QOL-BREF Questionnaire Research Articles

Assessment of Quality of Life and Determinants Among the Elderly Population in Rural Areas of Puducherry: A Mixed Method Study

Background: Elderly people living in rural areas often faces unique challenges that affect their quality of life (QOL), including limited access to healthcare and social support. Understanding the factors influencing their well-being is essential to improve the quality of life. The study aims to assess the QOL and its determinants among the elderly in rural areas of Puducherry. Methods: A community based sequential explanatory mixed method study was conducted among the elderly residing in the rural field practice area of a medical college in Puducherry district. 200 participants were recruited by simple random sampling from the family health records in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college. WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the Quality of Life quantitatively and an interview guide to explore its determinants. Data were entered in MS excel and analyzed using SPSS v16.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 68.8± 2.5 years with majority being females. The environmental domain scored the highest mean QOL and psychological domain the lowest mean QOL. The overall mean QOL was 234.8 ± 65.4. The main determinants of poor QOL are age ≥ 75 years, lower socio-economic class, those who are widow/separated and presence of comorbid conditions. The binary logistic regression predicts the factor for poor QOL was age ≥ 75 years with OR (95% CI) as 6.23 (2.44-15.91). Conclusion: The overall mean QOL was moderate. The factors identified for poor QOL need to be addressed with key intervention strategies. Quality affordable medical services at door step to improve physical domain and targeted health education for family members and the community, who form the immediate environment around the elderly, can play a crucial role in enhancing the social domain.

Mental Well-Being and the Quality of Life Among Retired Public and Private Sector Employees: A Comparative Study From Kerala, India.

Background Retirement from an active working environment is one of the important risk factors for mental health problems. The literature on the mental well-being and quality of life among retired public and private sector employees in Kerala is limited. We conducted this studyto compare the mental well-being, quality of lifeand factors associated with them amongretired public and private sector employees in Kollam district, Kerala. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 retired employees (mean age 69.5 years, Men 172 (53.8%), public sector employees 160 (50%)) selected using multistage cluster sampling. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) and WHO QoL BREF questionnaire were used for data collection. Multivariate analyses were used tofind out the factors associated with mental well-being and quality of life. Results Among the retired private employees, 94 (58.75%) and those from the public sector three (1.88%) reported low mental well-being (Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) =21.28, 95% CI: 6.34-71.36, p=<0.001). Participants aged > 68 years (APR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.03-1.79, p=0.026) andrural residents (APR= 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.97, p=0.016) reportedlower mental well-being compared to their counterparts. Retired public sector employees' quality of life was higher (Adjusted Mean Difference (AMD) =18.67, 95% CI: 15.48-21.86, p=<0.001) compared to retired private sector employees. Participants aged <=68 years (AMD=7.01, 95% CI: 4.49-9.52, p=<0.001), male gender (AMD=4.25, 95% CI: 1.68-6.81, p=0.001),rural residents (AMD= 2.6, 95% CI: 0.08-5.13, p=0.043) and belongingto above poverty line (AMD=8.12, 95% CI: 4.08-12.16, p=<0.001) had higher QoL scores. Conclusion Efforts are required to improve retirement policies that support the mental health and quality of life ofretired private sector employees.

The Relationship of The Medication Adherence Model to The Quality of Life of Communities Pulmonary Tuberculosis Suffering in The Working Area of The Muliorejo Health Center, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang 2023

