Psychological Quality Of Life Research Articles

Parental Stress and Quality of Life in Parents of Young Children with Autism

AbstractParents of children with ASD are at risk for chronic stress due to challenging parenting. It is unknown whether stress is already present in early parenthood, similar for mothers and fathers and if this impacts quality of life (QoL). Parental stress and QoL were assessed in 56 mothers and 51 fathers of young children (aged 3 to 7) with autism. Associations between parental stress (OBVL) and QoL (WHOQoL-BREF) were examined. Parents of young children with ASD appear to have high parental stress from conflicting feelings towards their child and from difficulties with parenting. Mothers have higher stress from feeling confined in their motherly role than fathers compared to the OBVL norm population. Both mothers and fathers have a low QoL. Increased maternal conflicting feelings towards the child associated with lower psychological QoL, while high maternal feelings of role confinement associated with low physical QoL. Increased paternal conflicting feelings towards their child related to lower physical and social QoL, while fathers with more parenting difficulties reported less satisfaction with their psychological and environmental wellbeing. Thus, already at young age, parenting children with ASD is a major challenge for both mothers and fathers.

Associations between Social Experiences and Psychological Health for Autistic Youth with Low IQ.

Social experiences are consistently associated with psychological health among autistic individuals. However, most extant studies on this topic exclude individuals with autism who have lower IQ or are otherwise unable to self-report. The current study addresses this gap by examining associations of negative peer experiences and social participation with psychological health among autistic youth with low IQ. An online survey was collected from 268 parents of autistic adolescents and adults ages 15-25. Negative peer experiences included measures of peer victimization and being ignored. Social participation was assessed by the amount of participation and parents' perceptions of whether their youth felt the amount of participation was meeting their needs. Psychological health was assessed by parents' report of their youth's psychological quality of life, as well as whether they felt their son/daughter was currently depressed. Results suggested low rates of social participation in this sample, with relatively high rates of being ignored. Regression analysis found that lower rates of peer victimization and more activities in which parents perceived that the amount of time was meeting their youth's needs was associated with higher psychological quality of life and lower likelihood that parents felt their son/daughter was depressed. Though youth with autism and low IQ are often excluded from interventions aimed at improving social experiences, these findings suggest that promoting positive social experiences and ameliorating negative ones might be an avenue to improving psychological health in this group.

A novel psychosocial virtual reality intervention (BMT-VR) for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Pilot randomized clinical trial design and methods

BackgroundAlthough patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) must cope with psychological distress and isolation during an extended transplant hospitalization, psychosocial interventions to address these unmet needs are lacking. Virtual reality offers an innovative modality to deliver a patient-centered psychosocial intervention to address psychosocial needs of patients undergoing HSCT. However, there are currently no supportive care interventions leveraging virtual reality in patients undergoing HSCT. ObjectiveTo describe the methods of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a self-administered, virtual reality-delivered psychosocial intervention (BMT-VR) to improve psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) for patients hospitalized for HSCT. MethodsThis study entails a single-center RCT of BMT-VR compared to usual transplant care in 80 patients hospitalized for HSCT. Adult patients with hematologic malignancies hospitalized for autologous or allogeneic HSCT are eligible. BMT-VR includes psychoeducation about the HSCT process, psychosocial skill building to promote effective coping and acceptance, and self-care and positive psychology skills to promote post-HSCT recovery. The primary aim is to assess the feasibility defined a priori as ≥60% of eligible patients enrolling in the study, and of those enrolled and randomized to the BMT-VR, ≥ 60% completing 4/6 BMT-VR modules. Secondary objectives include assessing the preliminary effects on psychological distress and QOL. DiscussionThis is the first RCT of a virtual reality-delivered psychosocial intervention for the HSCT population. If deemed feasible, a future larger multi-site clinical trial can evaluate the efficacy of BMT-VR on outcomes for patients hospitalized for HSCT.

