Dimensions Of Short Form 36 Research Articles

PP.30.22] DYSLIPIDEMIA AND AGGRAVATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN HYPERTENSIVES

Objective: Essential hypertension (EH) has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (H-rQoL) while dyslipidemia very often accompanies the hypertensive sequelae. We assesed the hypothesis that the combination of EH and dyslipidemia may have an additive effect on H-rQoL. Design and method: We studied 145 subjects with newly diagnosed stage I-II untreated EH (aged 56 ± 7 years, 47 = dyslipidemic, office blood pressure = 156/92 mmHg). Venous sampling was performed for estimation of lipidemic profile. The validated Greek version of Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered. The 8 subscales of SF-36 were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary scale (PCS) and the mental component summary scale (MCS). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Spearmann rho tests were performed. Results: Dyslipidemic hypertensives demonstrated significantly lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions compared to non dyslipidemic (Table). There was a negative correlation between scores in general health and the total SF-36 score with serum triglycerides level (r = -0.284 p = 0.009, r = -0.287 p = 0.014, respectively).Conclusions: Dyslipidemia exerts an additive detrimental effect on quality of life in the setting of essential hypertension. Whether the above mentioned association contributes to the high cardiovascular risk observed in those patients remains to be determined in future studies.

PP.05.17] DIABETIC HYPERTENSIVES AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Objective: Mounting evidence suggests that essential hypertension (EH) has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Diabetes mellitus type II (DM-II) is associated with marked acceleration of vascular aging. We assessed the hypothesis that the combination of EH with DM-II could have an additive detrimental effect on H-rQoL. Design and method: We examined 145 subjects with newly diagnosed, untreated uncomplicated stage I-II EH (aged = 56 ± 16 years, DM-II = 37, office blood pressure = 156/92 mmHg). The validated Greek version of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered to all participants. The SF-36 is a generic H-rQoL instrument that includes eight subscales: physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role and mental health. The subscales were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS). Results: Diabetic hypertensives demonstrated lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions compared to non-diabetics (Table).Conclusions: Hypertension accompanied with DM- II exerts a deleterious effect on health-related quality of life. Perhaps the earlier identification of hypertensive subjects with DM-II, may improve not only the cardiovascular outcome but also the cability to cope with everyday needs.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Quality of Life following DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Sequelae resulting from breast cancer negatively impact patients' quality of life. Although the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become a standard for autologous breast reconstruction, there are limited data regarding long-term quality of life. The authors studied patients' quality of life more than 5 years after DIEP flap breast reconstruction and compare it with two French reference samples. A cross-sectional study of quality of life was performed in women who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between 1995 and 2007 using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Health Survey (Short Form-36). The first reference sample included subjects from the French general population (n = 3308), and the second included cancer survivors who underwent mastectomy with (n = 70) or without (n = 135) breast reconstruction. One hundred eleven respondents were analyzed among 186 eligible women. The mean follow-up period after reconstruction was 8.6 years (range, 5 to 15 years). There were no statistically significant differences in the quality of life between women from 45 to 64 years old who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction and from the French general population. Five of the eight Short Form-36 dimensions were significantly better in the DIEP flap breast reconstruction group in the 65- to 74-year-old cohort. In addition, quality of life of our study population was significantly higher than that of women who underwent mastectomy with or without any type of breast reconstruction. These results indicate that DIEP flap breast reconstruction allows patients with breast cancer to maintain a good postoperative quality of life comparable to that of the general population. Therapeutic, III.

Health-related quality of life as measured with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.

BackgroundRecurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) has a poor therapeutic outcome and a severe impact on women and their partners, both physically and psychologically. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is significantly affected in patients with RVVC; however, little is known about HRQOL in patients with this disease. In this study, we aim to identify the clinical and mycological characteristics of women with RVVC and the effects of RVVC on women’s HRQOL.MethodsWe designed this study as a comparative cross-sectional study. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to measure HRQOL in 102 patients with RVVC and 101 women seeking general health care (controls). RVVC was defined as four or more episodes of proven VVC in the previous 12-month period. VVC was defined as vulvar itching, burning, erythema, vaginal discharge, pseudohyphae or blastoconidia on a wet 10 % potassium hydroxide (KOH)-treated vaginal slide and a positive Candida culture. Group comparisons were conducted with independent samples t test. Correlation analysis was performed on the variables.ResultsThe mean age at first diagnosis of the patients with RVVC was 30.96 years (SD 5.38), and the mean age of the controls was 29.75 years (SD 5.83; p > 0.05). The duration of the patients’ complaints varied from 6 months to 10 years, with a mean duration of 22.28 (±21.75) months. The most common complaints were increased vaginal discharge (102 cases, 100 %), itching (97 cases, 95.1 %), dyspareunia (65 cases, 63.7 %), burning (79 cases, 77.5 %) and erythema (25 cases, 24.5 %). C. albicans was the predominant Candida species (86 strains, 84.3 %) in the patients, followed by C. glabrata (12 strains, 11.8 %). C. parapsilosis (1 strain, 0.9 %), C. tropicalis (1 strain, 0.9 %), C. krusei (1 strain, 0.9 %) and C. lusitaniae (1 strain, 0.9 %). The mean SF-36 dimension scores for physical function, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health were significantly lower in the patients with RVVC than in the controls (85.20, 61.39, 77.79, 54.95, 53.17, 67.89, 52.48 and 59.17 vs. 90.20, 80.87, 87.08, 67.38, 59.69, 79.86, 68.01 and 65.38). The physical composite and mental composite scores of the patients with RVVC were 63.06 and 64.87, respectively, which were lower than those of the controls (75.01 and 74.87; p < 0.05).ConclusionsNearly all of the patients with RVVC had clinical symptoms. In our sample, RVVC was mainly caused by C. albicans. RVVC has negative effects on women’s HRQOL, as indicated by lower physical and mental composite scores among the RVVC group compared with controls.

PP.27.16

Objective: The association between essential hypertension (EH) and low scores of health-related quality of life (H-rQoL) is well established, while inflammation is emerging as a precursor and predictor of cardiovascular disease. We assessed the hypothesis that there might be a possible association between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a time-honored marker of inflammation and H-rQoL, in the setting of EH. Design and method: We studied 154 consecutive subjects (aged = 58 ± 17 years, male = 78), with stage I-II untreated uncomplicated EH (office blood pressure = 150/98 mm hg). In all participants venous blood samples were drawn for evaluation of hs- CRP levels. To assess the H-rQoL, the widely validated Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered. The SF-36 is a generic H-rQoL instrument that includes eight subscales. These subscales were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS). Results: There was a significant negative correlation between hs-CRP levels and scores in six dimensions of SF-36, as well as with the total score (Table).Conclusions: There is an intriguing link between inflammation and low scores of health-related quality of life in the setting of essential hypertension. The pathophysiological substrate of these interrelationships needs further investigation through large scale prospective studies.

PP.29.29

Objective: Much of the variance in hypertension-related sequelae across ethnic groups, is highly related to deficits in accurate health-related data. We sought to evaluate the burden of migration on health-related quality of life (H-rQoL) in the setting of essential hypertension (EH). We hypothesised that immigrants would indicate lower scores in the most dimensions of H-rQoL than natives, reflecting differences in social-economic status. Design and method: We studied 67 Eastern European immigrants with newly diagnosed untreated stage I-II EH (aged 51 ± 15 years, 35 male, office blood pressure (OBP) = 159/92 mm Hg), who immigrated to Greece within the previous two years and 61 hypertensives natives matched for age, gender and OBP. The validated Greek version of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered to all participants. The subscales were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS). Non parametric Mann-Whitney tests were performed. Results: Hypertensive immigrants scored significantly lower in all dimensions of SF-36 when compared to natives (Table).Conclusions: Immigration process and resettlement experience jeopardizes H-rQoL in the setting of EH. It is crucial for primary health care units and other social services to conduct screening programmes for hypertension and its impact to the psychological well-being of the migrating people.

