.66±20.55) scores were highest in the LSS group. The physiological function (36.07±11.13), social function (36.10±10.68), and role-emotional functioning (38.36±11.88) scores were lowest in the SF-36 group. The EQ-5D index was 0.764. The total LSS scores for mild, moderate, and severe chronic GVHD were 6.51±6.15, 10.07±5.61, and 20.90±10.09, respectively. The SF-36 physical component scores (PCSs) were 43.12±6.38, 40.73±7.14, and 36.97±6.97, respectively, and the mental component scores (MCSs) were 43.00±8.47, 38.90±9.52, and 28.96±9.63, respectively. The EQ-5D values were 0.810±0.124, 0.762±0.179, and 0.702±0.198, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that the overall symptom burden (β=-0.517), oral symptom burden (β=-0.456), National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria for the eyes (β=-0.376), and nutrition-related symptom burden (β=-0.211) were significantly negatively correlated with the PCS. The NIH score (β=-0.260) was negatively correlated with the MCS score. Oral symptom burden (β=-0.400), joint/fascia NIH criteria (β=-0.332), number of involved systems (β=-0.253), overall NIH criteria (β=-0.205), and number of immunosuppressants taken (β=-0.171) were significantly negatively correlated with the EQ-5D score (all P<0.05). Medium to strong correlations were found between the EQ-5D score and the SF-36 score (|r|=0.384-0.571, P<0.001). Conclusions: The QoL of patients with chronic GVHD is impaired, and the more severe the disease, the poorer the QoL. Overall symptom burden, severity of eyes, and oral symptom burden were the most important factors affecting QoL.

Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness and Safety of Etoricoxib &amp; Aceclofenac in Osteoarthritis Patients

Osteoarthritis (OA) is defined as a disorder that involves the movement of limbs characterized by cellular stress and a deterioration of the outer matrix that trigger malignant remodelling responses that include inflammatory mechanisms of natural immunity. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs are the first choice of treatment, since they reduce pain, improve functional ability. So, by comparing the effectiveness and safety of NSAID used in the treatment of OA can enhance the quality of life of patients. The goal of the study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of Aceclofenac and Etoricoxib in OA patients as well as to assess the quality of life (QOL) and medication adherence among subjects. It is an observational study conducted in the selected Orthopaedics clinics in T. Dasarahalli, Bengaluru District for a period of 6 months, based on various inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standardized questionnaire used in the study were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale. The collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. On comparing Aceclofenac and Etoricoxib in terms of WOMAC score Etoricoxib (28.42) was found to be more effective than Aceclofenac (31.61) while comparing Etoricoxib 60 mg and 90mg, 90 mg (26.22) was found to be more effective. Regarding the safety of these drugs, Etoricoxib was found to be safer than Aceclofenac in terms of side effects. On associating the QOL scores in both the groups, it was found that the subjects belonging to the Aceclofenac group had the highest overall mean score 57.68. Investigation of medication adherence in the study population revealed that out of 68 subject’s majority of them had shown low adherence (n=38). Because of its enhanced safety profile, Etoricoxib is a better option than Aceclofenac for treating .....

Baduanjin exercise intervention trial: research protocol of a randomised controlled trial for frail kidney transplant recipients

IntroductionFrailty is one of the most common comorbidities in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Physical, psychological and social frailty could be improved by exercise intervention. Baduanjin, also known as Eight-section Brocades,...

Evaluation of ALBA device for upper extremity motor function in adults with subacute and chronic acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial protocol in a tertiary clinic of the metropolitan region of Chile

IntroductionStroke is a significant worldwide cause of death and a prevalent contributor to long-term disability among adults. Survivors commonly encounter a wide array of motor, sensory and cognitive impairments. Rehabilitation...

