Related Quality Of Life Factors Research Articles

Pandemic management impacts Slovak health care workers' quality of life during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to accepting a lot of various protective pandemic management-related measures (PanMan), which may have had a large impact on health care workers (HCWs) but evidence is scarce. We therefore explored the impact of measures during the second wave. We assessed the associations of PanMan with the Quality of Life (QoL) of hospital HCWs. We collected data from 215 HCWs (77.7% females, mean age 44.4), who were working at the COVID-related departments of one large hospital in eastern Slovakia via a questionnaire, specifically developed in direct collaboration with them. We assessed PanMan related factors, such as COVID-19 experience, information overload, non-adherence of the public, work stress, barriers and facilitators of health care provision, and QoL related factors, such as impact on family life and activities, housekeeping, relationships with relatives and mental well-being. To analyse the data, we used logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender. PanMan greatly impacted the QoL of HCWs, in particular family life, housekeeping and mental well-being (odds ratio, 6.8-2.2). The most influential PanMan factors were COVID-19 experience (3.6-2.3), work stress (4.1-2.4) and barriers in health care provision (6.8-2.2). Perceiving work stress had a negative impact on all QoL domains, even on relationships with the greatest impact. Conversely, the PanMan factors reducing the negative impact on QoL were training and colleagues' support (0.4-0.1). PanMan had a strong negative impact on the QoL of hospital HCWs during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fulfilling of exercise training program scheduled: a secondary analysis of influencing factors in a clinical study on chronic kidney patients

Chronic Kidney Patients (CKP) present a negative clinical status, with structural and functional changes in the musculoskeletal system and mental health partly due to a sedentary lifestyle. An effective physical stimulus for CKP is as important as to be able to follow it in the long-term. This study aimed to analyzethe association between some of the most influencing exercise adherence factors in CKP performing an exercise prescription programme. 67 subjects (23.9% women) participated in 14-week exercise programme in 3 dialysis centersin Madrid (Spain). Social-economic, educational, demographics, physical fitness, psychological and quality of life-related factors, were analyzedby a binary logistic regression model. Exercise adherence was established according to the number of training sessions attended per total sessions scheduled (cut-off point >75%). According to our binary logistic regression model performed with CKP, actual side effects symptoms/problems (OR:0.925: 95% CI [0.871, 0.983]) and depressionstatus (OR:0.882: 95% CI [0.788, 0.987]),showed significant negative associations(B= -0.078; B= -0.126, respectively)andState-Trait Anxiety level (OR: 1.122: 95% CI [1.007, 1.250]) and emotional well-being dimension (OR:1.046: 95% CI [1.001, 1.094]),showed significant positive associations (B=0.115; B=0.045, respectively). Thesewerethe most influencing factors related tothefulfilling >75% sessions of the exercise training program scheduled, explaining33.20% in our model.From the total of variables analyzedin our model, psychological issues such asanxiety and depression, besides thehealth-related quality of life factors such as actual side effects (symptoms/problems) and emotional well-beingwere the most influencing factors related to the exercise prescription adherence in CKP.

Medication Adherence in a Cross-Diagnostic Sample of Patients From the Affective-to-Psychotic Spectrum: Results From the PsyCourse Study.

IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organization, medication adherence is defined as the extent to which a person's behavior corresponds with an agreed recommendation from a healthcare provider. Approximately 50% of patients do not take their medication as prescribed, and non-adherence can contribute to the progress of a disease. For patients suffering from mental diseases non-adherence plays an important role. Various factors have been proposed as contributing to non-adherence, however the literature remains heterogeneous dependent on the analyzed patient subgroups. This study comprehensively evaluates the association of sociodemographic, clinical, personality and quality of life related factors with medication adherence by analyzing data from the PsyCourse study. The PsyCourse study is a large and cross-diagnostic cohort of psychiatric patients from the affective-to-psychotic spectrum.MethodsThe study sample comprised 1,062 patients from the PsyCourse study with various psychiatric diagnoses (mean [SD] age, 42.82 [12.98] years; 47.4% female). Data were analyzed to identify specific factors associated with medication adherence, and adherence was measured by a self-rating questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated by a logistic regression for binary outcomes. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation.ResultsThe following factors showed the strongest association with medication adherence: never having used illicit drugs (OR, 0.71), number of prescribed antipsychotics (OR, 1.40), the personality trait conscientiousness (OR, 1.26), and the environmental domain of quality of life (OR, 1.09).ConclusionIn a large and cross-diagnostic sample, we could show that a higher level of conscientiousness, a higher number of antipsychotic medication, a better quality of life within the environmental domain, and the absence of substance abuse contribute to a better medication adherence independent of the underlying disorder.

Quality of Life of Chronic Heart Failure Patients

Background: Chronic Heart Failure is a complex clinical conditions affecting patients’ Quality of Life (QoL) globally. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the factors influencing the quality of life of the chronic heart failure patients. Methods: A descriptive exploratory study was carried out by face-to-face interview with structured standard questionnaire. One hundred and forty two hospitalized chronic heart failure patients were conveniently recruited from National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Hospital, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected from January to February, 2019. Quality of life related factors were identified using Patients’ General Characteristics Questionnaire. QOL of chronic heart failure patients was measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Instrument-Short Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Descriptive statistic was used to describe the samples’ characteristics. Association between Socio-demographic characteristics and QOL of chronic heart failure patients was measured using t-test and one way of ANOVA. Relationship between continuous variables was measured by Pearson correlation test. Results: Findings reveal that mean of the total chronic heart failure related quality of life was 94.16 (SD = 3.20) out of maximum of 105. This high score indicates worsen chronic heart failure patients’ quality of life. The mean score of general quality of life of chronic heart failure patients was calculated as 41.05 (SD = 5.109) out of maximum of 130 which indicates low level of general quality of life of chronic heart failure patients. There is a significant positive correlation found between disease related quality of life and general quality of life of chronic heart failure patients. Dimensions of physical (r = 0.248, p = 0.000), mental (r = −0.180, p −0.141, p < 0.001) of MLHFQ were significantly correlated with psychological dimension of WHOQOL-BREF except total two dimensions of its. Gender, marital status, education, income, smoking, residence and BMI were identified as factors having an effect on QOL of Chronic Heart Failure patients. Conclusion: Further intervention study is necessary to improve the quality of life of chronic heart failure patients.

Molecular genetic, host-derived and clinical determinants of long-term survival in glioblastoma: First results from the ETERNITY study (EORTC 1419).

2056 Background: Glioblastoma represents the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, and less than 5% of patients survive 5 years from diagnosis. Factors influencing this long-term survival are poorly understood. Methods: In cooperation with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) in Brussels, Belgium, more than 20 clinical sites in the US, Europe and Australia have registered patients with centrally confirmed glioblastoma who survived ≥ 5 years, collecting clinical data including therapy and quality of life-related factors, as well as biospecimens allowing to analyse molecular and immunological parameters. Results: At the cut-off of December 31, 2018, 392 patients were registered, of which 232 had glioblastoma confirmed by central pathology review; 59 dropped out due to histology other than glioblastoma. Glioblastomas were isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype in 70.7% and had a positive O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promotor methylation status in 75.9%. Median age at diagnosis was 52 years (range: 21-77 years). There was enrichment for patients with gross total resection. Further analyses are ongoing. Conclusions: In a comprehensive effort, the consortium funded by the US Brain Tumor Funders’ Collaborative characterizes factors modulating long-term survival in glioblastoma in a unique large patient cohort. Clinical trial information: NCT 03770468.

