SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire Research Articles

État de santé et qualité de vie des patients β-thalassémiques adultes à Marseille, France

IntroductionThe life expectancy of β-thalassemia patients has increased over the last 20 years. In this study, we evaluated the current health status and quality of life of these patients managed in a reference center in Marseille. MethodsThis is a single-center, descriptive study conducted between June and August 2019 in patients over 18 years of age with β-thalassemia major or intermedia. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected retrospectively and the SF-36 health survey questionnaire was proposed to each patient. Results43 of 64 selected patients were included and divided into 2 groups: 35 patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and 8 patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia. Liver iron overload is the most frequent complication, present in 80% of transfusion-dependent and 62.5% of non-transfusion-dependent patients. Cardiac iron overload is present only in the transfusion dependent β-thalassemia group (20%). Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism remains the most common endocrine disorder (41.9%) followed by osteoporosis (37.2%). Among the 31 patients who completed the SF-36 questionnaire, physical and mental quality of life scores were lowered in transfusion dependent (respectively 42.7 and 46.8) as in non-transfusion-dependent patients (respectively 43.8 and 28.9). ConclusionDespite an improvement in medical care, our patients with β-thalassemia show an alteration in their quality of life that will need to be characterized in the entire French cohort.

MULTIPLE SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS: ARE OLDER ADULTS MORE VULNERABLE?

Abstract Hurricanes and floods have psychosocial consequences for directly and indirectly affected individuals. In August of 2016, historic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana resulted in catastrophic damage across a 22-parish (county) region only 11 years after the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the US Gulf Coast. In this study, we compared three groups of mostly middle-aged and older adults on the SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire: (1) non-flooded (controls), (2) single disaster (flooded in 2016), and (3) double disaster (flooded in 2005 and again in 2016). Results indicated that the groups did not differ in self-reported physical health, although the single and double disaster groups reported worse mental health than did the controls. Correlation analyses revealed that age was positively associated with mental health. State hope was positively associated with both physical and mental health. Implications of these findings for reducing vulnerabilities after multiple disaster exposures are considered.

Health-related quality of life of the rural and urban population in Western Siberia: a descriptive study

Aim. To assess the health-related quality of life of the rural and urban population in Western Siberia.Materials and methods. The study was conducted by simple random sampling of 205 people (97 men and 108 women) from residents of rural areas of the Omsk region (n = 132) and the city of Omsk (n = 73). The method of active survey in the form of an interview was used. The MOS SF-36 health survey questionnaire was used in combination with a specially developed questionnaire for sociological studies of the health of rural populations.Results. The highest scores were found on the scales of physical (PF), role physical (RF), and social functioning (SF). For the majority of questionnaire scales, the values obtained for rural residents were lower than those for urban residents. These concerned the PF, General Health (GH), Vitality (VT), SF, and mental health (MH) scales. The values characterizing the physical and psychological components of health were also lower in rural residents. A similar pattern was established when comparing the indicators of rural and urban men on the VT, SF, and MH scales. When comparing the indicators of rural and urban women, significant differences were found on the PF, GH, VT, SF, and MH scales. On all these scales, indicators were also higher among urban women. The respondents’ answers to questions about physical well-being and mental state showed a greater severity of characteristics indicating the development of emotional exhaustion among rural residents.Conclusion. The established low levels of the health-related quality of life among the rural population of the region indicate the relevance of developing and implementing respective targeted preventive programs.

Logistic regression vs. linear regression in exploring the importance of health literacy for the quality of life of patients with heart failure

Abstract Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 heart failure patients selected from two hospitals in Alexandria governate. The HLS-EU-Q16 survey to assess HL, SF-12 health survey questionnaire to assess QoL, record review, and interviewing the patients were used to collect the required data. Linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the relation between health literacy and the QoL then comparing between the two models. Results Forty-six and half percent of HF patients had sufficient HL while 53.5% had insufficient HL. Patients showed low mean score of 34.16 ± 10.43 for the physical dimension of the SF-12 questionnaire (PCS-12), while the mental dimension (MCS-12) displayed good mean score of 41.87 ± 14.34. For the linear regression regarding PCS-12, HL was statistically significant and an independent predictor of PCS-12 in patients with HF, both before and after adjustment for the personal and clinical characteristics. Concerning MCS-12, we found that HL was statistically significant and an independent predictor of MCS-12 only before adjustment. While in logistic regression, considering PCS-12, analysis revealed that HL was not statistically significant predictor of the median-split dichotomized PCS-12 in both before and after adjustments for covariates. Regarding MCS-12, it was found that HL was statistically significant and an independent predictor of the median-split dichotomized MCS-12 only before adjustment for personal and clinical characteristics. The correct prediction percent in the logistic model of PCS-12 (70%) was higher than the linear model (53.5%). Similarly, the correct prediction percent in the logistic model of MCS-12 (68.5%) was higher than the linear model (57.5%). Conclusion It has been explained that HL is a statistically significant independent predictor of only the PCS-12 of SF-12 in the linear regression model but not for MCS-12, while it was not statistically significant predictor in the logistic models for the two dimensions of SF-12. However, each of the two models, linear regression model and logistic regression model, has its advantages and disadvantages.

