Short Form-36 Subscales Research Articles

Epilepsi Hastalarında Yaşam Kalitesine Psikosomatik Açıdan Yaklaşım

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial functionality in patients with epilepsy using the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) classification system that aims to identify patients with clinically significant and relatively weighted psychological factors and to compare it with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In addition, it was aimed to validate the DCPR system by investigating the effects of psychosomatic diagnoses on the quality of life in the disease process. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with epilepsy who were referred to the Epilepsy special branch outpatient clinic were included in the study. The control group consisted of 53 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent structured DCPR and SCID-I interviews and were investigated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and a Sociodemographic Data Form. Results: Eighty-seven percent of the patients met the diagnostic criteria with the DCPR system while 82% of the patients met the diagnostic criteria with DSM (χ2(1, N =100) = 4.539, p = 0.04). Examination of the effect of diagnostic systems on SF-36 scores in patients with epilepsy with the hierarchical regression model showed that diagnoses in the DCPR system predicted most of the SF-36 subscale scores better. Conclusion: The DCPR system could detect psychological distress at a higher rate than DSM in patients with epilepsy. Syndromes in the DCPR classification were associated with poor quality of life in the patients. The DCPR classification is therefore valid in patients with epilepsy and may have advantages in a more comprehensive evaluation of patients.

Reliability and validity of the Istanbul Low Back Pain Disability Index in lumbosacral radiculopathy

Lumbosacral radiculopathy is associated with a broad range of complaints; therefore, specific disability measurements should be validated for this condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Istanbul Low Back Pain Disability Index (ILBPDI) in lumbosacral radiculopathy. Patients diagnosed with radiculopathy caused by a disc herniation were included. Disability and quality of life were evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectively. The severity of low back pain and leg pain were evaluated using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The reliability of the ILBPDI was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The relation of ILBPDI with SF-36, ODI, NRS-back and NRS-leg scores were analyzed for convergent validity. The relation of the ILBPDI with age, body mass index (BMI), and disease duration was analyzed for divergent validity. Factor analysis was used to establish the internal construct validity. One hundred patients (55% female) were included in this study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92. The ILBPDI was found to be correlated with the ODI (rho: 0.619, p< 0.005) and NRS-leg score (rho: 0.597, p< 0.005), but not with NRS-back score (rho: 0.164, p> 0.05). The ILBPDI was significantly correlated with physical functioning (rho: -0.638, p< 0.005), bodily pain (rho: -0.488, p< 0.005), general health (rho: -0.264, p= 0.008) and social function (rho: -0.372, p< 0.005) subscales of SF-36 (convergent validity). The ILBPDI was not correlated with age, BMI, or disease duration (divergent validity). Factor analysis showed that the scale had three-factors which were correlated to bending forward, standing, and sitting activities. The ILBPDI is a valid and reliable instrument in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.

THE EFFECT OF CLINICAL PILATES GROUP EXERCISE PROGRAM ON FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCORES, POSTURE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN RECREATIONALLY ACTIVE WOMEN

Aim: Pilates exercises were introduced by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. These exercises are based on 5 basic principles; centering, concentration, sensitivity, flow and respiration. All pilates exercises are applied with core stabilization. Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a screening system that shows functional deficiencies. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of 12-week pilates group exercise training on functional movement scores in women. Secondarily; posture, depression level and quality of life were evaluated. Methods: 30 women were included in the study between 30-50 years of age. Primarly, Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) (Deep squat, Hurdle step, In line lunge, Shoulder mobility, Active leg raise, Trunk stability push-up, Rotation stability) secondarily; New York Posture Analysis Scale, Beck Depression Scale and Short Form 36(SF-36) were used. Pilates exercises were applied by a physiotherapist. The exercises continued for three sessions per week for 12 weeks. The evaluations were repeated before exercise and just after finish of the exercise. Results: Statistical significant difference was found in FMS total score, New York Posture Analysis Scale and SF-36 subscores except general health parameter. Conclusion: Participating in Pilates exercises can improve functional status, posture and health related quality of life.