Tuberculosis sufferers experience changes in their physical, psychological health and social life which can have an impact on the quality of life of pulmonary tuberculosis sufferers. Curing pulmonary tuberculosis requires regular treatment for up to 6 months. The purpose of this research is to identify the relationship between the Medication Adherence Model and the Quality of Life of People Suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Muliorejo Community Health Center, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research method uses descriptive collaborative with a cross sectional approach. Sampling was taken by accidental sampling with a sample size of 60 respondents. Medication adherence was obtained using the MMAS-8 questionnaire and quality of life using the WHO Qol-BREF questionnaire. The statistical analysis used is the Chi-Square test. Of the 60 respondents, 25 respondents were found in the low medication adherence category, namely 25 people (41.7%) had a poor quality of life, 20 people (33.3%) had a moderate quality of life and none had a moderate quality of life. good, out of a total of 30 respondents in the high medication adherence category, 35 people (58.3%) had a quality of life in the moderate category, 20 people (33.3%) experienced a quality of life in the good category and no one experienced a poor quality of life. Based on the results of the Chi-Square Test, it was found that the pvalue (0.000) was smaller than the significant value (0.05) so that Ha was accepted, which means there is a relationship between adherence to taking medication and the quality of life of Tuberculosis patients in the Muliorejo Community Health Center working area. There is a relationship between adherence to taking medication and quality of life in tuberculosis patients in the Muliorejo Community Health Center working area. Consume nutritious food · Let sunlight enter the room · Use a mask · Limit contact at the start of treatment · Wash your hands frequently.

Sodhananga Snehapana with Mahabhutaravaghrta followed by Virecana in Schizophrenia - An Uncontrolled Trial

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder affecting almost 20 million people worldwide. It is characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, behavior etc. Etiological factors are not yet fully identified but an interaction between genes and environmental factors operating prenatally and perinatally and also psychosocial factors such as childhood social deprivation contribute to Schizophrenia as per studies. Antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of the treatment for Schizophrenia. Researches shown that 70% of patients treated with any antipsychotic achieves remission along with the expected adverse effects. So treatment modalities have to be implemented so as to improve the quality of life in Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can be better understood by assessing the condition Unmada explained in the classics. Important treatment strategy for Unmada is Snehapana and previous studies conducted in the area of Snehapana had given significant results. Mahabhutaravaghrta is a medicinal formulation which is practiced clinically for the management of Unmada. The present study was selected to evaluate the efficacy of Mahabhutaravaghrta in reducing the symptoms of Schizophrenia and also in improving the quality of life of Schizophrenia subjects. Methodology: 20 participants satisfying the diagnostic criteria of Schizophrenia were selected and the protocol including Snehapana and Virecana was administered to the participants. Result: By assessing with PANSS Scale, all the domains except the domain grandiosity were statistically significant at p &lt;0.05 and in the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire, all the 4 domains were statistically significant at p&lt;0.001. Conclusion: Sodhananga Snehapana with Mahabhutaravaghrta followed by Virecana has significant effect in the management of Schizophrenia and also in improving the quality of life.

The self-rating of life quality by workers of metal-processing industry

The cross-sectional study of subjective assessment of quality of life of 300 employees of main professions of metalworking industrial production working in harmful labor environment (classes 3.1-3.4) was carried out using validated Russian version of the WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire. The software Statistica 10 was applied for statistical analysis. The statistical processing of study results was performed by calculating arithmetic mean (M), standard deviation (SD) and presented as M±SD. The non-parametric statistical methods were applied to compare two independent samples: the Mann-Whitney U criterion, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The data differences and correlations between the data at p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Based on the results of analysis, satisfaction of employees with quality of life across all domains was established. The quality of life indicators were independent of gender of respondents. With age and experience, decrease of indicators for all domains was established. High indicators for physical health domain and subjective assessment of health status in examined group can be explained from the standpoint of the "healthy worker effect", but concealment of information about true state of health cannot be ruled out. The metal industry workers working in harmful labor conditions are conditionally healthy and active. There is a need for additional research to obtain objective assessment of their health status.

