Predictors Of Quality Of Life Research Articles

Quality of Life in Patients With Definite Chronic Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Because CP is a chronic condition, multiple assessments of QoL are required to obtain a thorough understanding of its impact on patients. Such studies are currently lacking. This study aims to gain insight into the course and predictors of QoL in patients with CP using prospective longitudinal data from a large cohort of patients. Post hoc analysis of consecutive patients with definite CP registered in a prospective database between 2011 and 2019 in the Netherlands. Patient and disease characteristics, nutritional status, pain severity, medication usage, pancreatic function, and pancreatic interventions were assessed from medical records and through standard follow-up questionnaires. The physical and mental component summary scales of the Short-Form 36 were used to assess physical and mental QoL at baseline and during follow-up. The course of both physical and mental QoL and their associated factors were longitudinally assessed by using generalized linear mixed models. Overall, 1,165 patients with definite CP were included for this analysis. During 10-year follow-up, generalized linear mixed model analyses revealed improvements in both physical (41.6-45.2, P < 0.001) and mental (45.9-46.6, P = 0.047) QoL. Younger age, current alcohol consumption, employment, no need for dietetic consultation, no steatorrhea, lower Izbicki pain score, and pain coping mechanism were positively associated with physical QoL ( P < 0.05). For mental QoL, a positive correlation was found between employment, nonalcoholic CP, no need for dietetic consultation, no steatorrhea, lower Izbicki pain score, pain coping mechanism, and surgical treatment. No association was observed between disease duration and longitudinal QoL per patient. This nationwide study provides insight into the dynamics of physical and mental QoL in patients with CP over time. Important and potentially influenceable factors to improve QoL are nutritional status, exocrine pancreatic function, employment status, and patients' coping strategy.

Predictors of Quality of Life in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Receiving Nonsurgical Management Due to Chronic Pain

BackgroundMost patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) experience pain, and their quality of life (QoL) is poor. AimsThis study aimed to identify predictors of QoL, including demographic, clinical, physical, and psychosocial characteristics, in chronic pain patients with DCM receiving non-surgical management. DesignA descriptive study design was used. SettingParticipants were recruited at the pain clinic at a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Participants/SubjectsThe subjects included 157 inpatients and outpatients with DCM receiving non-surgical management. MethodsWe administered a written, structured, self-reported questionnaire, which included standard validated measures for the main variables of interest. ResultsThe median number of pain sites was two, and the average and most pain severities were 4.63 ± 2.35 and 5.71 ± 2.32 out of 10 within one month, respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that depression, education level, and headache were factors influencing physical QoL. Depression, education level, and marital status were factors influencing psychological QoL, whereas depression and education level were factors influencing social relationships QoL. Finally, the factors influencing environmental QoL were depression, educational level, and marital status. ConclusionsDemographic characteristics, including educational level and marital status, clinical characteristics, including pain site, and psychological characteristics, including depression, were identified as factors influencing QoL in chronic pain patients with DCM receiving non-surgical management. Clinical ImplicationsHealthcare professionals should consider demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics when evaluating patients... QoL. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the QoL of participants who are single and have lower levels of education, headache pain, and high levels of depression. These patients are likely to have low QoL and strategies to improve their QoL should be developed.

The Lower the Physical Function, the Higher the Quality of Life in Japanese Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Aims To investigate the factors that contribute to subjective quality of life (QOL) in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods We evaluated the subjective QOL in 51 adolescents with CP through interviews using the Japanese version of KIDSCREEN-27 (J-KIDSCREEN-27) and compared the scores with those of 60 typically developing adolescents. Correlations of subjective QOL with age, sex, the levels of functions (gross motor, manipulation, and communication), intelligence, the level of activity of daily living (ADL), and the type of educational support were examined. Thereafter, we investigated the predictors of the subjective QOL by multiple regression analysis. Results The total QOL scores and individual J-KIDSCREEN-27 domains were not significantly different from those of typically developing adolescents. Sex, manipulation and communication functions, and intelligence had no relationship with subjective QOL. Gross motor function and ADL level negatively correlated with satisfaction with the school environment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher age predicts lower psychological well-being, lower gross motor function predicts higher satisfaction with the school environment, and attending schools or classes for special needs predicts higher physical well-being. Conclusions Seeking adequate support for mildly affected adolescents attending regular classes will be the key to further improving subjective QOL in adolescents with CP.