The DS-14 questionnaire: psychometric characteristics and utility in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

To determine the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the DS-14 questionnaire, as well as the prevalence of type D personality in the overall OSA sample and subgroups. We assessed the influence of type D on perceived symptoms and its congruence with self-reported measures of personality, depression, fatigue, anxiety, quality of life, and quality of sleep. Patients with OSA completed the DS-14 questionnaire, Big Five Inventory-2 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Insomnia Severity Index, Fatigue Assessment Scale, and Checklist Individual Strength. After 1 month, the DS-14 questionnaire was repeated. The overall prevalence of type D personality was 32%. Internal consistency (negative affectivity: α = 0.880, social inhibition: α = 0.851) and diagnostic test-retest reliability (kappa value = 0.664) of the DS-14 questionnaire were high. Significantly more symptoms of anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and a worse health perception were found in OSA with type D. Neither OSA severity nor REM predominance altered these observations. The DS-14 questionnaire showed excellent psychometric properties in patients with OSA. The prevalence of type D personality in patients with OSA was higher than in the general population. The presence of type D personality was associated with higher symptom burden.

Effects of Physical Health on Happiness and Quality of Life among Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to find the effects of physical health on happiness and quality of life among smokers and non-smokers. For this purpose, a sample of 104 adults, 52 smokers and 52 non-smokers was taken from Delhi NCR. SF-36 health survey questionnaire, Oxford happiness scale and WHOQOL were administered. Correlation analysis were run, the findings revealed a significant correlation among the three variables at .01 levels among smokers and non-smokers. All the dimensions of physical health are correlated with happiness and quality of life among smokers and non-smokers. The paper concludes with discussion and conclusion of the study.

Effect of a dietary intervention based on the Mediterranean diet on the quality of life of patients recovered from depression: Analysis of the PREDIDEP randomized trial

IntroductionThere is substantial evidence supporting that improving diet quality leads to improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our major aim was to assess the effectiveness of a Mediterranean diet–based nutritional intervention to improve HRQoL in the context of a secondary prevention trial of depression. Secondarily to assess its effectiveness among adults aged 60 or more years. MethodsThe PREDIDEP study is a 2-year multicentre, randomized, single-blinded nutritional trial. At baseline and at 1-year and 2-year follow-up, SF-36 health survey questionnaire was collected to evaluate participants' HRQoL (total and specific range for each of the 8 dimensions: 0 to 100 points). Mixed effect linear models were used to assess changes in HRQoL according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.govNCT03081065. ResultsAfter 2 years of intervention, the Mediterranean Diet intervention group compared to control group (without nutritional intervention, only usual clinical care) showed an improvement in some dimensions of HRQoL such as Mental Health (7.22; 95 % CI = 2.22–12.22) (between-group difference: 6.79; 95 % CI −0.14–13.73, p = 0.055); Vitality (9.51; 95 % CI = 4.00–15.03) (between-group difference: 9.00; 95 % CI 1.75–16.25, p = 0.020); Mental Summary Component (2.83; 95 % CI = 0.55–5.11) (between-group difference: 1.17; 95 % CI = −1.96–4.30, p = 0.462); and General Health (10.70; 95 % CI = 5.58–15.81) (between-group difference: 6.20; 95 % CI = −0.89–13.28, p = 0.086). Similar results were observed for participants aged 60 or more years. ConclusionThe intervention based on Mediterranean diet in patients with previous depression seems to be effective in improving HRQoL, especially the mental dimensions. This effect is also observed among participants aged 60 or more years.

Medium-term surgical outcomes and health-related quality of life after laparoscopic vs open colorectal cancer resection: SF-36 health survey questionnaire.