A Prospective Observational Study of Factors Affecting the Change in Quality of Life in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism After Treatment

ObjectiveTo explore the changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) after standardized treatment and determine the effects of different variables on the change in the HRQoL of patients. MethodsA total of 116 patients with PA were prospectively included from November 2020 to March 2022. Data were collected at their initial diagnosis and the follow-up after 12 months of treatment, including demographic and clinical data and the scores of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The scores of each dimension of SF-36 of patients before and after treatment were compared, and the factors affecting their change in the quality of life were analyzed using multiple linear regression. ResultsAfter standardized treatment, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (Z = −4.967, P < .001), systolic blood pressure (t = 8.985, P < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (t = 7.233, P < .001) of patients with PA decreased compared with baseline, and hypokalemia was effectively corrected (χ2 = 69.014, P < .001). In terms of quality of life, 6 of 8 dimensions of SF-36 and the total score of SF-36 significantly improved at 1-year follow-up compared with baseline (all P < .05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that the improvement in the HRQoL in patients with PA after standardized treatment was correlated with the change in the blood potassium level (P = .007) and systolic blood pressure (P = .003). ConclusionCorrection of hypokalemia and control of diastolic blood pressure are essential factors contributing to the improvement in the HRQoL in patients with PA regardless of the standardized treatment received.

Classification of health needs: a cluster analysis of older adults in urban areas

BackgroundIn this study, a cross-sectional survey was used to understand and analyze the health status and health needs of the elderly in the community. The cluster analysis method was used to explore the relationship between health needs items and investigate the commonness among health demand items, to provide a reference for the development of health management of the elderly with chronic diseases.MethodsWe used convenience sampling to recruit the participants (aged 60 and above) from four urban community centers in Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province, China, in this study. This study uses the Medical Outcomes Study(MOS)36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. The self-designed questionnaire includes sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, physical examination conditions, illness in the past two weeks, and a health needs questionnaire. SPSS 18.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistical analysis, t-test, one-way analysis, cluster analysis, and linear multiple regression analysis.ResultsThe rate of health needs among the elderly in the community for various health services is 1.3–69.7%, of which the top three are: regular physical examination (69.7%), day Care Center (67.7%), the establishment of a Medical Alert Systems (66.1%). The health needs of the elderly in the community are divided into three categories: basic needs (24 items), health education (13 items), and first aid (2 items). The regression analysis found that the influencing factors of health status were age, revenue and expenditure, medical expenses, health education, basic needs, and first aid.ConclusionsThe community should strengthen the management of chronic diseases of the elderly and the publicity and education of related knowledge, and provide complementary health care services according to the health needs of the elderly, improve the health of the elderly, and improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation taking into account the phenotype of heart failure

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a medical problem often associated with several comorbidities and adverse outcomes. In developed countries, chronic heart failure (CHF), which affects 2% to 3% of the population, is also a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of both of these diseases is steadily increasing worldwide. CHF with AF is gaining more and more medical and social significance, as it can worsen the prognosis and quality of life (QoL) of a person. The purpose. Assess the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation, taking into account the phenotype of heart failure.Material and methods. 300 patients aged 45-65 were examined. Among the examined were 180 (60.0%) women and 120 (40.0%) men. All patients were divided into groups: group I – control, 36 practically healthy persons; group II - patients with CHF with AF and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVHF, n=190); group III - patients with HF with AF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVHF, n=110). Diagnoses of AF and HF were carried out according to the clinical protocol for providing medical care to patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure, confirmed by the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine №436 of 07.03.2006. The quality of life (QoL) of the patients was assessed using a non-specific questionnaire Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) and Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MHFLQ).Research results. According to the results of the Minnesota Questionnaire (MLHFQ), patients with HF and AF had higher scores, indicating a worse quality of life (p&lt;0.05). The highest indicators of the quality of life according to the scale of physical and mental health (p&lt;0.05) were established in the control group. In patients with chronic heart failure with atrial fibrillation, significant differences were found, compared to the control group, on the scales of physical (p&lt;0.05), physical-role functioning (p&lt;0.05), pain intensity (p&lt;0.05) and emotional role functioning (p&lt;0.05). It was found that in patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, compared to patients with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, a significant decrease in quality of life indicators on almost all SF-36 scales was set: physical functioning (p&lt;0.05), role functioning (p&lt; 0.05), body pain (p&lt;0.05), general health (p&lt;0.05), vital activity (p&lt;0.05). It has been proven that male gender (p&lt;0.05), age over 65 years (p&lt;0.05), increased body mass index (BMI, p&lt;0.05), impaired glucose tolerance/or diabetes mellitus type 2 (p &lt;0.05) and arterial hypertension (p&lt;0.05) were factors associated with HF and, accordingly, lower quality of life scores according to the SF-36 questionnaire. Probable dependence regarding smoking (p&gt;0.05) and hyperlipidemia (p&gt;0.05) in components of physical and mental health in patients with CHF and AF were not established.Conclusion. According to the results of the Minnesota Questionnaire (MLHFQ), patients with HF and AF had higher scores, indicating a worse quality of life (p&lt;0.05). In the examined patients for chronic heart failure with atrial fibrillation, a decrease in quality of life indicators was found in comparison with the control group on all scales of the SF-36 questionnaire (p&lt;0.05). Significant differences were established, compared to the control group, on the scales of physical (p&lt;0.05), physical-role functioning (p&lt;0.05), pain intensity (p&lt;0.05) and emotional-role functioning (p&lt;0 ,05). It was found that in patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, compared to patients with a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, there is a significant decrease in quality of life indicators on almost all SF-36 scales: physical functioning (p&lt;0.05), role functioning ( p&lt;0.05), body pain (p&lt;0.05), general health (p&lt;0.05), vital activity (p&lt;0.05). At the same time, on the scales of social functioning and mental health, there were no significant differences, depending on the left ventricular ejection fraction in atrial fibrillation (p&gt;0.05).

