Psychological Quality Of Life Research Articles

DEPRESSION AND SLEEP QUALITY IN PREDICTING THE SUBJECTIVE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER IN TAIWAN

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of quality of life (QOL) of women with breast cancer in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study assessed the quality of life of 394 women with breast cancer. Path models were used to test the direct and indirect effects of depression, anxiety, sleep quality and demographic factors on the four QOL domains. Mean age of the participants was 53.53 ± 7.82 years. The results of the path analysis showed that depression was the key predictor with direct effects on all four QOL domains from -0.248 to -0.580. Sleep quality was found to have direct effects from -0.171 to -0.278 on three QOL domains. Anxiety predicted the physical QOL directly (-0.249). Anxiety also indirectly predicted the physical and psychological QOLs through sleep quality (-0.088 and -0.054), respectively. As for the demographic factors, age had a negative direct effect (-0.125) on the physical QOL domain and economic status directly predicted the environmental QOL domain (0.225). Education had slight indirect effects of 0.108 and 0.090, respectively, on the physical and psychological QOL domains. The empirically validated causal model suggested that a multidimensional approach may be needed to improve the QOL of women with breast cancer.

Interpersonal relationships, subjective health, psychological well-being, and quality of life among older adults in South India: Evidence from a population-based study.

Subjective health and well-being are closely linked with quality of life (QoL) in older adults. Self-reported health, happiness, satisfaction with life and interpersonal relationships, social support, loneliness, and social isolation make robust indicators for the psychological well-being of older adults. This study aimed to explore subjective health, psychological well-being and associated factors, and their relationship with QoL in older adults. This was a cross-sectional, community-based survey that included adults aged 60 years and above (n = 260) who were living in selected communities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on self-reported health, happiness, satisfaction with family and marital relationships, and felt loneliness and isolation. The relationship between psychological well-being and QoL was identified. Data analysis was carried out by descriptive and analytical statistical applications using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 at P ≤ 0.05. Study findings showed that a significant number of older adults (56%) reported poor general health; 56.4% of men and 59.2% of women were "not at all happy" with their family and interpersonal relationships, and 13.5% of respondents were not at all happy in general. Self-reported health (0.277**) and happiness (0.506**) were positively correlated with the psychological domain of QoL (P ≤ 0.01). The study findings identified the interrelationship between changing family and social relationships and psychological well-being of older adults, which is an immediate public health concern. Inadequate social support and deficient quality of interpersonal relationships predispose loneliness and isolation in later life. Strategies to promote social support and age-friendly social and healthcare resources are urgent needs for healthy aging.

Quality of life of stroke survivors in Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, the factors that contribute to the reduced quality of life were not systematically investigated in long-term stroke survivors, and only a few studies have used preference-based measures to assess the quality of life. We sought to assess the quality of life in stroke survivors who comprise physical health status, psychological state, social relationship, and surrounding environment of the stroke patients. The quality of life among stroke patients was assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire using the validated Bangla Version of the World Health Organization, Quality-of-Life scale among the patients who survived beyond 28 days of first-ever stroke occurrence presenting in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in the period between November 2020 and October 2021. Of the 77 patients who were identified as post-stroke patients, the mean score of overall quality of life (as assessed by Q1 and scored in a range of 1-5) was 3.14 ± 1.08. The mean scores of quality of life were highest for the psychological domain (51.18 ± 19.73) followed by environmental (52.08 ± 13.13), social (45.62 ± 22.73), and physical domains (37.18 ± 18.56). According to the classification of the Bangla Version of the World Health Organization, Quality-of-Life, 75.3% had a low physical quality of life, 37.7% had a low psychological quality of life, 53.2% had a low social quality of life, and 53.2% had a moderate environmental quality of life. The average scores for the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains were notably lower in stroke survivors with comorbid chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and ischemic heart disease in comparison to those without such conditions. In our study, post-stroke patients with lower quality of life were associated with factors such as female gender, lower level of education, urban dwellers, and chronic diseases.

A Self-Help Manual for Psychological Distress and Quality of Life During a Haemopoietic Stem-Cell Transplant: An Effectiveness and Acceptability Pilot.

Haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) can be a highly distressing procedure that negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). Self-help interventions can help improve psychopathology and wellbeing in patients with physical illness, but have rarely been trialled with HSCT recipients. This study aimed to pilot the utility of a self-help manual intervention during the acute phase of HSCT. Forty autologous and allogeneic HSCT candidates were randomly assigned to a self-help manual intervention or treatment as usual (TAU). Psychological distress (BSI-18) and QoL (FACT-BMT-Vs4) were measured pre-, 2-3weeks and 3months post-HSCT. Linear mixed-effects analyses showed no significant group-time interaction for global QoL (p = .199) or global distress (p = .624). However, highlighting a protective role during admission, manual participants showed minimal QoL or somatic distress change at 2-3weeks post-transplant compared with moderate-large effects for reduced QoL (d = 0.62) and increased somatic distress (d = -0.81) for TAU patients. Thematic analysis suggests the manual helped prepare patients for transplant and provided strategies to improve distress and QoL. This pilot provides preliminary evidence for the benefit of a self-help manual during hospitalisation for a HSCT. More intensive, recovery-focussed care, however, may be needed to improve psychological health in the post-hospital period. Retrospectively registered trial (ANZCTR No. 12620001165976, 6th November 2020).

Psychological Characteristics and Quality of Life of Patients with Upper and Lower Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Background: This study aimed to identify the differences in the psychological characteristics of the anatomical location of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and the factors that influence the quality of life (QOL). Methods: Altogether, 233 patients with FGIDs were classified into the upper gastrointestinal disorder (UGID; n = 175) group and the lower gastrointestinal disorder group (LGID; n = 58). Psychological characteristics and QOL were evaluated using the validated questionnaires. Results: The LGID group demonstrated higher scores in ‘emotional depression’ than the UGID group in depressive symptoms (t = −3.031, p < 0.01). A significant difference was observed between groups in ‘significant others’ in social supports (t = 2.254, p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the groups in hardiness (t = 2.259, p < 0.05) and persistence (t = 2.526, p < 0.05) in resilience, while the LGID group demonstrated significantly lower scores than the UGID group in ‘negative affectivity’ in type-D personality (t = −1.997, p < 0.05). Additionally, the LGID group demonstrated lower QOL than the UGID group (t = 2.615, p < 0.05). The stepwise regression analysis on QOL involved depression, resilience, social support, and childhood trauma, which accounted for 48.4% of the total QOL explanatory variance. Conclusions: Psychological characteristics and QOL significantly differed when FGIDs were classified according to anatomical location. Thus, psychological interventions customized for each type of FGIDs may be necessary for effective treatment.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS COACHING INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS IN RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract Many wellness programs for older adults focus on physical health or specific conditions, such as heart disease prevention or diabetes management. To supplement these efforts, there is a need for holistic wellness programming to enhance well-being in later life. We developed and piloted a novel wellness coaching program for residents of senior living communities to address this need. The theoretical framework of the program is based on a holistic, multidimensional wellness model and self-determination theory. Staff members from eight residential communities were trained on wellness coaching techniques, such as motivational interviewing, active listening, and group facilitation skills, before they led the 9-week resident wellness coaching program. A total of 79 residents, ages 71 to 97 (M = 84.3, SD = 6.5), completed the pilot program. The resident wellness coaching program included a mixture of individual and group coaching sessions. The coaching sessions provided wellness education, social support, and space to share progress on wellness goals. Participants completed surveys at three time points: pre-program, post-program, and 1-month follow-up. Residents reported high satisfaction with the overall program and its components. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to examine changes in wellness over time. Comparison of pre- and post-test scores revealed significant improvements in health satisfaction, physical and psychological quality of life, purpose, loneliness, relatedness, and competence. Some of these changes, such as increases in psychological quality of life and decreases in loneliness, persisted at the one-month follow-up. These findings have implications for the development and implementation of wellness coaching programs with older adults.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Quality of Life in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental illness that leads to poor quality of life (QOL). Lack of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior are among the risk factors that cause this condition. This study explored the relationship between PA levels and QOL in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 27 individuals with BD who received service from a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) participated to the study. Inclusion criteria were being 18-59 years of age, regularly using of medication, and being in remission. The individuals with psychiatric comorbidities such as intellectual disability, organic brain disease, alcohol/substance abuse, and circadian rhythm disorder were omitted. All participants filled out Sociodemographic Data Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Most participants were not physically active (77.8%), and 22.2% had low physical activity levels. The mean IPAQ-SF score (MET minutes per week) was 363.87±337.06. The QOL-general health mean score was 6.88±1.62. The IPAQ-total score was significantly positively correlated with WHOQOL-BREF Psychological (p&amp;lt;0.05) and WHOQOL-BREF General mean scores (p&amp;lt;0.01). The correlation between IPAQ-total score and physical, social, and environment subscales was not statistically significant. Study findings revealed that there was a need to increase the PA levels of individuals with BD. Also, it has been found that as PA increases, individuals' psychological QOL increases. For this reason, it is essential to implement healthy life groups and follow up in terms of metabolic syndrome and chronic disorders in CMHCs for improving QOL.

