Social Quality Of Life Domains Research Articles

Effect of Cochlear Implantation on Social Life.

Explore the effects of hearing loss on social life and identify residual social life deficits that remain after cochlear implantation. Retrospective review of prospectively obtained data. Tertiary care adult neurotology center. Adults between the ages of 35 and 83 years were included with either normal hearing (NH) or a cochlear implant (CI). CI and non-CI-specific quality-of-life (QOL) surveys focused on social and overall QOL. (1) The difference in QOL survey responses between NH and CI participants. (2) The relationship between CI-specific global and social QOL responses and non-CI-specific social QOL responses in CI users. A total of 51 participants were included: 31 CI users and 20 NH participants. Of the social QOL questionnaires, CI users reported significantly poorer scores on Self-Efficacy in Social Interactions than NH peers ( p = 0.049). Both Self-Efficacy in Social Interactions scores and Social Isolation Questionnaire scores were significantly correlated with the CI-specific social domain of QOL ( r = 0.64 and -0.58, respectively). Only the Self-Efficacy in Social Interactions scores had a moderate association with global CI QOL ( r = 0.47). CI users self-report similar social life outcomes as their NH peers with the exception of poorer self-efficacy in social situations. Moreover, self-efficacy in social interactions and social isolation were associated with social QOL in CI users, and self-efficacy in social interactions was associated with broader CI-related QOL. Findings support the relevance of individuals' perception of social life to their overall QOL with a CI.

Does satisfaction with the manual wheelchair have an impact on the quality of life in spinal cord injury?

Background: Customised wheelchairs are integral component for comprehensive rehabilitation and community integration for spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors, while inappropriate wheelchairs negatively impact their functional independence, mobility and quality of life (QOL). Keeping this in mind, this study aimed to determine the effects of manual wheelchair users' satisfaction on QOL in SCI.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study, which included 112 SCI, was conducted at the Paraplegic Centre, Hayatabad, Peshawar, over a period of 6 months using "Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST)" and “World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF)” as study tools.
 Results: QUEST showed a significant positive correlation with physical health (rs = 0.375; p< 0.001), social relationships (rs=0.234; p = 0.013), and environmental health (rs = 0.462; p<0.001) of QOL except psychological health, and similarly, overall health and overall QOL was positively impacted. Furthermore, overall health and environmental, social relationships, and physical domains of QOL were statistically significantly impacted by the QUEST device and service aspects.
 Conclusion: A moderate level of satisfaction among participants for both devices and services was observed, which also impacts their physical, environmental, and social domains of QOL. Therefore, steps from the key stakeholders are required to provide satisfactory appropriate wheelchairs to patients so their QOL can be improved.

Differences and Associations of Physical Activeness, Quality of Life, Motivational Factors, and Stages of Change Between Young and Mid Adults

The current study aimed to examine differences and associations of physical activity (PA) levels, quality of life (QoL), motives for PA, and stages of change (SOC) between young and mid adults. A total of 208 participants in Malaysia completed an online survey which comprised of questionnaires about PA, motivational factors, QoL, and SOC in PA. Independent t-tests revealed that young adults engaged in more PA in general, as well as light PA. However, mid adults in general scored higher levels of QoL and its four domains (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and environmental). Moreover, young adults were significantly more motivated by appearance for PA. Pearson correlations revealed higher levels of vigorous PA linked to, higher social domain of QoL in both age groups, and, physical and psychological domain of QoL in mid adults. Vigorous PA also showed the strongest positive links with motivations in competence in both young and mid adults. Cross tabulations showed that both young and mid adults have highest frequency counts in contemplation stage for moderate and light PA and highest frequency counts in the maintenance stage for vigorous PA. This study is the first to show how young and mid adults differed in PA levels, QoL, motives behind PA engagements, and how they correlate differently. However, both age groups showed similar SOC patterns, indicating the likelihood of moderate and light PA engagements when they see the possibility of change but still lack commitment, whilst those engaged in vigorous PA are more likely to actively maintaining the change.

