Psychological Health-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

MP61-13 PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF DECISION REGRET IN LONG-TERM PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP61-13 PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF DECISION REGRET IN LONG-TERM PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVORS FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY Kathleen Herkommer, Lukas Lunger, Valentin Meissner, Benedikt Kopp, Andreas Dinkel, Stefan Schiele, Donna Ankerst, and Juergen Gschwend Kathleen HerkommerKathleen Herkommer More articles by this author , Lukas LungerLukas Lunger More articles by this author , Valentin MeissnerValentin Meissner More articles by this author , Benedikt KoppBenedikt Kopp More articles by this author , Andreas DinkelAndreas Dinkel More articles by this author , Stefan SchieleStefan Schiele More articles by this author , Donna AnkerstDonna Ankerst More articles by this author , and Juergen GschwendJuergen Gschwend More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003319.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A variety of therapeutic options are available for localized prostate cancer (PC). Choosing the most suitable treatment option can be difficult and requires weighing up against respective side effect profiles. Following radical prostatectomy (RP), PC survivors may experience regret regarding their initial choice of treatment. While long-term impact of functional outcomes on decision regret has been studied extensively, the role of psychosocial factors on decision regret is less understood. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of decision regret in long-term PC survivors following RP. METHODS: A total of 3,408 PC survivors (mean age 78.8±6.5 years, mean time since RP 16.5±3.8 years) from the multicenter German Familial PC Database returned questionnaires. Current decision regret was assessed with one item from the Decision Regret Scale. Validated measures were used to assess treatment decision making, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), PC anxiety, PSA anxiety, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine variables independently associated with decision regret. RESULTS: Here, 10.9% (373/3408) of PC survivors reported decision regret. Figure 1 depicts the percentage reporting regret by psychological parameters and HRQoL. On multivariable regression, organ-confined disease at RP (OR 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.91), biochemical recurrence (OR 1.34 95%CI: 1.00-1.80), low HRQoL (OR 1.69, 95%CI: 1.28-2.24), depressive symptoms (OR 2.32, 95%CI: 1.52-3.53), and PSA anxiety (OR 1.88, 95%CI: 1.17-3.01) were significantly associated with decision regret. Shared-decision making was associated with a lower risk of regret than passive-decision making. (OR 0.59, 95%CI: 0.41-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: The findings underline that PC survivors may experience decision regret even after 16 years following RP. Promoting shared-decision making may help mitigate long-term regret. Awareness regarding patients showing signs of clinical depression or PSA anxiety should be encouraged to identify patients at risk of decision regret in need of additional support. Source of Funding: none © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e857 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kathleen Herkommer More articles by this author Lukas Lunger More articles by this author Valentin Meissner More articles by this author Benedikt Kopp More articles by this author Andreas Dinkel More articles by this author Stefan Schiele More articles by this author Donna Ankerst More articles by this author Juergen Gschwend More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Effectiveness of a behavioral medicine intervention in physical therapy on secondary psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundInterventions promoting adherence to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (exCR) are important to achieve positive physical and psychological outcomes, but knowledge of the added value of behavioral medicine interventions for these measures is limited. The aim of the study was to investigate the added value of a behavioral medicine intervention in physical therapy (BMIP) in routine exCR on psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) versus routine exCR alone (RC).MethodsA total of 170 patients with coronary artery disease (136 men), mean age 62.3 ± 7.9 years, were randomized at a Swedish university hospital to a BMIP plus routine exCR or to RC for four months. The outcome assessments included HRQoL (SF-36, EQ-5D), anxiety and depression (HADS), patient enablement and self-efficacy and was performed at baseline, four and 12 months. Between-group differences were tested with an independent samples t-test and, for comparisons within groups, a paired t-test was used. An intention-to-treat and a per-protocol analysis were performed.ResultsNo significant differences in outcomes between the groups were shown between baseline and four months or between four and 12 months. Both groups improved in most SF-36 domains, EQ-VAS and HADS anxiety at the four-month follow-up and sufficient enablement remained at the 12-months follow-up.ConclusionA BMIP added to routine exCR care had no significant effect on psychological outcomes and HRQoL compared with RC, but significant improvements in several measures were shown in both groups at the four-month follow-up. Since recruited participants showed a better psychological profile than the general coronary artery disease population, further studies on BMIP in exCR, tailored to meet individual needs in broader patient groups, are needed.Trial registration number NCT02895451, 09/09/2016, retrospectively registered.

