Significant Predictors Of Quality Of Life Research Articles

Does Quality of Care (QoC) Perception Influence the Quality of Life (QoL) in Women with Endometriosis? Results from an Italian Nationwide Survey during Covid Pandemic

(1) Background: Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive illness that generates a slew of issues, lowering the quality of life of women. The purpose of this study was to look at the quality of life in women with endometriosis and how it relates to the quality of care. (2) Methods: This study is an online survey performed in Italy during the COVID pandemic using the Italian version of the Health Questionnaire SF-36 and a questionnaire for assessing the quality of care received. (3) Results: 1052 women with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis participated in the survey. The mean levels of Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) were 38.89 ± 10.55 and 34.59 ± 11.17, respectively. A total of 77% of women judged the services they received positively, and 51% considered the coordination between healthcare professionals to be satisfactory. The satisfaction index mean was 23.11 ± 4.80. PCS was positively related to Occupation, high educational level, physical activity, and health care satisfaction. MCS was positively related to higher age, physical activity, and health care satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: The study indicated that satisfaction with health care was a significant predictor of QoL in women with endometriosis, for both physical and mental health.

Factors influencing quality of life among cancer survivors in Kenya.

The number of cancer survivors is growing continuously due to advances in treatment of cancer patients. In developed countries, numerous studies on quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors have been conducted. Little is known regarding the QoL of cancer survivors in Kenya. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to QoL of cancer survivors in Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. Participants were 108 adult cancer survivors. Self and interviewer administered QoL Patient/Cancer Survivor Questionnaire was used. Findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between QoL and age (rs =-.055 p<.05), marital status (rs=.490 p<.01), income (rs =.228 p<.05), stage of cancer diagnosis (rs =-.269. p<.01), year of cancer diagnosis (rs =-.295 p<.01), religious affiliation (rs =-.279, p<.01) and the religion one belonged to (rs =-.198 p<.05). Regression analysis showed that age, stage of cancer diagnosis, time off treatment, educational level, and religious affiliation are significant predictors of QoL in cancer survivors. The findings highlight the importance of key factors associated to QoL in cancer survivors in Kenya. Interventions aimed at early cancer detection, treatment, and spiritual support among cancer survivors will improve QoL.

Quality of Life after Inguinal Hernia Repair: Prospective, Multicenter Comparison of Modified Lichtenstein, Transabdominal Preperitoneal, and Totally Extraperitoneal Technique

INTRODUCTION: Our purpose was to compare quality of life (QOL) and recurrence after modified Lichtenstein (ML), transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP), or totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP IHR). METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, international data were queried for ML, TAPP, and TEP IHR outcomes. QOL data, with “Symptomatic” defined as a Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) score ≥2, was derived from third party–collected, patient-reported outcomes. Regression and subgroup analyses were used to determine confounders and significant predictors of QOL. RESULTS: A total of 2,619 patients were included (1,467 ML vs 628 TAPP vs 524 TEP). CCS was completed preoperatively (97.6%) and at 1 (87.6%), 6 (76.0%), 12 (83.4%), and 24 months (72.1%) postoperatively. Comparing techniques (ML vs TAPP vs TEP), there were more symptomatic TEP patients preoperatively (50.4% vs 53.8% vs 60.5%; p < 0.001), but no difference at 1 (25.0% vs 29.6% vs 24.0%; p = 0.062), 6 (13.8% vs 13.3% vs 13.3%; p = 0.062), 12 (13.1% vs 12.9% vs 16.4%; p = 0.193), or 24 months (11.5% vs 9.5% vs 11.7%; p = 0.485). In regression analysis, predictors of being symptomatic at 1 month included younger age (1.02/y, 1.001 to 1.022; p = 0.003), bilateral (1.6, 1.2 to 2.2; p < 0.001), preoperative symptoms (1.9, 1.5 to 2.4; p < 0.001), open vs TEP (1.4, 1.01 to 2.0; p = 0.014), and TAPP vs TEP (1.7, 1.2 to 2.4; p = 0.014). At 24 months, it included younger age (1.02/y, 1.01 to 1.03; p < 0.001), recurrent hernia (2.4, 1.5 to 3.7; p < 0.001), and preoperative symptoms (1.7, 1.2 to 2.4; p = 0.002). Recurrence was similar (2.9% vs 2.1% vs 3.1%; p = 0.76). Odds of recurrence were increased for patients with previous failed IHR (3.0, 1.2 to 7.0; p = 0.014). Subgroup analyses showed no difference in recurrence or QOL at any time point (Table 1), except increased symptoms 1 month after TAPP for unilateral, recurrent hernia (21.9% vs 44.1% vs 24.5%; p = 0.03). Compared with asymptomatic patients, patients with preoperative symptoms were more likely symptomatic 24 months after ML (6.9% vs 15.2%; p < 0.001) or TEP (8% vs 14.8%; p = 0.027), with a similar trend for TAPP (7.0% vs 12.1%; p = 0.057) with no difference in recurrence (ML: 2.4% vs 3.5%; p = 0.195, TAPP: 1.0% vs 2.9%; p = 0.311, and TEP: 2.7% vs 3.3%; p = 0.836). Table 1. - Proportion of Symptomatic Patients at 24 Month Follow-Up Characteristic ML TAPP TEP p Value * All hernia types (N = 1467 vs 628 vs 524)† 11.5% 9.5% 11.7% 0.48 Subgroups Unilateral primary hernia (N = 1258 vs 373 vs 267) 10.5% 8.9% 9.2% 0.67 Unilateral recurrent hernia (N = 116 vs 36 vs 72) 15.2% 19.2% 21.4% 0.63 Bilateral primary hernia (N = 84 vs 191 vs 162) 14.7% 7.6% 12.1% 0.24 Symptomatic preoperatively (N = 722 vs 329 vs 309) 15.2% 12.1% 14.8% 0.51 Nonsymptomatic preoperatively (N = 710 vs 283 vs 202) 6.9% 7.0% 8.0% 0.84 *p value determined using chi-square test.†Number of patients in ML vs TAPP vs TEP.ML, modified Lichtenstein; TAPP, transabdominal preperitoneal; TEP, totally extraperitoneal. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in long-term QOL or recurrence after laparoscopic (TEP/TAPP) vs open ML. Preoperative asymptomatic patients had better QOL outcomes than patients with symptoms. Surgeons should perform IHR with the technique in which they are most confident.