PP.30.22

Objective: Essential hypertension (EH) has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (H-rQoL) while dyslipidemia very often accompanies the hypertensive sequelae. We assesed the hypothesis that the combination of EH and dyslipidemia may have an additive effect on H-rQoL. Design and method: We studied 145 subjects with newly diagnosed stage I-II untreated EH (aged 56 ± 7 years, 47 = dyslipidemic, office blood pressure = 156/92 mmHg). Venous sampling was performed for estimation of lipidemic profile. The validated Greek version of Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered. The 8 subscales of SF-36 were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary scale (PCS) and the mental component summary scale (MCS). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Spearmann rho tests were performed. Results: Dyslipidemic hypertensives demonstrated significantly lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions compared to non dyslipidemic (Table). There was a negative correlation between scores in general health and the total SF-36 score with serum triglycerides level (r = -0.284 p = 0.009, r = -0.287 p = 0.014, respectively).Conclusions: Dyslipidemia exerts an additive detrimental effect on quality of life in the setting of essential hypertension. Whether the above mentioned association contributes to the high cardiovascular risk observed in those patients remains to be determined in future studies.

Impact of Windows and Daylight Exposure on Overall Health and Sleep Quality of Office Workers: A Case-Control Pilot Study

This research examined the impact of daylight exposure on the health of office workers from the perspective of subjective well-being and sleep quality as well as actigraphy measures of light exposure, activity, and sleep-wake patterns. Participants (N = 49) included 27 workers working in windowless environments and 22 comparable workers in workplaces with significantly more daylight. Windowless environment is defined as one without any windows or one where workstations were far away from windows and without any exposure to daylight. Well-being of the office workers was measured by Short Form-36 (SF-36), while sleep quality was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In addition, a subset of participants (N = 21; 10 workers in windowless environments and 11 workers in workplaces with windows) had actigraphy recordings to measure light exposure, activity, and sleep-wake patterns. Workers in windowless environments reported poorer scores than their counterparts on two SF-36 dimensions--role limitation due to physical problems and vitality--as well as poorer overall sleep quality from the global PSQI score and the sleep disturbances component of the PSQI. Compared to the group without windows, workers with windows at the workplace had more light exposure during the workweek, a trend toward more physical activity, and longer sleep duration as measured by actigraphy. We suggest that architectural design of office environments should place more emphasis on sufficient daylight exposure of the workers in order to promote office workers' health and well-being.

The relationship between health-related quality of life, obesity and testosterone levels in older men

quality of life evaluated by Short-Form 36 (SF-36) is decreased in obesity and hypogonadism, but the importance of regional fat mass is unknown. In the present study, we evaluated associations between SF-36, regional fat deposits and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) in ageing men. a population-based cross-sectional study in older men. Data included SF-36 questionnaires with the dimensions such as physical function, role limitations physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role limitations emotional and mental health. Furthermore, waist, lean body mass (measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry), visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (measured by magnetic resonance imaging) and BioT were established. five hundred and ninety-eight men aged 60-74 years were included. The SF-36 dimensions such as physical function, general health, vitality and role limitations functional were inversely associated with waist and SAT and positively associated with BioT. In multiple regression analysis, waist was the body composition measure with the strongest association with SF-36 dimension scores. SF-36 dimension scores were more closely associated with central obesity than with BioT. www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00155961.

AB1459-HPR Despite low disease activity patients with poly- and dermatomyositis perceive activity limitation, reduced grip force and quality of life longitudinally

BackgroundPolymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are idiopathic inflammatory myopathies with muscle weakness and reduced muscle endurance. The impairments lead to activity limitation, participation restriction and reduced quality of life.ObjectivesTo investigate...

Is QUALIOST Appropriate for the Patients With Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Measuring Quality of Life?

The quality of life questionnaire in osteoporosis (QUALIOST) measures the impact of this condition. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of QUALIOST among 38 orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia versus 42 control subjects with osteoporosis or osteopenia associated with other conditions. Bone mineral density (gr/cm2) measurements were performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as well as thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs to assess fractures. Reliability studies evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and internal consistency (Cronbach α). For the validity studies, correlation analysis was performed between this scale and Short Form-36 (SF-36) results. The questionnaire was filled out completely by all the patients with 0.9% and 1.3% of omitted answer rates for OLT and control patients. ICC and Cronbach's α values were good for all domains with values above .90. In both groups we observed significant negative high correlations between the domains of the questionnaire and all SF-36 dimensions (P < .001). At least one vertebral fracture was diagnosed in 17 (44.7%) and 20 (47.6%) patients with OLT and control respectively. The comparison analysis revealed that the scores of QUALIOST of patients with vertebral fracture were significantly higher than those without a fracture in both groups (P < .05). In conclusion, we evaluated the validity and reliability of a scale measuring quality of life in patients who had osteoporosis secondary to OLT. The results showed that the Turkish QUALIOST showed acceptable validity and reliability in these patients.