Determinants of quality of life in Nigerian female patients with epilepsy on carbamazepine and levetiracetam monotherapy

BackgroundThe study is aimed to identify the predictors of Quality of Life (QOL) in women with epilepsy (WWE) on carbamazepine (CBM) and levetiracetam (LTM) monotherapy. 100 WWE were recruited (50 each on CBM and LTM), after clinical diagnosis of epilepsy supported by Electroencephalography (EEG) features and seizures classification by 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria, the Quality of Life Inventory Scale 31(QOLIE-31) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSRDS) were used to assess QOL and depression, respectively.ResultHigher QOLIE-31 scores was seen in the LTM group across all domains except seizure worry (p = 0.051) compared to CBM group. Logistic regression showed that the use of CBM (p = 0.000), fast frequency on EEG (p = 0.005), longer duration of epilepsy (p = 0.017), presence of depression (p = 0.008) and lower level of education (p = 0.003) were predictors of QOL. Progesterone (p = 0.040), oestradiol (p = 0.011) and prolactin (p = 0.002) in follicular phase showed significant association with QOLIE-total score. In the luteal phase, luteinizing hormone–follicle stimulating hormone (LH–FSH) ratio (p = 0.009) and testosterone (p = 0.015), FSH (p = 0.015), prolactin (p = 0.000), showed significant association with QOL. None of the hormones independently predicts QOL.ConclusionLTM group appears to have better QOL than CBM group. Healthcare providers should focus on addressing these identified predictors which include medication effect, depression, Level of education, EEG background and duration of epilepsy with aim of improving QOL.

Determinants of Life Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among American Indian Women Cancer Survivors: The Role of Psychosocial Resources

ABSTRACT Purpose This study assessed the relationship of spirituality, social support, and sense of mastery to life satisfaction and quality of life to identify viable psychosocial coping resources among American Indian (AI) women cancer survivors. Method We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 73 AI women cancer survivors residing in South Dakota. A series of multivariate hierarchical regression analyses was conducted. Results Findings indicated that lower self-rated physical health was consistently associated with lower levels of life satisfaction and quality of life. Spirituality was found to be the most influential predictor for life satisfaction, while social support and sense of mastery were two significant predictors for quality of life. Discussion Our data underscored the importance of spirituality, social support, and sense of mastery to the well-being of AI women cancer survivors and as effective coping strategies to mitigate life stressors. Implications of this evidence for the design of cancer preventions and interventions are discussed.

The impact of personal protective factors on quality of life after traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Primary objective Examine the impact of four personal protective factors (self-awareness (SA), self-efficacy (SE), cognitive and emotional factors) on positive adaptation, or resiliency, in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that people with better SA and cognitive skills, less depression and positive SE will report better quality of life (QOL). Research design Correlational longitudinal design was used to explore relationships between outcome variables at initial evaluation and 6-months following initial evaluation Methods and procedures 38 community-dwelling adults at least 1 year after sustaining a moderate-to-severe TBI were administered the Self-Efficacy Scale, Awareness Questionnaire, Chicago Multiscale Depression Inventory, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and SF-12. Main outcome and results Higher rated SE and emotional functioning correlated with better QOL indicating SE and emotional functioning may be personal factors facilitating positive adaptation in persons with TBI. Interestingly, poorer cognitive functioning (i.e. processing speed) and lower SA correlated with better QOL. Additionally, cognitive and emotional functioning were significant predictors of QOL. Conclusion Strengthening emotional functioning and SE may improve outcomes after TBI. However, it may be that self-reported QoL is a poor outcome for people with TBI and measurement in future studies and practice should focus on actual engagement of activities.

Quality of life 1 month after acute pulmonary embolism in emergency department patients.