Recruitment and participant baseline characteristics in the dialysis outcomes in those aged 65 years or older study

BackgroundDespite an increasing number of older people commencing dialysis the impact of dialysis on their quality of life and survival, remains unclear. The Dialysis Outcomes in those aged over 65 years or older study is an accelerated prospective cohort longitudinal design study, designed to obtain sufficient health related quality of life data, linked to clinical data, to inform clinicians’ and patients’ decision-making with respect to end stage kidney disease (ESKD), outcomes, and options for management in New Zealand (NZ).MethodsThe study has an accelerated prospective cohort longitudinal design, comprised of cross-sectional and longitudinal components. We report the baseline data on the 225 participants enrolled in the study. Dialysis duration was grouped in tertiles from less than one year (incident patients), 1–3 years and greater than 3 years. Health related quality of life data was obtained from self-reported questionnaires including KDQoL-36, EQ-5D-3 L, FACIT, WHODAS II, and the Personal Well-being Score.ResultsThe median age of the cohort was 71 years and two thirds were male. Three quarters of the participants were on dialysis at the baseline, with 42% of those on home dialysis (haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis). Māori and Pacific people were over represented (20% Māori and 24% Pacific) in the sample, when compared to the general NZ population of the same age group (where 5% are Māori and 2% are Pacific). At baseline, there were no differences observed in sociodemographic, quality of life or health characteristics between the dialysis groups either by modality or duration of dialysis.ConclusionsWe report the baseline characteristics of participants enrolled prospectively into a longitudinal cohort observational study examining health related quality of life factors with clinical characteristics on dialysis outcomes in a group of New Zealanders aged 65 years or older who are either on dialysis or have been educated about dialysis (BMC Nephrol 14:175, 2013). Subsequent publications are planned, analysing the prospective longitudinal data to identify key factors that determine both outcome and quality of life for individuals of this age group.Trial registrationACTRN12611000024943.

ACTR-23. MOLECULAR GENETIC, HOST-DERIVED AND CLINICAL DETERMINANTS OF LONG-TERM SURVIVAL IN GLIOBLASTOMA: FIRST RESULTS FROM THE BRAIN TUMOR FUNDERS’ COLLABORATIVE CONSORTIUM

Survival in glioblastoma patients is usually in the range of 12–15 months, and less than 5% of patients survive 5 years from diagnosis. Little is known about factors influencing long-term survival. A consortium generously funded by the Brain Tumor Funders’ Collaborative comprising more than 20 clinical sites in Europe, the US, and Australia registers patients with glioblastoma who survived for at least 5 years. The aim of the study is a better understanding of factors contributing to prolonged survival by assessment of (i) clinical features, (ii) molecular parameters, (iii) therapy and quality of life-related factors, and (iv) immunological parameters. The histopathological diagnosis of glioblastoma is centrally reviewed at study entry. Clinical characteristics including imaging data are collected at the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) in Brussels, Belgium. Comprehensive molecular analyses are performed at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany. Immunological parameters are analyzed in Zurich, Switzerland. Alive patients are followed by neurocognitive assessments additionally. At the cut-off of May 30, 2017, 182 patients have been registered by 17 sites; 107 patients are alive, more than half of which contribute to the neurocognitive assessments and patient-related outcome studies, as well as the immunological studies. First comprehensive results of disease characteristics with a cut-off of September 30, 2017, will be presented. The collaborative effort of this consortium by comprehensive characterization of molecular parameters, immunological aspects, and individual clinical and therapy-related determinants will contribute to a better understanding of factors that modulate the course of this disease.

Clinical Characteristics of Mixed Arteriovenous Leg Ulcers: A Descriptive Study.