Impact of Lifestyle Modification on Quality of Life in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Findings from the CHANGE Program Intervention Study in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Purpose: To assess the modification in quality of life (QoL) of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) after participating in Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) program and identify predictors of this modification in QoL among participants. Methods: A convenience sample of 100 patients with MetS completed the 12-month CHANGE program (diet and exercise regular counseling). 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAC), Physician Assessment and Clinical Education (PACE), and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) questionnaires were employed to assess participants' QoL, physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, and quality of diet, respectively. In addition, physical fitness tests (6-Minute Walk Test, One-Leg Stance Test, and Grip Strength Test) were used. Medical history, blood tests, and anthropometric [height, weight, and waist circumference (WC)] and blood pressure measurements were performed by a nurse. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of QoL. Results: Participants' mean age was 58.3 ± 11.0, and 75.4% were females. After the CHANGE program, participants demonstrated significant reduction in the number of MetS criteria and significant improvement of physical and mental components of QoL. Moreover, there was significant increase in participants' PA, MDS, and physical fitness mean scores with corresponding significant reduction in sedentary behavior time, blood pressure, and WC measures. Linear regression analysis revealed that age, WC, screen time, PA, and physical fitness were significant predictors of QoL. Conclusion: The 12-month group-based diet and exercise counseling led to clinically significant improvement in MetS criteria and in important measures of health and fitness among participants, which improved their QoL. Age, fitness measures, and daily screen time were associated with QoL.

Predictive factors of Quality of Life in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundGiven the vulnerability of older people to COVID-19, it is important to consider their physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) in the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study was aimed to identify the QoL and its predictive factors among a sample of Iranian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 older people residing in Qazvin, Iran, from May 22th to November 21rd, 2021. Multistage cluster sampling method was used for selecting the eligible older adults. Data were collected using the demographic checklist, fear of COVID-19 scale, and Elderly Quality of Life Questionnaire (LIPAD). The multivariate regression model was used for determining the predictive factors of QoL in older people.ResultsThe mean age of older participants was 69.17 ± 6.75 years old. The results of multivariate regression model showed that fear of COVID-19, age, marital status, level of education, living arrangement, and economic situation were the significant predictors of QoL in the older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsIt is recommended to pay close attention to divorced, lonely, and illiterate older people and those with low economic situation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Real-world assessment of quality-of-life in patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate quality-of-life (QoL) in breast cancer (BC) patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET). Methods: Wedesigned a cross-sectional study of 233 BC patients treated with AET andused the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast questionnaire. Results: No significant difference was observed between endocrine agents. Duration of AET did not affect QoL. In the entire cohort, multivariate analysis determined age (p=0.034) and switching treatment from tamoxifen to aromatase inhibitors (p=0.049) as significant positive coefficients of QoL, while comorbidity (p=0.072) tended to be associated with lower scores. Education level (p=0.001) and chemotherapy (p=0.04) were significant predictors of QoL in the tamoxifen group, while comorbidity (p=0.04), surgery type (p=0.02), radiotherapy (p=0.006) and stage (p=0.009) had a significant impact on QoL in aromatase inhibitors group. Conclusion: Evaluating the well-being of BC patients by QoL questionnaires is of great importance to identify particular subgroups that may require supportive care.