Impact of Limited Health Literacy on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Health disparities in patient-reported outcomes by income and education are well documented; however, the impact of health literacy on patient-reported outcomes has received less attention. We examined independent effects of income, education, and health literacy on patient-reported outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Data from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (n = 323 participants) were used. Health literacy was assessed with a validated 3-item measure (ability to understand written information, reliance on others to understand written information, confidence in completing written forms). Patient-reported outcomes were administered by interview in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Generic and disease-specific patient-reported outcomes were examined using the following: 10 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short forms; the 8 Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey subscales; and 3 patient-reported SLE disease activity and damage measures. We conducted 2 sets of multivariable analyses: the first examined education, income, or health literacy individually; the second included all 3 simultaneously. All multivariable models included age, sex, race/ethnicity, language, disease duration, and physician-assessed disease activity and damage. More than one-third of participants (38%) had limited health literacy (LHL), including >25% with greater than high school education. In multivariable analyses simultaneously considering education, income, and health literacy, LHL was associated with significantly worse scores on all patient-reported outcomes except disease damage. In contrast, disparities by income were seen in only 3 PROMIS scales, 3 SF-36 subscales, and 1 disease activity measure. No disparities by education level were noted. We found significantly worse patient-reported outcome scores among individuals with LHL, even after controlling for disease activity and damage. Whether disparities are due to actual differences in health or measurement issues requires further study.

Validation and reliability of a Japanese version of the Simple Shoulder Test: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a widely used patient-reported outcome assessment. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a Japanese version of the SST (SST-Jp).MethodsA two-stage observational study was conducted to validate the cross-cultural adaptation of the SST. A total of 100 patients with shoulder disorders completed the SST-Jp; the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand assessment; and the Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36 (SF-36) at an initial visit. Thirty-four of the patients repeated the SST-Jp one week after the first examination. The test-retest reliability was quantified using the interclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha (α) was calculated to assess internal consistency. Construct validity was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.ResultsThe internal consistency of the SST-Jp was very high (α = 0.826). The interclass correlation coefficient of the SST-Jp was also high (0.859). There was a strong, positive correlation between the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and the SST-Jp (r = 0.717, P < .001). The SST-Jp was significantly correlated with most of the SF-36 subscales. The correlations of the SST-Jp with physical subscales of the SF-36 were stronger than those with the other subscales.ConclusionsThe SST-Jp was found to be a valid and reliable measurement for shoulder joint pain and function assessment among the Japanese population.

Familial Mediterranean fever: Health-related quality of life and associated variables in a national cohort.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effectivity of Familial Mediterranean Fever Quality of Life (FMF-QoL) Scale for the measurement of QoL in patients with FMF and to perform correlations between related clinical variables in Turkish patients.Patients and methods This multicenter prospective study performed between December 2017 and November 2018 included 974 FMF patients (334 males, 640 females; median age: 35; range, 26 to 45 years). Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features were recorded. All participants were asked to complete the FMF-QoL Scale, Short Form-36 (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) Scale.Results The median FMF-QoL Scale score was 26. Higher FMF-QoL Scale scores were shown to be related to female sex, illiteracy or primary education, monthly low-income (US$<300), smoking, late-onset FMF (>20 years), a higher number of attacks per month (>1/month), and severe disease. FMF-QoL Scale scores were correlated negatively with subscales of SF-36, and positively with HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores, HAQ and FACIT.ConclusionFemale sex, smoking, lower educational status, more severe disease, fatigue, and functional impairment were associated with poor QoL. FMF-QoL Scale was noted as a valid and simple patient-reported outcome instrument and correlated with the SF-36 scale.

Comparison of functional exercise capacity, quality of life and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength between patients with stable angina and healthy controls.

ObjectiveWe aimed to compare functional exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function and quality of life between patients with stable angina and healthy controls.MethodsWe compared 33 patients with stable angina (55.21 ± 6.12 years old, Canada Class II–III, left ventricular ejection fraction: 61.92 ± 7.55) and 30 healthy controls (52.70 ± 4.22 years old). Functional capacity (6-minute walk test (6-MWT)), respiratory muscle strength (mouth pressure device), peripheral muscle strength (dynamometer), pulmonary function (spirometer) and quality of life (Short Form 36 (SF-36)) were evaluated.Results6-MWT distance (499.20 ± 51.91 m versus 633.05 ± 57.62 m), maximal inspiratory pressure (85.42 ± 20.52 cmH2O versus 110.44 ± 32.95 cmH2O), maximal expiratory pressure (83.33 ± 19.05 cmH2O versus 147.96 ± 54.80 cmH2O) and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function and SF-36 sub-scores were lower in the angina group versus the healthy controls, respectively.ConclusionImpaired peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, reduction in exercise capacity and quality of life are obvious in patients with stable angina. Therefore, these parameters should be considered in stable angina physiotherapy programmes to improve impairments.