Previous studies that compared the postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes after receiving laparoscopic resection (LR) or open resection (OR) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have different conclusions. To explore the medium-term effect of postoperative HRQoL in such patients. This study randomized 567 patients undergoing non-metastatic CRC surgery managed by one surgeon to the LR or OR groups. HRQoL was assessed during the preoperative period and 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperative using a modified version of the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey questionnaire, emphasizing eight specific items. This cohort randomly assigned 541 patients to receive LR (n = 296) or OR (n = 245) surgical procedures. More episodes of postoperative urinary tract infection (P < 0.001), wound infection (P < 0.001), and pneumonia (P = 0.048) were encountered in the OR group. The results demonstrated that the LR group subjectively gained mildly better general health (P = 0.045), moderately better physical activity (P = 0.006), and significantly better social function recovery (P = 0.0001) 3 mo postoperatively. Only the aspect of social function recovery was claimed at 6 mo, with a significant advantage in the LR group (P = 0.001). No clinical difference was found in HRQoL during the 12 mo. Our results demonstrated that LR resulted in better outcomes, including intra-operative blood loss, surgery-related complications, course of recovery, and especially some health domains of HRQoL at least within 6 mo postoperatively. Patients should undergo LR if there is no contraindication.

Frequency of leisure activity engagement and health functioning over a 4-year period: a population-based study amongst middle-aged adults

RationaleLeisure activities have wide-ranging benefits for physical and mental health. However, previous studies have often focused on “leisure” as a homogeneous group of activities. This study was therefore designed to take a prospective and comparative approach exploring different types of leisure activities, as well as investigating whether frequency of engagement is associated with strength of benefits.MethodData from the 1970 British Cohort Study Waves 9 (age 42) and 10 (age 46) were analysed (N = 5,639). Eight domains derived from the SF-36 health survey questionnaire were used to measure health functioning (general health, vitality, bodily pain, social functioning, physical functioning, mental health, role limitations due to emotional, and role limitations due to physical problems). Leisure activities included physical activity, culture engagement, arts participation, volunteering or community engagement, and literature activities. Both ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were applied.ResultsPhysical activity was associated with greater levels of physical functioning, general health, and vitality at higher frequencies, while cultural engagement was associated with social functioning and physical functioning when engaged in several times a year. Arts participation and literature activities had a general negative association with health functioning. Engagements in volunteering/community groups showed varying associations with health functioning (both positive and negative) depending on the levels of engagements.ConclusionThis research suggests that the types of leisure activities and levels of engagement can have differential associations with health amongst middle-aged adults. This may be helpful for public health initiatives and programmes such as social prescribing schemes when formulating programmes, especially regarding ‘dosage’ of engagement. Further, the overall benefits of high engagement frequency suggest that increasing leisure engagement could play an important role in supporting improving health and wellbeing at a population level.

Usefulness of the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire in screening for health-related quality of life among parents of children with cancer: Latent profile analysis.

SummaryBackgroundPoor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of parents of children with cancer as their main caregivers can adversely affect child’s HRQOL. Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) is a widely used instrument to measure HRQOL. However, there are no clearly defined cut-off points for screening for parents with poor HRQOL. This study aimed to find appropriate cut-off points for the SF-36 questionnaire in a sample of parents of children with cancer using latent profile analysis to add another possibility to use it.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a number of 108 couples (108 mothers and 108 fathers), who had children with cancer, were selected by simple random sampling method from the patients’ files. The study was conducted at two settings, pediatric hematology/oncology wards of BESAT hospital (a hospital related to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran) in 2017. Latent Profile analysis (LPA) method was used to determine appropriate cut-off points for the SF-36 questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Mplus and R3.3.0 software.ResultsBased on the results, scores ≤ 44, 45-63 and ≥ 64 for mental health, and scores ≤ 43, 44-59 and ≥ 60 for physical health classes indicate weak, medium, and good, respectively. These cut-off points showed acceptable accuracy in classification of individuals. For the total quality of life, correct classification rates were 88%, 65% and 53% for each class respectively. For mental health (physical health), they were 79(63), 50(62) and 52(63) for each class respectively.ConclusionsThe cut-off points for the classes identified here can be useful in screening parents of children with cancer in clinical setting to provide clinical interventions to protect vulnerable parents from negative outcomes.

