Related Quality Of Life Research Articles

The study of associated factors in relation to patient satisfaction during fixed orthodontic treatment from patients’ aspects

ABSTRACT Objective The principal objective of this study is to assess the associated factors of patient’s self-assessment problems to their satisfaction during fixed orthodontic treatment. The secondary objective is to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life index (GOHAI) of patients with a fixed orthodontic appliance. Method Adult patients older than 15 years of age with fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited to fill the questionnaires from validated Chinese version of GOHAI assessment and other parts of questions with patient’s satisfactions for the purpose of this study. Descriptive statistic test was performed between demographic variables of patient’s reported GOHAI assessment and patient’s satisfaction towards fixed orthodontic appliances. Chi-square test or fisher’s exact test was performed to determine associations between scores of GOHAI and patient’s self-reported satisfaction to tooth movement with patient satisfaction towards fixed orthodontic appliance. Result Among 125 volunteers, both males (77.4%) and females (76.6%) were satisfying during fixed orthodontic treatment. In our study, GOHAI total mean scores of 125 patients resulted (43.44) with a minimum of 28 and maximum of 58 points. There was a correlation of treatment duration, awareness of tooth movement improvement, increased frequency of visiting to orthodontic clinic to patient’s satisfaction during their treatment conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, patient satisfaction during orthodontic treatment is in relation with ;(1) Duration period of orthodontic treatment, ;(2) Self-awareness of tooth position improvement, ;(3) Frequency of in-between visits, Yet, there is negligible associated between oral health related quality of life assessed by using GOHAI and patients satisfaction during fixed orthodontic treatment.

Health related quality of life and its predictive factors on cervical cancer patients in two teaching hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundCervical cancer is the second most prevalent and the leading cause of cancer related deaths among Ethiopian women; and about three fourth are diagnosed at advanced stages. Cervical cancer can affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple ways. The main aim of this study was to describe the HRQOL of cervical cancer patients and the predictive factors using validated tools.MethodsInstitution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 cervical cancer patients using the validated Amharic version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) modules; QLQ-C30 and QLQ CX24. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the raw data. One way ANOVA was used to determine the significance of mean differences between the dependent and independent variables. Binary and multivariable regression analysis were used to measure the association between Global Health Status and independent factors. The level of significance was set at p-value < 0.05.ResultsOn EORTC QLQ-C30 scales, the mean Global Health Status (GHS) was 42.57 ± 23.31. The least and highest affected functions were physical and social, mean (SD) = 76.39 ± 23.24 and 50.40 ± 32.19, respectively. The financial difficulty was the most affected among the symptom scales, 57.83 ± 35.34. Only physical function and financial difficulty have shown an independent association with GHS, (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05–0.84), (AOR = 0.21 95% CI = 0.07–0.59), respectively. Illiterate, can read and write, were among the predictor factors that showed an independent association with the Global Health Status. Among the EORTC QLQ-CX24 symptom scales, the highest affected score was for sexual worry, mean (SD) = 51.81 + 32.197.ConclusionsIn an effort to improve the Global Health Status of cervical cancer patients in Ethiopia; physical function and financial difficulty should be the priority areas. The Illiterate and those who lack formal education need due attention in order to improve the health-related quality-of-life.

IJCM_131A: Assessment of health related quality of life among type 2 Diabetics patients - A cross sectional study

Background: The impact of diabetes on a patient can be measured by traditional methods, like biochemical, morbidity and mortality although attention has recently been given to measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL is important to assess the impact of the disease from the patient’s perspective. Hence, HRQOL can be defined as the subjective assessment of the impact of disease and its treatment across the physical, psychological and social domains of functioning and well-being. Objectives: 1. To assess the Health - related quality of life of patients with type- II diabetics.2. To study the associated factors affecting the quality of life of diabetic patients. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Sapthagiri Institute of medical sciences and research centre. Data was collected using a predesigned, pre-validated questionnaire. Data was collected by conducting house to house survey. Informed consent was taken. Data collected was entered in MS excel and analysis was done using SPSS. Frequency and percentages was used for categorized variables. Mean and standard deviation was used for continuous data. Results: A total of 100 diabetics were surveyed. Among them 56 were females and remaining were males. Overall patients with Type II diabetes have a negative impact on their quality of life with or without complications. It also shows that diabetes affects various domains such as physical functioning, emotional well-being, social functioning, economical status, and general health in a patient’s life, thereby affecting the QoL. Conclusion: It is recommended for patients to have an adequate and strict glycemic control enabling them to maintain their quality of life, preventing disease progression and diabetic complications.