Postpartum quality of life and associated factors: a cross-sectional study

PurposeTo determine factors associated with postpartum quality of life (QOL).MethodsAn analytic cross-sectional design was used in this study, and data was collected from December 2019 to March 2020. Participants were 252 postpartum women visiting eight governmental primary healthcare centers in Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Sleep problems were assessed using an item from the Prime-MD Patient Health Questionnaire.ResultsMaternal age between 26 and 35 years had a significant independent association with the physical health domain of QOL (p < .01). Postpartum depression was significantly associated with lower QOL in all dimensions (p < .01). In addition, sleep problems were associated with three out of the four QOL domains (p < .05). The significant other subscale of the MSPSS was significantly associated with higher QOL scores in all dimensions (p < .01); additionally, family and friends subscales of the MSPSS were significantly associated with the social domain of QOL (p < .01).ConclusionsMaternal QOL, during the postpartum period, showed negative associations with age, postpartum depression, and sleep disturbances. Ultimately, social support appeared to be an essential factor in mothers’ ability to cope with the physical and psychological problems experienced during this period.

Polypharmacy and health related quality of life among older adults on antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) chronicity in the midst of old age multiplies the risk for chronic non communicable diseases. The old are predisposed to drug-drug interactions, overlapping toxicities and impairment of the quality of life (QoL) due to age-related physiological changes. We investigated polypharmacy, QoL and associated factors among older HIV-infected adults at Muhimbili National hospitals in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.MethodsA hospital-based cross sectional study enrolled adults aged 50 years or older who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥ 6 months. Participants’ Information including the number and type of medications used in the previous one week were recorded. Polypharmacy was defined as concurrent use of five or more non-HIV medications. A World Health Organization QoL questionnaire for people living with HIV on ART (WHOQoL HIV BREF) was used to assess QoL. A score of ≤ 50 meant poor QoLwhile > 50 meant good QoL. Polypharmacy and QoL are presented as proportions and compared using Chi-square test. Association between various factors and polypharmacy or QoL was assessed using modified Poisson regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 285 patients were enrolled. The mean (SD) age was 57(± 6.88) years. Females were the majority (62.5%), and 42.5% were married. Polypharmacy was seen in 52 (18.2%) of participants. Presence of co-morbidities was independently associated with polypharmacy (p < 0.001). The mean(SD) score QoL for the study participants was 67.37 ± 11.Poor QoL was seen in 40 (14%) participants.All domains’ mean score were above 50, however social domain had a relatively lowmean scoreof 68 (± 10.10). Having no formal or primary education was independently associated with poor QoL (p = 0.021).ConclusionThe prevalence of polypharmacy was modestly high and was linked to the presence of co-morbidities. No formal and/or primary education was associated with poor QoL, where by social domain of QoL was the most affected.

Quality of life among family caregivers of people with schizophrenia in rural China.

To investigate quality of life (QoL) of family caregivers of people with schizophrenia and examine the influencing factors of the QoL in a Chinese rural area. This study included people with schizophrenia (n = 269) and their family caregivers (n = 269) from Xinjin district, Chengdu, China. Family caregivers' QoL was measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Form and its influencing factors was analyzed by the multivariate regression. Family caregivers of people with schizophrenia had very poor QoL across four domains. The regression analysis showed that physical domain of QoL was significantly associated with age, psychiatric symptoms of people with schizophrenia, and caregiving burden of family caregivers (p < 0.05). Psychological domain of QoL was significantly related to family caregivers' affiliate stigma, caregiving burden, and psychiatric symptoms of people with schizophrenia (p < 0.05). Social domain of QoL was significantly associated with age and psychiatric symptoms of people with schizophrenia, and affiliate stigma of family caregivers (p < 0.05). Environmental domain of QoL was significantly related to age and psychiatric symptoms of people with schizophrenia, and family caregivers' caregiving burden (p < 0.05). Family caregivers of people with schizophrenia had poor QoL in rural China. Family caregivers' QoL is significantly impacted by age and psychiatric symptoms of people with schizophrenia, caregivers' affiliate stigma and caregiving burden. Providing social support and psychosocial interventions for family caregivers of people with schizophrenia might be crucial to improve their QoL and caregiving.