Exploring the Nexus: Economics of Happiness and Quality of Life in College Students

A happy person will have a more active lifestyle, better career opportunities, and promote a more productive, cohesive, and lasting sustainable society. India is noted for having one of the world’s youngest populations. India has more than fifty percent of the population under 25. The primary objective of this study is to explore the levels of happiness and quality of life among college students in rural and urban areas of Karnataka. The sample comprises college students aged 18 to 25, drawn from different rural and urban colleges in Karnataka using a stratified random sampling method: the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for data collection. The collected data underwent analysis using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. It was observed in the present study that there was no significant difference between rural and urban students in Physical and Psychological quality of life. Results also indicate that in Social and Environmental domains urban students are better than rural students. The study revealed a significant relationship between happiness and different quality of life domains among urban and rural college students

Impact of health and digital health literacy on quality of life following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: prospective single-center cohort study

PurposeThe importance of health literacy (HL) and digital health literacy (e-HL) in promoting healthy behavior and informed decision making is becoming increasingly apparent. This study aimed to assess the effects of HL and e-HL on the quality of life (QoL) of men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer.Materials and methodsThis prospective observational study included 104 patients who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer. HL and e-HL were evaluated using the validated eHealth Literacy Scale and European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire Short Form before RP. We evaluated patients’ physical, psychological, social, and global QoL using the validated EORTC QLQ-C30 8 weeks after RP. The exclusion criterion was any difficulties in language and comprehension. We employed one-way ANOVA to compare continuous variables across groups in univariate analysis and used MANOVA for exploring relationships among multiple continuous variables and groups in the multivariate analysis.ResultsMultivariate analyses showed that poorer e-HL and HL were associated with being older (p = 0.019), having less education (p < 0.001), and not having access to the internet (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between improved e-HL (p = 0.043) and HL (p = 0.023), better global health status, and higher emotional functioning (p = 0.011). However, the symptom scales did not differ significantly between the e-HL and HL groups.ConclusionOur study showed a positive association between self-reported HL/e-HL and QoL, marking the first report on the impact of HL/e-HL on the QoL in men who underwent RP for clinically localized prostate cancer.

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.

Shorter communications: Exploring the impact of a brief smartphone-based alcohol intervention app (DrinksRation) on the quality of life of UK military veterans

Alcohol misuse – defined as consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week - is a well-established problem among veterans. This study investigated the change in quality of life among help-seeking UK veterans who completed a 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a digital smartphone application (called DrinksRation) and have previously sought clinical help for a mental health disorder. This study was a secondary outcome analysis of data collected during a randomised control trial. In total, 123 UK veterans participated in the study and were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Participants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their alcohol use and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline, day 28 (end of intervention), day 84, and day 168. At the primary endpoint (day 84), we found significantly greater improvements in the intervention arm compared to the control arm for psychological quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.47), and environmental quality of life (d = 0.34). However, we observed no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control arm for social relationships and physical quality of life. Further, for day 168 we found no significant differences. Findings suggest that DrinksRation can increase quality of life among help-seeking veterans who have previously sought help for a mental health disorder, but the increases were modest and restricted to certain domains. Additional treatment may be needed for long-term and sustained improvements in quality of life.

When life changes: use and effects of behavioral coping strategies among relatives of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic posed risks to the wellbeing of different groups in society. This study focuses on relatives of people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands. Their behavioral coping strategies, effects on psychological quality of life (QoL), and differences according to age, family relationship, and severity of disability were investigated. Methods Survey data of 284 relatives were analyzed. Differences in utilization of coping strategies were analyzed using a multivariate test of the means and paired t-tests. Variations according to background characteristics were analyzed using MANOVAs and multivariate regressions. Relations between coping and QoL – and differences according to characteristics – were analyzed using multiple and linear regressions. Results Seeking distraction and actively approaching were used most, followed by seeking social support and ignoring. Withdrawal was adopted the least. Seeking distraction and actively approaching were positively associated with QoL. Seeking social support and withdrawal were negative predictors. These associations were unaffected by relatives’ characteristics, while use of coping differed according to age and family relationship. Mothers made least use of adaptive coping. Conclusions Although relatives used more adaptive than maladaptive coping strategies, it is essential to offer interventions on effective coping and improving social support during life events to protect their QoL.