The personal impact of living with a myeloproliferative neoplasm.

The aim of this study is to gain insight into the physical, psychological and social impact of having a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a rare type of cancer with an often chronic course. An online survey was conducted among 455 Dutch MPN patients (62.7% female, age M 63) to explore the impact of the disease by measuring the MPN symptom burden (MPN-SAF TSS) and quality of life (QoL) (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its subscales within a hierarchical QoL model. We examined differences in MPN symptom burden and QoL in relation to sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to explain variances in QoL. Most patients (97%) experienced MPN-related health complaints, with a significantly higher MPN symptom burden in women (M 31.50) compared to men (M 24.10). Regarding to fatigue and cognitive functioning MPN patients suffered more compared to a reference group of other cancers. MPN subtype or type of treatment did not show significant differences in MPN symptom burden or QoL. However, experiencing side effects, complications or comorbidities significantly negatively affected MPN symptom burden and QoL. 48.8% of patients reported that MPN affected their ability to work. The explained variance in overall QoL was 58%, most importantly by disease progression, comorbidities, MPN symptom burden and role, emotional and social functioning. This study revealed that having an MPN has a negative impact on several domains of QoL. Symptom assessment and support should be included in the healthcare management of MPN patients.

The Relationship Between Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and Psychological Distress: A cross- sectional study

Introduction Problematic Internet Use (PIU) has emerged as a widespread social challenge and is characterised by an individual’s inability to regulate their internet use, culminating in a negative impact on their daily life. It is vital to explore the possible mediating relationship between psychological distress and unregulated Internet use.ObjectivesThe study aims to explore the relationship between problematic Internet use, psychological distress and quality of life.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, participants engaged in a structured data collection process using Google Forms, responding to a series of questions developed through a quantitative methodology using a Likert scale questionnaire.The K-6 Distress Scale and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) were used in conjunction with questions about demographics and problematic internet use.The integration of these multiple measures aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the effects and patterns of Internet use and its association with different levels of distress and demographic variables.Results Statistical data analysis revealed notable associations between psychological distress and several variables, including age, education, employment status and health, but no significant associations were found with place of residence or marital status. Significant associations were also found between problematic Internet use (PIU) and variables such as age, education, employment, marital status and health. However, no significant association was found with place of residence. Quality of life was also found to be correlated with age, employment status and health, but not with marital status or educational attainment. In addition, the analysis revealed a strong association between problematic internet use (PIU) and psychological distress. A concurrent increase in reported psychological distress was observed as PIU levels escalated, reinforcing the relationship between excessive internet use and psychological wellbeing. This suggests that PIU may be associated with increased levels of mental distress in the population studied.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of mental distress, PIU, and quality of life in relation to demographic factors. It underscores the importance of holistic approaches to mental health that consider individual characteristics and behaviors, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges posed by problematic internet use. Further research and tailored interventions are needed to better understand and support people facing these complex issues.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Cannabis oil extracts for chronic pain: what else can be learned from another structured prospective cohort?

The use of medicinal cannabis for managing pain expands, although its efficacy and safety have not been fully established through randomized controlled trials. This structured, prospective questionnaire-based cohort was aimed to assess long-term effectiveness and safety of cannabis oil extracts in patients with chronic pain. Adult Israeli patients licensed to use cannabis oil extracts for chronic pain were followed prospectively for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in average weekly pain intensity, and secondary outcomes were changes in related symptoms and quality of life, recorded before treatment initiation and 1, 3, and 6 months thereafter. Generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze changes over time. In addition, "responders" (≥30% reduction in weekly pain at any time point) were identified. The study included 218 patients at baseline, and 188, 154, and 131 at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. At 6 months, the mean daily doses of cannabidiol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol were 22.4 ± 24.0 mg and 20.8 ± 30.1 mg, respectively. Pain decreased from 7.9 ± 1.7 at baseline to 6.6 ± 2.2 at 6 months (F(3,450) = 26.22, P < 0.0001). Most secondary parameters also significantly improved. Of the 218 participants, 24% were "responders" but could not be identified by baseline parameters. "Responders" exhibited higher improvement in secondary outcomes. Adverse events were common but mostly nonserious. This prospective cohort demonstrated a modest overall long-term improvement in chronic pain and related symptoms and a reasonable safety profile with the use of relatively low doses of individually titrated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol.