Quality of life and ability to work of patients with Post-COVID syndrome in relation to the number of existing symptoms and the duration since infection up to 12 months: a cross-sectional study

PurposeFollowing SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, patients may suffer from long-lasting symptoms regardless of disease severity. Preliminary results show limitations in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study is to show a possible change depending on the duration since infection and the accumulation of symptoms. Additionally, other possible influencing factors will be analyzed.MethodsThe study population consisted of patients (18–65 years) presenting to the Post-COVID outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Jena, Germany, between March and October 2021. The HRQoL was assessed by the use of the RehabNeQ and the SF-36. Data analysis was descriptive with frequencies, means, and/or percentages. In addition, a univariate analysis of variance was performed to show the dependence of physical and psychological HRQoL on specific factors. This was finally tested for significance at an alpha level of 5%.ResultsData from 318 patients were analyzed, most of whom had 3–6 months of infection (56%) and 5–10 symptoms persisted (60.4%). Both mental (MCS) and physical sum score (PCS) of HRQoL were significantly lower than those of the German normal population (p < .001). The number of remaining symptoms (MCS p = .0034, PCS p = .000) as well as the perceived ability to work (MCS p = .007, PCS p = .000) influenced the HRQoL.ConclusionThe HRQoL of patients with Post-COVID-syndrome is still reduced months after infection and so is their occupational performance. In particular, the number of symptoms could have an influence on this deficit, which would need to be further investigated. Further research is needed to detect other factors influencing HRQoL and to implement appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Identifying Latent Patterns and Predictors of Health Behaviors and Healthcare Barriers Among LGBT Older Adults.

Heightened risk of adverse health behaviors is of major concern among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Yet, no previous research has investigated heterogeneity of LGBT older adults on a set of health behaviors in conjunction with healthcare barriers. We aim to identify latent classes of the behavior and barrier patterns and examine differences in physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by the specified latent classes while exploring predictors of the class membership. Three-step latent class analysis applying survey weights was conducted with 14 indicators of health-risk behavior, health-promoting behavior, preventive care use, and healthcare barriers from baseline data of the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS, N = 2450). The best empirical and substantive fit was determined with four classes consisting of (1) healthy behaviors and minimal barriers (C1, 39%), (2) less healthy behaviors and high barriers (C2, 31%), (3) healthy behaviors and healthcare system barriers (C3, 19%), and (4) optimal health behaviors with risks of limited healthcare access (C4, 11%). Compared to C1, C2 and C3 had lower physical HRQOL and C2 also had lower psychological HRQOL. C4 did not differ in HRQOL from C1. C2 was associated with more day-to-day discrimination, lower mastery, and lower social support. Efforts to lower healthcare barriers are warranted in addition to interventions to strengthen social support and reduce marginalization. Positive relationships between LGBT older adults and healthcare need to be established via trust-building and cultural competency.

Prospective evaluation of multidimensional health-related quality of life after endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary adenomas using the endoscopic endonasal sinus and skull base surgery questionnaire.

