Predictors Of Quality Of Life Research Articles

Associations Among Tremor Amplitude, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life in Patients with Essential Tremor.

Essential tremor (ET) is a disabling syndrome consisting of tremor, primarily in the upper limbs. We assessed the correlation of The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS) Performance Item 4 ratings of upper limb tremor with the TETRAS activities of daily living (ADL) subscale and with 2 quality of life (QoL) scales. This noninterventional, cross-sectional, point-in-time survey of neurologists(n = 60), primary care physicians (n = 38), and their patients with ET (n = 1,003) used real-world data collected through the Adelphi ET Disease Specific Programme™. Physician-reported measures (TETRAS Performance Item 4 and TETRAS ADL total) and patient-reported QoL measures (generic EuroQol-5 Dimension 5 Level [EQ-5D-5 L] and ET-specific Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST)) were assessed with bivariate and multivariable analyses. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. The bivariate association between TETRAS Performance Item 4 score and TETRAS ADL total score was high (Pearson r = 0.761, P < 0.001). The bivariate associations between TETRAS Performance Item 4 score and EQ-5D-5 L index score (r = -0.410, P < 0.001) and between TETRAS ADL total score and EQ-5D-5 L index score (r = -0.543, P < 0.001) were moderate. The bivariate associations between TETRAS Performance Item 4 score and QUEST total score (r = 0.457, P < 0.001), and between TETRAS ADL total score and QUEST total score (r = 0.630, P < 0.001) were also moderate. These associations were unaltered by the inclusion of covariates. This study showed that greater tremor severity (TETRAS Performance Item 4) was positively correlated with ADL impairment (TETRAS ADL) and negatively associated with QoL (EQ-5D-5 L and QUEST). TETRAS Performance Item 4 score is a robust predictor of TETRAS ADL total score, and TETRAS Performance Item 4 and TETRAS ADL total scores were robust predictors of the 2 QoL scales. The results demonstrate the value of TETRAS scores as valid endpoints for future clinical trials. This real-world study assessed TETRAS scores as predictors of impaired QoL in ET. TETRAS Performance Item 4 and ADL were associated with EQ-5D-5 L and QUEST. TETRAS scores may serve as valid endpoints for future clinical trials.

Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Patients With Heart Failure and Cancer Who Receive Palliative Care.

Quality of life (QoL) is the criterion-standard outcome in palliative care for patients with various illnesses and their family caregivers. There is a need to determine the factors affecting caregivers' QoL in each population and the differences between groups to design differentiated intervention strategies. The aims of this study were to compare the role adoption, social support, and QoL of family caregivers of patients with heart failure and cancer in palliative care and to examine the determinants of QoL. A comparative study was conducted with the family caregivers of patients with cancer (n = 81) and heart failure (n = 80) in palliative care. Quality of life in life-limiting situations, role adoption, and social support questionnaires were also administered. A χ2 test, Student t test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for between-group comparisons. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the effects of the correlated variables on caregivers' QoL. Caregivers of patients with heart failure had better QoL (P = .006) and lower tangible social support (P = .007) than caregivers of patients with heart failure. No differences were found in caregiver role adoption between the groups. Linear regression indicated that for caregivers of patients with cancer, social support, role adoption, caregiver age, and patient functional status affect caregiver QoL. For caregivers of patients with heart failure, role adoption and patient functional status are predictors of QoL. Overall, healthcare professionals should focus on improving social support and caregiver role adoption and provide greater attention to the QoL of caregivers of patients with cancer.

Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Role of Having Access to Rehabilitation Services