The Pulmonary Embolism Quality-of-Life (PEmb-QoL) questionnaire assesses quality of life (QoL) after pulmonary embolism (PE). We aimed to determine whether any clinical or pathophysiologic features of PE were associated with worse PEmb-QoL scores 1 month after PE. In this prospective multicenter registry, we conducted PEmb-QoL questionnaires. We determined differences in QoL domain scores for four primary variables: clinical deterioration (death, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, hypotension requiring fluid bolus, catecholamine support, or new dysrhythmia), right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), PE risk stratification, and subsequent rehospitalization. For overall QoL score, we fit a multivariable regression model that included these four primary variables as independent variables. Of 788 PE patients participating in QoL assessments, 156 (19.8%) had a clinical deterioration event, 236 (30.7%) had RVD of which 38 (16.1%) had escalated interventions. For those without and with clinical deterioration, social limitations had mean (±SD) scores of 2.07 (±1.27) and 2.36 (±1.47), respectively (p= 0.027). For intensity of complaints, mean (±SD) scores for patients without RVD (4.32 ± 2.69) were significantly higher than for those with RVD with or without reperfusion interventions (3.82 ± 1.81 and 3.83 ± 2.11, respectively; p= 0.043). There were no domain score differences between PE risk stratification groups. All domain scores were worse for patients with rehospitalization versus without. By multivariable analysis, worse total PEmb-QoL scores with effect sizes were subsequent rehospitalization 11.29 (6.68-15.89), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 8.17 (3.91-12.43), and longer index hospital length of stay 0.06 (0.03-0.08). Acute clinical deterioration, RVD, and PE severity were not predictors of QoL at 1 month post-PE. Independent predictors of worsened QoL were rehospitalization, COPD, and index hospital length of stay.

Quality of life and psychosocial adjustment: the moderator role of anxiety symptoms in persons with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis

IntroductionPersons with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) have a high frequency of psychiatric disorders, namely depression and anxiety. In addition, poor quality of life (QOL) and impairments in psychosocial adjustment are frequently reported. Despite the increasing number of studies aiming to identify predictors of poorer QOL, the role of depressive and anxiety symptoms remains poorly understood.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate: (1) if psychosocial adjustment predicts worse QOL; (2) the relationship between psychosocial adjustment and QOL by concurrently examining the role of depressive and anxiety symptoms.Methods: ParticipantsThirty-five persons with TLE-HS ranging from 18 to 60 years old (mean age 39.82 SD 9.05; 20 men 57.14%) followed in a tertiary outpatient center underwent neurologic and psychiatric assessments.AssessmentsThe psychiatry interview was performed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID). Psychosocial adjustment was assessed with the total score of the Social Adjustment Scale (SAS) (SAS Overall). The QOL was evaluated by the total score of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 Inventory (Overall QOLIE-31), the most frequently used instrument in assessing QOL in epilepsy. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X) were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively.AnalysesPrediction analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of psychosocial adjustment on QOL (simple linear regression). Simple moderation models were used to examine the moderation effect of depressive and anxiety symptoms on the association between PA and QOL (Figure 1). We used SPSS (version 29 IBM Corp) and PROCESS Macro (version 4.1. for SPSS) to perform regression and moderation analyses (Figures 2 and 3), respectively.ResultsPoor psychosocial adjustment (higher scores on SAS) impacted on poor QOL (lower scores on QOLIE-31) (R=0.39; R2=0.15; adjusted R2= 0.12; B=-0.39; t=-2.28; p=0.03). The severity of anxiety symptoms (Trait and State; coefficient=-0.64; t=-2.01; p=0.05 and coefficient=-1.17; t=-2.20; p=0.03, respectively), but not the severity of depressive symptoms (coefficient=0.77; t= 1.37; p=0.18), moderated the relationship between psychosocial adjustment and QOL.Image:Image 2:Image 3:ConclusionsPsychosocial adjustment is a predictor of QOL in TLE-HS. Anxiety symptoms moderate this relationship between psychosocial adjustment and QOL. Consequently, higher anxiety symptoms are associated with worse psychosocial adjustment and quality of life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Social and Health Determinants of Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Malaysia.

Quality of life (QOL) of older adults is a complex issue that requires an understanding of the intersection between socioeconomic and health factors. A poor quality of life (QOL) is frequently reported as sub-optimal among older adults whereby concerted and collective actions are required through an evidence-based approach. Hence, this cross-sectional study aims to determine the social and health predictors of the QOL of a community-dwelling older adult Malaysian population through a quantitative household survey using multi-stage sampling. A total of 698 respondents aged 60 years old and older were recruited and the majority of them had a good quality of life. Risk of depression, disability, living with stroke, low household income, and lack of social network were identified as the predictors of a poor QOL among the community-dwelling older Malaysians. The identified predictors for QOL provided a list of priorities for the development of policies, strategies, programmes, and interventions to enhance the QOL of the community-dwelling older Malaysians. Multisectoral approaches, especially collective efforts from both social and health sectors, are required to address the complexities of the ageing issues.