The Added Value of Remote Technology in Cardiac Rehabilitation on Physical Function, Anthropometrics, and Quality of Life: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause most deaths globally and can reduce quality of life (QoL) of rehabilitees with cardiac disease. The risk factors of CVDs are physical inactivity and increased BMI. With physical activity, it is possible to prevent CVDs, improve QoL, and help maintain a healthy body mass. Current literature shows the possibilities of digitalization and advanced technology in supporting independent self-rehabilitation. However, the interpretation of the results is complicated owing to the studies' high heterogeneity. In addition, the added value of this technology has not been studied well, especially in cardiac rehabilitation. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of added remote technology in cardiac rehabilitation on physical function, anthropometrics, and QoL in rehabilitees with CVD compared with conventional rehabilitation. Rehabilitees were cluster randomized into 3 remote technology intervention groups (n=29) and 3 reference groups (n=30). The reference group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation, and the remote technology intervention group received conventional cardiac rehabilitation with added remote technology, namely, the Movendos mCoach app and Fitbit charge accelerometer. The 12 months of rehabilitation consisted of three 5-day in-rehabilitation periods in the rehabilitation center. Between these periods were two 6-month self-rehabilitation periods. Outcome measurements included the 6-minute walk test, body mass, BMI, waist circumference, and World Health Organization QoL-BREF questionnaire at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Between-group differences were assessed using 2-tailed t tests and Mann-Whitney U test. Within-group differences were analyzed using a paired samples t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Overall, 59 rehabilitees aged 41 to 66 years (mean age 60, SD 6 years; n=48, 81% men) were included in the study. Decrement in waist circumference (6 months: 1.6 cm; P=.04; 12 months: 3 cm; P<.001) and increment in self-assessed QoL were greater (environmental factors: 0.5; P=.02) in the remote technology intervention group than the reference group. Both groups achieved statistically significant improvements in the 6-minute walk test in both time frames (P=.01-.03). Additionally, the remote technology intervention group achieved statistically significant changes in the environmental domain at 0-6 months (P=.03) and waist circumference at both time frames (P=.01), and reference group achieve statistically significant changes in waist circumference at 0-6 months (P=.02). Remote cardiac rehabilitation added value to conventional cardiac rehabilitation in terms of waist circumference and QoL. The results were clinically small, but the findings suggest that adding remote technology to cardiac rehabilitation may increase beneficial health outcomes. There was some level of systematic error during rehabilitation intervention, and the sample size was relatively small. Therefore, care must be taken when generalizing the study results beyond the target population. To confirm assumptions of the added value of remote technology in rehabilitation interventions, more studies involving different rehabilitees with cardiac disease are required. ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN61225589; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61225589.

Prevalence and effects of menstrual disorders on quality of life of female undergraduate students in Makerere University College of health sciences, a cross sectional survey

BackgroundMenstrual problems affect as high as 90% of adolescent females and are the main reason for gynecology visits. Dysmenorrhea was the most frequent menstrual disorder for which adolescents and their parents were referred to a physician. Many undergraduate students are adolescents who undergo several hormonal changes that affect menstrual patterns. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of menstrual disorders and to determine the effect of menstrual disorders on quality of life (QOL) of female undergraduate students at Makerere University college of health sciences.MethodsA cross sectional study design using a self-administered questionnaire. WHO (World Health Organization) QOL-BREF (QOL-Best Available Reference document) questionnaire was used to assess QOL of participants. Collected data was double entered into EPIDATA, and transferred to STATA for analysis. Data was presented using tables, and analyzed using percentages, frequencies, medians, interquartile range, means and standard deviations, t-test and ANOVA were used to establish statistical significance. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the participants, 275 were included in the data analysis. The median age of the participants was 21 years with range of 18–39 years and interquartile range of 20–24 years. All the participants had attained menarche. Of the participants, 97.8% (95%CI: 95.2–99.0) (269/275) reported some form of menstrual disorder. Premenstrual symptoms were the commonest disorder (93.8% (95%CI: 90.2–96.1), N = 258) followed by dysmenorrhea (63.6% (95% CI: 57.7–69.1), N = 175), irregular menstruation (20.7% (95%CI: 16.3–25.9), N = 57), frequent menstruation (7.3% 95% CI:4.7–11.0, N = 20) and infrequent menstruation (3.3% (95% CI:1.7–6.2), N = 9). Dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms significantly reduced the QOL scores of participants.ConclusionMenstrual disorders were highly prevalent with negative effects on QOL and class attendance. Efforts should be made to screen and possibly treat menstrual disorders among university students as well as to conduct further studies to elucidate more on the effects of menstrual disorders on quality of life.