The effect of psychodrama on quality of life and sleep in mothers of children with cerebral palsy

The different conditions such as impaired sleep quality, impaired quality of life and decreased psychological health have been reported in caregivers of children with disabilities. It was aimed in this study to determine if psychodrama intervention causes any change on the sleep and life quality of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Psychodrama intervention in sessions of 2 h a week for 8 weeks was applied to psychodrama group, and the study was completed with 8 mothers in the psychodrama group and 14 mothers in the control group. The mothers were evaluated in terms of sleep quality assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and quality of life assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36) before the treatment and at the end of the 8th week. The clinically significant improvements were detected in all SF-36 subscale scores in the psychodrama group compared to the control group, only score of bodily pain subscale showed a statistically significant percentage change. There was no difference between the groups in the percentage change in PSQI scores. This study has shown that psychodrama intervention had no effect on sleep quality while it might have clinically positive effects on all of the quality of life subscales.

Quality of Life After Thyroidectomy for Hashimoto Disease in Patients With Persistent Symptoms.

To determine whether thyroidectomy improves quality of life in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis with persistent symptoms despite biochemical euthyroidism. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for Hashimoto thyroiditis at our institution between 2014 and 2018. The following variables were collected: age, race, body mass index, preoperative symptoms, preoperative thyroid peroxidase antibody titer, thyroglobulin antibody titer, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, specimen weight, and histologic presence of thyroiditis. Outcomes included general health score on the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health and responses to a questionnaire addressing postoperative disease management. A total of 19 patients were included in the study, 18 of whom were female with a mean age of 48 years. The majority of patients were Caucasian. There were no significant differences between the postoperative general health scores of the patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and scores from a healthy control population (66.9 vs 74.1; 95% CI: -16.9 to +2.5, P = .16). There were also no differences between groups within the 7 SF-36 subscores. Elevation in preoperative thyroperoxidase antibody correlated with lower reported postoperative energy levels (r = -0.63, P = .016) and emotional well-being (r = -.55, P = .041); 87.5% of respondents reported being moderately or extremely happy with their decision to proceed with surgery. Quality of life in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis who undergo thyroidectomy is equivalent to the general population, and the majority are satisfied with surgery. Thyroidectomy is a consideration for patients with persistent symptoms despite optimization on medical therapy.

Cardiovascular and Quality of Life Outcomes of a 3-Month Physical Exercise Program in Two Brazilian Communities.

Background: A reduction in physical activity levels in older people is associated with declining quality of life and lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels associated with cardiovascular disease outcomes and mortality from all causes. Evidence supports the positive effect of community-based exercise (CEXE) programs on cardiovascular health and quality of life. This research aimed to examine the effects of a 3-month CEXE on health-related quality of life and cardiovascular risk factors in two Brazilian populations.Methods: Adults with an average age of 70.2 ± 5.4 years were recruited to engage in an individually designed group based CEXE program two to three times/week (aerobic exercise, circuit resistance training, and stretching exercises for 1 h each time). Once a week, competitions were held to improve socialization and collaboration capacity among group members. The CEXE group was compared with a sedentary group. Cardiovascular outcomes were blood pressure, triglycerides, body mass index, waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and glycemia. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form-36.Results: Of the cardiovascular outcomes studied, the CEXE program significantly reduced systolic blood pressure [5.7 (95% CI 0.2 to 11.3), p < 0.05] and the triglyceride–HDL-C ratio [0.8 (95% CI 0.05 to 1.5), p < 0.05], whereas HDL-C was significantly increased [4.4 (95% CI 0.02 to 8.8), p < 0.05]. A significant improvement in the Short Form-36 subscales occurred in CEXE but not in the control group: physical functioning score [increase of 24.2 (95% CI 11.8 to 36.5) vs. −9.2 (95% CI −21.5 to 3.2), p < 0.001], physical role functioning score [increase of 35.4 (95% CI 12.8 to 58.0) vs. 16.7 (95% CI −6.0 to 39.3), p < 0.01], and general health score [increase of 23.7 (95% CI: 36.9. to 10.4) vs. 2.4 (95% CI −10.9 to 15.7), p < 0.001].Conclusion: This study shows that in older adults, a 12-week physical activity program can significantly decrease cardiovascular risk and improve health-related quality of life measures. An important transferable sociocultural strategy of our exercise program was to establish social interactions during and outside the CEXE program.