Physical and cognitive function to explain the quality of life among older adults with cognitive impairment: exploring cognitive function as a mediator

BackgroundPhysical and cognitive function are both indicators of aging, characterized by a loss of adaptive response to life challenges and functional limitations, subsequently affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to identify the direct effect of physical function and the indirect effect of cognitive function on the quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.MethodsThe study participants were 79 older adults recruited from community centers in four urban districts of Korea. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire for demographic characteristics and outcome variables. Outcome measures included physical function (grip strength, balance, and mobility), cognitive function, and mental and physical components of quality of life (QOL). Statistical analyses were conducted using hierarchical multiple linear regression and the PROCESS macro for mediation analysis.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 77.46 years old with an elementary or lower education level (53.2%). The mean score of cognitive function was 16.39 (SD = 6.5). Physical function (grip strength, balance, mobility) and cognitive function explained 25% of the variance in physical (p = 0.004) and 29% in mental (p < 0.001) components of QOL after controlling for age, sex, and education level. Mobility was associated with both physical (β=-0.27, p = 0.024) and mental (β=-0.36, p = 0.002) components of QOL. The cognitive function partially mediated the relationship between balance and the physical component of QOL; the proportion of mediation was 55%.ConclusionIn conclusion, physical and cognitive function were significant predictors of QOL in older adults with cognitive impairment. Specifically, balance has significant indirect effects on the physical component of QOL through cognitive function as a mediator. Health-promoting strategies could be more effective when focusing on the direct effect of physical function as well as the mediating effect of cognitive function to promote the quality of life in this population.

Factors predictive of functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with fragility hip fracture: A retrospective cohort study.

To determine the predictors of functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) of patients who were surgically treated for fragility hip fracture. This was a retrospective cohort study performed in the 3 tertiary rehabilitation facilities. A total of 165 patients who had undergone surgery for fragility hip fracture were followed up to 6 months postoperatively. The factors expected to be related to the functional outcomes and QoL at 6 months post-surgery were as follows: baseline demographics, fracture site, operation type, fall characteristics including fall location and fall direction, comorbidities, and initial functional status. The following were comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dementia, cerebrovascular accident, and osteoporosis. Functional outcome and QoL measures were represented using the Koval grade, functional ambulatory category (FAC), Berg balance scale, 4-m walking speed test, the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination, EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index, and the Korean version of instrumental activities of daily living (K-IADL). For all tests, each patient was assessed immediately after transfer and at 6 months post-surgery. Multivariable regression analyses adjusting for factors mentioned above were as follows. Old age led to a significantly less favorable outcome on FAC and K-IADL at 6 months. Intertrochanteric fracture had a significantly positive impact on Koval at 6 months compared to femur neck and intertrochanteric fractures. Total hip replacement arthroplasty and bipolar hemiarthroplasty had a significantly positive impact on EQ-5D and FAC at 6 months respectively compared to other operation types. Fall characteristics didn't reveal any significant impact on functional outcomes and QoL. Patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus had a significantly negative outcome on EQ-5D and K-IADL respectively. Among initial assessments of function and QoL, initial 4-m walking speed test, Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination, K-IADL, and Korean version of Modified Barthel Index were independent predictors of function and QoL at 6 months. This study confirmed that age, fracture site, operation type, comorbidities, and initial physical and cognitive function significantly influenced recovery of function and QoL at 6 months in patients with fragility hip fractures.

Factors Influencing Subjective QOL Among Community-Dwelling People with SMI Receiving Home-Visit Occupational Therapy

Abstract Introduction Improving the subjective quality of life (QOL) of people with severemental illness (SMI) is the main objective of psychiatric occupational therapy (OT). For people with SMI to perform desired daily activities, a newly designed home-visit OT has been implemented in Japan. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of subjective QOL in people with SMI receiving home-visit OT. Method Twenty-five people with SMI (average age: 46.7 years) were recruited from 20 multidisciplinary outreach teams in Japan. They were diagnosed with either F2 (i.e., schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders) or F3 (i.e., mood [affective] disorders) using ICD-10. To create a predictive model of subjective QOL, we performed a stepwise multiple regression analysis using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) total score as a response variable. The following independent variables were analyzed: demographic and clinical data, subjective evaluation of the scores of performance of and satisfaction with daily activity rated on a 10-point Likert scale, the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) total and subscale scores, and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale score. Results Predictors of subjective QOL were satisfaction in daily activity (adjusted β = 0.584) and social engagement of the SFS subscale (adjusted β = 0.405). The contribution rate of the model was 53.4%. Conclusion Satisfaction in daily activity and social engagement may contribute to individuals’ subjective QOL. To improve the subjective QOL of people with SMI, their satisfaction with daily activity and social participation should be promoted through meaningful daily activities.

