Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Research Articles

Relationship of sleep disorders with long-term complications and health-related quality of life in people with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus.

Although sleep disorders are common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, they have not been adequately evaluated under currently advanced treatments, mainly with integrase strand transfer inhibitors. However, the relationship of sleep disorders with long-term complications and quality of life (QOL) status in patients infected with HIV is still poorly understood. Such associations are important in the management of outpatients with HIV. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate these associations.This cross-sectional observational study assessed the QOL changes of patients with HIV before and after the treatment regimen change. Male patients with well-controlled HIV who attended our hospital and changed HIV medications for reasons other than treatment failure between October 2019 and September 2021 were included. At the time of regimen change, sleep disorder status was assessed according to the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and health-related QOL (HRQOL) was assessed using the medical outcomes study 8-item short form health survey. In addition, we collected information on age, blood tests, and long-term comorbid conditions present during the evaluation. The HIV treatment regimen was also reviewed.Out of 45 male Japanese patients with HIV that were included in this study, 24 (53.3%) and 21 (46.7%) were classified into the sleep disorder group and nonsleep disorder group, respectively, according to their PSQI scores. The sleep disorder group had a significantly lower HRQOL mental component summary (P = .0222) than the nonsleep disorder group. The prevalence rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between PSQI scores and the HRQOL status (mental component summary, P = .0450; physical component summary, P = .0350).Sleep disorders remain common in patients with well-controlled HIV infection receiving current treatment. Sleep disorder is significantly associated with a low HRQOL in these patients. Hence, sleep status evaluation is necessary to improve HIV management.

Limited impact of erectile function on health-related quality of life in Japanese men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

To investigate the impact of erectile function on health-related quality of life in Japanese prostate cancer patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Time-dependent changes in erectile function and health-related quality of life were assessed using the erection hardness score and Medical Outcomes Study 8-Item Short Form Health Survey, respectively, in 229 consecutive Japanese patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. In this series, patients with erection hardness score ≥2 were considered to those having a certain erectile function. Among the 229 patients examined, erection hardness score ≥2 was observed in 134 (58.5%) and 34 (14.9%) before and 12 months after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, respectively. Prior to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, all eight scale scores of 8-Item Short Form Health Survey were significantly superior in patients with erection hardness score ≥2 than in those with erection hardness score = 0 or 1. However, significant differences were observed in two scale scores between patients with erection hardness score ≥2 and those with erection hardness score = 0 or 1 at 12 months after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Furthermore, among patients with erection hardness score ≥2 before robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, no significant differences were noted in any of the eight scale scores between patients with erection hardness score ≥2 and erection hardness score = 0 or 1 at 12 months after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. These findings suggest the limited impact of erectile function on postoperative health-related quality of life in Japanese patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Job burnout is associated with slow improvement of quality of life in the employees after a first episode of acute coronary syndrome: A hospital-based longitudinal study in China

ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between job burnout and quality of life (QoL) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a Chinese sample. MethodsThis was a one-year longitudinal study. Participants included patients with a first episode of ACS who were still employed. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) assessed job burnout before discharge, and QoL was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) before discharge (baseline), at one month, six months and 12 months after discharge. Generalized estimating equations determined the association between job burnout and longitudinal changes of QoL. ResultsAll participants were assigned to either a “low job burnout” group (n = 70) or a “high job burnout” group (n = 50), based on the upper quartile of job burnout scores. Longitudinally over 1-year follow-up period, the scores of the SF-8 and SAQ among patients with a high level of burnout were lower than those in the low job burnout group. Job burnout was significantly associated with lower physical and mental health (SF-8), as well as greater physical limitation and lower treatment satisfaction (SAQ) over time. ConclusionJob burnout at baseline predicted slow improvement of QoL after ACS in a Chinese working sample.

Inverse planning in high-dose rate brachytherapy improves quality of life of prostate cancer patients compared with forward planning.

To understand differences in quality of life outcomes between cases with forward planning and cases with inverse planning, we examine patients undergoing high-dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. We prospectively identified 283 patients with localized prostate cancer and divided them into forward planning and inverse planning groups. We extracted data on doses to the prostate, rectum and urethra that could potentially affect quality of life. We also evaluated quality of life using the Japanese version of Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite at pre-treatment and at 3, 6, 12 and 24months after treatment. Wilcoxon signed rank test and Bonferroni correction were used to analyze the irradiation dose and any change in quality of life. Doses to the prostate and rectum were not significantly different between the two groups. Notably, however, doses to the urethra were significantly lower in the inverse planning group than in the forward planning group. Patients in the forward planning group had significantly poorer physical component summary scores at 3months according to survey results. In Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, patients in the forward planning group had statistically significant poorer urinary, bowel and sexual scores than those in the inverse planning group. Quality of life related to decline in sexual function was significantly reduced in the inverse planning group. Inverse planning in high-dose rate brachytherapy could significantly improve quality of life of patients with prostate cancer.