Predictors of functional outcome after revision total knee arthroplasty following aseptic failure

BackgroundThere are a limited number of studies related to quality of life and functional outcome after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The present study aimed to identify predictors of functional outcome after revision TKA for aseptic failure. MethodsOne hundred seventy-five patients with mean age of 66.6years (range, 35–88) who underwent revision TKA for aseptic failure at our institute from 2003 to 2007 were identified. Short-form 36 (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society Scores (KSS) collected preoperatively and at 2years follow up were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of functional outcome in studied patients. ResultsBoth physical and mental dimensions of SF-36, pain, functional, and stiffness subscales of WOMAC and both functional and clinical scores of KSS improved significantly after revision TKA (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, male gender, a lower Charlson comorbidity index, and higher preoperative functional KSS were predictors of higher functional KSS at 2years after revision. Lower preoperative pain and higher clinical KSS were predictors of better outcome as measured by pain scale of WOMAC. Body mass index (BMI) and preoperative clinical KSS were significant predictors of function and stiffness as measured by WOMAC. ConclusionsBMI is a modifiable predictor of functional outcome after revision TKA. Moreover, patients with higher preoperative functional scores appear to have better postoperative function. Level of evidenceLevel II.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with negatively variable impacts on domains of health-related quality of life: evidence from a meta-analysis

To systematically review the literature to identify the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on specific health-related quality of life domains. Meta-analysis. N/A. The outcomes of 423 patients and 285 controls from 5 articles that used the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire were used for meta-analysis. N/A. The SF-36 dimensions including physical function, physical role function, body pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role function, and mental health were evaluated. Compared with controls, women with PCOS had lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions: physical function (mean differences [MD], -5.46; 95% confidence intervals [CI], -8.52, -2.41), physical role function (MD, -5.76; 95% CI, -8.49, -3.03), body pain (MD, -4.55; 95% CI, -7.99, -1.11), general health (MD, -11.34; 95% CI, -19.53, -3.15), vitality (MD, -15.14; 95% CI, -17.43, -12.84), social function (MD, -15.95, 95% CI, -18.57, -13.33), emotional role function (MD, -23.86; 95% CI, -27.51, -20.21), and mental health (MD, -13.83; 95% CI, -16.13, -11.53). The meta-analysis showed that women with PCOS score lower in each dimension of the SF-36, mostly in the emotional role function.

Validation of the multiple sclerosis international quality of life (MusiQoL) questionnaire in Norwegian patients

To assess the validity and reliability of the multidimensional, self-administered Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire, previously validated in a large international sample, in Norwegian patients. Patients with different types and severities of multiple sclerosis (MS) were recruited from a single MS centre in Norway. All patients completed the MusiQoL and Short Form-36 (SF-36) QoL questionnaires at baseline and a mean of 21 (SD 7) days later. A neurologist collected sociodemographic, MS history and outcome data. Construct validity, internal consistency, reproducibility and external consistency were tested. One hundred and four patients were evaluated. Construct validity was confirmed in terms of satisfactory item internal consistency correlations in eight of nine MusiQoL dimensions (Spearman's correlation: 0.34-0.79) and scaling success of item discriminant validity (75.0-100%). All dimensions of the MusiQoL questionnaire exhibited satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.44-0.87) and reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.36-0.86). External validity testing showed that the global MusiQoL score correlated significantly with all but one individual SF-36 dimension score (Spearman's correlation: 0.29-0.56). These results demonstrate that the Norwegian-language version of the MusiQoL questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing health-related QoL in Norwegian patients with MS.