Molecular and Clinical Predictors of Quality of Life in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

(1) Background: Factors influencing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) are poorly understood. We set out to determine the predictive factors on patients' QoL using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22); (2) Methods: An ambispective analysis of data from patients diagnosed with CRSwNP in our institution. All the patients underwent a nasal polyp biopsy and completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire. Demographic and molecular data as well as the SNOT-22 scores were collected. Patients were classified in six subgroups considering the presence of asthma, non-steroidal drugs (NSAID) intolerance and corticosteroid resistance; (3) Results: The mean SNOT-22 score was 39. Considering the clinical parameters, the SNOT-22 value was significantly associated with NSAID intolerance (p = 0.04) and the endoscopic polyp score (p = 0.04). A high SNOT-22 value was also correlated with high tissue eosinophilia (p = 0.01) and high IL-8 expression; (4) Conclusions: Eosinophilia, IL-8 expression and NSAID intolerance can be used as predictors of worse QoL in patients with CRSwNP.

Child abuse and wellbeing: Examining the roles of self-compassion and fear of self

IntroductionChildhood abuse is linked to poorer well-being, yet some survivors show no prolonged effect, suggesting multifinality. Men and women also differ in the experience and sequelae of abuse supporting gender-specific analyses. To assist in circumventing poor outcomes associated with child abuse, this study examined fear of self (FoS) and self-compassion (SC) as risk and protective factors between child abuse and well-being. MethodAustralian women (N = 1302, Mage = 47.28 [13.63]) completed an online assessment of childhood abuse, psychological distress, perceived quality of life, SC, FoS. Moderated-moderation examined the different abuses as predictors of psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) and FoS and SC as primary and secondary moderators, respectively. ResultsPhysical abuse did not predict psychological distress or QoL. FoS and SC were independent predictors of distress and QoL. Similarly, childhood sexual abuse was not found to predict distress or QoL. FoS and SC were independent predictors of distress and QoL. There was also an interaction between childhood sexual abuse and SC in predicting QoL. A moderated-moderation was found for the relationship between child sexual abuse and distress. Psychological abuse predicted distress and QoL, and FoS and SC both moderated this relationship. Moreover, a moderated-moderation was observed for the relationship between psychological abuse and QoL. ConclusionsGreater FoS is associated with poorer outcomes for child abuse survivors; SC may mitigate this impact. Psychological abuse was the strongest predictor of well-being. Interventions that increase SC and raise awareness of psychological abuse and its impacts are needed.

Determinants of quality of life of cancer patients at a tertiary care medical city in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Incidences of cancer are increasing at an unprecedented rate in Saudi Arabia, making it a major public health concern. Cancer patients are faced with physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges, all of which can impact quality of life (QoL). This study aims to explore the sociodemographic, psychological, clinical, cultural, and personal factors that could affect the overall QoL of cancer patients. A total of 276 cancer patients who attended the King Saud University Medical City's oncology outpatient clinics between January 2018 to December 2019 were included. QoL was assessed with the Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30. Psychosocial factors were assessed with several validated scales. QoL was poorer among patients who were female (p = 0.001), have visited a psychiatrist (p = 0.028); were taking psychiatric medications (p = 0.022); and had experienced anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and distress (p < 0.001). The most used method to self-treat was Islamic Ruqya (spiritual healing; 48.6%), and the most often perceived cause for developing cancer was evil eye or magic (28.6%). Good QoL outcomes were associated with biological treatment (p = 0.034) and satisfaction with health care (p = 0.001). A regression analysis showed that female sex, depression, and dissatisfaction with health care were independently associated with poor QoL. This study demonstrates that several factors could influence cancer patients' QoL. For instance, female sex, depression, and dissatisfaction with health care were all predictors of poor QoL. Our findings support the need for more programs and interventions to improve the social services for cancer patients, along with the need to explore the social difficulties oncology patients face and address such obstacles through improving social services by expanding the scope of social workers' contribution. Larger multicenter longitudinal studies are warranted to examine the generalizability of the results.