Female Renal Donors: Impact of Donation on Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life

Introduction: Donating one’s kidney can be a complicated psychological experience. This study was designed to evaluate and compare anxiety, depression and quality of life of married female renal donors during the pre and post donation phase. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal observational study, 39 consecutive female renal donors were assessed using PHQ-9, HAM-A and the WHO QoL-Bref Questionnaire 2 weeks before and 3 months after kidney donation. Results: The mean age of female kidney donors was 41.74 ± 8.85. After donation, prevalence of depression increased from 43.59 % (n = 17) to 53.84 % (n = 21), (t(38) = -2.089, p = 0.04) while prevalence of anxiety in donors increased from 58.97 (n = 23) to 69.23 % (n = 27) and the difference was found to be statistically significant (t(38) = 2.47, p = 0.01). Kidney transplantation resulted in a significant decrease in overall perception score of WHOQOL-Bref Questionnaire. (t(38) = 3.504, p = 0.001), overall perception score of health (t(38) = 3.504, p = 0.001), physical domain (t(38) = 4.180, p = 0.000) and psychological domain (t(38) = 2.469, p = 0.018) after donation. There were no significant changes in the social relationship (t(38) = -0.80, p = 0.936) and environmental health domain scores (t(38) = 0.991, p = 0.328). On multiple regression analysis, presence of pre-transplant depression was independently associated with overall score of WHOQOL-Bref Questionnaire (β = -0.14, p = 0.002), perception of health (β = -0.08, p = 0.001), physical health (β = -1.91, p = 0.08) and psychological health (β = -2.57, p = 0.02). Pre-transplant anxiety was negatively related to overall perception of health (β = -0.08, p = 0.01), physical health (β = -2.05, p = 0.01) and psychological health (β = -1.94, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Significant reduction in quality of life, perception of health, physical health and psychological domain of female renal donors was observed after donation.

Quality of Life among Malnourished Elderly Population in Rural Puducherry, South India

Context: Health of the elderly will be an important issue in defining the health status of a population in coming years. There is a paucity of information with regard to quality of life (QOL) among malnourished elderly. Aims: To assess the QOL among malnourished elderly in a rural field practice areas of tertiary care hospital, Puducherry, and to find the sociodemographic factors associated with QOL among malnourished elderly population. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study in the rural field areas of Government Medical College of Puducherry. Subjects and Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, the study was conducted among 225 malnourished elderly (&gt;60 years) from April to June 2019 using multistage random sampling technique. Sociodemographic data were obtained using a semistructured questionnaire. Malnutrition was screened using Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form and QOL was assessed using World Health Organization QOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the study participants' age was 69.89 + 6.3 years. 57.8% of them were female, 81.3% were unemployed, and 73.3% were dependent on their old age pension for their livelihood. QOL of malnourished elderly was poor in all the domains when compared to those without malnourished and this is found to be statistically significant. In binomial logistic regression analysis, the presence of comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.4 and 95% confidence interval: 1.3–4.4), unemployed (AOR: 4.8; 1.4–15.9), and living without family (AOR: 0.2; 0.06–0.7) revealed the statistically significant association with low QOL score among malnourished elderly. Conclusions: The mean score of QOL among malnourished elderly was below average in all four domains in which psychosocial domain was badly affected.