Diverse learners: learning disabilities and quality of life following mind-body and health education interventions for adults with neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is associated with low quality-of-life (QoL). Learning disabilities are prevalent among those with NF, further worsening QoL and potentially impacting benefits from mind-body and educational interventions, yet research on this population is scarce. Here, we address this gap by comparing NF patients with and without learning disabilities on QoL at baseline and QoL-related gains following two interventions. Secondary analysis of a fully-powered RCT of a mind-body program (Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF; 3RP-NF) versus an educational program (Health Enhancement Program for NF; HEP-NF) among 228 adults with NF. Participants reported QoL in four domains (Physical Health, Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environmental). We compare data at baseline, post-treatment, and 12-month follow-up, controlling for intervention type. At baseline, individuals with NF and learning disabilities had lower Psychological (T = -3.0, p = .001) and Environmental (T = -3.8, p < .001) QoL compared to those without learning disabilities. Both programs significantly improved all QoL domains (ps < .0001-0.002) from baseline to post-treatment, regardless of learning disability status. However, those with learning disabilities exceeded the minimal clinically important difference in only one domain (Psychological QoL) compared to three domains in individuals without learning disabilities. Moreover, those with learning disabilities failed to sustain statistically significant gains in Psychological QoL at 12-months, while those without learning disabilities sustained all gains. Adults with NF and learning disabilities have lower Psychological and Environmental QoL. While interventions show promise in improving QoL regardless of learning disabilities, additional measures may bolster clinical benefit and sustainability among those with learning disabilities.

Predicting symptom response and quality of life to the low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: a 6-month longitudinal study

The low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet is recommended as a first line therapeutic management strategy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)(1). The low FODMAP diet is supported by meta-analytical evidence(2), and demonstrates acceptability and effectiveness for improving symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in 50-75% of individuals with IBS. However, a subset of individuals (25-50%) do not respond to the diet(3). The identification of individual-level predictors of treatment response across all three phases of the low FODMAP diet is currently lacking. The study aims were to assess psychological predictors of symptom and QoL response to the low FODMAP diet in patients with IBS. Adults with IBS underwent a three-phase low FODMAP diet, guided by individualised dietetic education. Predictor variables included levels of depressive, anxiety, and extraintestinal somatic symptoms, stress, treatment beliefs and expectations, behavioural avoidance, and illness perceptions. Symptom severity and QoL were the main outcomes. Questionnaires assessing psychological predictors, symptoms and QoL were administered at five points: pre-dietitian (week 0), post-dietitian, end of elimination (week 5), end of reintroduction (week 13), and end of personalisation (week 25) phases. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify classes of response trajectories for symptoms. Linear mixed models were used to test the effect of baseline psychological scores on symptoms and QoL over time. Cross lagged panel models determined the directional predictive relationship between psychological predictors and symptom severity. 112 participants (89% F) median age 30 ± 17 years were included. There were three classes of symptom response trajectories, including ‘non-improvers’ (21.3% of participants) with high initial symptom severity and minimal improvement, ‘improvers’ (22.5% of participants) with low initial symptom severity and significant improvement, and an ‘intermediate’ group (56.2% of participants) with moderate initial symptom severity and significant improvement. Higher treatment beliefs predicted a stronger initial symptom response (effect on linear slope p = 0.036). Lower gut-specific anxiety, as well as higher levels of personal and treatment control at baseline predicted a stronger reduction in IBS symptom severity and improved QoL from week 0 to week 25. Participants with higher levels of baseline psychological symptoms and negative illness perceptions (i.e., lower emotional representations) predicted a stronger initial and later QoL response (effect on linear (p = 0.006) and quadratic (p = 0.049) slopes). Increased cyclical time beliefs predicted poorer initial and later QoL response (effect on linear (p = 0.015) and quadratic (p = 0.029) slopes). Individuals experiencing lower to mid-range symptom severity at baseline had greater improvement with the low FODMAP diet. Lower anxiety, positive illness views and higher treatment beliefs predict better QoL and symptom response. Personalised strategies are crucial for optimising low FODMAP diet effectiveness in IBS.