Barth Syndrome: Psychosocial Impact and Quality of Life Assessment.

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a rare X-linked genetic disease that affects multiple systems and leads to complex clinical manifestations. Although a considerable amount of research has focused on the physical aspects of the disease, less has focused on the psychosocial impact and quality of life (QoL) in BTHS. The current study investigated caregiver- (n = 10) and self-reported (n = 16) psychological well-being and QoL in a cohort of BTHS-affected patients and families. Participants completed the depression and anxiety components of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS) Short Form 8A and Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) surveys at enrollment and again during a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 36 months after baseline. Quality of life changed significantly over time and the various domains with some improvement and some decline. Among the available caregiver-patient dyad data, there was a trend toward discordance between caregiver and self-reported outcomes. Most notably, patients reported improvement in HRQoL, while caregivers reported declines. This suggests that there may be differences in perceived quality of life between the patients and parents, though our study is limited by small sample size. Our study provides valuable insights into the impacts of psychosocial and mental health aspects of BTHS. Implications of these findings include incorporating longitudinal assessment of QoL and screening for psychological symptoms in BTHS care to identify interventions that may drastically impact health status and the course of the disease.

Technical and functional outcome after sacral neuromodulation using the "H" technique.

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is awidely accepted treatment for pelvic floor disorders, including constipation and fecal incontinence (FI). In 2017, astandardized electrode placement method, the Htechnique, was introduced to minimize failure rates and improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to investigate the technical feasibility and functional outcome of the procedure. In this prospective study, we evaluated the first 50patients who underwent SNM according to the Htechnique between 2017 and 2020 at atertiary care hospital. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, and the impact of various factors on patients' postoperative quality of life (QoL) was assessed after afollow-up of 40months. Functional outcome was monitored prospectively using astandardized questionnaire. Of 50patients, 36 (72%) reported greater than 50% symptom relief and received apermanent implant (95% CI: 58.3-82.5). We observed 75% success in relieving FI (95% CI: 58.9-86.3) and 64% in constipation (95% CI: 38.8-83.7). Complication occurred in five (10%) patients. Preoperative vs. postoperative physical and psychological QoL, Vaizey score, and obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) scores revealed significant improvements (all p < 0.01). Male gender was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = 0.035). We provide evidence for the technical feasibility and efficacy of the SNM implantation using the H technique. The medium-term results are promising for patients with FI and constipation. Male patients and those with aBMI > 25 are more prone to perioperative complications.

Examining the quality of life of patients living with breast cancer in Southern Sri Lanka: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Introduction: Globally breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women and Sri Lanka is not an exception. Cancer influences the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. The survival rates and the QoL of BC patients have improved significantly over the last few decades. However, factors associated with the QoL of patients with BC have not been well studied in Sri Lanka. The aim of the study was to assess the QoL and its correlates among patients with BC treated at a tertiary care hospital in Southern Sri Lanka. Methods: Ninety-seven BC patients were investigated using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The World Health Organization- Quality of Life- Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure QoL. The WHOQOL-BREF measure QoL in four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Scores range from 0 to 100, and higher scores indicate a greater QoL. Results: The mean age of the sample subjects was 52 years (SD = 8.7), and the majority were married (78%). Physical (60.97±11.56), psychological (63.52±11.63), and environmental (69.05 ±8.79) domains of QoL were at a satisfactory level whereas QoL score related to social relationships was found to be low (47.86±13.89) in this sample. Physical QoL was higher in young participants and psychological QoL was higher among those with a fewer number of comorbidities and disabilities and those with no body image changes. Social QoL was higher among married and environmental QoL was higher among those who reported having no disabilities. Conclusion: Social support in the form of family support and emotional support seems to play a major role in lowering the QoL of BC patients. Psycho-social support services should target patients experiencing physical disabilities, a higher number of comorbidities, and those who were subjected to changes in their body image.