Health-Related Quality of Life and its Association with Depression in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background: Diabetes mellitus is noncommunicable disease that in most cases affects the whole life after diagnosis with long-standing effects and debilitating complications. It is also one of the top five causes of mortality and contributes significantly to morbidity. Besides limitations and complications to physical health, it also significantly affects the mental health and affects the quality of life (QOL) among the patients. The current study aimed at finding the QOL among the patients living with diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients attending a diabetic clinic at a district hospital in East Delhi between December 2016 and March 2018. A total of 250 study subjects were included in the study. The Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) and the World Health Organization QOL-BREF questionnaire were used along with a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. Data analysis was done on SPSS 23. Results: The prevalence of depression was found to be 17.6% as per the PHQ-9. Health-related QOL was highest for social domain (63.81 ± 12.74) and lowest among the psychological domain (40.83 ± 8.93) followed by environment (46.92 ± 8.34). The score of all the domains was lowest among depressed group as compared to nondepressed study subjects. Conclusion: Mental health can be adversely affected in the case of patients with diabetes which in turn can affect the QOL of the cohort. Hence, it is important to focus on mental well-being of the diabetics and timely intervention.

SEVERITY DETERMINANTS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHRONIC ALCOHOL USERS: RECENT TRENDS.

Background: Goa is a rapidly developing state with a high level of Western inuence. There are not many studies on alcoholism status in Goa. A need was felt to explore the recent trends in various factors involved along with severity and the quality of life of alcoholic patients. ToAims : study the severity of alcohol use and their correlates in patients admitted to a tertiary care psychiatry hospital and to assess the Quality of life in these patients. A Hospital -based cross-sectional study was initiated among 75 adults aged ≥18 years in a Tertiary careMaterials &amp; Methods: psychiatric inpatient unit. Subjects were selected by a purposive sampling technique. SADQ and WHO QoL BREF questionnaire were used for assessment. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis and Chi Square test for signicance (P&lt;0.05). On SADQ, Moderate dependence was seenResults: in majority of subjects n=39 (52%). Severe dependence was noted in 28 patients (37.3%). Mean age of study sample was 40.17years(SD±10.37yrs) with majority of subjects in 31-50years age group n=46(61.3%). Most study subjects had below SSCE level of education, n=62(82.67%) and only n=13(17.33%) were above SSCE. Majority were daily wagers or unemployed n=42(56%). The age of initiation into alcohol was before 25yrs in 68(90.7%) mean age being 18.28yrs(SD±4.21yrs).76%(n=57) were having more than 10yrs duration of alcohol use. WHOQolBref scores were low in social (38.09) and physical Domains(43.68). There is a trend of earlier initiation of alcohol use at younger age in our studyConclusions: group. Poor educational status, longer duration of alcohol use, poor income and poor QOL is associated with severity of alcohol use.