The Clinical Efficacy of High-Voltage Long-Duration Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Pudendal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundPatients with pudendal neuralgia (PN) experience long-lasting chronic pain, hyperalgesia, and comorbid emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Treatment via conventional pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) current carries a significantly high rate of failure. ObjectiveTo determine the safety and clinical efficacy of high-voltage, long-duration PRF application to the pudendal nerve in patients with PN. Study DesignObservational retrospective design, self before-after controlled clinical trial. Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the records of 70 patients of our hospital with diagnosed PN. Treatment consisted of PRF application to the pudendal nerve, using computed tomography guidance to target the pudendal nerve at the level of the ischial spine or ischial tuberosity of the affected side. PRF was applied with the following parameters: temperature 42 °C, frequency 2 Hz, pulse width 20 ms, field intensity ramped gradually from 40 to 90 V, duration 900 sec. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by collecting patient scores for the visual analog scale (VAS), SF-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36), and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) before treatment and at 1-, 4-, and 12-week follow-ups after PRF treatment. Data were analyzed by paired t-test with p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. ResultsVAS, SF-36, and PHQ-9 scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after high-voltage long-duration PRF treatment were significantly improved relative to their respective pretreatment baseline scores (p < 0.05 for all). The effective rate at 12 weeks after high-voltage long-duration PRF was up to 88.6%. LimitationsA small sample size and lack of a control group. ConclusionsHigh-voltage long-duration PRF provided significant short-term (at least 12 weeks) pain relief to most patients with PN; it also improved subjective measures of depression and quality of life over the same duration of time.

Nicotine Dependence in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Psychotic Disorders and Its Relationship with Quality of Life.

The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between nicotine dependence and quality of life (QOL) among individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or psychotic disorders. Methods: A total of 378 participants diagnosed with either MDD or psychotic disorders were recruited. The Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to measure the level of nicotine dependence. The SF-12 health survey questionnaire was used to measure the QOL. Results: The prevalence of nicotine dependence was 23.3% in this sample population. For those diagnosed with MDD, moderate level of nicotine dependence was negatively associated with Vitality and Mental Component Score. For those diagnosed with a psychotic disorder high nicotine dependence was negatively associated with Role Emotional, Mental Health and Mental Component Score. Discussion: Compared to the general population, the prevalence of smoking in this psychiatric population was 2.4 times higher, while that of nicotine dependence was seven times higher. Individuals with psychotic disorder generally reported better QOL as compared to individuals with MDD. QOL differed across diagnostic groups with regards to socio-demographics, such as age, ethnicity, marital status, education, employment status and monthly income. Among individuals with MDD and psychotic disorders, different levels of nicotine dependence resulted in different levels of association with QOL. More research is needed to better understand the differences in QOL among the varying levels of nicotine dependence.

Restrictive measures during COVID-19 pandemic: the impact of face masks and social distancing on communication, physical and mental health of normal hearing subjects

Objective Social distancing and face masks are considered the best tools to prevent COVID-19 spread despite an impact on communication, hearing perception and quality of life. Methods An observational study was performed among a population of normal hearing subjects (NHS) referring to Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Data were collected with a self-administered online questionnaire which included the Italian SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire referred to face masks use, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and four questions focussed on communication difficulties due to facial masks use and social distancing (COVID-19 restrictions questions, CRQs). Results 200 NHS answered the online survey. Mean age was 40.46 (SD 13.6). The cohort was distributed according to the job performed: 137 were workers in contact with the public (Job in contact with Public, JP), while 63 were people who don’t work with the public (Job Non in contact with Public, JNP). An overall decrease in quality of life, related to the use of face masks, was detected. In fact, significant differences in the SF-36 Health Survey among our sample and the Italian normative sample were observed in 4 over 8 multi-item scales: Physical Functioning (PF), Role Functioning Physical (RP), Social Functioning (SF) and Role Functioning Emotional (RE). Furthermore, a worst general mental health (GMH) score was observed in the JNP group (p = .0008). The CRQs analysis showed that facial masks were more frequently held responsible for communication difficulties compared to social distancing, particularly due to an attenuation of sound volume and difficulties in rendering facial expressions. Significantly higher anxiety scores were reported in the JNP group, according to the HAM-A, although not reaching pathological level. Conclusions An impact on communication and general health perception due to COVID-19 restrictions was referred in a large part of the population with differences between the two groups (JP vs. JNP).