Multidimensional Quality of Life Across the Spectrum of Alcohol Use Behavior.

Quality of life (QoL) is inversely associated with alcohol misuse and is a key measure by which recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) might be assessed. Yet, the determinants of QoL are scarcely known. The authors examined three ways through which demographic characteristics, familial and early life factors, and psychopathology conferred risks for QoL, including unique direct effects, developmental pathways, and clinical risk Profiles. Cross-sectional data from 1095 adults (50.4% without AUD; 49.6% with AUD) who participated in the NIAAA Natural History Protocol from January 2015 to March 2022 were analyzed. Multivariable regressions, path analysis, and latent Profile analysis were conducted. AUD was uniquely associated with lower QoL, and adverse effects of child maltreatment history and psychopathology symptoms on QoL were of similar or larger magnitudes. Mediation analysis indicated family history of AUD and child maltreatment history were indirectly associated with lower QoL through higher attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, higher depressive symptoms, and positive AUD diagnosis. Latent Profile analysis of an enriched set of clinical characteristics identified four latent Profiles capturing the full range of alcohol use behavior. Latent Profiles with greater severity of familial and early life factors, psychopathology, and problematic drinking showed dose-response associations with lower levels of physical, psychological, social, and environment QoL. A constellation of developmental and clinical characteristics disproportionately affects individuals with AUD and is negatively associated with QoL domains. To improve QoL, prevention and intervention need to target multiple factors, including history of child maltreatment, comorbid psychopathology, and problematic drinking itself.

Heterogeneity of quality of life in the later stages of first-episode psychosis recovery

PurposeFirst-episode psychosis (FEP) is characterised by wide heterogeneity in terms of symptom presentation and illness course. However, the heterogeneity of quality of life (QoL) in FEP is not well understood. We investigated whether subgroups can be identified using participants' responses on four QoL domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental) 18-months into the recovery phase of FEP. We then examined the discriminant validity of these subgroups with respect to clinical, cognitive, and functioning features of FEP.MethodDemographic and clinical characteristics, QoL, cognition, and functioning were assessed in 100 people with FEP at the 18-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial of Individual Placement Support, which aims to facilitate vocational recovery. QoL was measured using the World Health Organisation’s QoL-BRIEF. A two-stage clustering approach using Ward’s method and Squared Euclidean Distance with a k-means confirmation was conducted. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to establish external validity.ResultsThree QoL subgroups emerged: a ‘good’ subgroup with relatively high QoL across all domains (31%), an ‘intermediate’ subgroup with relatively low psychological QoL (48%) and a ‘poor’ subgroup with markedly low social relationship QoL (21%). Negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, social/occupational functioning, and social inclusion at follow-up predicted subgroup membership. Sensitivity analysis found similar results.ConclusionAlthough some individuals with FEP have QoL comparable to individuals without mental ill health, QoL can remain concerningly low despite treatment efforts. Future research on interventions that target factors associated with poor QoL, such as low social inclusion, is required to counteract prolonged poor QoL in FEP.

Malignant wound – The influence of oil components in flubendazole-loaded nanoemulsions in A549 lung cancer xenograft-bearing mice

Malignant wounds (MWs) affect up to 15% of advanced stage cancer patients, causing detrimental effects such as tissue deformity and extreme malodor, affecting the social and psychological quality of life of these patients. Although treating MW is mandatory to prevent infections and reduce wound healing time, this disease has often been overlooked by researchers. For the first time, we propose a new alternative MW treatment for oral administration using high-oil-content flubendazole (FLZ) loaded in nanoemulsions, prepared by the d-phase emulsification process. We performed in vivo tests on the A549 xenograft murine model and compared FLZ in suspension, drug-free nanoemulsion, FLZ-loaded nanoemulsion containing oil derived from linoleic acid, and FLZ-loaded nanoemulsion containing mixture of oils. Mice treated by gavage three times a week with FLZ in suspension, drug-free nanoemulsion, and FLZ-loaded nanoemulsion with mixed oil, presented MW emergence in 20–40% of the cases at different time intervals and extents. However, mice treated with FLZ-loaded nanoemulsion containing only the oil derived from linoleic acid presented MW emergence in 0% of cases, even after 80 days of treatment. Thus, we observed a positive synergy between the drug FLZ and the oil derived from linoleic acid in the treatment of MW. Discussions on the mechanism of action of this oil and the drug are intensively described in this article. We present such FLZ-loaded nanoemulsion as a promising prevention and treatment solution for greater patient compliance and lower adverse effects.