Quality of life and caste discrimination among the tribal population, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India: A community-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: According to the 2011 census in Tamil Nadu, out of a total population of 721.47 lakhs, 7.95 lakhs were scheduled tribes (STs), which constitutes about 1.1% of ST in Tamil Nadu and 0.8% of ST compared to the total ST population in India. A brief understanding of India’s caste system and its evolution over time was required to determine caste-based discrimination. Hence, they are vulnerable and isolated due to this untouchability in the caste system. This study focuses on the quality of life (QOL) and caste discrimination among the tribal population of Chengalpattu district. Further, it provides suggestions to improve the QOL and to put an end to discrimination. Methodology: It is a community-based cross-sectional study, conducted among 300 participants among the tribal population in Chengalpattu district by a systematic random sampling technique. Results: The QOL scores were further converted into categorical variables by obtaining the mean score and dividing the group into those who got a score above the mean and those below the mean. They were labeled as good and poor QOL. More than half of them (52.7%) had poor QOL. Almost two-third of the workers had poor QOL in the social relationship (60.7%) and psychological (64%) domains, and nearly half in the physical (52.7%) and environmental (52.7%) domains. Out of 300 participants included in the analyses, 141 (47%) participants reported experiencing discrimination a few times a year/a few times a month. Conclusion: This study found that the tribal population in Chengalpattu district has poor social and psychological QOL compared to QOL in the environmental and physical domains. In spite of many government initiatives, a wide range of issues and problems are being faced by the tribals in India. Hence, we recommend strategies to improve the physical, social, and psychological well-being of this vulnerable population through strict legislation. The other component regarding discrimination concluded that caste but not socio-economic class is closely linked with perceived discrimination among the tribal population in Chengalpattu district and their responses to unfair treatment.

Time, age, gender and cultural measurement invariance of the CASP-12, a measure of psychological quality of life in adulthood.

Whereas Quality of Life in older populations has long been conceptualized in regards to health or illness, the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization and Pleasure scale (CASP-12) focuses on the positive facets of aging. Although the CASP is a widely used scale, its measurement invariance has seldom been examined. The present study aims to ascertain the measurement invariance of the CASP-12 over a period of 10years and between age, culture and gender. Secondary data analyses were conducted on the longitudinal data collected in four waves between 2006 and 2016-2017 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe study (SHARE). The factorial validity of the CASP-12 was examined and its measurement invariance was tested with a sample of 3684 men and 4955 women aged 30-99years, coming from 10 different European countries. Results showed a strong theoretical and empirical dimensionality of the CASP-12, a well as invariance of time (10years), age and culture. It was also found that the scale is gender invariant at the strict level. These results were replicated with two more waves of SHARE, measured six years apart. This study replicates the CASP-12 dimensional structure, factorial structure and factor loadings. The scale has demonstrated to be a reliable and valid measurement of the positive aspects of quality of life to be used across time, age, gender and culture. The Autonomy dimension of the scale warrants further investigation.