Social functioning is an important factor in the evaluation of postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for pituitary adenoma patients. In a prospective cohort study multidimensional HRQoL of non-functioning (NFA) and functioning (FA) pituitary adenoma patients were evaluated following endoscopic endonasal surgery using the endoscopic endonasal sinus and skull base surgery questionnaire (EES-Q). Prospectively, 101 patients were included. The EES-Q was completed preoperatively and postoperatively (2 weeks, 3months, 1year). Sinonasal complaints were completed daily during the first week postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared. A generalized estimating equation (uni- and multivariate) analysis was performed to identify significant HRQoL changes related to selected covariates. Two weeks postoperatively, physical (p < .05) and social (p < .05) HRQoL are worse and psychological (p < .05) HRQoL improved compared with preoperatively. Three months postoperatively, psychological HRQoL (p=.01) trended back to baseline and no differences in physical or social HRQoL were reported. One year postoperatively, psychological (p=.02) and social (p=.04) HRQoL improved while physical HRQoL remained stable. FA patients report a worse HRQoL preoperatively (social, p < .05) and 3months postoperatively (social, p < .02 and psychological, p < .02). Sinonasal complaints peak in the first days postoperatively and gradually return to presurgical levels 3months postoperatively. The EES-Q provides meaningful information on multidimensional HRQoL to improve patient-centred health care. Social functioning remains the most difficult area in which to achieve improvements. Despite the relatively modest sample size, there is some indication that the FA group continues to show a downward trend (and thus improvement) even after 3months, when most other parameters reach stability. Level II-B.

Health Related Quality of Life and Psychopathological Symptoms in People with Hemophilia, Bloodborne Co-Infections and Comorbidities: An Italian Multicenter Observational Study.

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with hemophilia (PWH) is an important issue, especially considering people suffering from chronic diseases beyond hemophilia. The principal aim of this study was to investigate the presence and relevance of psychological symptoms, both internalizing and externalizing, lifestyle, and HRQoL in a group of Italian PWH with chronic bloodborne co-infections and comorbidities. Furthermore, the research describes the association between psychological aspects and the impact of disease-related characteristics (type of hemophilia, presence of co-infections, and comorbidities) on them. Seventy patients (mean age 46.77±11.3), 64 with severe hemophilia A (Factor VIII: C < 1 IU/dL) and 6 with severe hemophilia B (Factor IX <1 IU/dL), were consecutively recruited from seven Hemophilia Centers in Italy of Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers (AICE). In order to assess psychological symptoms, HRQoL, and lifestyle, three psychological questionnaires were administered (the SCL-90-R, SF-36, and PSQ, respectively). A general decline in the quality of life and an increase in the tendency to adopt a lifestyle characterized by hyperactivity emerged. Inverse correlations were found between HRQoL and psychological distress. Although the SCL-90-R did not reveal symptoms above the clinical cut-off, co-infections significantly increased anxiety, depression, somatizations, paranoia, and social withdrawal. Lastly, HRQoL is impaired by co-infections as well as comorbidities. Our preliminary results must be confirmed to deepen the findings between mental health and hemophilia.

The Mediating Role of Sleep Quality in the Relationship between Negative Emotional States and Health-Related Quality of Life among Italian Medical Students.

Sleep problems have been shown to be related to adverse outcomes concerning physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, mental health issues and sleep problems were reported to be highly prevalent among medical students and physicians, and were found to be associated with worse academic and clinical performance in these populations. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of poor sleep to examine the associations between sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and to explore the possible mediating role of sleep in the relationship between psychological distress and HRQoL itself in a sample of medical and dental students attending a large Italian university. Participants (n = 407, mean age: 24.2 ± 2.4) answered an online questionnaire comprising the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Short Form-12 health survey. Up to 62% of the participants reported poor sleep quality. Controlling for psychological distress, sleep quality components were found to be associated with physical and mental HRQoL. Mediation analysis showed that overall sleep quality mediated all the single associations between anxiety, depression, and stress and HRQoL. These preliminary findings suggest that the quality of sleep is important for the well-being of medical students and that targeting sleep issues in this academic population may be beneficial.