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological motor disability, and children with CP should undergo rehabilitation services to achieve their full potential. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of life (QOL) of children with CP across various domains and to assess the impact of access to rehabilitation services on their QOL. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving all 126 children aged 4 - 12 with CP and their parents in Saqqez county, Kurdistan province, Iran. The "Physical Rehabilitation Accessibility Assessment Questionnaire" and the "Parental Proxy CP QOL-Child QUESTIONNAIRE" were utilized to measure the main variables. The analysis was divided into two subpopulations: 27 children aged 4 - 6 years and 99 children older than six, using SPSS version 23. After verifying the data's normality with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to identify correlations. Results: The average age of the participants was 8 ± 2.36 years, with 51 (40.5%) being girls. Of the 126 children with CP, 45 (35.7%) had independent mobility function (GMFCS levels I and II). The mean scores for the CP QOL-Child dimension ranged from 35.3 ± 25.1 in the 'access to services' domain to 74.5 ± 16.1 in the 'Emotional well-being and self-esteem' domain. The average accessibility score was 53.8 ± 22.1. Among children older than 6 years, access to rehabilitation services showed a significant correlation with all CP QOL-Child domain scores (P &lt; 0.05), except for 'social well-being and acceptance.' In children aged 4 - 6 years, only the Family Health domain score was significantly correlated with access to rehabilitation services (r = 0.44, P = 0.021). Conclusions: Access to rehabilitation services is a significant predictor of QOL in children older than 6 years. Further experimental research is needed to examine changes in various aspects of QOL in children with CP following improved access to rehabilitation services.

Impact of subjective and objective language function and psychological distress on quality of life in glioma patients awaiting surgery

ABSTRACT Background Maintaining quality of life (QoL) and identifying contributing factors is an important aspect of treatment for glioma patients. Little is known about to what extent language function and psychological distress impact QoL before surgery. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of subjective and objective language function, as well as psychological distress on domains of QoL before surgery. Methods and procedures Twenty-seven patients (52% female) with a suspected glioma, grade 1‒3 based on symptoms and MRI imaging diagnostics were assessed pre-surgery. Subjective language concerns, psychological distress and QoL were investigated with self-reported questionnaires. A Subjective language index was calculated, based on items addressing word-finding, expression of thoughts, reading and writing. Objective language function was assessed with tasks of naming (The Boston Naming Test), verbal comprehension (Vocabulary and Similarities), verbal fluency (Semantic and Phonemic fluency) and verbal short-term and working memory (Digit span forward and backward). The strength of associations was determined using Spearman’s rho correlations. Linear regression analyses were used to examine predictors for QoL. Outcomes and Results Clinically significant reductions in QoL were found in 48% of the sample. Subjective language concerns were highly common, with 85% reporting some degree of difficulty. Group means on objective language tests were within normative range on the included measures. The Subjective language index correlated significantly with several QoL domains, whereas objective performance mainly correlated with functional well-being. Psychological distress was a strong predictor for QoL. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that reductions in QoL may occur during the diagnostic phase, even before glioma treatment starts. Subjective language concerns and psychological distress contributed to all aspects of QoL and highlight the importance of acknowledging patient-reported information. The results suggest a comprehensive multi-modal assessment of glioma patients pre-surgery, to establish a base-line and facilitate patient-centered treatment planning.

Quality of life predictors among Moroccan adults with epilepsy

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in adult patients living with epilepsy in Morocco. Methods110 patients with epilepsy aging 18 years old were interviewed using the standard and validated Moroccan version of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy inventory with 31 items (QOLIE-31). Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate regression were used for data analysis. ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 35.70 years old (standard deviation (SD)12.2). The mean total score of QOLIE-31 was 43.6±10.2. The highest mean±SD score was the medication effects subscale 52.3±12.1, and the lowest was the overall quality of life subscale 39.2±13.2. Patients with no seizure episode during the last month had a better mean total score of QOLIE-31 (47.6±10.5) than the study participants having a seizure in the last month (40.6±8.9, p≤0.001). These data supported that presence of seizure in the past 4 weeks (β=4.626, CI95 % 1.123; 8.130), memory disorders (β=10.025, IC 95 % 2.811; 17.239), seizure trigger factors such as forgetting to take antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (β=5.205, IC 95 % 1.769; 8.641), personal problems (β=4.957, IC 95 % 0.604; 9.310), low monthly income (<2000MAD, 194.94$: β= −9.937, IC 95 % −18.536; −1.338), (2000–5000MAD, 194.94$- 487.35$: β= −24.804, IC 95 % −43.171; −6.437), and employment (β= −4.291, IC 95 % −7.976; −0.605) were the factors associated with QOL. SignificanceThe overall QOL of patients with epilepsy was low. This study showed that the presence of seizures, memory disorders, monthly income, trigger factors, and employment status were QOL predictors for epileptic patients.