Longitudinal Changes in Health-related Quality of Life After 125I Low-dose-rate Brachytherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer.

The factors associated with longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are unclear. In this study we aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes and predictors of HRQOL after 125I low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDB) for localised prostate cancer (PCA). We evaluated 180 patients with localised PCA treated with LDB. The HRQOL was evaluated at 3 weeks before LDB and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months after LDB using the International Prostate Symptom Score, Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8), and University of California Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI). All HRQOL scores, except for UCLA-PCI sexual function and SF-8 mental component summary (MCS), were improved to baseline after an early transient deterioration. In contrast, the sexual function did not return to baseline after early deterioration. Meanwhile, the MCS scores showed no significant decline after implantation and trended upward. The prostate V100 and baseline UCLA-PCI sexual function scores predicted a clinically significant decrease in sexual function in the late post-implantation period. Most aspects of the HRQOL of PCA patients who underwent LDB improved to baseline. The results that V100 and baseline sexual function were predictors of late post-LDB may provide more accurate information for patients with preserved sexual function before treatment and for their partners.

Clinical Efficacy of Baloxavir Marboxil in the Treatment of Seasonal Influenza in Adult Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

PurposeBaloxavir marboxil, a recently developed antiviral drug, has been used to treat influenza in some countries including Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of the drug, which currently remains unclear.Patients and MethodsOverall, 43 adult patients with seasonal influenza who visited the outpatient clinic of Teikyo University Hospital in Tokyo during the winter of 2018–2019 were enrolled. Of them, 14, 13, and 16 were prescribed baloxavir marboxil (40 or 80 mg once), oseltamivir (75 mg twice daily for 5 days), and laninamivir (40 mg once), respectively. A questionnaire was used to collect data about symptoms, and the Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey was employed to examine health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) before and 7 days after admission. The main study endpoints included time to defervescence and the extent of improvement in HRQOL after treatment initiation. The data were analyzed with Welch’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test using StatFlex version 6.ResultsNo significant differences in clinical background characteristics were observed among the patients. The mean time to defervescence in the baloxavir group (median [interquartile range]; 1.0 [1.0–2.0] days) was significantly shorter than that in the laninamivir group (2.0 [1.5–3.5] days; p=0.0322). No significant differences in mean time to defervescence, change in HRQOL, and time for resolution of other symptoms were observed between the groups.ConclusionThe results suggest that baloxavir marboxil has a better antipyretic effect than oseltamivir and laninamivir. Moreover, baloxavir marboxil might be clinically more valuable than the other two drugs owing to higher medication adherence among patients.

Analysis of quality of life after randomized controlled trial of alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist alone and in combination with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in patients who underwent low-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

PurposeThe goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors on quality of life (QoL) of patients undergoing low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy.Material and methodsA total of 310 patients with prostate cancer who had undergone LDR brachytherapy were enrolled. The patients were randomized (1 : 1) to the monotherapy group (tamsulosin alone: 0.2 mg/day, n = 156) and the combination group (tamsulosin: 0.2 mg/day plus celecoxib: 200 mg/day, n = 154) without placebo. Using the expanded prostate cancer index composite (EPIC) and medical outcomes study 8-item short form health survey (SF-8) questionnaire, QoL was evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after seed implantation.ResultsThe mean changes in scores from baseline to 1 and 3 months after seed implantation for the urinary (1M: –10.5, 3M: –10.9) and bowel (1M: –2.4, 3M: –4.2) domains of EPIC in the combination group were not significantly different from those (urinary 1M: –11.0, 3M: –11.4, bowel 1M: –2.3, 3M: –4.6) in the monotherapy group. The mean changes in scores from baseline to 1 and 3 months after seed implantation for the physical component summary (1M: 0.009, 3M: –0.32) and mental component summary (1M: 0.41, 3M: 0.36) of SF-8 in the combination group were not significantly different from those (physical component 1M: –0.89, 3M: –0.22, mental component 1M: 1.3, 3M: 1.1) in the monotherapy group.ConclusionsCombination treatment with celecoxib and tamsulosin during the peri-operative period is not warranted for improving QoL in patients undergoing LDR brachytherapy.

Impact of age on quality of life in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with high-dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy.