Health‐Related Quality of Life Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults Living With Cognitive Impairment

AbstractBackgroundWhile sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults are found to be at heightened risks of cognitive impairment, they may face unique challenges in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) due to bias, social isolation, and other SGM‐related risks. This study examined risk and protective factors predicting HRQOL among SGM older adults living with cognitive impairment.MethodA subset of longitudinal survey data collected over three time points (2014, 2016, 2018) was drawn from the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study. Participants were 855 people who were born in 1964 or earlier and self‐reported having cognitive impairment at Wave 1 (2014). We employed multilevel modeling to investigate the effects of risk and protective factors on the overall levels of physical and psychological HRQOL and their longitudinal changes.ResultLifetime SGM‐related discrimination and victimization (b = ‐0.17, p &lt; .001; b = ‐0.22, p &lt; .001, respectively), identity stigma (b = ‐0.91, p &lt; .05; b = ‐2.97, p &lt; .001), and insufficient food intake (b = ‐2.70, p &lt; .001; b = ‐3.69, p &lt; .001) were associated with lower physical and psychological HRQOL. Having more chronic conditions (b = ‐1.52, p &lt; .001) was associated with lower physical HRQOL. Factors positively associated with physical and psychological HRQOL were physical activity (b = 0.12, p &lt; .01; b = 0.19, p &lt; .001), outdoor leisure activity (b = 3.57, p &lt; .001; b = 5.40, p &lt; .001), optimal sleep (b = 3.47, p &lt; .001; b = 2.32, p &lt; .001), and social network size (b = 0.19, p &lt; .01; b = 0.66, p &lt; .001).ConclusionThe results of this study have important implications for further research. Most research on cognitive impairment has previously adopted a disease and deficit‐focused model rather than investigating the resilience and quality of life of people living with cognitive impairment. It is critical to further identify ways to help SGM older adults with cognitive impairment adhere to health‐promoting behaviors and to foster and maintain social resources as we develop targeted and culturally responsive interventions that support their optimal aging.

Identifying Latent Patterns and Predictors of Health Behaviors and Healthcare Barriers among LGBT Older Adults

AbstractBackgroundHealth behaviors are multi‐dimensional and associated with various barriers to healthcare. With no previous research having investigated patterns of health behaviors in conjunction with healthcare barriers among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults, we aim to identify latent classes of the behavior and barrier patterns, to examine differences in physical and psychological health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) by the specified latent classes, and to explore predictors of the class membership.MethodThree‐step latent class analysis with survey weights was conducted using baseline data of the Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS, N = 2,450). Health behavior and healthcare barrier indicators were analyzed in four dimensions: risk‐taking behavior, health‐promoting behavior, preventive care, and healthcare barriers.ResultThe best empirical and substantive fit was determined with four classes consisting of (1) healthy behaviors and minimal barriers (C1, 39%), (2) unhealthy behaviors and high barriers (C2, 31%), (3) healthy behaviors and healthcare system barriers (C3, 19%), (4) Very healthy self‐care behaviors, low preventive care use, and moderate barriers (C4, 11%). Compared to C1, C3 had lower physical HRQOL and C2 had lower physical and psychological HRQOL. C4 did not differ in HRQOL from C1. Modifiable predictors of C2 include more day‐to‐day discrimination and lower mastery and social support.ConclusionEfforts to lower healthcare barriers are warranted in addition to interventions to strengthen social support and to reduce marginalization. Positive relationships between LGBT older adults and healthcare need to be established via trust‐building and cultural competency.

Health-related quality of life in parents of adolescents one year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a two-year longitudinal study