Role of handgrip strength in predicting the quality of life in older adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) is a vital component in assessing the standard of living for seniors. Hand grip strength (HGS) is a widely used measure to diagnose muscle strength decline that often occurs due to age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. This study focuses on the HGS in predicting the QOL of older adults who are referred to retirement centers in Guilan Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2021, a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 115 older adults who were residing in retirement centers located in Guilan Province, Northern Iran. The participants were selected using a two-stage sampling method, where three retirement centers were randomly chosen followed by convenience sampling from each center. The selected retirement centers were situated in Langrod, Sowme’eh Sara, and Rasht cities in the east, west, and center of the province, respectively. The data were collected through a demographic information questionnaire, QOL scale (CASP-19), and HGS measurement using a dynamometer. RESULTS: Of the participants, 57.4% were male, 51.3% had middle income, and 96.5% were categorized as young elderly. The mean overall QOL score was found to be 37.026 ± 6.123, while the mean HGS level was 31.74 ± 7.45 and 18.48 ± 5.13 among males and females, respectively. There was a significant association between the level of education and QOL (P = 0.002). Moreover, there was a positive and significant correlation between HGS and QOL (r = 0.54, P = 0.001). The results of the multiple linear regression identified HGS as a predictor of QOL (Adj R2 = 0.44, βHGS = 0.79). CONCLUSION: Given that HGS has been identified as a predictor of QOL in older adults, improving this factor through exercise can lead to enhancement in their QOL. Therefore, regular sports exercises can be recommended as a means of improving HGS and subsequently enhancing the QOL of older adults.

Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adults in Saudi Arabia.

Background Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is widely recognized as a prevalent public health issue that affects individuals of various genders and age groups. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of musculoskeletal pain on the quality of life (QoL)of adult individuals living in Saudi Arabia. Method This is a cross-sectional study using an online-administered questionnaire that was distributed via online platforms in Saudi Arabia for the duration between January and August 2023. Three questionnaire instruments were used in this study. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), The 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of better QoL and having mild to moderate disability. Results A total of 8359 participants were involved in this study. The most commonly reported sites of musculoskeletal pain were the lower back, neck, and shoulder, accounting for 36.8% (n= 3072), 30.5% (n= 2549), and 30.1% (n= 2514), respectively. The mean pain score for the study participants was 4.3 (SD: 2.3), which indicates mild degree of pain. The median EQ-5D-5L index value for the study participants was 0.827 (0.756-1.00), which demonstrates a high quality of life. The mean SF-36 score for the study participants was 63.11 (17.4), which demonstrates moderate quality of life. The median Roland-Morris Disability score for the study participants was 1.00 (0.00-7.00), which demonstrates a low level of pain-related disability. Male gender, younger age (30-39 years), having higher education attainment, having higher monthly income (more than SAR 20000), and having lower BMI (less than 25.8 kg/cm2) were predictors of better QoL (p<0.05). Conclusion Musculoskeletal pain is a multifactorial condition influenced by structural, physical, psychological, social, lifestyle, and comorbid health elements. It ranges from acute to chronic pain and, despite rarely being fatal, has a significant impact on QoL. Musculoskeletal discomfort varies in terms of intensity, affected regions, and demographic and lifestyle factors. This study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of MSP, its impact on QoL, and the significance of early intervention and individualized management strategies to improve the QoLof those affected.

Social determinants of health and COVID-19 recovery after inpatient rehabilitation.