Ramadan Fasting Increases Socialization in Patients Who Underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy: An Observational Study

The prevalence of obesity is increasing along with the number of sleeve gastrectomies. Patients' mental health and social life, along with their physical health, should be considered. Their cultural and religious values are an important part of treatment. Fasting is an important act of worship in all religions. Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on quality of life in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Data regarding the demographic characteristics, weight, the time elapsed after surgery, and the amount of liquid and solid food consumed during fasting were collected with two surveys, one of which was carried out at the beginning and the other at the end of Ramadan. In addition, the SF-36 health survey questionnaire was administered to evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on patients' quality of life. Fifty-one people participated in the first survey, but the second survey included 19 of them. While the median weight of the patients was 86.52 ± 17.78 kg before fasting, the median weight after 25 days of fasting was 83.31 ± 17.06 kg. A significant decrease was observed in weight after 25 days of fasting (p < 0.001). A comparison of the SF-36 scores for quality of life revealed a significant increase in the social functioning (p = 0.032). Ramadan fasting caused significant weight loss in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Besides, it did not adversely affect the quality of life, but rather increased social functioning.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Boccia Players with Cerebral Palsy in Brazil, Applying the Sf-36 Health Survey Questionnaire

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Boccia Players with Cerebral Palsy in Brazil, Applying the Sf-36 Health Survey Questionnaire

Impact of a Postoperative Intervention Educational Program on the Quality of Life of Patients with Hip Fracture: A Randomized, Open-Label Controlled Trial.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a postoperative educational intervention program on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with hip fracture using a controlled clinical trial in a randomized, multicenter study. In total, 102 patients (45.5%) from trauma units at the two University Hospitals of the province of Cáceres received the educational program, whereas 122 (54.5%) did not. Patients were consecutively included in either an intervention or a control group. Patients from the intervention group received an educational program during admission and the postoperative period. Patients from the control group did not receive any educational program. These patients were managed according to routine protocols. The patients were predominantly female (76.3%), aged 84.6 years (SD 6.1). All dimensions in both groups at 12 months showed a significant decrease with respect to baseline, except for bodily pain in both groups (p = 0.447; p = 0.827) and social functioning in the intervention group (p = 0.268). Patients receiving the educational program showed higher levels in the dimensions of the Mental Component Summary (MCS-12) (p = 0.043), vitality (p = 0.010), and social functioning (p < 0.001), as well as in the dimensions of the SF-12 health survey questionnaire of HRQoL 12 months after surgery. In conclusion, our study of the intervention group showed that there were significant improvements in MCS-12, vitality, and social function dimensions compared to the control group.

Assesement Of Physical Activity Levels And Quality Of Life In Different Clinical Populations

Impaired quality of life (QoL) has been reported in different clinical populations such as patients suffering from cancer (CA), multiple sclerosis (MS) or cardiovascular diseases. A growing body of evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) affects subjective QoL while there is a dose-response relationship between the volume of exercise and its health benefits. PURPOSE: The present study assessed and compared PA levels and QoL of different clinical populations and age-matched healthy adults. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen volunteers, i.e., 29 with CA under chemotherapy (age: 56.0 ± 10.4 yrs, BMI: 27.2 ± 5.4 kg/m2), 20 with MS (age: 53.3 ± 14.4 yrs, BMI: 25.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2), 14 with hypertension (HYP) (age: 55.0 ± 11.0 yrs, BMI: 31.0 ± 6.0 kg/m2) and 50 healthy controls (CON) (age: 51.3 ± 6.5 yrs, BMI: 25.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2), participated in the study. Levels of PA and QoL were self-estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire or the EORTC-QLQ30, respectively. RESULTS: The weekly energy expenditure was higher (p<0.01) in the CON group (2658.4 ± 2763.6 METs) compared with all clinical populations examined (CA: 2176.5 ± 2033.6 METs; HYP: 1560.9 ± 760.2 METs; MS: 64.2 ± 67.6 METs). Moreover, the metabolic cost of vigorous intensity PA was low in CA (30.6 ± 114.9 METs), HYP (36.9 ± 92.1 METs) and MS (0 METs), in contrast with the controls (1020.0 ± 1472.5 METs) (p<0.001). Differences were also revealed in walking energy expenditure between CON and MS group (1653.4 ± 1726.4 vs 114.0 ± 163.1 METs; p<0.05). Physical functioning (PF) score was higher in CON (85.5 ± 15.1) compared with MS (31.3 ± 31.2; p<0.001) and CA (69.4 ± 22.0; p<0.05). Furthermore, QoL was assessed as poor in MS (29.5 ± 20.4) and moderate to high in CA, (59.8 ± 17.5) CON (71.10 ± 18.7), HYP (71.4 ± 14.3) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that clinical populations included in this study had a lower total weekly energy expenditure compared to healthy individuals, without engaging in high-intensity PA. In particular, MS patients exhibited the lowest rates of PA, PF and QoL, while CA and HYP group showed higher scores in of PA, PF and QoL, implying a potential relationship between PA and QoL. The specific nature of each disease may explain the differences observed among the clinical populations examined.