Measures of Adult Knee Function.

Measures of Adult Knee Function.

Urinary incontinence and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundUrinary incontinence (UI) and low quality of life (QoL) are two common conditions. Some recent literature proposed that these two entities can be associated. However, no attempt was made to collate this literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data to estimate the strength of the association between UI and QoL.MethodsAn electronic search of major databases up to 18th April 2020 was carried out. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional and case–control studies comparing mean values in QoL between patients with UI and controls was performed, reporting random-effects standardized mean differences (SMDs) ± 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2.ResultsOut of 8279 articles initially screened, 23 were finally included for a total of 24,983 participants, mainly women. The mean age was ≥ 50 years in 12/23 studies. UI was significantly associated with poor QoL as assessed by the short-form 36 (SF-36) total score (n = 6 studies; UI: 473 vs. 2971 controls; SMD = − 0.89; 95% CI − 1.3 to − 0.42; I2 = 93.5) and by the sub-scales of SF-36 and 5/8 of the domains included in the SF-36. Similar results were found using other QoL tools. The risk of bias of the studies included was generally high.ConclusionsUI is associated with a poor QoL, with a strong level of certainty. This work, however, mainly based on cross-sectional and case–control studies, highlights the necessity of future longitudinal studies for better understanding the importance of UI on QoL.

A comparison of dry needling and kinesiotaping therapies in myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized clinical study.

Objectives This study aims to compare the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and kinesiotaping (KT) therapies on pain, quality of life, depression, and physical function in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).Patients and methods The study included a total of 60 patients (4 males, 56 females; mean age 31.2±9.8 years; range, 18 to 56 years) diagnosed with MPS between January 2014 and June 2014. The patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups: the DN group (n=30) and KT group (n=30). Both groups performed stretching and postural exercises. The scales used for measurements were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, a pressure algometer for the pressure-pain threshold, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) for the quality of life, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression, and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) for physical function. The patients were evaluated by a single assessor three times: pre-treatment, at the end of the treatment, and two months after the treatment.Results Both DN and KT provided significant improvements for all baseline measurements (VAS, pressure pain threshold, all subscales of SF-36, BDI, and NPDS scores) at the end of the treatment and two months after the treatment (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in all measurements (p>0.05).ConclusionKinesiotaping is as an effective method as DN in the treatment of MPS. It can be served as a non-invasive alternative to patients with needle phobia.

A public health concern: Chronic low back pain and the relationship between pain, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality

Aim: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common condition of the musculoskeletal system and a public health concern. CLBP patients suffer from conditions such as muscle weakness and numbness, resulting in diminished quality of life (QoL), poor functioning, psychological disorders and sleep disorders related to disabling pain. The aim of the current study was to reveal relationship between CLBP and patients’ health related QoL, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Methods: Seventy-three patients with CLBP and 73 healthy controls participated in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The Short form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Roland-Morris disability, Short form-36 (SF-36), Beck Depression (BDI) and anxiety inventory (BAI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used in the study group, and SF-36, BDI, BAI and PSQI were used in the control group. The relationships between QoL, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders were examined in the two groups. Results: Two groups did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics (P>0.05). In the sub-scales of SF-36, except vitality and mental health, a significant difference was detected between the study and control groups (P<0.001). The depression, anxiety and PSQI scores did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: CLBP affects QoL negatively. This should be considered when managing CLBP.