The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of mixed arteriovenous leg ulcers (MLU) that differentiated them from venous leg ulcers (VLU). Secondary analysis of data from larger electronic database. The sample comprised 1007 persons with lower extremity ulcers. Two hundred sixty three individuals with MLU were compared to 744 individuals with VLU; their ankle brachial indices were 0.51-0.90 and 0.91-.30 respectively. Subjects were drawn from community care settings from across Canada. Data concerning baseline demographic and pertinent clinical characteristics including ulcer history were collected using multiple validated instruments. The Leg Ulcer Assessment Tool was used to collect demographic and pertinent medical history, The Short Form Health Survey 12 and the Euro Wuol 5D (EQ-5D) were used to measure health related quality of life, the numeric pain scales was used to measure character and intensity of pain. Groups were compared using χ or Mann-Whitney U. Individuals with MLU were significantly older, has lower body mass index, a history of smoking, and more comorbid conditions than subjects with VLU. In many cases, clinical presentation was indicative of significant arterial insufficiency including cool extremities, shiny, cracked and inelastic skin, impaired capillary refill, and weak pedal pulses. Ulcer pain was highly prevalent, but overall pain rating was similar between groups. Mixed arteriovenous leg ulcers were associated with lower health related quality of life, greater mobility impairments, and more deficits in self-care and usual activities. Greater knowledge and understanding of the distinct characteristics of MLU is critical for appropriate screening, prevention, assessment and management of persons with this form of leg ulcer. Pain and health related quality of life factors are important considerations when evaluating and managing these patients.

Effects of nursing care planning tools on nurses’ and residents’ quality of life in long-term care facilities: A literature review

Introduction : Health-care providers invest substantial resources for nursing care planning (NCP) and documentation. Its effectiveness is varying. In this review nursing care planning tools (NCPT) are considered as a technology supporting the nurses in their daily working life and simultaneously supporting residents in their daily life in the nursing home. The purpose of this literature review is to identify studies verifying the effects of NCPT on user's quality of life (QoL) as a relevant outcome in long-term care. End-users are nurses who work with these tools and residents who are affected directly and indirectly by NCPT. Methods : A literature review with a peer-review system from 1995 to 2014 of 6 electronic databases (PSYNDEX, WISO-Net, PubMed, CINAHL, GeroLit, Cochrane Library) was performed. In addition, a hand search in scientific journals for nursing was conducted and snowball strategies were used such as screening the reference lists of eligible papers, reviewing grey literature and contacting experts in the field. The screening process follows PRISMA-systematic. Studies with mixed-method designs were included. Methodological quality of records was assessed by criteria of SQUIRE guidelines and ENTREQ and ranked by Evans’ hierarchy of evidence. Results : Out of 1,190 matches, 205 full-texts were analysed and 6 records has been included. Due to varying methods of these studies no meta-analysis could be conducted and main results were narratively summarized by content analysis. Quality of life as a holistic concept was not found as primary endpoint. But for relevant quality of life related factors, NCPT based on NANDA-I diagnoses and comprehensive nursing diagnoses seem to have desirable effects on QoL. Conclusions : More user-oriented research with the focus on end-user's quality of life is needed for investigating the effects of nursing care planning tools. Mixed-method designs including qualitative studies should be used for taking into consideration user's perspective and perception.

The effects of observation of walking in a living room environment, on physical, cognitive, and quality of life related outcomes in older adults with dementia: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe number of older adults with dementia is expected to increase. Dementia is not only characterized by a decline in cognition, also other functions, for example, physical functioning change. A possible means to decrease the decline in these functions, or even improve them, could be increasing the amount of physical activity. A feasible way hereto may be activation of the mirror neuron system through action observation. This method has already been shown beneficial for the performance of actions in, for example, stroke patients. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effect of observing videos of walking people on physical activity and physical performance, in older adults with dementia. Secondary, effects on cognition and quality of life related factors will be examined.Methods/DesignA cluster randomized controlled trial is being performed, in which videos are shown to older adults with dementia (also additional eligibility criteria apply) in shared living rooms of residential care facilities. Due to the study design, living rooms instead of individual participants are randomly assigned to the experimental (videos of walking people) or control (videos of nature) condition, by means of drawing pieces of paper. The intervention has a duration of three months, and takes place on weekdays, during the day. There are four measurement occasions, in which physical activity, physical functioning, activities of daily living, cognition, the rest-activity rhythm, quality of life, and depression are assessed. Tests for participants are administered by a test administrator who is blind to the group the participant is in.DiscussionThis study examines the effect of the observation of walking people on multiple daily life functions and quality of life related factors in older adults with dementia. A strength of this study is that the intervention does not require much time and attention from caregivers or researchers. A challenge of the study is therefore to get to know for how long residents watch the videos. However, the design implies a high feasibility of the study, as well as a high applicability of the intervention into daily care.Trial registrationNTR4708. Date of registration: 31 July 2014.