Association between anxiety, depression and quality of life in male and female German students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundStudies show that three-quarters of mental disorders appear during young adulthood, which makes students a risk group. Especially people with anxiety and depression experience lower Quality of Life (QoL) compared to healthy persons. Furthermore, previous research found that there was a wide range of negative mental consequences triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the association between anxiety, depression and QoL in male and female students at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 297 German students (121 men, age spanmen: 18–41 years; 176 women, age spanwomen: 18–52 years) filled in the following questionnaires: World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Symptom-Checklist-90-R. Men and women did not differ significantly in their physical, psychological, environmental and global QoL. Results: While women showed higher raw anxiety scores, groups did not differ in terms of their raw depression scores. Furthermore, we found main effects of anxiety and depression on the four QoL subscales. Students´ QoL was highest if they were not affected by anxiety and depression, independently of gender. Psychological and social QoL was worst if the students reported marginal and particularly clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression. Men experienced worse psychological and social QoL than women for clinically significant anxiety levels. Conclusions: Interventions should target especially the psychological and the social subscales of QoL, as these areas are most affected by anxiety and depression. Possible interventions could be psychoeducational programs or participation in sports because it offers an opportunity for social interaction and goal-directed activity.

One-year follow-up of the effectiveness and mediators of cognitive behavioural therapy among adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: secondary outcomes of a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in medicated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) adults with residual symptoms needs to be verified across multiple dimensions, especially with respect to maladaptive cognitions and psychological quality of life (QoL). An exploration of the mechanisms underlying the additive benefits of CBT on QoL in clinical samples may be helpful for a better understanding of the CBT conceptual model and how CBT works in medicated ADHD.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial including 98 medicated ADHD adults with residual symptoms who were randomly allocated to the CBT combined with medication (CBT + M) group or the medication (M)-only group. Outcomes included ADHD-core symptoms (ADHD Rating Scale), depression symptoms (Self-rating Depression Scale), maladaptive cognitions (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire and Dysfunctional Attitude Scale), and psychological QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version-psychological domain). Mixed linear models (MLMs) were used to analyse the long-term effectiveness at one-year follow-up, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of CBT on psychological QoL.ResultsADHD patients in the CBT + M group outperformed the M-only group in reduction of ADHD core symptoms (d = 0.491), depression symptoms (d = 0.570), a trend of reduction of maladaptive cognitions (d = 0.387 and 0.395, respectively), and improvement of psychological QoL (d = − 0.433). The changes in above dimensions correlated with each other (r = 0.201 ~ 0.636). The influence of CBT on QoL was mediated through the following four pathways: 1) changes in ADHD core symptoms; 2) changes in depressive symptoms; 3) changes in depressive symptoms and then maladaptive cognitions; and 4) changes firstly in depressive symptoms, maladaptive cognitions, and then ADHD core symptoms.ConclusionsThe long-term effectiveness of CBT in medicated ADHD adults with residual symptoms was further confirmed. The CBT conceptual model was verified in clinical samples, which would be helpful for a deeper understanding of how CBT works for a better psychological QoL outcome.Trial registrationChiCTR1900021705 (2019-03-05).

The influence of nutritional status and associated factors on the quality of life among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundCOVID-19 adversely affects the nutritional characteristics of patients which may negatively impact their quality of life (QOL). The current study determined the association between the nutritional status of COVID-19 patients, its impact on their QOL, and the factors that affected patients' QOL. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Al Madinah Al Munawarah in Saudi Arabia. Patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection by a nucleic acid-positive test and identified as acute severe or acute non-severely ill were enrolled. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHO-BREF QOL) was used to assess the patients' QOL, and nutritional status was assessed using the Malnutrition Screening Tool. Demographic characteristics, food intake, and body mass index (BMI) were also assessed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 28. Results515 patients were enrolled, with 391 (76%) having acute non-severe symptoms. Patients (15%) were malnourished and suffered from loss of appetite (32%), low food intake (19.4%) and weight loss (16%). Most patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their health (80.2%), and 76.2% rated their QOL as good or very good. Loss of appetite negatively impacted the physical (p = 0.004, 95% CI 0.086, 0.458) and psychological (p = 0.021, 95% CI 0.034, 0.405) QOL domains. Also, decreased food intake affected patients' physical (p = 0.034, 95% CI 0.018, 0.458) QOL domain. Greater weight loss influenced the psychological (p = 0.005.95% CI 0.002, 0.049) QOL domain. ConclusionsPoor nutritional status among COVID-19 patients was associated with adverse health outcomes and impaired QOL. Nutritional interventions should focus on patients with poor nutritional status or nutrition-related parameters such as weight loss, and loss of appetite which will help improve their QOL.