Neighborhoods with more social determinants of health (SDOH) risk factors have higher rates of infectivity, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection can have long-term functional deficits leading to lower quality of life (QoL) and independence measures. Research shows that these patients benefit greatly from inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) admission, but there remains a lack of studies investigating long-term benefits of rehabilitation once patients are returned to their home environment. To determine SDOH factors related to long-term independence and QoL of COVID-19 patients after IRF stay. Multisite cross-sectional survey. Two urban IRFs. Primary outcome measures were Post-COVID Functional Status Scale (PCFS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores. Secondary outcomes were quality indicator (QI) scores while at IRF and a health care access questionnaire. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Participants (n = 48) who were greater than 1 year post-IRF stay for severe COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. Higher SF-36 scores were associated with male gender (p = .002), higher income (≥$70,000, p = .004), and living in the city (p = .046). Similarly, patients who were of the male gender (p = .004) and had higher income (≥$70,000, p = .04) had a greater odds of a 0 or 1 on the PCFS. Age was not associated with differences. Women were more likely to seek follow-up care (p = .014). Those who sought follow-up care reported lower SF-36 overall and emotional wellness scores, p = .041 and p = .007, respectively. Commonly reported barriers to health care access were financial and time constraints. Patients with SDOH risk factors need to be supported in the outpatient setting to maintain functional gains made during IRF stays. Female gender, income, and urban setting are potential predictors for long-term QoL and independence deficits after rehabilitation for COVID-19 infection. Low emotional wellness is an indicator for patients to seek out care as far out as 1 year from their rehabilitation stay.

Quality of Life With Cochlear Implantation Using the CIQOL-35 at a Tertiary Urban Medical Center: Our Experience.

Assessment of quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI) using the Cochlear Implant Quality of Life-35 questionnaire (CIQOL-35). Retrospective cohort. Single-institution tertiary care center. Patients 18 years and older who have undergone CI and CIQOL-35 survey. Implementing CIQOL-35 from 2019 to 2022 to measure change in QOL after CI. Statistical analysis included nonparametric, univariate, and multivariate analyses. Significance was set at 0.05. Differences in QOL among CI patients in each of the CIQOL-35 domains. Ninety-three patients (40 female, 53 male) aged 20 to 93 years (median 70 years) turned in 164 QOL surveys (68 preactivation, 96 postactivation). Postactivation median QOL was 5 to 15 points higher across all domains (p < 0.001). QOL score distributions among unilateral CI only, bilateral CI, and unilateral CI with contralateral hearing aid users were not statistically different (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified that male sex (β = -2.0; 95% confidence interval, -3.9 to -0.1) was a negative predictor for environment scores and not being married (β = 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.02 to 4.0) was a positive predictor for entertainment scores. Median follow-up time was 13 months post-CI (interquartile range [IQR], 7.1-21.5 months). CI patients experienced improved QOL postactivation among all QOL domains, whereas specific CI use pattern in regard to unilateral, bilateral, or bimodal did not affect QOL. Multivariate analysis identified marital status and sex as possible QOL predictors.

Successful Life Conduct in Very Old Age: Theoretical Implications and Empirical Support from a Population-Based Study

AbstractSocial survey data on those aged 80 years or older is sparse. Based on a representative sample, this paper validates a multidimensional model proposed for understanding of quality of life (QoL) in very old age. Towards this goal, this paper estimated levels and heterogeneity of personal and environmental resources, well-being, autonomy, and perceived appreciation by society in the population of the very old in Germany. Next, the contribution of personal and environmental resources to QoL outcomes and overlap between these outcomes was estimated using a multivariate approach. Results were based on a representative survey on QoL of the very old in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state. The survey included comprehensive information on socio-demographics, health, social and personal QoL resources including objective testing of cognitive function. The sample comprised 1,863 individuals (mean age 86.5 years, range 80–102 years), including 211 individuals residing in non-private dwellings. Interviews with proxy informants were conducted for 176 individuals that were willing to participate but could not conduct the interview themselves due to limited ability to communicate (PLC). Pronounced differences were found for PLC with respect to environmental and personal resources and QoL outcomes. Pronounced differences were also found both with respect to lower observed levels of QoL outcomes (e.g., autonomy) and predictors of QoL outcomes (e.g., effect of negative “external” appreciation on subjective well-being). Contrary to the deficit-oriented model of old age, a high degree of autonomy was observed. However, substantial and consequential negative “external” appreciation of very old age was also apparent.

Quality of Life and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand.

The dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly changed since its initial outbreak. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy in the specific context of Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 415 patients with cancer. Instruments used were a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (cancer symptom burden), Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (self-care self-efficacy), and a Thai version of the Brief Form of the WHO Quality of Life Assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The participants had an average age of 56 years. They reported a moderate level of QoL across all domains and for the overall QoL during the pandemic. The results of the multiple linear regression model indicated that positive self-care self-efficacy, being married, having health insurance, stage of chemotherapy, and reduced cancer symptom burden were significant predictors of overall QoL (adjusted R2 = 0.4940). Positive self-care self-efficacy also emerged as a primary predictor, positively influencing all QoL domains and overall QoL (p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the significance of self-care self-efficacy in enhancing the QoL of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy during the pandemic. Integrating interventions to bolster self-care self-efficacy into the care plans for these patients can help them manage their symptoms, cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, and enhance their overall well-being.

Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics as predictors for quality of life in transmasculine and transfeminine individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy

Healthcare systems and providers have increasingly acknowledged the role and impact of social determinants in overall health. However, gender-diverse individuals face persistent health disparities due to their identities. There is limited research on the impact of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics on mood and quality of life (QoL) for transgender (TG) individuals. Our study aims to understand and better elucidate social and clinical characteristics of transmasculine (TM) and transfeminine (TF) individuals and their impact on quality of life and depressive symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 298 TF and TM individuals on gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) were surveyed about their demographic characteristics (age, gender identity, body mass index (BMI), and education), social needs, mood, and quality of life. Multivariable regression modelling was performed to assess the effect of each variable listed above on three domains of QoL (psychological, environmental, and physical) as well as depressive symptoms. We find that QoL scores are similar between TM and TF individuals, with scores in the psychological domain particularly low in both cohorts. TM individuals report higher rates of stress and restroom avoidance than TF individuals. In particular, psychological well-being (measured by the psychological domain of QoL and depressive symptoms) is significantly associated with increased BMI, financial instability, and stress in TM individuals while for TF individuals, psychological well-being is associated with stress and social integration. These data suggest that social circumstances are key drivers of QoL and psychological well-being among gender-diverse individuals receiving GAHT with specific differences between TF and TM individuals. This information may be utilized by healthcare providers and policymakers to address and improve clinical care and social policies to improve health equity for gender-diverse individuals.

Quality of Life in Alcohol Use Disorder: Exploration of Predictive Factors in a Cross-Sectional Study

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and relapsing biopsychosocial condition that leads to various medical, psychological, social, economic, and personal issues. This study evaluated how sociodemographic characteristics, clinical variables, impulsivity dimensions, and cognitive functions were associated with quality of life (QoL) among patients seeking treatment for AUD. Furthermore, the study investigated the predictors of QoL among patients seeking treatment for AUD based on attention, cognitive instability, motor impulsiveness, perseverance, and self-control dimensions of trait impulsivity. This study also investigated the potential mediating effect of anxiety and alcohol use severity in this relationship. After an initial assessment, the participants underwent comprehensive evaluations, including sociodemographic data, clinical history, and QoL domains. The evaluations also covered AUD severity, impulsivity dimensions, cognitive functions, craving intensity, depression, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Multiple linear regression analyses were employed to identify associations between independent variables and QoL. The attention dimension of impulsivity and anxiety symptoms significantly predicted physical health domain of QoL. The self-control dimension and severity of alcohol use disorder predicted psychological domain of QoL. The indirect effect of attention dimension on physical health was significant [effect = −1.082, 95% CI (−2.008, −0.3598)]. The significance of impulsivity in influencing QoL for individuals with AUD has profound clinical implications. These findings underscore the importance of addressing anxiety and impulsivity in managing AUD, given their considerable impact, particularly on QoL, ultimately shaping treatment outcomes.

Evaluation of disease-specific quality of life and its influencing factors in Bulgarian patients with Graves' orbitopathy.