Association between Oral Health Status and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Sudanese Adults: A Matched Case-Control Study

AimThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and subjective oral health indicators of type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) with age and gender matched non-diabetic controls. A second aim was to identify clinical and subjective oral health indicators that discriminate between well-controlled and poorly controlled T2DM patients as well as between patients with long and short duration of the disease.MethodsA total of 457 individuals participated in the study (154 T2DM cases and 303 non-diabetic controls). The T2DM group was sub-divided according to metabolic control [(well-controlled: glycosylated haemoglobin test ≤8%), (poorly controlled: glycosylated haemoglobin test > 8%)] and according to duration of T2DM [(long duration: >10 years), (short duration: ≤10 years)]. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire including socio-demographics, lifestyle and oral health related quality of life factors. The clinical examination comprised full mouth probing depths, plaque index, tooth mobility index, furcation involvement and coronal and root surface caries.ResultsThe T2DM patients presented with more probing depths ≥4mm, furcation involvement, tooth mobility, missing teeth, and oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP). The corresponding adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were 4.07 (1.74–9.49), 2.96 (1.36–6.45), 5.90 (2.26–15.39), 0.23 (0.08–0.63) and 3.46 (1.61–7.42), respectively. Moreover, the odds ratio was 2.60 (1.21–5.55) for the poorly controlled T2DM patients to have high levels of mobility index and 2.94 (1.24–6.94) for those with long duration of T2DM to have high decayed, missed and filled teeth (DMFT) values.ConclusionThis study revealed that chronic periodontitis, tooth mobility, furcation involvement and OIDP were more prevalent among T2DM patients compared to their non-diabetic controls.

OP069: Changes quality of life in newly diagnosed oral cavity cancer patients – Overall trajectory, related factors and sub-patterns of QOL during the first 12-month of diagnosis

The diagnosis of oral cavity cancers and treatments/disease related distress from the oral–facial areas may influence patients’ quality of life (QOL). The purposes of this study were to (1) examine the changes of symptoms (physical distress), psychological distress (depression and anxiety) and QOL during the first 12 months of being diagnosed as oral cavity cancer, (2) identify factors related to overall QOL, and (3) identify QOL sub-patterns in newly diagnosed oral cavity cancer patients in Taiwan. A 12-month prospective longitudinal study was conducted to assess the changes of symptom, psychological distress and QOL. Subjects were recruited from three medical centers in Northern Taiwan and were assessed on 6 time points (days before operation, 1, 2, 3, 6 12 months post surgery/T1–T6, respectively). The psychometrically validated Chinese version instruments were used, including (1) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), (2) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), (3) University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL), and (4) Background Information Form. In addition to the descriptive statistics, the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was applied to identify the overall QOL related factors. The latent class growth modeling was used to identify the potential QOL sub-patterns. Data were collected after Institute Review Board (IRB) approval and patients’ consents. A total of 150 eligible subjects completed the 12 months assessments. Overall, patients reported moderate levels of QOL with the worst QOL during the first three months post-surgery (T2–T4). However, some delayed problems were also reported, including dry mouth, swallowing problem, chewing dysfunction and employment concern. Patients having reconstruction surgery, more advanced cancer stage, higher levels of depression and symptom severity, without job, and having lower education level were found to have lower levels of QOL across the time. QOL sub-patterns were also identified. Results of the study provide the evidence-based information to health care professionals to better help oral cavity cancer patients with timely interventions. Future studies should also test the effects of these interventions on improving patients’ QOL.