Quality of Life Prediction in Driving Scenes on Thailand Roads Using Information Extraction from Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

In the modern era, urban design and sustainable development are vital topics for megacities, as they are important for the wellbeing of its residents. One of the effective key performance indices (KPIs) measuring the city plan’s efficiency in quantity and quality factors is Quality of Life (QOL), an index that policymakers can use as a critical KPI to measure the quality of urbanscape design. In the traditional approach, the researchers conduct the questionnaire survey and then analyze the gathered data to acquire the QOL index. The conventional process is costly and time-consuming, but the result of the evaluation area is limited. Moreover, it is difficult to embed in an application or system; we proposed artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to solve the limitation of the traditional method in Bangkok as a case study. There are two steps for our proposed method. First, in the knowledge extraction step, we apply deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), including semantic segmentation and object detection, to extract helpful information images. Second, we use a linear regression model for inferring the QOL score. We conducted various state-of-the-art (SOTA) models and public datasets to evaluate the performance of our method. The experiment results show that our novel approach is practical and can be considered for use as an alternative QOL acquisition method. We also gain some understanding of drivers’ insights from the experiment result.

Diabetes Technology and the Human Factor.

Diabetes Technology and the Human Factor.

Perceived Stigma, Social Support and Quality of Life in Patients of Tuberculosis

Stigma associated with tuberculosis impairs the quality of life in the patients of this disease by causing delay in seeking treatment whereas the social support improves their quality of life. Objective: To find out the role of perceived stigma, and social support in predicting the quality of life among patients of tuberculosis. A correlational research design using a survey method was used in this research. The study was conducted in hospitals in Lahore during 2019-2020. Methods: The sample consisted of 200 patients with tuberculosis (99 men, 101 women). Urdu versions of the Perceived Stigma Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and World Health Quality of Life were employed to collect data. Results: Pearson correlation analysis indicated that patients who perceived more social stigma had a significantly poor quality of life whereas those patients who perceived greater social support had a better quality of life. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that social support appeared to be the strongest positive predictor for quality of life followed by stigma which appeared to be a negative predictor for quality of life in patients of tuberculosis. Conclusion: The findings of this study have important implications for mental health professionals, health psychologists, and medical practitioners.

Quality of Life in Amazonian Women during Cervical Cancer Treatment: The Moderating Role of Spirituality.

This study aimed to examine the contribution of psychological variables to quality of life (QoL) of Amazonian women and to analyze the moderating role of spirituality in the relationship between psychological morbidity and Qol and between illness perception and QoL. This cross-sectional study included 119 women undergoing treatment for cervical cancer (CC). The Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables. To test how psychological morbidity, illness perception, and spirituality contribute to QoL, a path analysis was performed and to test the moreating role of spirituality, a moderation analysis was conducted. The results revealed that the presence of symptoms, high psychological morbidity, negative body image, and threatening illness perception were predictors of lower QoL. Spirituality moderated the relationship between psychological morbidity and QoL, and between illness perception and QoL. The moderating role of spirituality emphasizes its role as a coping strategy and should be included in cancer treatment. Interventions should target psychological morbidity, threatening illness perception, and address women's concerns with body image and sexual concerns. CC treatment should include interprofessional healthcare teams addressing the biological and psychosocial factors of Amazonian women. As a result of this study a mobile application to monitor women's health, adapted to cultural and social characteristics, was created.

Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis and Voice Therapy: Predictors of Long-Term Quality of Life.

To date, little is known about the long-term predictors of quality of life (QoL) in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the predictors of long-term QoL in UVFP patients submitted to voice therapy (VT) exclusively. Data from patients diagnosed with UVFP who followed a VT program between 2013 and 2019 were reviewed. Video laryngoscopy (VL) records were obtained at the beginning and at the end of VT. To assess QoL, Voice Handicap Index 30 (VHI-30) score was assessed in three temporal frames: before voice therapy (pre-VT), at the last VT session (post-VT), and in the present (cur-VHI). A longitudinal analysis was performed regarding the evolution of QoL and the factors influencing QoL through time were analyzed. Seventy-eight percent of patients had iatrogenic UVFP. The mean time of follow-up after VT was 3.942 years (range 6 months-7 years). There was a significant improvement in QoL through all time points (F (2,88)=72.179, p<0.001), with VHI-30 decrease from the baseline pre-VT to post-VT(p<0.001) and from post-VT to cur-VT (p=0.0013). In the iatrogenic UVFP population, patients starting VT earlier showed better long-term QoL (p=0.023). UVFP patients with dysphagia at presentation showed significantly worse QoL in the late follow-up (p=0.016). Hence, iatrogenic UVFP patients beginning VT rapidly may show better QoL in the future. Also, our results suggest that dysphagia at UVFP onset may predict higher morbidity later in life.