Validation and reliability of a Japanese version of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a simple disease specific questionnaire that is used to evaluate the impact of shoulder disorders. The purpose of this study was to translate the SPADI into Japanese (SPADI-Jp) and evaluate its reliability and validity in Japanese patients with shoulder disorders. MethodsCross-cultural adaptation of the SPADI was performed according to international guidelines. A total of 100 patients with shoulder disorders participated in this study. Each participant was asked to finish the SPADI-Jp, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) at the initial visit. Thirty-four patients repeated the SPADI-Jp to assess the test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability was quantified using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess the internal consistency. The construct validity was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. ResultsInternal consistency in the SPADI-Jp was very high (0.969), as measured by the Cronbach's alpha. The ICC of the SPADI-Jp was 0.930. There was a strong, positive correlation between the DASH and the SPADI-Jp (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). The SPADI-Jp was significantly correlated with most of the SF-36 subscales. The correlations of the SPADI-Jp with physical subscales of the SF-36 were stronger than those with the other subscales. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that the SPADI-Jp is a reliable and valid self-assessment tool. Because cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of the disease-specific questionnaire for shoulder pain and disability have not been evaluated in Japan, the SPADI-Jp can be useful for evaluating such patients in the Japanese population.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Density and Number of Sessions of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized-Controlled Study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of density and number of sessions extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, fatigue, disability, physical function, and quality of life in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Between September 2019 and December 2019, a total of 94 patients with the diagnosis of PF were included in the study. All patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 33) received a total of 7 sessions of high-energy flux density (H-ESWT) (0.26 mJ/mm2 ) , group 2 (n = 31) received a total of 3 sessions of H-ESWT (0.26 mJ/mm2), group 3 (n = 30) received total of 7 sessions of low-energy flux density (<0.08 mJ/mm2) with 3 days interval. At baseline and 1 month after the treatment, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form-36, Foot Function Index (FFI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Scale, and Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) scores were compared among the groups. Of the patients, 69 were females and 25 were males with a mean age of 45.0 ± 8.43 (range, 25-67) years. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, demographic characteristics, and baseline VAS, FFI, 6MWT, and FACIT scores between the groups (p > .05). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS, FACIT, and FFI scores in all groups after treatment compared to baseline, although only the 6MWT, and Short Form-36 subscale scores were statistically significantly higher (p < .05). There was also a statistically significant difference in the scale scores in Group 1 versus Group 2 and in Group 2 versus Group 3. Our study results suggest that H-ESWT for high number of sessions is more effective than LESWT for low number of sessions on pain, quality of life, physical function, fatigue, and disability in patients with PF.

Body Concept and Quality of Life in Patients with Idiopathic Dystonia.

Patients with dystonia experience unusual postures and disfigurement. The aim of the study was to examine changes in the body concept in relation to quality of life and severity of dystonia. Our cohort consisted of 20 patients with idiopathic dystonia resistant to medical therapy who were planned for pallidal deep brain stimulation. The results were compared to 25 healthy controls. The patients were assessed with Frankfurt Body Concept Scale, Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey, Hamilton Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Social Phobia Inventory and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. The disease severity was evaluated with Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale and Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale. Patients with dystonia had a significantly impaired body concept in eight out of nine subscales in comparison to healthy controls. The differences were most pronounced for the subscales general health, body care, physical efficacy, sexuality and physical appearance (p < 0.001). Furthermore, all eight subscales of SF-36 exhibited significantly lower values in patients with dystonia compared to controls. We also found significant positive correlations between SF-36 and body concept subscales. Impairment of body concept was not associated with disease severity or levels of social anxiety symptoms. However, there was a significant association between self-rated depression and disease severity. Our patients suffered from increased depression and social anxiety symptoms except social interaction anxiety. We conclude that patients with dystonia have significant body concept impairment that interferes with quality of life in both physical and emotional domains. Future studies should focus on assessing these symptoms after adequate therapeutic management of motor symptoms.