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) profoundly affects patients' quality of life (QoL). Our aim was to assess QoL in patients with different forms of GO and to search for predictors of QoL. This was a cross-sectional study involving 221 consecutive unselected GO patients (77.4% females, mean age 52 ± 11.6) referred to our clinic in the period 2017-2021. Detailed medical history was obtained from all patients, followed by hormonal and immunological testing and comprehensive ocular status. QoL was assessed by a disease-specific questionnaire (GO-QoL), consisting of two scales-one related to visual functioning (QoL-VF) and the other-to physical appearance (QoL-AP). The results were calculated by formula and expressed as percentages. Mild GO patients had significantly higher scores on both scales of GO-QoL compared to moderate-to-severe and sight-threatening GO patients (82.0 vs. 54.6% and 27.3% for QoL-VF; 70.1 vs. 54.4% and 36.9% for QoL-AP). Patients with active GO had significantly poorer QoL-VF (56.6 vs. 76.6%) and QoL-AP (53.1 vs. 67.5%) in comparison to patients with inactive GO. The stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the variables with major predictive value for QoL-VF were: CAS, diplopia score, visual acuity and severity of the symptoms (R2 = 0.44), whereas gender, CAS, diplopia score and proptosis best predicted QoL-AP (R2 = 0.39). The impact of GO on patients' QoL depends on the severity and activity of the disease. The clinical predictors of the impairment of QoL should be taken into account when considering the optimal adjunctive treatment approaches aiming to improve patients' QoL.

Quality of life of Jordanian menopausal working and retired women and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Objective Life expectancy of Jordanian women has increased, indicating that the number of women entering menopause age, during the prime of their working life, will also increase. Therefore, assessments of the quality of life (QoL) of working and retired women and factors associated with overall wellbeing, are essential for the provision of quality services and care. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 Jordanian women between the ages of 45 to 60 years old. The Utian QOL tool was used to assess the quality of life among menopausal women. Multiple regressions were used to determine predictors for QoL for the whole sample and for each group of working and retired women. Results The study shows that the total QoL for women was 77.5 ±14.4, with a significant difference (p=.023) in total QoL and the occupational domain (p=.003) between working and retired women. Employed women with fewer chronic diseases and using frequent preventive measures had a higher QoL compared to others. Conclusion Working itself might be an important indicator for better a quality of life among menopausal women. Better working conditions and more attention from the health care providers for the menopausal changes and the preventive measures could enhance women’s perceived QoL in addition to increasing their productivity.

Examining the Quality of Life and Discrimination Impact on Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia: A WHO-QOL Survey.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease marked by social and repetitive or restricted behaviors, as well as communication difficulty. Objectives This survey aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of parents with ASDs in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia using the brief form of the World Health Organization (WHO-QOL) questionnaire. Furthermore, we sought to measure the severity of discrimination experienced by parents of children with ASDs and their impact on QoL. Methodology Using a Google form, a cross-sectional study was carried out online between March and April 2023. The patient records from four different regions of Saudi Arabia were used to recruit study participants. The survey was distributed through well-known social media channels (Instagram, Telegram, Facebook). Results A total of 99 parents were included in this study. The Southern region accounted for the bulk of participants (81.8%, n=81), nearly three-fourths of the children were boys (70.7%), mothers were more common among respondents (65.7%, n=65) than fathers, 66.7% of respondents reported being married, and 78.8% fall into the middle economic class category. The main source of information among the studied population was the Internet (39.4%, n=39), followed by relatives (23.0%, n=23), physicians (8.1%, n=9), and finally books (4%, n=4). The mean scores for the various domains are as follows: physical (58.48 ± 13.84), psychological (62.04 ± 18.08), social relations (61.20 ± 23.24), environment (24.12 ± 14.62), general QoL (72.93 ± 4.30), and general health (73.94 ± 4.63). Nearly half (46.5%) of parents have encountered stigma or discrimination toward their child or family. Individuals who reported experiencing discrimination exhibited significantly lower mean scores in multiple QoL domains than those who did not report discrimination for physical (54.11, ± 14.36vs, 62.26±12.28, p=0.003), psychological (55.80 ± 20.33 vs 67.45 ± 13.94, p=0.002), and social relations (55.43± 24.17 vs 66.20 ± 21.40, p=0.022). Multivariate analysis revealed that discrimination was the only significant predictor of QoL (p < 0.001). Conclusions The QoL of parents having a child with autism is low, moreover, the coincidence of discrimination and stigma significantly lowered QoL.

The Association of Quality of Life with Psychosocial Factors in Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome.

Individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) have poorer quality of life (QoL) than their peers, yet factors contributing to poor QoL in this population remain unclear. Research to date has predominantly focused on the impact of tics and psychiatric symptoms on QoL in TS samples. The aim of this cross-sectional, multi-informant study was to identify psychosocial variables that may impact adolescent QoL in TS. Thirty-eight adolescents aged 13 to 17 with TS and 28 age-matched controls participated with a caregiver. No group differences were found on QoL, although the TS group reported reduced QoL compared to population normative data. In the TS group, reduced QoL was associated with lower self-esteem, poorer family functioning, higher stress, and greater depression and anxiety; QoL was unrelated to tic severity. In regression analyses, after adjusting for covariates, family functioning was the strongest predictor of QoL. These results emphasize the need to further explore the influence of psychosocial factors, particularly family functioning, on QoL in adolescents with TS.

Quality-of-life among women with breast cancer: application of the international classification of functioning, disability and health model.

This study aimed to identify the factors that influence Breast Cancer (BC) women's quality of life (QoL) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 188 women with BC. The dependent variable, QoL, was measured using the Quality of Life Index (QLI-c). The independent variables were measured using the following Arabic-validated questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). There was a significant positive correlation between monthly income (r = 0.17, p = 0.016) and QoL, and significant negative correlation between the stage of disease (r = -0.221, p = 0.002) and duration of first diagnosis (r = -0.280, p = 0.004) with QoL. Poor sleep quality, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and anxiety had significant negative correlations with QoL (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that among the various factors that might affect QoL, sexual dysfunction, poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety were significant predictors of QoL (p ≤ 0.05). The ICF provided an excellent framework to explore the factors influencing QoL among women with BC. This study has given evidence for the relationship of demographic, clinical, and body functional factors with QoL among women with BC. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction, poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety factors are predictors of QoL. Awareness of these factors that predict QoL will guide healthcare professionals to improve the health and QoL of BC women.

Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy – A Secondary Publication

Objective: To evaluate symptom experience and quality of life (QoL) and to identify the predictors of QoL among colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 107 colorectal cancer patients at a university-affiliated hospital between June 1 and July 30, 2021. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) and Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) were used to assess symptom experience and QoL of these patients. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The mean QoL score for colorectal cancer patients was 88.78 ± 20.08. The most frequently experienced physical and psychological symptoms were numbness/tingling and worrying. Physical and psychological symptoms have a significant negative association with QoL. Perceived economic status was significantly associated with QoL in patients’ general characteristics. The regression analyses showed that high psychological symptoms (β = -0.63, P &lt; 0.001), middle perceived economic status (β = -0.22, P = 0.009), and low perceived economic status (β = -0.36, P &lt; 0.001) were statistically significant in predicting patients’ low QoL. Conclusion: Symptom experience and QoL are essential variables that should be acknowledged when delivering health care to colorectal cancer patients. More attention to the reduction and comprehensive symptom management of psychological distress could improve QoL among colorectal cancer patients.

Ecological momentary assessment of pelvic pain and urinary urgency variability in urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome and their association with illness impact and quality of life: Findings from the multidisciplinary approach to the study of chronic pelvic pain symptom patterns study.

This study tested the hypothesis that ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of pelvic pain (PP) and urinary urgency (UU) would reveal unique Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) phenotypes that would be associated with disease specific quality of life (QOL) and illness impact metrics (IIM). A previously validated smart phone app (M-app) was provided to willing Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) participants. M-app notifications were sent 4-times daily for 14 days inquiring about PP and UU severity. A clustering algorithm that accounted for variance placed participants into PP and UU variability? clusters. Associations between clusters and QOL and IIM were then determined. A total of 204 participants enrolled in the M-app study (64% female). M-app compliance was high (median 63% of surveys). Cluster analysis revealed k = 3 (high, low, none) PP clusters and k = 2 (high, low) UU clusters. When adjusting for baseline pain severity, high PP variability, but not UU variability, was strongly associated with QOL and IIM; specifically worse mood, worse sleep and higher anxiety. UU and PP clusters were associated with each other (p < 0.0001), but a large percentage (33%) of patients with high PP variability had low UU variability. PP variability is an independent predictor of worse QOL and more severe IIM in UCPPS participants after controlling for baseline pain severity and UU. These findings suggest alternative pain indices, such as pain variability and unpredictability, may be useful adjuncts to traditional measures of worst and average pain when assessing UCPPS treatment responses.