To evaluate age-related quality of life changes in patients with localized prostate cancer treated by high-dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation therapy. A total of 172 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were categorized to age groups <75 years and ≥75 years. Changes in their quality of life were evaluated using the Japanese version of Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey, Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and International Index of Erectile Function-5 at baseline, and followed up to 24 months after treatment. There were no significant differences in Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey scores, and urinary and bowel scores of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for older men after treatment. International Index of Erectile Function-5 summary scores were significantly decreased in both groups. Although sexual function and sexual bother scores were decreased in patients aged <75 years, these scores were maintained in patients aged ≥75 years. Quality of life of prostate cancer patients undergoing high-dose rate brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation therapy does not seem to be significantly affected by age.

Prospective longitudinal outcomes of quality of life after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy compared with retropubic radical prostatectomy

BackgroundThere have been few reports on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in Japanese patients. The aim of this study is to assess changes in HRQOL during 36 months after LRP compared with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).MethodsThe subjects were 105 consecutive patients treated with LRP between 2011 and 2012. HRQOL was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Medical Outcome Study 8-Items Short Form Health Survey (SF-8), and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 36 months after surgery. These results were compared with data for 107 consecutive patients treated with RRP between 2005 and 2007. The comparison between LRP and RRP was examined at every time point by Mann-Whitney U-test and chi-square test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent factors related to the urinary domain in EPIC.ResultsThe IPSS change was similar in both groups. The LRP group had a better SF-8 mental component summary score at baseline and a better SF-8 physical component summary score at 1 month after surgery. In EPIC, urinary function and bother were worse after LRP, but improved at 12 months and did not differ significantly from those after RRP; however, these factors then worsened again at 36 months after LRP. Urinary incontinence was also worse at 36 months after LRP, compared to RRP. In patients treated with nerve-sparing surgery, urinary function and urinary incontinence were similar and good at 12 and 36 months in both groups. Bowel function and bother, and sexual function and bother were similar in both groups and showed no changes from 12 to 36 months. Age and salvage radiotherapy were independent predictors of incontinence (daily use of two or more pads) in multivariate analysis. Surgical procedure was not an independent factor for incontinence, but incontinence defined as use of one pad or more was associated with the surgical procedure.ConclusionsUrinary function and bother at 36 months were worse after LRP than after RRP. Age, salvage radiotherapy and surgical procedure were associated with urinary incontinence after 36 months.

Prevalence, symptomatic features, and factors associated with sleep disturbance/insomnia in Japanese patients with type-2 diabetes.

PurposeTo clarify the prevalence and symptomatic characteristics of sleep disturbance/insomnia among type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) Japanese patients.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of Japanese patients with the disorder was conducted. Participants consisted of 622 type-2 DM patients (mean 56.1±9.56 years) and 622 sex- and age-matched controls. Participants’ scores in the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J), the Japanese version of the 12-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-8), and the glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of type-2 DM patients were analyzed.ResultsThere were 253 poor sleepers (43.9%) in the type-2 DM group as a result of dichotomization with the PSQI-J cutoff total score of 5.5. The type-2 DM group recorded a higher mean PSQI-J total score (P<0.01) and manifested poorer sleep maintenance. Poor sleepers in both groups had lower mental component summary from SF-8 (MCS), physical component summary from SF-8 (PCS), and CES-D than good sleepers, and good sleepers in both groups had higher MCS, PCS, and CES-D than poor sleepers. Higher body mass index, presence of smoking habit, and living alone were significantly associated with sleep disturbance/insomnia symptoms, but HbA1c was not associated with sleep disturbance/insomnia in the type-2 DM group.ConclusionIndividuals affected with type-2 DM are likely to experience sleep problems, characterized by disturbance in sleep maintenance. Sleep disturbance/insomnia symptoms in DM patients might considerably reduce health-related quality of life.

Prospective assessment of time-dependent changes in quality of life of Japanese patients with prostate cancer following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

The objective of this study was to characterize changes in the quality of life (QOL) of Japanese patients following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This study included 298 consecutive localized prostate cancer (PC) patients undergoing RARP. The health-related QOL and disease-specific QOL were assessed using The Medical Outcomes Study 8-Item Short Form (SF-8) and The Extended Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC), respectively, before and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24months after RARP. At 1month after RARP, four (physical function, role limitations because of physical health problems, social function and role limitations because of emotional problems) of the eight scores in SF-8 were significantly impaired compared with those of baseline scores. However, all eight scores on all postoperative assessments, except for at 1month after RARP, showed no significant differences from baseline scores. Although there were no significant differences in the bowel function, bowel bother, sexual bother, hormonal function or hormonal bother between baseline and postoperative assessments of EPIC at all time points, the urinary function, urinary incontinence and sexual function scores at 1, 3 and 6months after RARP were significantly inferior to those of baseline scores, and urinary bother and urinary irritation/obstruction scores at 1month after RARP were significantly impaired compared with those of baseline scores. These findings suggest that the health-related QOL of Japanese PC patients undergoing RARP may not be markedly deteriorated following RARP; however, as for the disease-specific QOL, urinary and sexual functions, particularly those early after RARP, appeared to be significantly impaired.