Associations between Pregnancy-Related Symptoms, Serum 25(OH)D, and Physical Quality of Life in Pregnant Women

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with pregnancy-related symptoms including fatigue, poor sleep quality, and musculoskeletal pain. Pregnant Black and Hispanic women are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared with pregnant non-Hispanic White women. Data are limited on the association of vitamin D deficiency with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant women. This study examined the association of serum 25(OH)D and pregnancy-related symptoms with QOL among pregnant predominantly minority women. Using a cross-sectional design, 119 pregnant Black and Hispanic women completed surveys and had blood drawn for serum 25(OH)D levels between 24–32 weeks gestation. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that total pregnancy-related symptoms and serum 25(OH)D level were significant predictors of QOL, while controlling for covariates. Higher total pregnancy-related symptoms and lower serum 25(OH)D predicted poorer physical QOL. Screening for pregnancy-related symptoms and vitamin D levels among childbearing women might be important nursing interventions to improve physical QOL.

Spinocerebellar Ataxia 12 Patients have better Quality of Life than Spinocerebellar Ataxia 1 and 2.

Background:Spinocerebellar ataxia is a neurodegenerative disease. Information on comparative assessment of quality of life (QoL) among SCAs, particularly SCA 12, is scarce. We aimed to compare health-related QoL in SCA 1, 2 and 12.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study among individuals with genetically-confirmed SCAs. Ataxia severity was assessed using Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS), independence in activities of daily living (ADL) using Katz index (Katz ADL) and depression using Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). QoL was assessed via Short Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36).Results:We enrolled 89 individuals (SCA1 = 17, SCA2 = 43, SCA12 = 29; 56% males). Mean age at onset (41.0 ± 11.6 for SCA12 versus 24.9 + 7.0 for SCA1 and 28.8 ± 9.8 years for SCA2) was significantly higher among SCA12. SCA12 had lower BARS (mean score 4.1 ± 4.5 versus 10.6 ± 4.6 for SCA1 and 12.5 ± 4.5 for SCA2). SCA12 scored better on all SF-36 subdomains including Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. PCS score amongst SCA12 was 44.4 ± 9.0 versus 30.4 ± 9.1 for SCA1 and 33.3 ± 8.9 for SCA2. MCS score for SCA12 was 51.4 ± 11.4 versus 41.8 ± 11.5 for SCA1 and 41.8 ± 11.2 for SCA2. SCA12 had lower mean BDI scores (5.0 ± 6.0) versus SCA1 (9.5 ± 11.6) and SCA2 (10.9 ± 10.3). BARS and BDI emerged as significant predictors of most SF-36 subdomains.Conclusions:Our study suggests that despite older age and comparable disease duration, SCA12 patients experience better QoL, less severe depression and ataxia versus SCA1 and SCA2. Severity of ataxia and depression are significant predictors of QoL among the three SCA types.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Omani Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) patients often experience physical and psychological symptoms which affect quality of life (QOL).PurposeThis study aimed to identify factors affecting QOL among adult Omani CRC survivors.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study of 124 adult CRC survivors was conducted at the two main oncology referral hospitals in Oman. A validated Arabic version of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire for Colorectal Cancer-29 (EORTC QLQ-CR29) was used to collect data.ResultsOf the 118 participants (response rate: 95.2%), 59 (50.0%) were male. The mean age was 52.7 years. Overall, 102 (86.4%) had been diagnosed with CRC at stages II or III. High mean scores on the QLQ-CR29 functional scale were reported for body image (88.9), weight (79.3), and anxiety (75.4). Mean scores for sexual interest were lower in men (31.4) compared to women (62.2). Severe anxiety was reported in 12 survivors (10.2%). Age, gender, the presence of comorbidities, and tumor location were significant predictors of QOL (P ≤.05).ConclusionOmani CRC survivors demonstrated satisfactory QOL, although men reported more anxiety and sexual problems. Healthcare providers in Oman should conduct regular assessments of CRC survivors and offer counseling services if necessary.