Hearing dysfunction heralds an increase in non-motor burden and a worse quality of life in Parkinson's disease: new insights from non-motor spectrum.

Sensorial non-motor symptoms (NMSs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) still lack appropriate investigation in clinical practice. This study aimed to assess if and to what extent auditory dysfunction is associated with other NMSs in PD and its impact on patient's quality of life (QoL). We selected patients with idiopathic PD, without other concomitant neurological diseases, dementia, or diagnosis of any audiological/vestibular disease. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Patients underwent otoscopic examination, audiological testing with pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and completed Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaires-39 (PDQ-39). ANCOVA and partial correlation analysis have been used for statistical analysis. 60 patients were enrolled and completed PTA and DPOAEs. 32 patients with hearing impairment (HI), assessed by PTA, (hearing threshold ≥ 25dB) showed similar disease duration, motor impairment, and staging, compared to patients without HI, but higher scores both in NMSS and in PDQ-39, except for cardiovascular (CV), gastrointestinal (GI), urogenital (U) and sexual function (SF) of NMSS. In addition, DPOAEs showed a significant correlation with higher scores both in NMSS and PDQ-39, except for CV, SF, GI, U and perceptual problem subdomains of NMSS. This study demonstrated that PD patients with HI have a greater burden of NMS and lower related QoL and functioning. Our results highlight the importance to reconsider HI as a NMS, in parallel with the others. HI evaluation, even in asymptomatic patients, may reveal a wider pathology with a worse QoL.

Mental health difficulties and health related quality of life amongst late adolescents in vocational education

This study investigated vocational students’ mental health by identifying the prevalence of depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders and associated risk and protective factors among 16- to 18-year-old students attending a vocational college in Malta. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) was also investigated. A sample of 422 students completed standardised self-report mental health tools and a demographic and personal variables’ questionnaire. A total of 64.4% of students were found to be struggling with at least one of the mental health conditions assessed while 36.7% reported a suspected eating disorder. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and stress (moderate, severe or extremely severe) were 43.3%, 48.8% and 29.3% respectively. Students had a lower HRQOL than the reference population as indicated by European norm data. Only 13.5% of participants sought help from mental health services. Risk factors include female gender, poverty, being LGBTQ, not living with both parents, past negative school experiences, poor relationships and presence of suspected or diagnosed conditions or disabilities, amongst others. Having supportive relationships with family, peers and school personnel emerged as protective factors.

Сhronotype and health related quality of life among undergraduate university students

IntroductionChronotype represents genetically determined behavioral characteristics of a person’s twenty-four-hour activity. Research shows that a person’s chronotype is interrelated with their mental health. Are there similar connections with general health and health related quality of life?ObjectivesTo establish how various chronotypes are represented in university students and if there are any interrelations between chronotypes and health‐related quality of lifeMethodsWe used SF-12 Health Survey и Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) by Horne and Ostberg to survey 305 university students of both genders.ResultsThe results showed that the majority of the students (71.2%) have an intermediate chronotype. The second goes a moderate morning chronotype (17.7%), the third – a moderate evening chronotype (9.8%). Definite morning and definite evening chronotypes were revealed in less than 1% of the students. SF-12 Health Survey scale indicators that assess quality of life corresponded to standard scores for the given group of the respondents. We have revealed valid relations in correlational interconnections of the achieved parameters. Thus, the morning chronotype is most consistently associated (p&lt;0.01) in undergraduate university students with higher indicators of health related quality of life including General Health (r=.23), Vitality (r=.21), Role Physical (r=.18), Role Emotional (r=.17), Physical Functioning (r=.16), Social Functioning (r=.13). Mental Health and Bodily Pain in university students are not connected with the chronotype (p&gt;05).Conclusions Therefore, this research establishes that the majority of the students are related to the intermediate chronotype, and the morning chronotype corresponds to higher levels of most indicators of health related quality of life excluding the level of mental health.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Influence of Wellness on Job Satisfaction among Police Officers: Focused on the Mediating Effect of the Meaning in Work

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate how meaning in work influences the connection between wellness and job satisfaction among police officers.Methods: This study analyzed secondary data. Original data was collected to explore changes in depression, job satisfaction, and quality of life in relation to police officers' psychological trauma. Data were analyzed using the t-test, One-way Analysis of Variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, hierarchical regression analysis, and PROCESS macro (version 4.3.1) with the SPSS/27.0 program.Results: The mean score for wellness was 3.40, meaning in work was 3.49, and job satisfaction was 3.36. The effect size of the mediation was indicated as 0.74, demonstrating that the meaning in work serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between wellness and job satisfaction among police officers.Conclusion: These findings indicate that wellness and meaning in work increased job satisfaction among police officers. Therefore, to increase job satisfaction among police officers, it is necessary to develop psychiatric nursing intervention strategies to increase wellness and meaning in work.