The impact of caregiver burden on quality of life in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a moderated mediation analysis of the role of psychological distress and family resilience

BackgroundThe caregiver burden frequently experienced by family members tending to advanced cancer patients significantly impacts their psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL). Although family resilience might function as a mitigating factor in this relationship, its specific role remains to be elucidated. This study aims to probe the mediating effect of psychological distress on the relationship between caregiver burden and QoL, as well as the moderating effect of family resilience.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and March 2021 in five tertiary hospitals in China. Data were collected on caregiver burden, family resilience, psychological distress (including anxiety and depression), and QoL. Moderated mediation analysis was performed.ResultsData analysis included 290 caregivers. It confirmed the mediating role of psychological distress in the caregiver burden-QoL relationship (P < 0.001). Both overall family resilience and the specific dimension of family communication and problem-solving (FCPS) demonstrated significant moderating effects on the “psychological distress/anxiety—QoL” paths (P < 0.05). The utilization of social and economic resources (USER) significantly moderated the association between depression and QoL (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study corroborates psychological distress's mediation between caregiver burden and QoL and family resilience's moderation between psychological distress and QoL. It underscores the need for minimizing psychological distress and bolstering family resilience among caregivers of advanced cancer patients. Accordingly, interventions should be tailored, inclusive of psychological assistance and promotion of family resilience, particularly focusing on FCPS and USER, to augment the caregivers' well-being and QoL.

The effectiveness of a web-based information-knowledge-attitude-practice continuous intervention on the psychological status, medical compliance, and quality of life of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a parallel randomized clinical trial

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) often experience a severe psychological burden for a long period of time, which can adversely affect their post-operative prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a web-based Information-Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (WIKAP) continuous intervention on the psychological status, medical compliance, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CAD after CABG surgery.MethodsA parallel randomized clinical trial enrolled 174 CAD patients who underwent CABG at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. The participants were randomly divided into the Control and WIKAP group and received intervention for 12 months. The scores for anxiety, depression, medical compliance, and QoL were assessed on the first day (M0), 3rd month (M3), 6th month (M6), 9th month (M9) and 12th month (M12) after discharge. Furthermore, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional regression models for an additional 24-month follow-up period without any intervention.ResultsAfter the 12-month intervention, the scores of anxiety and depression were significantly reduced in the WIKAP group at M9 and M12 compared to those in the Control group (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the scores of medical compliance in the WIKAP group were remarkably elevated at M6, M9, and M12 compared with those scores in the Control group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the QoL scores were lower in the WIKAP group at M6, M9, and M12 compared to the Control group (all P < 0.05). However, the MACCE-free survival showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Cox proportional regression analysis also showed that the nursing intervention (Control vs. WKIAP) was not associated with the incidence of MACCE.ConclusionWIKAP nursing intervention effectively improved the psychological health, medical compliance, and QoL in CAD patients who underwent CABG operation, but it did not prolong MACCE-free survival.Trail registrationThe study is registered in isrctn.org: ISRCTN13653455.