Factors affecting quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in South Korea: a cross-sectional study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly reduces the quality of life (QOL) of affected patients. Many studies have emphasized the deterioration of QOL during the treatment of patients with RA, but factors that affect this phenomenon in Koreans with RA remain unclear. In this cross-sectional study, 166 Korean patients with RA were enrolled, and their general characteristics, disease-related characteristics, fatigue, feelings of depression, self-efficacy, social support, and QOL were assessed. The overall mean score for RA-specific QOL was 5.8 out of 10. Fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, and social support were found to be significantly associated with the QOL of patients with RA. Notably, self-efficacy was found to be the most significant predictor of QOL. Compared to patients with RA in Western countries, Korean patients with RA, even those with better physical function, seem to have a lower QOL. Identification of the relevant physical, psychological, and social factors affecting QOL in Koreans with RA is beneficial for clinical practice. Incorporation of strategies to address these factors, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, should be considered for the holistic management of RA. Key Points • Korean patients with RA report lower levels of QOL. • Factors associated with the QOL of patients with RA were fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, and social support. • Self-efficacy was the strongest factor affecting QOL in this population; thus, it would be beneficial for clinical practitioners to incorporate cognitive-behavioral approaches into patient education to enhance self-management. • Our findings suggest that QOL and psychological factors should also be regularly evaluated for the holistic management of patients with RA.

Predictive factors of quality of life in temporal and extratemporal lobe epilepsy: association with affective temperament profiles and psychiatric comorbidities.

Investigating predictive factors of reduced quality of life (QOL) of patients and their association with focal epilepsy can improve management and treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between affective temperaments, depression, anxiety, disease characteristics, and QOL and to explore the predictors of QOL in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and extratemporal lobe epilepsy (ETLE). A total of 50 patients with TLE, 51 patients with ETLE, and 70 controls were enrolled. Affective temperaments were evaluated using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). QOL was assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to explore depression and anxiety severity, respectively. Compared with the controls, patients with TLE and ETLE had significantly higher scores on all TEMPS-A scales, except on hyperthymic temperament. All the SF-36 subscale scores were lower in the TLE and ETLE groups. Linear regression analysis revealed that depressive symptoms, anxiety, depressive and irritable temperament, and seizure frequency were significant predictors of QOL in TLE. Patients with ETLE with temperamental disturbances, depressive symptoms, and polytherapy had a poorer QOL. Affective temperaments, psychiatric disorders, and clinical factors may predict impaired QOL in patients with TLE and ETLE. Further studies are needed to identify predictors of QOL in various epilepsy subtypes.

Symptom distress, stress, and quality of life in the first year of gynaecological cancers: A longitudinal study of women in Taiwan.

To assess changes in symptom distress, stress, and quality of life (QOL) during chemotherapy and three months after its completion, as well as to identify predictors of QOL in the first year after a gynaecological cancer diagnosis in Taiwanese women. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2019, recruiting 97 patients with gynaecological cancer at a large teaching hospital in central Taiwan. Data were obtained at four time points: after the first, third, and sixth chemotherapy cycles, and three months after treatment completion. Participants completed Chinese versions of three validated questionnaires: World Health Organization QOL Brief version, Symptom Distress Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Linear regression analyses with generalised estimating equations were used to examine the associations between symptom distress, stress, and QOL over time. Fatigue, feeling desperate about the future, and peripheral limb numbness were the three major problems during the first year of gynaecological cancers. Feeling desperate about the future and stress were significant predictors of QOL in all domains. Noticeably, the level of stress increased over time, especially at three months after treatment completion. Participants reported fair QOL levels that gradually improved over time. Stress and chemotherapy-induced symptom distress were factors that most interfered with QOL in women with gynaecologic cancers. Therefore, integrating psychological care and symptom support is an essential part of meeting patients' QOL needs.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in British Columbia, Canada