Comprehensive Health-Related Quality of Life is Influenced by Nocturia and Sleep Disturbance: Investigation Based on the SF-8.

We investigated the influence of nocturia and sleep disturbance on health-related quality of life(HRQOL) using the Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-8) in patients with nocturia. We also assessed the effect of therapeutic intervention by means of an anticholinergic agent on the results of the SF-8. One hundred and eighty-four patients who voided at least once per night were surveyed using the SF-8, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). These parameters were also evaluated before and after 12 weeks of imidafenacin treatment in 51 patients with OAB accompanied by nocturia. The SF-8 physical component summary score (PCS) showed a significant decrease as nighttime voiding frequency increased. The mental health component summary score was 47.1 and 47.6 (which were lower than the standard value of 50) in the group with a nighttime frequency of once and ≥3/night, respectively. The SF-8 PCS and 6 subscales were negatively associated with nighttime voiding frequency, while the PSQI global score was positively associated with it. Imidafenacin significantly improved the OABSS, PSQI, and ESS, as well as the SF-8 score. This is the first study using the SF-8 to show that nocturia and sleep disturbance have a major influence on comprehensive HRQOL and that the SF-8 can be used to monitor HRQOL in OAB patients receiving treatment for nocturia.

Longitudinal change in health-related quality of life after intensity-modulated radiation monotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Purpose The purpose of the study is to assess longitudinal changes in general and disease-specific health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) indices after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) monotherapy for patients with localized prostate cancer (PCA).Methods Between 2006 and 2010, 91 patients with localized PCA underwent IMRT monotherapy and were enrolled into this prospective study. At baseline, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after IMRT, the general and prostate-specific HRQOL were estimated using physical (PCS) and mental component summaries (MCS) calculated using the Medical Outcomes Study 8-Item Short Form Health Survey and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC).ResultsFor 2 years, there were no significant changes in EPIC scores in all subscales of urinary domain, hormonal function, and bother. Bowel and sexual function scores decreased after IMRT and did not return to those at baseline (p = 0.006 and < 0.001, respectively). PCS began to decrease at 3 months after IMRT and then returned to the baseline score at 24 months. In contrast, the MCS score began to significantly increase after IMRT, and thereafter the score remained constant until 24 months (p < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, urinary (p = 0.003) and sexual functions (p = 0.0005) at baseline were identified as significant predictors of EPIC urinary irritative/obstructive score and sexual function at 24 months after IMRT.ConclusionUrinary function, including irritative/obstruction symptoms and hormonal function, was not affected by IMRT. However, bowel and sexual function decreased after IMRT. These findings will provide important information for PCA patients considering IMRT.

Ethnic Differences in Quality of Life in Insured Older Adults with Diabetes Mellitus in an Integrated Delivery System

To explore racial and ethnic (ethnic hereafter) differences in health-related quality of life (HRQL) in older adults with diabetes mellitus in an integrated delivery system. Observational cross-sectional study. Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Ethnic-stratified, random sample of 6,096 adults with diabetes mellitus aged 60 to 75 who completed a HRQL questionnaire. Physical and mental HRQL were measured based on the Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short Form Survey (range 0-100, mean 50). Age- and sex-adjusted weighted linear regression models estimated associations between ethnicity and HRQL and evaluated potential mediators (socioeconomic status, acculturation, health behaviors, diabetes mellitus-related conditions). Differences in ethnic-specific, adjusted mean HRQL scores were tested (reference whites). Physical HRQL was better for Filipinos (48.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 47.0-49.6, P < .001), Asians (48.1, 95% CI = 46.8-49.3, P < .001), Hispanics (45.1, 95% CI = 44.2-46.0, P < .001), and blacks (44.2, 95% CI = 43.3-45.1, P = .04) than whites (42.9, 95% CI = 42.6-43.2). Adjusting for potential mediators did not change these relationships. Mental HRQL was better only for Asians (52.7, 95% CI = 51.6-53.7, P = .01) than for whites (51.0, 95% CI = 50.7-51.3), but this difference was small and became nonsignificant after adjustment for socioeconomic status, acculturation, health behaviors, and diabetes mellitus-related conditions. In older adults with diabetes mellitus in a well-established integrated healthcare delivery system, ethnic minorities had better physical HRQL than whites. Equal access to care in an integrated delivery system may hold promise for reducing health disparities in diabetes mellitus-related patient-reported outcomes.