Correlation of xerostomia in methadone therapy program patient with oral health related quality of life using oral health impact profile-14: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Methadone Therapy Program (MTP) patients receive treatment with antidepressants which work as salivary flow inhibitors that promote xerostomia. Decreased salivary secretion affects several essential aspects of life quality, such as speaking, chewing, and food swallowing. It also increases the risk of rampant caries. This study aimed to analyze correlation of xerostomia in MTP with Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHI-P 14). Methods: Type of research was a cross-sectional design, this study's main independent variable was xerostomia, the dependent variable was OHRQoL, and the confounders were age, gender, education, occupation, caries status, oral hygiene status, history of HIV infection, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption. Data analysis used logistic regression to see the risk factors that influence OHRQoL. Results: Xerostomia is a subjective dry mouth complaint asked through a questionnaire. Of the 26 respondents, 13 (50%) reported dry mouth. Salivary Flow Rate (SFR) measurement showed the result of 13 people was &lt;0.3 (hyposalivation). OHrQOL was measured using OHI-P 14 questionnaire, 12 respondents had good OHRQoL (score &gt; 6.5) and 13 respondents had bad (score ≤6.5). Risk factors associated with OHRQoL were age (p=0.08) and duration of methadone consumption (p=0.06). Conclusion: There is no correlation between xerostomia in MTP with Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHI-P 14). Future research should involve several hospitals that carry out MTP so that the research results are more valid.KEYWORDSmethadone, oral health related quality of life, OHrQOL, OHIP-14, xerostomia

Reliability of non-polarized versus polarized digital photographs for evaluation of gingival redness

Introduction: The reported prevalence of gingivitis in various developed countries is considered high. This rate escalates with the increase in age, especially around puberty which affects their oral health related quality of life. The consequences of periodontal diseases observed in adults mostly had their inception earlier in life. Gingival conditions were found to be worse than caries among adolescents and were not taken seriously compared to caries. Aim: Comparison between the gingival redness in group of Egyptian children as evaluated using analyzed polarized versus non-polarized digital photographs. Subjects and methods: 47 Egyptian participants aged 11-14 years-old from Newgiza University outpatients’ clinic agreed to participate were recruited and agreed to participate in the study. Gingival redness was evaluated using analyzed digital photographs with and without cross polarizing filter then analyzed via Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC) 2021 software. Comparison between non-polarized and polarized photos was performed using independent t-test. Results: The study showed that non-polarized photos were significantly higher in number of red pixels than polarized photos as P &lt;0.05. Reliability between two different digital photographic techniques was performed using Cronbach alpha (α), which revealed strong agreement between polarized and non-polarized digital photographic evaluation. Conclusion: Digital photography can be used in evaluation of gingival redness with or without cross polarizing filter.

Effect of clinic-based and telemonitored home-based intervention on pain intensity, functioning and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Introduction and aim. The study assessed and compared the effects of clinic-based and telemonitored home-based interventions on pain intensity, functioning and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Material and methods. Forty-two patients were recruited purposely and randomly allocated into clinic-based (CBG) and telemonitored home-based group (THG) equally. The CBG and THG received isometric exercises to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles using theraband. THG received the exercise at home they were monitored on phone thrice in a week, while the CBG did the exercise in the hospital. The subjects performed four sets of eight repetitions three days in a week for eight weeks. Pain intensity, functioning and health related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed at pretreatment, 6th and 8th week of intervention. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results. There was a significant reduction (p&lt;0.001) among pre-treatment, 6th and 8th week intervention in pain intensity, functional pain intensity and quality of life of CBG and THG. CBG showed significant reduction (p&lt;0.001) in pain intensity, function and increase in HRQoL than THG at 8th week. Conclusion. Clinic-based and telemonitored home-based interventions were both effective in the management of KOA but clinic-based intervention was better than telemonitored home-based intervention.