To evaluate quality of life (QoL) in a large cohort of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to identify the clinical factors that influence QoL. This cross-sectional study analyzes a quality improvement initiative in 351 pediatric patients with IBD in British Columbia, Canada using the self-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 generic scale. The questionnaire was completed at outpatient clinic and biologic infusion appointments. Statistical analysis included the t test, ANOVA, and multilinear regressions to evaluate the relationships between clinical factors and QoL. Mean (SE) QoL scores (79.95 [0.84]) fell between previously described healthy and chronically ill populations. Disease activity was the most significant predictor of QoL, with patients in remission scoring similar (84.42 [0.87]) to well established healthy norms, and those with moderately or severely active disease having some of the lowest published PedsQL scores (63.13 [3.27]), lower than most other chronic pediatric conditions. Twenty-five patients with moderately or severely active disease at the time of survey completion had follow-up surveys identified 1year later and had a significant improvement of both their disease activity (P<.005) and their PedsQL scores (follow-up survey mean 76.13 [3.11]). Additional clinical factors independently associated with poor QoL were school nonattendance (15.5% decrease in QoL, P<.001), immune-modulator selection (methotrexate conferring a 9.5% lower mean QoL score than azathioprine, P=.005), and female gender (P=.031). Pediatric patients with IBD experience a QoL significantly impacted by multiple clinical factors including current severity of IBD symptoms.

Theory of mind and its relationship with alexithymia and quality of life in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Comparisons with generalised epilepsy and healthy controls

ObjectivePsychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are associated with high alexithymia, social cognition problems and low quality of life (QoL). Theory of Mind (ToM) has been studied in several conditions as a significant predictor of QoL. We aimed to assess the relationship between ToM abilities, alexithymia and subjective QoL in PNES patients and compare with generalised epilepsy (ES) patients and healthy controls. MethodPatients with PNES (n = 28), ES (n = 28) and healthy volunteers (n = 28) were evaluated for alexithymia and quality of life (QoL) with Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Reading the Mind in the Eyes test was used for assessment of affective ToM and Hinting Task and Strange Stories tests for cognitive ToM abilities. ResultsAnalyses revealed lower SF-36 scores and poorer ToM performance in the PNES group compared to healthy group and poorer cognitive ToM performance than ES group. Cognitive ToM performance was inversely correlated with TAS-20 “difficulty identifying feelings” subscale and “physical functioning” subscale of SF-36 in the PNES group. ConclusionThese results are consistent with previous research on PNES and other somatoform disorders and suggest that PNES is associated with impaired ToM task performance. ToM task performance might be related to specific aspects of alexithymia and QoL.

Perceived New Normal and Inner Strength on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the differences in symptom experience, inner strength, adherence, and quality of life (QOL) according to the perception of the new normal, and identify the factors related to the QOL of breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant hormonal therapy based on the theory of inner strength in women.Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy in the National Cancer Center. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and patients were assessed using the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 2, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale 8, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Scale.Results:After the breast cancer diagnosis, the perception of the new normal showed a significant dependence on pill count and emotional and functional well-being. The hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the new normal, symptom interference, and inner strength after adjusting for age, time since diagnosis, and receiving chemotherapy were significant predictors of QOL in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. The model accounted for 47.8% of the variance in QOL.Conclusions:The theory of inner strength might be a potential pathway in health care to improve patients' QOL during long-term medication. The results of this study have both theoretical and applied implications. The findings can be utilized as evidence for developing an effective intervention that improves the QOL and adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy of breast cancer patients.

Body image, self-esteem, and quality of life in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease in a tertiary hospital in South Korea.

PurposeThis study aimed to examine body image, self-esteem, and quality of life (QOL) in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to analyze factors influencing QOL.MethodsThis descriptive study involved 87 participants at a tertiary hospital aged 10 to 18 years who were diagnosed with IBD. Body image, self-esteem, and QOL were measured. Descriptive analysis, the independent t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression were used for data analysis.ResultsThe average score was 16.95±3.55 for body image, 31.32±5.25 for self-esteem, and 78.64±15.98 for QOL. Height, weight, hospitalization experience, current symptoms, and consumption of oral steroids showed statistically significant effects on QOL. The most significant predictors of QOL were self-esteem (β=.31, p=.002), body image (β=.28, p=.005), number of symptoms (β=-.25, p=.004), and number of hospitalizations in the last year (β=-.24, p=.004).ConclusionTo improve the QOL of children and adolescents with IBD, it is necessary to evaluate self-esteem, body image, and physical problems. In addition, various intervention strategies to improve self-esteem and body image and to reduce physical discomfort should be developed.

Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Children with Special Needs in Kelantan, Malaysia: The Importance of Psychosocial Mediators.