Work ability and percentage of hours worked related to limitations in patients with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: a cross-sectional cohort study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between self-reported work ability and hours worked at the current time in Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders (UEMSD) patients. To further investigate this relationship, the association of work ability and working hours with several limitations in daily and working life were explored.MethodsIn this cross-sectional cohort study, a questionnaire was sent out to members of the UEMSD patient organisation, containing self-reported work ability, questions on working hours and limitations in work due to UEMSD. Limitations were measured with the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, ShortForm-36 subscales, and common hand grasps or grips. Work ability was measured with the work ability score, while worked hours were operationalised as the percentage of hours worked compared to fulltime. The correlation between worked hours and work ability was tested with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Variance in work ability and the hours worked were explained by limitations and assessed with two linear regression analyses.ResultsBased on data of 794 respondents a moderate correlation was found between work ability and worked hours r = 0.46; 95% CI [0.40, 0.53]. Models including limitations explained 52 and 21% of total variance in work ability and worked hours, respectively. Variance in both can be explained by the degree of difficulties performing daily activities at work, limitations in daily activities as a consequence of health issues and the ability to perform a precision grip. Additionally, work ability can be explained by limitations at work and other daily activities due to physical health issues, while the percentage of hours can additionally be explained by the ability to grasp a large object with one hand, the ability to use a keyboard, and the subject’s gender.ConclusionsThe number of worked hours does not fully match the work ability. Although they share three predictors, work ability and worked hours seem to be based on different aspects. Compared to work hours, work ability is more strongly related to limitations in daily activities and work. Taking self-reported work ability into account can improve the fit between work limitations and work hours.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Facial Disability Index

Purpose To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Turkish version of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) and evaluate its psychometric properties, including reliability and validity. Methods Translation of the original FDI was followed by international guidelines. Paralysis classification was evaluated with House-Brackman Rating System (HBGS). Patients completed Short Form-36 (SF-36) along with the Turkish version of the FDI and refilled the Turkish FDI one week later. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Construct validity was assessed by calculating the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Also, exploratory factor analysis was carried out by identifying the factor structure of the scale. Results After the pre-test of the Turkish FDI, there was no need for linguistic and cultural adaptation. The internal consistency of the physical function subscale was high (0.82). The social/well-being subscale’s Cronbach alpha (0.63) was within the acceptable range. Test–retest reliability was excellent (ICC of physical function = 0.91 and social/well-being = 0.93, p < 0.05). The physical function subscale was correlated with the PF subscale of SF-36 and HBGS (r = −0.837 and 0.292, respectively; p < 0.05). Besides, the social/well-being function subscale was correlated with HBGS and all subscales of SF-36, except RP (p < 0.05). Factor analysis results of the Turkish FDI were similar to the other version studies. Conclusion The Turkish version of the FDI is a valid and reliable questionnaire in patients with peripheral facial paralysis. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The Turkish version FDI is the first Turkish tool translated cross-culturally adapted for specific assessment of facial paralysis. The Turkish version of the FDI is a valid and reliable questionnaire and can be used in all native Turkish speaking patients in peripheral facial paralysis. This assessment tool can be used in clinical routine and research settings to evaluate facial paralysis.

Measuring Adverse Childhood Experiences: Comparing Individual, Composite, Score-based and Latent Profile-based Scoring Schemas Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; e.g., neglect, sexual abuse) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) may not occur in isolation, but may be connected and occur in clusters. Most studies have measured ACEs individually, hierarchically, additively, or in a binary fashion (presence or absence of ACEs), rather than treating them as connected and clustered. This study examined these competing approaches of scoring ACEs and their relative power at predicting health outcomes. We examined abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional) and neglect (physical and emotional) experiences among a non-random sample of 470 Toronto GBM using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form subscales. We compared five scoring schemas: (1) five individual scores for each form of maltreatment; (2) a composite score summing all of the maltreatment scores; (3) a hierarchical regression model with sexual abuse entered first then followed by physical abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect; (4) a severity-based categorization; and (5) a latent profile-based categorization. Experiences of abuse and neglect were not uncommon (22-33%) and some participants experienced multiple forms of abuse and neglect (r = .33-.65, df = 464-467; p < .001; shared variance, r2 = 11-43%). Results show the dose-response effects of ACEs and highlight the importance of examining ACEs in clusters rather than individually. Latent profile analysis identified GBM who experienced multiple and frequent ACEs, and also identified the types of ACEs they experienced: crucial information that was obscured in score-based or severity-based approaches.