AimFor many adults, their role as a parent is a vital part of their life that may influence their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and vary with the age of their child. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare sociodemographic and psychological factors, pain and HRQOL in parents of adolescents assessed at baseline and 2 years later,—during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA longitudinal study of 309 parents from the general Norwegian population was conducted. The parents were chosen based on their adolescent’s school belonging and responded to a web-based questionnaire. We used data collected at baseline (T1), when the adolescents were aged 14–15 years (2018/2019), and two years later (T2), in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing. The response rate was 55%. HRQOL was assessed using RAND-36. Data were analysed using McNemar tests, paired samples t-tests and multiple linear regression analyses.ResultsOf the participants, 82% were mothers and 18% fathers. From T1 to T2, the average pain score increased, 1.6 (95% CI [-1,4; 1.8]) vs 1.8 (95% CI [1,6; 2.0]), the pain interference emotion score increased, 1.6 (95% CI [1.3; 1.9]) vs 1.8 (95% CI [1.5; 2.1]), and a larger proportion reported pain duration > 3 months (44% vs 50%, p = 0.014). The parents were more lonely, 12.8 (95% CI [12.3; 13.3]) vs 13.7 (95% CI [13.2; 14.2]), and reported lower RAND-36 mental component summary (MCS) scores, 52.2 (95% CI [51.3; 53.2]) vs 50.9 (95% CI [49.8; 52.0]). There were no significant associations between gender, sociodemographic factors, psychological factors, pain at T1 and changes in RAND-36 physical component summary (PCS). A positive change in MCS from T1 to T2 was predicted by working part time, B = 5.22 (95% CI [1.05; 9.38]) (ref no paid work) and older age, B = 0.24, (95%CI [-001; 0.42]), and there was a negative change with stress, B = -17.39, (95%CI [-27.42; -7.51]).ConclusionThe parents experienced more pain and were lonelier, and more reported reduced mental HRQOL. However, the changes appear to be of limited clinical significance.

Health-related Quality of Life Among Patients With an Ostomy Regarding Sex, Disease Diagnosis, Health Care Provider, and Ostomy Type: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Ostomy surgery can negatively affect quality of life; however, the lived experiences of individuals with ostomies in Saudi Arabia are not well understood. PURPOSE: To examine how sex, ostomy type, disease diagnosis, and health care provider shape health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with ostomies in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted based on self-reported data of a convenience sample of 421 patients (239 male, 182 female) with ostomies (206 temporary, 211 permanent, 4 unknown) from 5 hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the City of Hope-Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire (Arabic version) and analyzed by univariate and multiple regression analyses to identify predictors of physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and overall HRQOL. RESULTS: HRQOL scores correlated significantly with ostomy type (temporary vs permanent), sex, and health care provider. There were no significant differences in HRQOL scores by disease diagnosis (cancer vs non-cancer). CONCLUSION: Several potential predictors of HRQOL among patients with ostomies in Saudi Arabia were identified, which may assist in developing intervention strategies to improve patients’ HRQOL. Additional studies are needed to understand the specific barriers in each group.

Reduced lung function and health-related quality of life after treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in Gambian children: a cross-sectional comparative study

BackgroundPost-tuberculosis (post-TB) lung disease is an under-recognised consequence of pulmonary tuberculosis (pTB). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of residual lung function impairment and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL)...

Chronic pain, psychological distress, and quality of life in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

To describe chronic pain in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) from children's/adolescents' perspectives, explore patient variables associated with self-reported pain, and examine the relationship between chronic pain, psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This observational study included a paediatric cohort (aged 8-18 years; median age 9 years 4 months) with DMD under multidisciplinary care (n=45). Clinical data of the latest visit were extracted from the electronic health record and assessment of pain, psychological distress, and HRQoL were performed during the same visit. Thirty-two patients reported pain during the previous 4 weeks, and 18 reported persistent or recurrent chronic pain. Average pain intensity of chronic pain was mild, with regions of the legs (n=12), lower back (n=6), hips (n=6), and shoulder (n=6) most frequently affected. Older age, higher body mass index, being non-ambulatory, wheelchair dependency, and spinal deformities were contextual variables related to the presence of chronic pain. Furthermore, chronic pain was significantly associated with psychological distress and reduced HRQoL in paediatric patients with DMD. Chronic pain in paediatric DMD is frequent and widespread, highlighting the need for pain to be addressed in the routine care of affected young people. Chronic pain may make a significant contribution to psychological distress and impaired HRQoL in paediatric patients with DMD. Chronic pain differs in aetiology, scope, and nature compared with acute pain in paediatric Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Older age, higher body mass index, being non-ambulatory, wheelchair dependency, and spinal deformities are important patient variables. Chronic pain is significantly associated with psychological distress and reduced health-related quality of life in paediatric DMD.