Influence of nursing intervention on quality of life of adult patients with asthma

Objective To know the quality of life-related factors in patients with asthma, and then carry out certain effective counter nursing measures. Methods Investigated 137 patients with severe asthma, to know their nursing requirement and factors which can influence their quality of life, and then counert nursing measures were carried out for patients according to the results of investigation. Compared the quality of life of patients with asthma before and after the research. Results There was a negative correlation between the quality of life for patients with asthma and their smoking habit, sleeping station, disease course and complica-tions respectively, while a positive correlation between the quality of life for patients with asthma and their edu-caiton background, asthma-related knowledge and incomes. The nursing requirement about health education, psychological interview, treatment services were the main requirements. After the nursing intervention, the quali-ty of life for patients with asthma was significant better than before. Conchlsions There were several factors which can influence the quality of life for patients with asthma, analysis,carry out certain strategy and eval-uation a kind of proper mode for adult patients with asthma. Key words: Asthma; Quality of life; Nursing requirement; Nursing strategy

OUTPATIENT EXPERIENCE WITH PATIENTS OLDER THAN 65 ON HEARTMATE LVAD

The demographics of patients receiving mechanical circulatory support are changing to include increasing numbers of older, non-transplant eligible, destination therapy patients. Information about outcomes with this patient population is limited. Since April of 1999, our institution initiated LVAD therapy (HeartMate VE or XVE, Thoratec) in 12 patients older than 65, 10 of whom (83%) were discharged to an outpatient status. We studied outcomes with these patients assessing morbidity and mortality and quality of life related factors. Nine males and one female with a median age of 72 years (range 65–78) experienced a total of 5118 days of support (14 years). Median duration of support was 476 days (range 15–1364). They spent a median of 412 days as outpatients (range 5–1305) that comprised 93% of their time on support. Seven patients (70%) were found capable of living independently, five (50%) returned to work, Five (50%) were allowed to drive, and four (40%) were able to travel. Two patients (20%) have been transplanted and five (50%) are still on support. Three deaths (30%) occurred at 74 days (cognitive inability to respond appropriately to LVAD power loss alarms), 812 days (stroke), and 819 days post implant (multiorgan failure complicating LVAD replacement surgery). Five pump failures were managed by pump replacement after a median duration of support of 531 days (range 352–812). One patient had a hemorrhagic CVA that resolved with complete neurologic recovery. Despite advanced age and co-morbidities, patients over 65 years of age are generally able to enjoy good outcomes with present technology and management.

Quality of Life and Related Factors of Home Oxygen Therapy Patients

Purpose The purpose of this study was to elucidate the quality of life (QOL) of home oxygen therapy (HOT) patients and the contribution of changes in related factors and selfcare actions to QOL, on the basis of two surveys. Based on them we assessed the internal constructs of the QOL of HOT patients and associations with related factors and selfcare actions by covariance structureanalysis.Method A questionnaire was used to survey the HOT patients, and the subjects of the analysis were 126 patients surveyed the first time and 203 patients surveyed this time.Conclusions1. The results of the two surveys showed that the characteristics of the HOT patients tended to be almost the same, but the results of the second survey showed that the use of medical and welfare services had increased.2. Validity and reliability of the "HOT Patient QOL Scale" used to measure overall QOL in this study were obtained in the second survey, and it was possible to confirm its reproducibility.3. The scores for 4 factors extracted as QOL related factors in the first survey, i.e., "severity of dyspnea", "independence of daily activities", "stress awareness", and"psychological support by close relatives"were the similar in the second survey, and correlations with QOL were observed in the second survey as well.4. "Selfcare actions" were not directly associated with the QOL of HOT patients, but they contributed to maintenance of daily activities and decreases in stress awareness.5. The relations between component factors according to the covariance structure analysis of QOL showed that "stress awareness" directly affected QOL, and that "stress awareness", "severity of dyspnea", "independence of daily activities", and "psychological support by close persons" were interrelated and effected QOL through "stress awareness".