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is an important aspect of well-being for the caregivers of children with disability, making it a noteworthy outcome. Little is known about the challenges faced by the caregivers in Asian countries and its association to their QoL. The purpose of this study was to examine a model describing the relationship between sociodemographic and disability-related factors on caregivers’ QoL, mediated by the caregivers’ psychosocial factors such as perceived stress, coping skills, and social support.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving caregivers of children with special needs in Kelantan, a state of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 383 caregivers completed questionnaires measuring sociodemographics, disability-related factors, psychosocial factors and QoL outcome. Structural equation modelling was performed to examine the relations of the variables in the conceptual model.ResultsIn the final model, childcare dependency, caregiver’s age, financial support, negative perception of stress and maladaptive coping skills were significant predictors of QoL (R2 = 0.65). Caregiver’s age had a direct effect on QoL, while financial support had an indirect effect on QoL via negative perception of stress. Childcare dependency had direct and indirect effects on QoL via negative perception of stress. Higher perceived stress was associated with lower QoL directly and indirectly via maladaptive coping skills. The final model fitted the data well (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.046; CFI = 0.923; χ2/df = 1.798).ConclusionIntervention strategies to improve the QoL of caregivers should target the family unit and take into account the factors of child’s disability, demographic and caregiver’s psychosocial status.

How Elderly People’s Quality of Life Relates to Their Sleep Quality and Sleep-Related Beliefs

ABSTRACT Objective/Background Quality of life (QoL) is a broad multidimensional construct, which can be influenced by several factors across the lifespan, including sleep quality. The aim of this study was to examine the association between QoL (and its specific domains), objective and self-reported sleep quality, and subjective sleep-related factors (i.e., dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, and metacognitive beliefs about sleeping difficulties) in healthy elderly people. Participants Fifty healthy older adults (mean age = 70.40 years, SD = 7.43) participated in the study. Methods QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Assessment, BREF version (WHOQOL-BREF). Self-reported sleep quality and efficiency were measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep diary. Dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep (DBAS), and metacognitive beliefs about sleeping difficulties (MCQ-I) (subjective sleep-related factors) were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Objective sleep quality and efficiency were measured using actigraphy over 7 days. Results Regression analyses showed that self-reported sleep efficiency and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep explained 24% of the variance in global QoL. Dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep were the only significant predictor of QoL in the environmental domain. Conclusions Taken together, these findings underscore the influence of sleep-related factors, and particularly dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, along with sleep efficiency, on the perception of QoL in healthy older adults. These factors need to be considered in efforts to sustain QoL, in late adulthood at least.

Quality of life and academic resilience of Filipino nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Studies on quality of life (QoL) and academic resilience among nursing students during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic remain underreported. This study investigated the relationship between nursing students' QoL and academic resilience and their predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive survey, cross-sectional study that used two self-reported questionnaire scales to evaluate the QoL and academic resilience of Filipino nursing students (n=924). Chi-squared test and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. There was no significant association between the QoL and academic resilience to participants' profile variables. Gender and year level of nursing students were significant predictors of QoL and academic resilience. Our study concludes that a better understanding of the QoL and academic resilience, which are two distinct concepts critical in developing a student's mental well-being, will help stakeholders in nursing education establish effective psychoeducation programs for nursing students.

Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the role of positive psychological factors

ABSTRACT Objective To identify differences in quality of life (QoL) of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between diagnosis (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), gender (male and female), treatment condition (with and without surgery), and attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, and disconnected); to examine associations between QoL, sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables; to determine whether sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables predict QoL. Method The sample included 70 participants diagnosed with IBD (Mage = 43.37 years, SD = 12.81), of whom 71.4% were females and 67.1% had Crohn’s Disease. Positive psychological variables (meaning in life, positive body image, and attachment styles), sociodemographic (age, education, gender) and clinical variables (diagnosis, disease duration, surgery) were assessed as independent variables. QoL was the dependent variable, analyzed through four domains (physical, psychological, social, environment). Results Participants with a secure attachment style reported higher QoL (physical, psychological, and social) than participants with a preoccupied attachment style. Strong positive correlations were found between positive psychological variables and QoL. Body appreciation was a significant predictor of three QoL domains (physical, psychological, and environment). Meaning in life made a unique contribution to the social QoL regression model, and it was also a significant predictor of psychological QoL. Body acceptance by others was a significant predictor of physical QoL, whereas disease duration and education predicted environment QoL. Attachment styles did not predict any QoL domain. Conclusion The most significant predictors of QoL in patients with IBD were body appreciation and meaning in life. Body acceptance by others and body appreciation were the main predictors of physical QoL. Psychological interventions for patients who suffer from IBD should address body appreciation and meaning in life.