Comparison of the Effects of Body Mechanics Education Methods on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundEducating patients undergoing surgery for LDH is important to maintain the proper performance of body mechanics. PurposeThe study compared the effects of standard, brochure-based, and video-based education on postoperative pain, disability, and the quality of life in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. DesignThis was a randomized controlled study. SettingsThe study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery of a training and research hospital in Turkey. Participants/SubjectsSixty patients (n = 20 control, n = 20 video, n = 20 brochure) undergoing surgery for LDH who volunteered to participate. MethodsThe study was carried out between 15 January and 30 July 2017. The data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively using the Patients’ Characteristics Form, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Physical Functioning and Bodily Pain subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and the Survey of Patient Satisfaction with Clinical Education and Materials. ResultsAll three groups were similar in terms of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Preoperative scores obtained from the ODI, SF-MPQ, and the two subscales of the SF-36 were not significantly different. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the video group (81.5 ± 24.3) and the control group (67.7 ± 18.6) in terms of the Physical Functioning subscale of the SF-36 in the postoperative period (p< .05). ConclusionsPreoperative education on body mechanics increases the physical functioning of patients with LDH and facilitates the integration of information into their daily activities.

Evaluation of quality of life, sleep, and sleepiness in dental students during active learning and remote emergency learning

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL), quality of sleep, and sleepiness index in undergraduate dentistry students between their active learning (AL) and emergency remote learning (ERL) due to social distancing imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Information was collected using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36-BR), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS-BR), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR) questionnaires administered before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison regarding the type of education, demographic factors, academic performance, PSQI-BR, ESS-BR, and SF-36-BR between the groups was performed, considering a significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of 55 students were from AL, while 45 students were from ERL. The sample consisted of 74 women and 26 men aged 21–30 years. The academic coefficient of these students ranged from 7 to 8 points (AL= 38.2% and ERL= 57.8%). In addition, a large proportion of the students reported having no failures (AL=60% and ERL= 66.7%). Regarding QoL, the students presented a greater impairment in functional capacity (p = 0.01), followed by limitations in social aspects, general health perception, body pain, and vitality. According to the ESS-BR scores (p = 0.04), the students presented a lower quality of sleep. Conclusion: Dentistry students had the worst QoL panoramas and poor relative sleep quality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, QoL instruments were reliable for quantifying health-related QoL in AL and ERL.