Assessment of Quality of Lıfe in Patients with Anorectal Malformations

Objective: Our main purpose in this study is to examine the effects of patients on their quality of life (QOL) according to anorectal malformations (ARM) types, and to compare them to patients with stool incontinence in the healthy population.&#x0D; Methods: The research group was selected from 116 patients who were operated due to ARM between 2004-2018 and fulfilled the inclusion criteria, in University of Health Science İzmir Dr. Behçet Uz Pediatric Diseases and Surgery Training and Research Hospital. The control group was composed of 12 participants among 348 children between the ages 5-15 who were operated for phimosis in 2018 -2019. Fecal Incontinence Related Life Quality Questionnaire (QQVCFCA) scales were applied to both groups. SPSS 22.0 program was used.&#x0D; Results: The research group was completed with 75 participants and the control group with 12 participants. The QQVCFCA score of the low-type ARM was significantly higher than the participants with the high-type ARM (p

Quality of life assessment and therapeutic adherence in Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Patients with diabetes mellitus experience physical health needs, but also psychological health needs, as some studies have suggested that addressing the psychological variables associated with diabetes mellitus may improve the biochemical parameters of the disease. Objectives To assess the quality of life (QoL) and therapeutic adherence (TA) in Mexican patients with controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as related QoL sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methods 201 people with T2DM answered a battery of psychological tests to assess TA (Therapeutic Adherence Survey or TAS-15), QoL (WHOQOL-BREF-16) and disease-related quality of life (DRQoL-27), aside from an expressly designed questionnaire that gathered sociodemographic data and took information from medical records into consideration. The average age of the participants was 65.12 ± 11.617 years and 57.2% were female, who have suffered from diabetes for 13.4 years on average ± 8.088 and an average 158.84 mg/dL ± 61.913 fasting plasma glucose. Results The correlation analyses revealed that a higher perception of QoL, the lower the perception that having diabetes affected QoL (p&lt;0.01); the higher the TA, the lower the QoL (p&lt;0.01); and the higher the TA, the lower the perception that having diabetes affected QoL (p&lt;0.01). The participants with an uncontrolled T2DM exhibited a better QoL than those that manage their glucose levels (p = 0.015). The participants’ level of education had a positive effect on QoL (β = 0.163, IC 95%: 0.429─3.415, p = 0.012), whereas the DRQoL had a negative effect (β = -0.546, IC 95%: -0.127─-0.080, p = 0.001). Conclusions If the TA of patients with T2DM increases, the overall QoL as well as the DRQoL will improve. Hence, these variables must be considered as therapeutic targets in clinical practice.

Health Related Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetic Patients at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: The research was conducted to evaluate the health-related quality of life in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, located in Lusaka, Zambia. Diabetes mellitus has become a serious global public health concern with huge impact on human life and health expenditures (Khan et al., 2020). With many people affected, diabetes mellitus has an impact on individual’s functional capacities and quality of life, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality (Rantahal et al., 2015). Methodology: The research employed an analytical cross-sectional research design to assess the health-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. It involved a comprehensive review of current knowledge and the gathering of primary sources to build a theoretical model based on existing evidence. The study sample consisted of 134 respondents, and data were collected using structured interview schedules. Simple random sampling method was used to select the study respondents, and a sampling frame was employed every day and randomly sampled some respondents. To assess and identify factors associated with health related quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed through SPSS version 23. The Odds Ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of association. The variables with p-value less than 5%, in the multivariate analysis were considered as statistically associated, association between covariates and Health Related Quality of Life. Results: The findings revealed that a significant portion, 43.3%, of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at LMUTH reported a low quality of life. This low quality of life was found to be associated with various socio-demographic factors. Specifically, individuals who were not employed, lacked regular .....

The association between neuropsychological impairment, self-perceived cognitive deficit, symptoms, and health related quality of life in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients

ObjectiveTo assess cognitive function in patients newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) before treatment and explore the relationship between neuropsychological impairment, self-perceived cognitive deficit, symptoms, and health-related quality of life in them. MethodsFrom May 2021 to February 2022, 105 women newly diagnosed with OC were enrolled in the Cancer Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Objective and subjective cognitive functions were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale and Perceptual Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ). Symptoms and quality of life were evaluated using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian Cancer (FACT-O), respectively. ResultsThis study included 105 newly diagnosed OC patients, with an average age of 49.73 (±8.48) years. Of these, 72.38% had impaired neuropsychological test scores, especially in delayed recall, abstraction, and visuospatial/executive function. Retrospective, and prospective memory were the most serious perceived deficits. The results of the MoCA test were not associated with PDQ (Rs = -0.180, P = 0.067) and significantly correlated with the distress index, physiological and total scores of the MSAS, and emotional well- being of the FACT-O. The PDQ positively correlated with all MSAS dimensions but not with the FACT-O. ConclusionThe incidence of neuropsychological impairment in patients newly diagnosed with OC was high, with no association with self-perceived cognitive deficits. It is recommended that healthcare providers include cognitive impairment in symptom management in this population, who may benefit from early assessment, prevention, and intervention.