Parental KAP and its Relation with the Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy

Abstract Background: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder with recurrent unprovoked seizures which can affect children at any age. A child’s quality of life (QOL) is significantly impacted by an epilepsy diagnosis throughout their formative years. Adjustment and QOL for the child and family are highly correlated with parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding epilepsy. Objectives: Determining the association between parental KAP and the QOL of children with epilepsy (CWE) and to study the association between them. Materials and Methods: Using convenience sampling procedure, 30 CWE between the ages of 6 and 14—of either sex—and their 30 parents made up the sample. The knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) tool, which was given to parents, and the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire-55 (QOLCE-55), which was given to CWE, were used to gather the data. Frequency distribution, percentage, and correlation coefficient tests were used to assess the measures. Results: There were statistically significant relationships between the QOL and KAP domains and parental education, domicile, and socioeconomic position. The cognitive, emotional, and social domains of QOL were adversely connected with the knowledge domain in KAP, but the physical domain was positively correlated. Parents’ behavior and physical QOL were found to be negatively correlated. Conclusion: Although educated parents had sufficient information and a positive outlook, there was a discrepancy between recommended and actual practice, and KAP has an impact on the QOL of CWE. Parental education initiatives may significantly improve understanding and promote healthy behaviors.

Resilience, Social Support, Loneliness and Quality of Life during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Structural Equation Model

AimTo determine the parsimonious model of the interrelationships of personal resilience, social support, loneliness and quality of life (QoL) and to identify the mediating effect of loneliness among nursing students amidst the pandemic. BackgroundThe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to control measures which increased loneliness among students due to disrupted social connections and sudden shift to virtual learning. During these changes, resilience and social support can significantly influence how learners deal with pandemic-related stresses thus, minimizing loneliness and enhancing QoL. Although studies posited the influence of resilience and social support with loneliness and QoL, these were conducted prior the COVID-19 pandemic wherein loneliness and feelings of isolation play a crucial part. DesignCorrelational, theory testing using covariance-based structural equation modeling MethodsA total of 550 nursing students from a comprehensive university in Manila, Philippines were recruited from September to October 2021 and answered four standardized, validated scales. ResultsA good and parsimonious model (x2/df = 2.84, RMSEA = 0.058, GFI = 0.999, CFI = 0.999, PNFI = 0.048) highlighted the mediating effect of loneliness between social support, personal resilience and QoL. While personal resilience positively influenced the physical and psychological domains of QoL, social support positively affected the social relationships and environmental domains. Loneliness was a strong, negative predictor of the psychological and social domains of QoL and had a moderate, negative effect on the physical domain. Personal resilience also mediated the influence of social support on loneliness and QoL. ConclusionSocial support and personal resilience positively affected QoL, while loneliness had a negative effect. Through the mediation of loneliness, the effects of social support on QoL decreases. However, the mediation of resilience further decreases loneliness and improves QoL. The presented model assists nurse educators and administrators in developing strategies to enhance social support, resilience and QoL among students while mitigating the negative effects loneliness during the pandemic. Tweetable abstractLoneliness and Resilience are mediators of student nurses’ quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic. Social support is the common predictor.