MP46-01 COLLABORATIVE RESILIENCE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR POST-PENECTOMY PATIENTS: DYADIC COPING PERSPECTIVE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022MP46-01 COLLABORATIVE RESILIENCE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR POST-PENECTOMY PATIENTS: DYADIC COPING PERSPECTIVE George Soko, Mwila Mulubwa, and Tepwanji Mpetemoya George SokoGeorge Soko More articles by this author , Mwila MulubwaMwila Mulubwa More articles by this author , and Tepwanji MpetemoyaTepwanji Mpetemoya More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002612.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The psychosocial impact of Penile cancer treatment generates ripple effect from the patient to his spouse triggering stress, compassion fatigue, and hampering the family’s normal functioning. Fundamental interventions focusing on both the spouse and patients, to improve self-worth and adaptation are generally lacking. Healthcare focus on the patients without regard to the spouses who are generally prone to Vicarious traumatization. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a community based resiliency program on the dyadic family care giving congruence and quality of life of post penectomy patients and their spouses. METHODS: 50 dyads participated in a resiliency program in Lusaka, Zambia between February 2021 and August 2021, that involved 4- weekly sessions focused on emotional regulation, self awareness, distress reduction and building resiliency. A Pre- and post-test design using repeated measures was conducted over six months. Each dyad completed a patient and care giver version of the psychometrically validated two-factor Dyadic Relationship Scale (DRS) respectively, to assess negative dyadic strain and positive dyadic interactions. The WHO QoL BREF questionnaire was used to assess the four key domains of physical health, psychological, social relationship and environment, for each member of the dyads. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Mean age: Spouses and patients; 34.5±7.5 and 41.2±7 years, respectively. DRS score on Positive Interaction; Spouses pre- and post intervention 12.7±1.5 and 23.7±0.62, respectively. Patients pre- and post intervention were 13.3±1.26 and 23.9±0.24, respectively. DRS score on Dyadic Strain; Spouses pre- and post intervention was 19.4±0.76 and 6.3±1.15, respectively. Mean score pre-intervention was significantly higher than at post intervention (p<0.001). Patients pre- and post intervention was 15.4±0.75 and 5±0.91, respectively. Mean score pre-intervention was significantly higher than at post intervention (p<0.001). There was significant increase in the QoL scores based on the four domains of the WHO BREF questionnaire, from pre- to post intervention for both spouses and patients (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial support for family care dyads as they adapt to post penectomy status can alleviate negative effects on physical and mental health outcomes. Communication improved significantly after the resilient program implying that better reciprocal interactions between spouses can improve coping strategies and quality of life. Source of Funding: 0 © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e772 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information George Soko More articles by this author Mwila Mulubwa More articles by this author Tepwanji Mpetemoya More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

CORRELATION STUDY BETWEEN BURDENS AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CAREGIVERS OF DEPENDENT ELDERLY IN PRAWIRODIRJAN VILLAGE

Background: Aging is synonymous with decreased body function due to natural factors (aging process) and diseases. The elderly who are unable to do their activities can cause dependence on the caregiver. In carrying out its role, the caregiver has burdens that can affect their life quality. Objective: To measure the correlation between the burden and the quality of life in caregivers of dependent elderly in Prawirodirjan Sub-district, Gondomanan District, Yogyakarta Municipality. Materials and Methods: This study used a cross-sectional method with a total sample of 33 participants. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA) questionnaires. Measurements of quality of life were conducted using the WHO QoL BREF questionnaire. Spearman rank correlation analysis was administered to conduct statistical analysis. Results: There were very significant negative correlations between the caregiver’s burden (ZBI) and WHO QoL BREF physical health domain, psychological domain, social relations domain, and environment domain. There were very significant positive correlations between the caregiver’s burden self-esteem caregiver’s domain (CRA) and WHO QoL BREF psychological domain. There was a significant negative correlation between the caregiver's burden of the family support domain (CRA) and WHO QoL BREF physical health domain, psychological domain, social relations domain, and environment domain. There was a significant negative correlation between the caregiver’s burden impacts on the financial domain (CRA) and WHO QoL BREF environment domain. There was a very significant negative correlation between the caregiver’s burden of daily schedule impact domain (CRA) and WHO QoL BREF environment domain as well as there was a very significant negative correlation between the caregiver’s burden of health impact domain (CRA) and WHO QoL BREF physical health domain. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between burden and the quality of life of dependent elderly caregivers in Prawirodirjan Village, Gondomanan District, Yogyakarta Municipality. The higher the burden of a caregiver, the lower the caregiver's quality of life, and conversely.