Extrarenal symptoms associate with worse quality of life in patients enrolled in the AMP RA/SLE Lupus Nephritis Network.

Lupus nephritis (LN) can occur as an isolated component of disease activity or be accompanied by diverse extrarenal manifestations. Whether isolated renal disease is sufficient to decrease health related quality of life (HRQOL) remains unknown. This study compared Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-Item (PROMIS-29) scores in LN patients with isolated renal disease to those with extrarenal symptoms to evaluate the burden of LN on HRQOL and inform future LN clinical trials incorporating HRQOL outcomes. A total of 181 LN patients consecutively enrolled in the multicentre multi-ethnic/racial Accelerating Medicines Partnership completed PROMIS-29 questionnaires at the time of a clinically indicated renal biopsy. Raw PROMIS-29 scores were converted to standardized T scores. Seventy-five (41%) patients had extrarenal disease (mean age 34, 85% female) and 106 (59%) had isolated renal (mean age 36, 82% female). Rash (45%), arthritis (40%) and alopecia (40%) were the most common extrarenal manifestations. Compared with isolated renal, patients with extrarenal disease reported significantly worse pain interference, ability to participate in social roles, physical function, and fatigue. Patients with extrarenal disease had PROMIS-29 scores that significantly differed from the general population by > 0.5 SD of the reference mean in pain interference, physical function, and fatigue. Arthritis was most strongly associated with worse scores in these three domains. Most patients had isolated renal disease and extrarenal manifestations associated with worse HRQOL. These data highlight the importance of comprehensive disease management strategies that address both renal and extrarenal manifestations to improve overall patient outcomes.

Aerobic-training effects on CD4 cell count and health related quality of life of people living with human immunodeficiency virus

This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic training against baseline data of People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH) Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count, and Health-Related Quality of life (HRQoL) (Physical-health Component Summary (PCS) and Mental-health Component Summary (MCS)). A within-subject quasi-experimental multimethod design was used. There was purposive sampling of participants on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) under Botswana Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (BONEPWA). The 28 participants (23 females and 5 males) who met the inclusion criteria were of age 18 to 45. After 6 weeks, one female dropped out of the study. Participants were subjected to 12 weeks of aerobic training, three times a week for 60 minutes per session. The significant differences between CD4 cell count and the HRQoL variables at baseline and week 12 of the participants were compared using the paired t-test. All analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 software. The alpha value was set at p0.05) improvements in CD4 count and PCS measures after intervention. PLWH can be advised to engage in regular aerobic training 3 times a week for 60 minutes especially when on HAART. The research is relatively preliminary; therefore, there could be some replication of the study by other researchers.

Health related quality of life and its predictors among postpartum mother in Southeast Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPost-childbirth, woman's health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is significantly impacted, leading to decreased daily activity, reduced self-care, challenges with breastfeeding and baby weaning, and increased medical costs for both mother and newborn.This study aimed to assess the HRQOL and its predictors among postpartum women in Southeast Ethiopia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Southeast Ethiopia between March and May 2022, involving randomly selected sample of 794 postpartum women attending immunization services in public health facilities. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were computed. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict HRQOL, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals used to estimate associations. ResultsThe study revealed that the overall HRQOL, physical component summary, and mental component summary of quality of life had mean scores of 43.80 ± 27.88, 45.39 ± 28.58, and 42.20 ± 28.15(mean ± SD) respectively. Walking to the health facility (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: (1.31,3.31); using public transport (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.69–3.93); having the fear of COVID-19 (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.08–1.99); having health facility admission history during the recent pregnancy (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.08–2.44); having postpartum depression (PPD) (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.57–2.89) were predictors of a lower level of overall HRQOL among postpartum women. ConclusionThe study found that nearly half of postpartum women in Ethiopia have lower HRQOL, with factors such as transport use, recent baby's pregnancy admission history, and postpartum depression (PPD) significantly affecting their overall, physical, and mental HRQOL. Fear of COVID-19 was found to be significantly associated with lower overall and physical HRQO. The implementation of appropriate strategies addressing identified factors is crucial for enhancing the HRQOL among postpartum women in Ethiopia.