Mobility in association with anxiety and quality of life in middle-aged and older female fallers and non-fallers

Objective ― The goal of our study was to compare mobility vs. cognitive function and quality of life in middle-aged and older women, both fallers and non-fallers. Material and Methods ― A total of 246 healthy community-dwelling women 55-74 YO participated in this study. They were distributed among two subgroups: (1) fallers (n=95) and (2) non-fallers (n=151). Fallers had falls in the past 12 months, while non-fallers did not. Walking tests were performed using Balance Master® posturography system. Trait anxiety and state anxiety were assessed by Spielberger-Hanin test; health state and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated from SF-36 health survey questionnaire; subjectively experienced age (SEA) and the rate of aging were also estimated. Results ― In Walk Across test, the average speed was lower in fallers (p=0.020), as compared with non-fallers. In Tandem Walking test, step width (p=0.016) and endpoint sway velocity (p=0.029) were higher, while speed (p=0.030) was lower in fallers vs. non-fallers. Step-Quick-Turn test time (p=0.016) was longer and sway (p=0.011) was higher in fallers in the course of turning both to the left and to the right. SEA in female non-fallers was less (p=0.033) than in female fallers of the same age. Trait anxiety was higher in female fallers (p=0.012) with a lower QoL level (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion ― Our results validated the need for early assessment of the postural control dynamic components in order to prevent the development of falls as a geriatric syndrome.

Surgical outcome of high grade spondylolisthesis following reduction, instrumentation, fusion through single stage posterior approach

Introduction: Literature evidence of outcome of reduction, spinal fusion through single stage posterior approach in patients of high-grade spondylolisthesis is lacking. Aim of the study, is to study the surgical outcome of High-grade spondylolisthesis patients, managed through single stage posterior approach. Materials and Methods: We have retrospectively analysed high -grade spondylolisthesis adolescents and young adults of patients of age less than 30 years, who have undergone reduction and spinal fusion in our institute for the past 5 years with a follow-up of two years. 27 patients, who have undergone surgery in the time period between 2011 to 2016, were evaluated with preop standing lumbosacral radiograph for slip angle, L5 incidence angle, lumbar lordosis, slip percentage. Oswestry disability index [ODI] score for low back pain, neurological examination, sf-36 health survey questionnaire are the clinical parameters analysed. The patients who had undergone the surgery were followed up for 2 years and evaluated with standing radiographs for all the above radiological parameters, clinical parameters and assessment of spinal fusion by Bridwell criteria. Parameters were analysed statistically with SPSS software version 25.0. p less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The aim of the surgery is to reduce the L5-S1slip angle to less than 30 degrees, and not about the complete restoration of displacement of L5 over S1. Mean slip angle, L5 incidence angle, Lumbar lordosis, slip percentage changed from 41.57 to12.10 [p

To assess the quality of life in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an inflammatory disease of the heart, and it has major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It has significant impact on the quality of life of RHD patients. Objective: To assess the Quality of life in patients with chronic Rheumatic heart disease. Materials and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi for a period of 18 months. Study subjects are the patients who were diagnosed with chronic rheumatic heart disease at the outpatient department. A total of 500 subjects suffering from RHD and 100 Controls without RHD were identified during the study period. SF-36 health survey questionnaire was used to interview the subjects. The scores of health survey questionnaire was analysed descriptively and ANOVA is used to find out the significant differences. SPSS version-20 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 600 subjects, 500 were the cases and 100 were the controls. 54.4% were males and 45.8% were females. Majority of the cases were belonged to the age group 36–40 years (19%) with the mean age group 35.7±9.2 years. 80% of the subjects were identified with moderate rheumatic heart disease and 20% were severe. Physical functioning, role of limitations due to physical health and emotional problems, social functioning and health change has shown the significant difference. Conclusion: It was seen that most of the domains of SF-36 were significant from which we can conclude that there is the relation between RHD and quality of life. Considering the poor quality of life in rheumatic heart disease patients, multimodal approach (psychiatric consultation, enrolment in mental support group, and occupational help) to provide overall care to a rheumatic heart disease patient should be considered.