Improving depression and perceived social support enhances overall quality of life among myocardial infarction survivors: necessity for integrating mental health care into cardiac rehabilitation programs

BackgroundDepression and low perceived social support (PSS) have been found to deleteriously affect quality of life (QoL) among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors. The complex relationship between these variables has not been assessed. We wanted to assess first the prevalence of depression among MI survivors and whether depression mediates the effect of PSS on QoL and, second, whether the physical and social domains of QoL mediated the effect of depression and PSS on the emotional domain. This cross-sectional study was done among MI survivors using Cardiac Depression Scale, MacNew Quality of Life After Myocardial Infarction Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support to assess for depression, QoL and PSS respectively.ResultsA total of 103 MI survivors were included in the study, and the mean age was 59.66 (± 10.42) years. Depression was found in 21.36% of the participants. The indirect effect of PSS on QoL with depression as a mediator was significant (b = 0.15, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.18). The direct effect of PSS on QoL controlling for depression was also significant (b = 0.05, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.07). Depression as a mediator in the relationship explained 75.3% of the effect of PSS on QoL. PSS and depression did not have a significant direct effect on emotional QoL, but it became significant when the physical and social domains were included in the model. The total indirect effects of PSS and depression on emotional QoL were b = 0.16, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.17 and b = − 0.05, p < 0.001, 95% CI = − 0.06, − 0.03, respectively.ConclusionDepression and poor PSS impair physical and social domains, which impairs the emotional domain of QoL; as such, overall QoL is undermined. As limited physical and social activity because of depression and poor PSS may increase the risk of further cardiovascular events, a holistic approach which includes mental health care is warranted.

Quality Of life of children on renal replacement therapy

This is a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted during the period from October to December 2009 at Noora Children Center for Dialysis and Renal Transplant at Soba University Hospital, and Dr. Salma Nephrology Center for Dialysis and Transplant, Khartoum, Sudan. The objectives were to study the health-Related Quality of Life (HRQol) in children on Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) and to correlate the effect of RRT in improving the Quality of Life (QoL). The study included 77 children with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and their families. The majority of children 45 (58.4%) were at the age group 13 – 16 years. 38 (49.4%) were on Hemodialysis (HD), 20 (26%) were on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and 19 (24.6%) had renal transplantation. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1. Results: ESRD had negative effect on children’s physical, psychological and social domains of QoL. Children on HD and PD had significant lower scores in all domains of QoL compared to transplanted children.

Study of quality of sleep in patients with psychiatric illness under remission in relation to quality of life and functional disability

Sleep is one of the essential biological rhythms of a human being. Sleep disturbances could precipitate psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, etc. Even when psychiatric disorders are successfully treated, sleep disturbances often fail to remit. The quality of sleep in such patients is badly affected and influences the daytime functioning and impairs the overall quality of life.&#x0D; The aim of the study. To study quality of sleep of patients with psychiatric illness under remission in relation to quality of life and functional disability.&#x0D; Material and methods. Patients attending the review outpatient department of Tertiary hospital are selected for the study. Patients diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia according to ICD-10 criteria were taken. Patients meeting remission criteria for bipolar affective disorder i.e., YMRS score &lt;/=8, MADRS score &lt;/=10 and for schizophrenia –eight PANSS signs and symptoms score &lt;3 are selected from them. Quality of sleep is compared with quality of life and functional disability.&#x0D; Results: Mean age was found to be 36.59. Mean PSQI score is 8.35. The mean score of physical quality of life domain is 58.28, mean score of psychological quality of life domain is 56.63, mean score of social quality of life domain is 55.39, and mean score of environmental quality of life domain is 55.41. Mean score of functional disability score is 30.14.&#x0D; Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep in Schizophrenia and BPAD needs to be addressed.

Long-term voice outcomes and quality of life after open partial horizontal laryngectomy type II vs. total laryngectomy: A cross-sectional study.

We aim to analyse long-term voice outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing open partial horizontal laryngectomy type II (OPHL type II) and to compare them to those obtained by patients undergoing total laryngectomy (TL) with voice prosthesis (VP). Cross-sectional cohort study. Patients undergoing surgery for advanced laryngeal cancer, assessed during the usual follow-up consultations at the Phoniatric Unit (February 2020-December 2020). Forty-five patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: OPHL group and TL group. Acoustic analysis, maximum phonation time, INFV0 scale, I-SECEL, UW-QoL-V4 and MDADI questionnaires were used to assess the long-term outcomes. Voices of patients undergoing OPHL Type II were worse than those of laryngectomised patients with VP. Nevertheless, scores in voice and dysphagia-related QoL were comparable and scores in the social domain of QoL were higher in OPHL group. Open partial horizontal laryngectomy Type II allows an acceptable voice recovery and a satisfactory QoL.