34141 A survey of health-related quality of life disparities in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients with skin of color

Introduction: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) can have significant impacts on functional, physical, social, and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Recent research has acknowledged prominent outcome differences affecting CTCL patients with skin of color (SOC), however, differences in HRQoL between SOC and non-SOC populations are poorly understood.

Impact of the Health-Smart Holistic Health Program: A CBPR Approach to Improve Health and Prevent Adverse Outcomes for Black Older Adults

Black older adults experience poorer health and health-related outcomes than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Novel, tailored strategies to promote health and prevent adverse health-related outcomes that are aligned with the preferences and values of Black older adults are needed given the limited effectiveness of “one-size-fits-all” approaches. The present study evaluated the impact of a 9-week, community-based participatory research-informed program called the Health-Smart Holistic Health Program for Seniors that aimed to improve health and prevent adverse outcomes among Black older adults by targeting body mass index (BMI), loneliness, food insecurity, and physical and psychological health-related quality of life. Participants ( N = 139) were community dwelling, economically disadvantaged Black older adults living in an underserved area. Results indicated that from pre-intervention to post-intervention there were (a) significant decreases in BMI, loneliness, and food insecurity and (b) significant increases in the participating seniors’ psychological and physical health-related quality of life. Most of these changes were maintained at a 3-month post-intervention follow-up. These results have implications for similar efforts attempting to prevent adverse health outcomes among Black older adults, a high-risk and understudied group. Such efforts should be tailored and should address factors at multiple levels.

Changes in treatment outcomes in patients undergoing an integrated psychosomatic inpatient treatment: Results from a cohort study.

ObjectiveIn Germany, multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment can be initiated for patients with substantial mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, somatoform disorders) and comorbid physical disease. However, studies investigating changes in psychological and functional treatment outcomes, and predictors of long-term treatment effects in patients undergoing psychosomatic inpatient treatment are needed.MethodsThis cohort study analyzed 160 patients aged ≥18 who were treated on an integrated psychosomatic inpatient unit at the University of Göttingen Medical Center. Its aim was to analyze changes in psychological and functional outcomes, and to identify predictors of long-term improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with comorbid mental and physical illness who were undergoing integrated inpatient psychosomatic treatment. Assessments were completed at admission, discharge, and 12- or 24-month follow-up. Outcomes included physical complaints [Giessen Subjective Complaints List (GBB-24)], psychological symptoms [Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)], and HRQoL [European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D)].ResultsOne-hundred sixty inpatients were included (mean age = 53.1 ± 12.6; 53.8% female). There were significant, medium- to large-sized improvements in psychological symptoms (BSI-Global Severity Index; d = −0.83, p < 0.001), physical symptom burden (d = −0.94, p < 0.001), and HRQoL (d = 0.65, p < 0.001) from admission to discharge, and significant, small- to medium-sized greater improvements in all psychological outcomes from admission to follow-up (BSI-GSI: d = −0.54, p < 0.001; GBB-24 total symptom burden: d = −0.39, p < 0.001; EQ-5D: d = 0.52, p < 0.001). Furthermore, better improvement in HRQoL during hospitalization (partial η2 = 0.386; p < 0.001) was associated with higher HRQoL at follow-up. Finally, intake of antidepressant at discharge was associated with impaired HRQoL at follow-up (η2 = 0.053; p = 0.03).ConclusionThere were significant short- and long-term improvements in psychological symptoms, physical complaints, and HRQoL after treatment on an integrated psychosomatic inpatient unit in patients with mental disorders and a comorbid physical disease.

Key Determinants of Physical and Psychological Health-Related Quality of Life Over Time Among Midlife and Older LGBTQ and Sexual and Gender-Diverse Caregivers.