The Correlation Between Surgical Procedures and Quality of Life Among Sickle Cell Disease Patients: A Perspective Saudi Study.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the common prevalent diseases in Saudi Arabia. It is associated with several complications that sometimes necessitate surgical procedures. Those patients can also have a lower quality of life (QoL) due to several reasons. Our aim in this study is to highlight the association between sociodemographic data, clinical data, and SCD-related surgeries in patients with their QoL.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a validated Arabic version of the World Health Organization QoL-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire distributed in electronic form. Male and female Arabic speakers (18+ years old) of Saudi origin were included in this study; those who did not meet these criteria were excluded.Results: We distributed 309 questionnaires to the targeted subjects; however, only 204 met our inclusion criteria. Our findings revealed 135 female respondents and 69 male respondents. Interestingly, splenectomy was not significantly associated with a difference in all aspects of QoL in SCD patients. However, the data showed significantly lower respective mean scores for physical health (p=0.002 & p=0.022) and overall QoL (p=0.024 & p=0.042) for those who underwent cholecystectomy and hip arthroplasty. In contrast, shoulder arthroplasty appeared to be associated with significantly lower mean scores for physical health (T=-2.597; p=0.010) and the environmental aspect of QoL (T=-2.016; p=0.045).Conclusion: Cholecystectomy, hip arthroplasty, and shoulder arthroplasty were significantly associated with lower QoL in SCD patients.

The quality of life of patients with head neoplasms and incidence of depression treated with radiotherapy. A preliminary research report

Introduction. The diagnosis of a primary tumor of the central nervous system is a source of huge fear and anxiety for a patient, because the prognosis is usually unfavorable. Very often, the cancer is accompanied by depression, which reduces the effectiveness of treatment and worsens the patient’s functioning in everyday life. The aim. The aim of the study is to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between quality of life and incidence of depression, as well as the side effects of treatment in people treated with radiation for head cancer. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 103 patients during treatment in the Radiotherapy Ward of the Specialist Hospital in Nowy Sącz. The research tools were: the WHO QOL-Bref questionnaire, the Beck Depression Scale and a questionnaire of the author’s own design regarding patients treated with radiation therapy for head cancer. Results. The general perception of the quality of life in the studied group was 2.88 points, the general perception of the patient’s own health was 1.88 points. The average quality of life was the highest in the environmental field: 62.50 ± 23.21, while the lowest in the physical field: 44.24 ± 28.65. Conclusions. Both the overall assessment of the quality of life in the assessed areas and the perception of health by patients treated with radiation therapy for head cancer are low.

The relationship between physical performance and quality of life and the level of physical activity among the elderly.

BACKGROUND:Loss of physical function during the process of aging might affect the quality of life. Physical function assessment tests predicts outcomes such as falls, institutionalization, and death. Studies assessing the association of physical function with quality of life and physical activity level of elderly population in India is scarce. Hence we aimed to assess the physical function of community dwelling older adults and to determine its association with physical activity levels and quality of life.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This was a cross-sectional analytical study. 89 community dwelling older adults between 60 and 80 years of age were recruited. Physical function was assessed by standing balance, walking speed, and grip strength. Quality of life was assessed by WHO QOL BREF questionnaire and physical activity level was assessed by International Physical activity Questionnaire.RESULTS:Standing balance was reduced in 24% and walking speed was decreased in 33% of the participants. Males had higher walking speed, and grip strength. Quality of life was better among males. Standing balance, walking speed and grip strength was significantly higher in moderate – heavy activity levels. There was positive correlation between physical function and quality of life. There was also positive correlation between physical activity level and quality of life.CONCLUSION:Physical function, quality of life and physical activity level were decreased. Males had better physical function and quality of life. Physically active individuals had better physical function and quality of life. Early detection of decreased physical function and increase in physical activity level could result in better quality of life among elderly.

Quality of life and mental health status of hansen disease patients, attending a designated leprosy care center in South-India.