Ashtanga Yoga Ethics-Based Yoga Versus General Yoga on Anthropometric Indices, Trigunas, and Quality of Life in Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Control Trial.

The philosophical tenets of yoga such as Ashtanga yoga (AY) and Trigunas are seldom considered while designing yoga programs for chronic diseases. This randomized control trial explored the impact of AY principle-based yoga on the anthropometric indices, personality traits, and quality of life (QoL) in abdominal obesity (AO). Sixty-two participants with AO were randomized (n = 31 in each arm) into an AY arm or general yoga (GY) arm. For 12 weeks, both the AY and the GY received the same yoga protocol; however, the AY received an additional AY-based orientation session fortnightly. Changes in waist circumference, hip circumference (HC), height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, Vedic Personality Inventory for gunas, and World Health Organization QoL-BREF were measured at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks. By the end of 12 weeks, the AY arm significantly differed from the GY arm in HC (P = 0.05) and BMI scores (P = 0.03). The AY arm has shown a significant increase in the sattva guna (P < 0.001) and reduction in the rajas (P < 0.001) and tamas gunas (P = 0.03). There was a significant improvement in the physical and social QoL domain, whereas the other variables examined remained insignificant. The increase in sattva guna was negatively correlated with waist circumference (P = -0.489) and BMI (r = -0.553). Exposing participants to progressive AY philosophy can change the personality traits which are further associated with melioration in the determiners of AO. Future yoga programs for chronic disorders may consider including AY philosophy for substantive outcomes.

Association between Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Flexible Video Bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopy is one of the basic invasive procedures in pulmonology accompanied by patients’ anxiety. This study aimed to find an association between predictors of state anxiety/depression and patient’s quality of life (QOL) with pulmonary symptoms undergoing diagnostic flexible video bronchoscopy (FVB). A total of 125 adult patients before FVB were included in a prospective observational study. The quality of life (QOL) was assessed by WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, the depression possibility by the Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the anxiety level by Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S; STAI-T). Results show that the older patients and patients with more comorbidities showed a significantly higher anxiety level. The previous FVB under deep sedation significantly reduced state anxiety. A significantly positive association was found between the STAI score and total BDI-II score. More severe symptoms of anxiety were especially related to lower QOL (physical health, psychological and environmental domains) in patients. Statistically higher trait anxiety in lower social QOL domain scores was observed. Our findings show that high state and trait anxiety were associated with higher depression scores and lower quality of life in the elderly. It seems that the elderly and patients at risk of depression development require more attention in the clinical setting to minimize the anxiety accompanying the bronchoscopy.

Health-Related Quality of Life: Longitudinal Analysis From the Time of Breast Biopsy Into the Post-treatment Period.