Prior research has shown informal caregiving among older adults can negatively affect the caregiver's physical and psychological health. However, little is known about protective and risk factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) caregivers. Informed by the Health Equity Promotion Model and Caregiver Stress Process Model and utilizing longitudinal data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study, this analysis examined modifiable risk and protective factors associated with psychological and physical HRQOL over time among 754 LGBTQ caregivers aged 50-98. Psychological and physical HRQOL declined over a 3-year period. After controlling for background characteristics, mastery, social support, socialization, LGBTQ community engagement, and physical activity were positively associated with psychological HRQOL while day-to-day discrimination, identity stigma, and insufficient food intake were negatively associated. Steeper declines were observed for older and with no physical activity. Mastery, social support, socialization, and physical activity were positively associated with physical HRQOL while day-to-day discrimination and insufficient food intake were negatively associated. Steeper declines were found for those with high mastery and no physical activity. Although generalized factors including mastery, socialization, and social support are protective for HRQOL among LGBTQ caregivers, factors including day-to-day discrimination and identity stigma are more unique to historically disadvantaged populations and should be considered in future research and practice. Caregiving interventions incorporating physical activity are promising given its buffering effect for decreased physical and psychological HRQOL over time.

Determinants of Physical Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment.

Objectives: To examine risk and protective factors predicting physical functioning and physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults with cognitive impairment. Methods: This study analyzed longitudinal data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, and Sexuality/Gender Study with a sub-sample of 855 SGM older adults who reported difficulties in cognitive performance. Results: Physical functioning and HRQOL linearly declined over time, and the decline of physical functioning was steeper for those with low levels of physical and outdoor leisure activities. The overall levels of physical functioning and HRQOL over time were associated with physical and outdoor leisure activities, optimal sleep, and sufficient food intake. HRQOL was negatively associated with lifetime discrimination and victimization, identity stigma, and smaller social network. Discussion: These findings can be used to develop interventions to improve physical functioning and HRQOL of SGM older adults living with cognitive impairment.

The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Research Agenda.

In the United States, autistic individuals experience disproportionate physical and mental health challenges relative to non-autistic individuals, including higher rates of co-occurring and chronic conditions and lower physical, social, and psychological health-related quality of life. The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multicenter research network for scientific collaboration and infrastructure that aims to increase the life expectancy and quality of life for autistic individuals, with a focus on underserved or vulnerable populations. The current paper describes the development of the AIR-P Research Agenda. Development of the research agenda involved an iterative and collaborative process between the AIR-P Advisory Board, Steering Committee, and Autistic Researcher Review Board. The methodology consisted of 3 phases: (1) ideation and design, (2) literature review and synthesis; and (3) network engagement. Six core research priorities related to the health of autistic individuals were identified: (1) primary care services and quality, (2) community-based lifestyle interventions, (3) health systems and services, (4) gender, sexuality, and reproductive health, (5) neurology, and (6) genetics. Specific topics within each of these priorities were identified. Four cross-cutting research priorities were also identified: (1) neurodiversity-oriented care, (2) facilitating developmental transitions, (3) methodologically rigorous intervention studies, and (4) addressing health disparities. The AIR-P Research Agenda represents an important step forward for enacting large-scale health-promotion efforts for autistic individuals across the lifespan. This agenda will catalyze autism research in historically underrepresented topic areas while adopting a neurodiversity-oriented approach to health-promotion.

Health-related quality of life in endometriosis: The influence of endometriosis-related symptom presence and distress.

This international cross-sectional study examined the relationships between endometriosis-related symptom experience and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 318 women with endometriosis. Measures of symptom burden and distress, pain, psychological wellbeing, and HRQoL were collected via an online survey. Age, symptom duration, burden, and distress were associated with lower psychological wellbeing and HRQoL, with small to medium effect sizes. Somatic concern, depression, pain, dysmenorrhea, clitoral pain, dyspareunia, and bloating were found to be significant correlates of HRQoL. The findings highlight the importance of considering a broader range of endometriosis-related symptoms than pain alone and the ongoing need to reduce diagnostic delay in endometriosis.