Open reduction and internal fixation versus casting for highly comminuted and intra-articular fractures of the distal radius (ORCHID): protocol for a randomized clinical multi-center trial

BackgroundFractures of the distal radius represent the most common fracture in elderly patients, and often indicate the onset of symptomatic osteoporosis. A variety of treatment options is available, including closed reduction and plaster casting, K-wire-stabilization, external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar locked plating. The latter is widely promoted by clinicians and hardware manufacturers. Closed reduction and cast stabilization for six weeks is a simple, convenient, and ubiquitously available intervention. In contrast, ORIF requires hospitalization, but allows for functional rehabilitation.Given the lack of randomized controlled trials, it remains unclear whether ORIF leads to better functional outcomes one year after injury than closed reduction and casting.Methods/DesignORCHID (Open reduction and internal fixation versus casting for highly comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius) is a pragmatic, randomized, multi-center, clinical trial with two parallel treatment arms. It is planned to include 504 patients in 15 participating centers throughout Germany over a three-year period. Patients are allocated by a central web-based randomization tool.The primary objective is to determine differences in the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Physical Component Score (PCS) between volar locked plating and closed reduction and casting of intraarticular, comminuted distal radius fractures in patients > 65 years of age one year after the fracture. Secondary outcomes include differences in other SF-36 dimensions, the EuroQol-5D questionnaire, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) instrument. Also, the range of motion in the affected wrist, activities of daily living, complications (including secondary ORIF and revision surgery), as well as serious adverse events will be assessed. Data obtained during the trial will be used for later health-economic evaluations. The trial architecture involves a central statistical unit, an independent monitoring institute, and a data safety monitoring board. Following approval by the institutional review boards of all participating centers, conduct and reporting will strictly adhere to national and international rules, regulations, and recommendations (e.g., Good Clinical Practice, data safety laws, and EQUATOR/CONSORT proposals)DiscussionTo our knowledge, ORCHID is the first multicenter RCT designed to assess quality of life and functional outcomes following operative treatment compared to conservative treatment of complex, intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients. The results are expected to influence future treatment recommendations and policies on an international level.Trial registrationISRCTN: ISRCTN76120052Registration date: 31.07.2008; Randomization of first patient: 15.09.2008

Quality of life of eye amputated patients

To evaluate eye-amputated patients' health-related quality of life, perceived stress, self-rated health, job separation because of illness or disability and socioeconomic position. Patients were recruited from a tertiary referral centre situated in Copenhagen. Inclusion criteria were eye amputation, i.e. evisceration, enucleation, orbital exenteration or secondary implantation of an orbital implant during the period 1996-2003, and participation in a previous investigation (2005). In total, 159 eye-amputated patients were included, and completed a self-administered questionnaire containing health-related quality of life (SF-36), the perceived stress scale and answered questions about self-rated health, job changes because of illness or disability and socioeconomic status. These results were compared with findings from the Danish Health Interview Survey 2005. The eye-amputated patients had significantly (p < 0.05) lower scores (poorer health) on all SF-36 subscales and more perceived stress compared to the general population. In all, 43.3% of the patients rated their health as excellent or very good compared to 52.1% of the general population. In total, 25% of the study population has retired or changed to a part-time job because of eye disease. The percentage of eye amputated patients, who were divorced or separated, was twice as high as in the general population. The impact of an eye amputation is considerable. The quality of life, perceived stress and self-rated health of many eye-amputated patients are drastically changed. Eye amputation has a marked negative influence on job separation because of illness or disability and on socioeconomic position.

Quality of Life, Use of Topical Medications and Socio-economic Data in Hand Eczema: A Swedish Nationwide Survey

Hand eczema is common and has an adverse impact on the lives of patients. There is a need for population-based surveys on the pharmacoepidemiological aspects, quality of life and impact of socioeconomic factors in hand eczema. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate these factors. A questionnaire-based nationwide survey of health was performed, including questions on hand eczema, use of pharmaceuticals and socioeconomic factors. Quality of life was estimated with the generic instrument Short Form 36 (SF-36). The questionnaire was sent to 7,985 persons (age range 18-84 years), response rate 61.1% (n = 4,875). The 1-year prevalence of hand eczema in the study population was 7.5%. In this group, quality of life was lower. All dimensions of SF-36 were affected, most markedly general health and those dimensions reporting on mental health. In the group with self-reported hand eczema, 51% reported using topical pharmaceuticals. Hand eczema was more common among women (9.1%, n = 2,630) than among men (5.6%, n = 2,245) and in the age group below 65 years (8.5%, n = 3,274) compared with those aged 65 years and over (4.3%, n = 1,151). This survey clearly demonstrates the impact of hand eczema on several dimensions of life and also highlights age, gender and socioeconomic differences.