Quality of life among health care workers in Arab countries 2 years after COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of the quality of life (QoL) among healthcare workers (HCWs) is vital for better healthcare and is an essential indicator for competent health service delivery. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strike, the frontline position of HCWs subjected them to tremendous mental and psychological burden with a high risk of virus acquisition. This study evaluated the QoL and its influencing factors among HCWs residing in the Arab countries. This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire based on the World Health Organization QoL-BREF instrument with additional questions related to COVID-19. The study was conducted in three different languages (Arabic, English, and French) across 19 Arab countries between February 22 and March 24, 2022. A total of 3,170 HCWs were included in the survey. The majority were females (75.3%), aged 18-40 years (76.4%), urban residents (90.4%), married (54.5%), and were living in middle-income countries (72.0%). The mean scores of general health and general QoL were 3.7 ± 1.0 and 3.7 ± 0.9, respectively. Those who attained average physical, psychological, social, and environmental QoL were 40.8, 15.4, 26.2, and 22.3%, respectively. The income per capita and country income affected the mean scores of all QoL domains. Previous COVID-19 infection, having relatives who died of COVID-19, and being vaccinated against COVID-19 significantly affected the mean scores of different domains. A large proportion of the Arab HCWs evaluated in this study had an overall poor QoL. More attention should be directed to this vulnerable group to ensure their productivity and service provision.

Holistic Wellness Coaching for Older Adults: Preliminary Evidence for a Novel Wellness Intervention in Senior Living Communities.

Although resident wellness is increasingly a priority in senior living communities, there are few programs that promote holistic wellness in later life. A total of 79 residents (ages 71 to 97; M = 84.27, SD = 6.46) from eight senior living communities completed a pilot study of a novel, staff-led wellness coaching program consisting of resident-driven goals and individual and group coaching sessions. Participants completed surveys at three time points (pre-program, post-program, and 1-month follow-up). Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed positive changes in resident health satisfaction, physical quality of life (QOL), psychological QOL, loneliness, relatedness, competence, and sense of purpose. Some of these results (i.e., psychological QOL, loneliness) persisted at follow-up. Residents reported high satisfaction with the program. These findings have implications for the application of holistic wellness frameworks in later life, as well as the development and implementation of wellness coaching programs with older adults.

Relationship between Sleep Quality and Quality of Life of the Elderly with Cardiovascular Disease by Considering the Role of Physical Activity in Rafsanjan City in 2021

Introduction: The quality of sleep and physical activity is specially important in the quality of life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life of the elderly with cardiovascular disease referred to Ali Ebn Abi Taleb Hospital in Rafsanjan City in 2021.&#x0D; Methods: In this descriptive study, the participants of the study included all the cardiovascular elderly patients referred to Ali Ebn Abi Taleb Hospital in Rafsanjan City in the first 6 months of 2021. A total of 292 people were selected as the sample using purposive sampling method. Data collection tools included three standard questionnaires, including Baecke physical activity, Petersburg sleep quality and Ware and Sherbourne quality of life (SF-36). Independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. The SPSS software version 16 used was for analyzing the data.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that with increasing physical activity, the quality of life also increases and with increasing the quality of sleep, the quality of life increased. There was also a significant correlation between psychological quality of life with physical activity (P&lt;0.001 and r = 0.777) and sleep quality (P&lt;0.001 and r = -0.804).&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the research findings, it is recommended to create a wide and healthy physical activity and healthy leisure time for the elderly and to develop counseling programs for the elderly. Therefore, the quality of life and sleep quality skills training should be provided.

Predictors and Moderators of Quality of Life in Male Users of Anti-Aging Products.