"Quality of life (QOL)" is relatively a new concept, which originates from the World Health Organization (WHO) "health" definition. The WHO defines "health" as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. It introduces a word, "well-being," which has two components, one the objective component and the second subjective component. The objective component mainly includes all the material possession by an individual, whereas the subjective component includes the perception of health by an individual, i.e., "QoL." It has been observed that most of the persons affected by Hansen's Disease (leprosy) have good economic conditions, but they continue to suffer from social, psychological, and physical problems which makes their life miserable. Hence, an attempt has been made to assess their QOL and factors determining them. A convenient sampling technique was used and 114 persons affected with Hansen's disease were studied. The study was conducted for a period of 1 year from November 2012 to October 2013. QOL was assessed using the WHO QOL-BREF Questionnaire and mental health status by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. The results were obtained using SPSS 17.0 software, statistical tests such as Chi-square test, ANOVA, and standard multiple logistic regression analysis were used. Quality of leprosy patients was poor. The mean WHOQOL-BREF total score was below average (mean score <65). Physical QOL of leprosy was more affected in females (mean WHOQOL-BREF score = 20.80). Mental distress was more prevalent in males (74.6%) compared to females (25.4%). Presence of deformities, female sex of the patient, and advanced age of the patient showed the greatest association with adverse QOL. Presence of physical disabilities or deformities and advanced age of leprosy patients adversely affect QOL of leprosy patients, whereas low level of education and poor socioeconomic status do not have a significant effect on QOL.

Gender differences in quality of life and psychological impact of facial burn scars in a tertiary care center

AimTo compare the quality of life and psychological impact of cases of facial burn scar between male and female patients. Study typeAn observational cross sectional study done in a tertiary care university level teaching hospital, on a hospital based sample over a period ranging from January 2018 to July 2019. MethodologyThe study was carried out on 32 patients of facial burn scar, who were screened for psychiatric diagnoses by MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview; severity of depression and anxiety assessed by HDRS and HAM A; assessed for QoL and scar ratings of both patient and observer. QoL was assessed using the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire. The scar assessment was done with the help of POSAS by interviewing the patient and examination of the scar. ResultsNone of other socio-demographic variables patient showed any significant association with the number of psychiatric diagnoses of the patient or QoL domains; barring years of schooling, which had a significant positive correlation with the psychological domain score of QoL. Being male or female also did not show any significant differences with the anxiety or depression severity. No burn or scar related variable could reach significant association, except scar itching, stiffness scores of POSAS P and overall scar opinion score of POSAS O, with the number of psychiatric diagnoses of the patient. Extent of scar had significant negative associations with the physical and psychological domains of QoL. Significant negative correlations were found between scar variables like stiffness, pigmentation, relief, pliability, and overall opinion and QoL domain scores. The total observer score of POSAS and the overall opinion of observer had much stronger negative correlation than the patient score; the latter having a significant association with the depression severity as well. ConclusionNo statistically significant gender difference in QoL and psychological impact of patients with facial burn scar were found. However educational level was found to positively influence the psychological well-being of the patients; whereas scar extent was found to negatively affect the physical and psychological domains of QoL.

Assessment of health-related quality of life in Egyptian children and adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

To read the full abstract: J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 33(2): 295–304. doi: 10.1515/jpem-2019-0345

An android smartphone-based randomized intervention improves the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Background and aimsAssociated with severe complications and morbidity, Diabetes Mellitus is a significant public health burden. The need for regular monitoring and adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes have a high impact on the quality of life of the patients. This study attempts to assess the effect of smartphone-based lifestyle modification intervention in the quality of life of patients with type 2 Diabetes through a randomized filed trial. MethodsA randomized field trial was performed among the patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Mysuru city. A mobile application named DIAGURU, mainly focusing on the lifestyle modification and medication management was used for a period of 6 months from April 2019 to September 2019 by 150 patients in the intervention group while another 150 participants served as controls. The quality of life was assessed using the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after six months. ResultsThe change in the quality of life in a positive direction was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group after six months. The differences in the change in scores of quality of life of participants recruited in intervention and non-intervention groups were statistically significant in all the four domains after the intervention with a p value < 0.001. ConclusionThe evidence generated in this study suggest that such technological approaches can be used as a public health measure to improve the quality of life of patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.