Chronic fatigue is associated with impaired health‐related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease

Fatigue is reported to reduce health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic diseases. Studies on the importance of fatigue and its implications for the patient's HRQOL in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain scarce and need to be explored. To investigate the influence of chronic fatigue on both generic and disease-specific HRQOL in IBD. Patients in remission, with mild and moderate IBD completed the Fatigue Questionnaire, the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and the Norwegian version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (N-IBDQ). In addition, demographic and clinical variables were obtained. In total, 140 patients were included; the mean age of patients with chronic fatigue was 44.2 years (s.d. = 15.8), that of nonfatigued was 44.7 years (s.d. = 16.0). Ulcerative colitis (UC)/Crohn's disease (CD) = 92/48. Chronic fatigue was associated, after controlling for covariates, with a reduction of HRQOL scores in 6/8 SF-36 dimensions in UC and 5/8 dimensions in CD. In N-IBDQ, chronic fatigue was associated with a reduction of HRQOL in four subdimensions and total score in CD and all dimensions in UC. Fatigue is associated with reduction of HRQOL scores in IBD. The physical HRQOL domains are particularly affected. The impact of fatigue on disability, sick leave, school and work attendance has to be studied further.

FIRST GENERATION EASTERN EUROPEAN HYPERTENSIVE IMMIGRANTS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY POOR QUALITY OF LIFE COMPARED TO AUTOCHTHONOUS HYPERTENSIVES: PP.20.287

Objective: Ìuch of the variance in hypertension-related sequelae across ethnic groups, is highly related to deficits in accurate health-related data. We sought to evaluate the burden of migration on health-related quality of life (H-rQoL) in the setting of essential hypertension (EH). Design and Method: We studied 67 Eastern European immigrants with newly diagnosed untreated stage I-II EH (aged 51 ± 15 years, 35 male, office blood pressure (OBP) = 159/92 mm Hg), who immigrated to Greece within the previous two years and 61 hypertensives natives matched for age, gender and OBP. The validated Greek version of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered to all participants. The subscales were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS). Non parametric Mann-Whitney tests were performed. Results: Hypertensive immigrants scored significantly lower in all dimensions of SF-36 when compared to natives (Table). Conclusions: Immigration process and resettlement experience jeopardizes H-rQoL in the setting of EH. Ét is crucial for primary health care units and other social services to conduct screening programmes for hypertension and its impact to the psychological well-being of the migrating people.

EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN HYPERTENSIVES WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA: PP.34.385

Background: Essential hypertension (EH) has a negative impact on health-related quality of life (H-rQoL) while dyslipedemia very often accompanies the hypertensive sequelae. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of EH and dyslipidemia on H-rQoL. Methods: We studied 145 subjects with newly diagnosed stage I-II untreated EH (aged 56 ± 7 years, 47 = dyslipidemic, office blood pressure = 156/92 mmHg). Venous sampling was performed for estimation of lipidemic profile. The validated Greek version of Short Form 36 (SF-36) General Health Survey questionnaire was administered. The 8 subscales of SF-36 were further grouped into two summary scales: the physical component summary scale (PCS) and the mental component summary scale (MCS). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Spearmann rho tests were performed. Results: Dyslipidemic hypertensives demonstrated significantly lower scores in all SF-36 dimensions compared to non dyslipidemic (Table). There was a negative correlation between scores in general health and the total SF-36 score with serum triglycerides level (r = -0.284 p = 0.009, r = -0.287 p = 0.014, respectively). Conclusions: In essential hypertension, dyslipidemia exerts an additive detrimental effect on quality of life. Whether the abovementioned association contributes to the high cardiovascular risk observed in those patients remains to be determined in future studies.