Effects of esaxerenone on blood pressure, urinary albumin excretion, serum levels of NT-proBNP, and quality of life in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is typically managed with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) barring adrenalectomy. The efficacy of esaxerenone, a nonsteroidal MRA, were explored in patients with PA. Various parameters such as the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and serum levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were evaluated in 25 PA patients before and 3 and 6 months after esaxerenone treatment. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased after treatment, while serum levels of potassium and active renin increased. Significant reductions were observed in UACR 3 and 6 months after treatment. A significant decrease in NT-proBNP was evident at 6 months but not 3 months after treatment. Correlation analysis indicated that the reductions in BP and UACR at 3 months were independent of estimated daily salt intake. Furthermore, the effect of esaxerenone treatment on lowering UACR and NT-proBNP levels was independent of BP reduction. Responders whose systolic BP decreased 6 months after esaxerenone treatment by more than 10 mmHg compared to pretreatment had higher pretreatment NT-proBNP and similar UACR before and after treatment when compared with nonresponders. Esaxerenone improved mental, physical, and social quality of life (QOL) 6 months after treatment compared to healthy controls and increased over time. No patients discontinued treatment due to severe hyperkalemia or renal dysfunction. In conclusion, esaxerenone is a safe and effective MRA for PA treatment, offering significant benefits in terms of hypertension, albuminuria, NT-proBNP levels, and QOL improvement. Esaxerenone effectively lowers BP, UACR, and serum levels of NT-proBNP independent of dietary salt intake in mild PA patients. ARC active renin concentration, DBP diastolic blood pressure, MR mineralocorticoid receptor, MRA mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, NT-proBNP N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, PA primary aldosteronism, QOL quality of life,SBP systolic blood pressure,SF-36Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey,UACR urinary albumin to creatinine ratio.

Less, but not gone-gluten-free diet effects on fatigue in celiac disease: a prospective controlled study.

Fatigue is a frequent complaint in patients with celiac disease. A gluten-free diet is the only established treatment for celiac disease, but how this diet influences fatigue is uncertain. We aimed to investigate fatigue prevalence, severity, and associated factors in patients with celiac disease, at diagnosis and at 1 year after commencing a gluten-free diet. 78 patients with serologically and histologically verified celiac disease, 78 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Primary endpoints were Fatigue Visual Analog Scale (fVAS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and inverted Vitality subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36vs). Clinically relevant fatigue was defined as: FSS score ≥ 4, fVAS score ≥ 50 mm, or inverted SF-36vs score ≥ 65. Higher scores represented more fatigue. Fatigue was reduced after a 12-month gluten-free diet. Median scores changed from 3.8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.2 to 4.8) to 1.9 (IQR: 1.4 to 3.5) for FSS, from 44.5 (IQR: 18.8 to 66.0) to 15.5 (IQR: 7.8 to 43.3) for fVAS, and from 65 (IQR: 40 to 75) to 35 (IQR: 25 to 55) for inverted SF-36vs (p < 0.001 for all). Fatigue prevalence also declined after treatment. However, scores were significantly higher in patients compared to control subjects. Higher fatigue scores were associated with depression and pain, but not with signs of disease activity or nutritional deficiency. At diagnosis, patients with celiac disease frequently had severe fatigue. Fatigue declined after a gluten-free diet, but it remained higher than that observed in healthy subjects. ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT01551563.

Sociodemographic and obstetric factors associated with health-related quality of life of high-risk pregnant women.

To evaluate the association between sociodemographic and obstetric factors and the health-related quality of life of pregnant women in high-risk prenatal care. A cross-sectional study of women in high-risk prenatal care in Ceara, Brazil. The investigated outcomes were health-related quality of life, using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item short-form health survey; the investigated covariates were sociodemographic and obstetric data. Associative analyses were performed using the Jamovi® software version 0.9. Of the 276 women included in the study, women with the following characteristics presented a better quality of life in some domain of the scale: age equal to or greater than 35 years, higher income per dependent, religious, living with three or fewer persons, with their own home, in primigestation, nulliparous, with no history of previous abortion, and with up to two living children. The regression model showed an association between the total scale score, which means a higher quality of life in women with age equal to or greater than 35 years and a higher income per dependent. The study identified sociodemographic and obstetric factors that may affect the quality of life of high-risk pregnant women, providing subsidies to health providers so that they can promote better prenatal care.