For most individuals, changes occurring during the aging process may cause dissatisfaction and concerns regarding body image, with implications on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of sociodemographic and psychological variables and the type of anti-aging products/treatments on men's QoL, as well as to evaluate the moderating role of aging perceptions in the relationship between psychological morbidity and QoL. This study used a cross-sectional design and included a sample of 111 male participants who used anti-aging cosmetic products/aesthetic treatments. Participants were assessed on body image, self-esteem, psychological morbidity, aging perceptions, traits of perfectionism, and QoL. Results suggested that psychological morbidity and perceptions of the aging process as chronic negatively contributed to QoL, and emotional representations of aging moderated the relationship between psychological morbidity and QoL. According to the findings, psychological intervention programs to improve QoL should focus on men with higher levels of psychological morbidity and more negative emotional responses to the aging process.

Valuing the individual - evaluating the Dignity Care Intervention.

Palliative care needs in older persons can endanger their dignity. To provide dignity-conserving care to older persons, the Swedish Dignity Care Intervention (DCI-SWE) can be used. The DCI-SWE is built on Chochinov's dignity model and the original version, developed and tested in UK and Scotland. To describe older persons' and their relatives' experiences of dignity and dignity-conserving care when using the DCI-SWE in municipal health care. A mixed method study with convergent parallel design. The DCI-SWE was used and evaluated in a Swedish municipality health care context. Older persons' (n=17) dignity-related distress and quality of life were assessed after the intervention. Interviews with older persons (n=10) and their relatives (n=8) were analysed using thematic analysis. The study followed the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Regional Ethical Review Board in Uppsala, Sweden (Reg No. 2014/312) and the National Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Reg. No. Ö 10-2019). Informed consent was collected from older persons and their relatives. The older persons' dignity-related distress did not significantly change over time (p = 0.44) neither was their overall quality of life (p = .64). Only psychological quality of life was decreased significantly (p = 0.01). The older persons and their relatives emphasized the importance of valuing the individual. The DCI-SWE provides a forum to talk about dignity issues, but relevant competence, continuity and resources are needed. Psychological care actions and health care professionals' communication skills training are important. To fully evaluate, the DCI-SWE a larger sample and validated instruments are necessary.

Chemosensory Alterations and Impact on Quality of Life in Persistent Alcohol Drinkers.

Heavy alcohol consumption-associated chemosensory dysfunction is understudied, and early detection can help predict disease-associated comorbidities, especially those related to four quality of life (QOL) domains (physical, psychological, social and environment). We examined self-reports of chemosensory ability of individuals with different alcohol drinking behaviors and their association with changes in QOL domains. Participants (n = 466) were recruited between June 2020 and September 2021 into the NIAAA COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Alcohol study. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to categorize participants without any known COVID-19 infection into three groups (non-drinkers, moderate drinkers and heavy drinkers) based on their Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption scores at four different time points (at enrollment, week 4, week 8 and week 12). Linear mixed models were used to examine chemosensory differences between these groups. The associations between chemosensory abilities and QOL were determined in each group. We observed significant impairment in self-reported smell ability of heavy drinking individuals compared to non-drinkers. In contrast, taste ability showed marginal impairment between these groups. There were no significant differences in smell and taste abilities between the moderate and non-drinking groups. Heavy drinkers' impairment in smell and taste abilities was significantly associated with deterioration in their physical, psychological, social and environmental QOL. Persistent heavy drinking was associated with lower chemosensory ability. Heavy drinkers' reduced smell and taste function and association with poorer QOL indicate that early assessment of chemosensory changes may be crucial in identifying poorer well-being outcomes in heavy drinkers at risk for alcohol use disorder.

Single-Sided Deafness: Emotional and Social Handicap, Impact on Health Status and Quality of Life, Functional Hearing, and the Effects of Cochlear Implantation.

To evaluate the functional and subjective outcomes in individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) treated with a cochlear implant (CI). Eighty-one adult CI users with SSD participated in this study. Functional assessments consisted of speech in noise testing and localization. Subjective assessments consisted of the Speech Spatial Quality of Hearing Scale, the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults questionnaire, and the Glasgow Health Status Inventory and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaires. SSD has remarkable consequences on quality of life (QoL) and imposes a substantial emotional and social handicap on the individuals. Self-reported QoL improved after CI with tinnitus intrusion significantly reduced as early as 3 months post-CI. A significant improvement was seen in all speech understanding in noise configurations. Localization ability significantly improved with CI on. Our findings demonstrate that SSD reduces social and psychological QoL and imposes a remarkable level of handicap as per general and specific self-assessments tool. CI provided a significant improvement in function including speech understanding in noise and localization ability, as well as improved QoL and reduced tinnitus significantly in both the early and long terms.