Non-pharmacological interventions on quality of life in stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Non-pharmacological interventions have been used in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, but their effects on stroke survivors' quality of life (QoL) are unknown. This review aimed to summarize the existing evidence regarding non-pharmacological interventions for QoL in stroke survivors and to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of interventions. We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang data from the earliest available records to March 2023. Randomized controlled trials which explored the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on QoL in stroke patients were included. The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions on QoL. The Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct the meta-analysis and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of trials. A total of 93,245 records were identified, and 34 articles were reviewed and summarized, of which 20 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The summary of the findings of the included studies revealed fitness training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), physical exercise, music therapy (MT), and art-based interventions may have positive effects on QoL. The fitness training improved total QoL, especially in physical domains including physical functioning (mean difference [MD] = 10.90; 95% CI [7.20, 14.59]), role physical (MD = 10.63; 95% CI [6.71, 14.55]), and global health (MD = 8.76; 95% CI [5.14, 12.38]). The CIMT had a slight effect on general QoL (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.48, 95% CI [0.16, 0.80]), whereas significantly improved strength (MD = 8.84; 95% CI [1.31, 16.38]), activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL; MD = 10.42; 95% CI [2.98, 17.87]), and mobility (MD = 8.02; 95% CI [1.21, 14.83]). MT had a positive effect on the mental health domain (SMD = 0.54; 95% CI [0.14, 0.94]). Our findings suggest that fitness training and CIMThave a significant effect on improving physical QoL, while MThas a positive effect on improving psychological QoL. Future studies may use comprehensive and multicomponent interventions to simultaneously improve the patients' physical, psychological, and social QoL.

Humor and Quality of Life in Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Individuals grappling with chronic ailments often undergo a deterioration in their overall quality of life (QoL), encompassing psychological, social, and physical dimensions of well-being. Acknowledging that humor has demonstrated the potential to engender favorable effects on QoL, this systematic review endeavors to investigate the correlation between humor and QoL among adults contending with chronic health conditions. A comprehensive review of quantitative data was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL) were comprehensively searched from the establishment of each database up to June 22, 2023. Furthermore, reference lists of the included datasets and pertinent review articles were scrutinized exhaustively. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to assess the quality of eligible studies. A total of 18 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. These studies encompassed a diverse spectrum of chronic disease categories (including cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, etc.) and collectively involved a participant cohort comprising 4,325 individuals. Remarkable findings surfaced, indicating a noteworthy association between distinct facets of humor-such as one's sense of humor, coping humor, humor styles, and laughter-and psychological QoL. Nonetheless, the relationship between humor and physical QoL exhibited a more intricate pattern, characterized by mixed outcomes. Despite the limited and inconsistent evidence across studies, humor appears to exhibit a positive association with QoL.

Perceived usefulness of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship in the rehabilitation journey of people with urinary incontinence: A mixed-methodstudy.

Despite various studies on the impact of incontinence on patients'lives, the existing literature has not investigated the contribution of nursing care during rehabilitation in terms of quality of life. Fewer data, therefore, exist on the characteristics and perceived impact of the therapeutic relationship as part of the rehabilitation program. To investigate the characteristics of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship and its impact throughout the rehabilitation program; to describe the levels of patient burden on everyday activities. A monocentric, retrospective, multimethod descriptive studywas conducted in the nurse-led continence clinic of a major teaching hospital in Northern Italy. A phenomenological approach with semistructured interviews was adopted after 6 weeks of rehabilitation, following the method of phenomenological enquiry by Giorgi. The short form 12 questionnaire was administered upon admission of patients to the clinic, after 6 weeks, and during the last consultation to investigate the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on daily activities and physical and psychological quality of life. Ninety-one adult patients of both genders presenting for nonneurogenic nonpostpartum UI were consecutively enrolled. Physical scores (PCS-12) and MCS-12 scores significantly increased over time. Psychological scores showed great variability upon admission, which was reduced halfway through the rehabilitation program. The thematic analysis highlighted four categories based on data saturation: the impact of UI on daily activities, strategies to face the problem, feelings, and the role of nurses. This mixed-method investigation suggests the importance of therapeutic nursing relationships, clinical expertise, and rehabilitative skills. Quality of life is arguably related to the positive results of the rehabilitation program but also to the environment, patients perceive in terms of support, honesty, and trust.