Health‐related quality of life after radical retropubic prostatectomy and permanent prostate brachytherapy: A 3‐year follow‐up study

To examine quality of life (QOL) for 3 years after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) or permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) and to determine differences between the two procedures. In all 107 patients who underwent RRP and 91 who received PPB between October 2005 and July 2007 were included in this study. QOL surveys were performed using the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), the Medical Outcome Study 8-items short form health survey and the expanded prostate cancer index composite at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 36 months after treatment. At 3 years, all parameters for general QOL and almost all for disease-specific QOL were similar to those at 12 months. Urinary continence after RRP slightly improved from 12 months to 3 years, but it was still significantly worse than that after PPB. Scores for urinary irritation or obstruction and for bowel function and bother at 3 years were similar between the two groups. Sexual function and bother did not change between 12 months and 3 years in either group. Sexual function at 3 years after RRP was worse than that after PPB. Recovery from urinary incontinence and sexual function after RRP with nerve sparing were similar to those after PPB. Urinary incontinence at 3 years correlated with the treatment method and patients' age, whereas urinary irritation/obstruction and urinary bother correlated with the pre-treatment IPSS. QOL assessment represents an important issue in prostate cancer management. Our findings are likely to be of aid in the development of a treatment plan for prostate cancer patients.

Burden of Illness of Chronic Low Back Pain in Sweden

Cross-sectional survey of patients with chronic low back pain in primary care setting. To analyze the health care resource use, productivity loss, and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain in Sweden. Despite the clinical and economic importance of chronic LBP, the overall burden of the disease is not well documented. Cross-sectional data on patients' socio-demographics, disease-related healthcare resource use during the past 6 months, inability to work during the previous 3 months, and quality of life at the time of the study visit were collected using questionnaires completed during an outpatient visit. Patient recruitment and data collection was performed at 14 primary care centers in Sweden. Patients over 18 years of age with chronic LBP present at least 50% of the days during the previous 3 months were included. Regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with variation in costs. Based on a sample of 302 patients, the total annual direct costs for chronic LBP per patient were estimated at 3,100 Euros, or 2,900 United States dollars, in 2002 prices, constituting 15% of the total annual LBP costs per patient. The indirect costs (mainly productivity loss because of lost work days) were estimated at 17,600 Euros (16,600 United States dollars) per patient, or 85% of the total LBP costs per patient. Direct and indirect costs were positively correlated with disease severity, disease duration, and female gender. The mean Roland & Morris score was 12.2, and the Medical Outcomes Study 8-Item Short Form physical and mental summary component scores were 35.2 and 41.6, respectively. In Sweden, the indirect costs for chronic LBP appear to be substantially higher than the direct costs for pharmaceuticals, medical visits, physiotherapy, andhospitalizations. The high indirect costs indicate that more effective treatments for chronic LBP could potentially lead to cost savings even if the therapy costs were higher.

Relationship between increased personal well-being and enhanced empathy among internal medicine residents.

While resident distress and its potential to negatively effect patient care have been well documented, little is known bout resident well-being or its potential to enhance care. We measured resident well-being and explored its relationship with empathy. Anonymous, cross-sectional survey. Internal medicine residents at Mayo Clinic Rochester (n=165, summer 2003). Well-being was measured using the previously validated Medical Outcomes Study 8-item Short Form (SF-8). Empathy was measured using the previously validated Perspective Taking (PT) and Empathetic Concerns (EC) Sub-scales of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Eighty-three (50%) residents responded to the survey. Mean scores for well-being as measured by the SF-8 were comparable to the general population, and empathy scores on the IRI were similar to other resident samples. Resident empathy on both the cognitive (PT) and emotive (EC) sub-scales of the IRI was higher for residents with higher mental well-being on the SF-8; however, this difference was statistically significant only for the cognitive sub-scale. The importance of a number of personal wellness promotion strategies differed for residents with higher mental well-being on the SF-8. High mental well-being was associated with enhanced resident empathy in this cross-sectional survey. Future studies need to explore the potential for high resident well-being to enhance medical care and competency in addition to exploring the negative consequences of resident distress. Studies investigating how to promote resident well-being are needed.