Background: The physical, psychological, social, and spiritual quality of life (QoL) may be affected by breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, with mixed findings for psychological quality of life and cognitive ability performance. The present study aimed to evaluate QoL in women over 1 year from biopsy for a breast abnormality.Methods: Self-reported measures of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual QoL were obtained after biopsy results but prior to treatment initiation (baseline), 4 and 12 months later. CogState computerized neuropsychological screening battery also provided an evaluation of psychological QoL. Three groups of women including those with benign biopsy results, those with malignancy treated with chemotherapy, and those with malignancy not treated with chemotherapy were compared at 4 and 12 months after adjusting for baseline to isolate the effects of treatment. Additional covariates included are age, level of education, and income.Results: Benign biopsy results group included 72 women, whereas malignancy was found in 87 women of whom 33 were treated with chemotherapy and 54 without chemotherapy. At the time of diagnosis, women with cancer had worse psychological and social QoL but better spiritual QoL than those with benign biopsy results. Only CogState monitoring accuracy was worse for women with cancer compared with the controls at the time of biopsy results. After adjusting for QoL at baseline, women treated for cancer had worse physical and social QoL at 4 and 12 months later. Psychological well-being was worse for women with cancer at 4th month but improved at 1 year. No differences in cognition were found at 4 and 12 months when adjusted for baseline cognition and covariates.Discussion: Breast cancer is a traumatic life event for women, affecting psychological and social QoL domains, yet increasing spiritual QoL. Later, cancer treatment worsens physical, psychological, and social QoL compared with those without cancer.Conclusions: These findings suggest that interventions to improve psychological QoL may be especially important at the time of cancer diagnosis, while interventions to improve physical well-being are the most needed during and following cancer treatment. Support to improve social QoL is needed from the time of diagnosis into post-treatment survivorship.

Leisure-time Physical Activity, Anthropometrics, And Body Composition To Predict Quality Of Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Parameters of body composition and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) may serve as predictors of quality of life (QOL) after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, we are unaware of any studies that have conducted a detailed assessment of body composition using sophisticated imaging techniques and established associations with the domains of QOL. Determining this association will provide an understanding of how QOL may impact longitudinal intervention trials. PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between QOL domains in persons with SCI and their levels of weekly LTPA, anthropometrics, and body composition assessment compartments. METHODS: Exploratory cross-sectional study of baseline data collected as part of a randomized clinical trial. A convenience sample of 36 community-dwelling persons with SCI participated in the current study. OUTCOMES: Outcome measures included the World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI), anthropomorphic measures (waist, hip, and abdominal circumference), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to quantify regional and total body composition. RESULTS: Multiple regression models suggested that engagement in LTPA explained 35.7% of the variance in physical health QOL (p < 0.05), 33.5% in psychological QOL (p < 0.10), and 38.2% in environmental QOL (p < 0.05). Anthropometric measures and regional and total body composition assessments did not demonstrate predictive capability, which may be due to the small sample size. Within these models, the number of minutes of heavy LTPA per day uniquely predicted physical health QOL (p < 0.01), and the number of mild LTPA days per week uniquely predicted psychological QOL (p < 0.05). Bivariate analyses also suggested that android fat and supine waist circumference were positively associated with the social domain of QOL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging individuals with SCI to engage in LTPA may enhance multiple aspects of QOL while reducing the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic morbidities associated with SCI.

Prevalence and correlates of depression and quality of life among primary caregivers of patients with schizophrenia attending a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

AimsTo determine the prevalence and correlates of depression and quality of life and their relationship among primary caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in a psychiatry specialist hospital.MethodA total of 138 caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia attending the outpatient clinic of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta were recruited. Sociodemographic questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PLUS) (depressive module) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) were administered on the caregivers while Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to measure symptoms severity in the patients.ResultThe mean (±SD) age of respondents was 48.3 years (±14.7), 53.6% were females and 33.3% were without partners. The prevalence of depression among the caregivers who participated in the study was 13.8%. Female gender (χ2 = 5.68, df = 1, p = 0.02), hailing from a minority tribe (χ2 = 9.78 df = 1, p &lt; 0.01), and Previous treatment for mental illness (χ2 = 8.24 df = 1, p &lt; 0.01) were associated with depression. Female gender (ß = 1.35, OR = 3.86, p = 0.03), minority tribe (ß = 1.95, OR = 7.03, p &lt; 0.01), and previous treatment for mental illness (ß = 3.19, OR = 24.21, p = 0.01) were independently predictive of depression in the caregivers.Independent predictors of lower quality of life (QOL) were: Parents/siblings relationship for social relationship domain (ß = −7.076, p = 0.037) and spending more than 35 hours per week for Environmental domain (ß = −5.622, p = 0.028).Finally, a significant correlation was also found between Depression and Psychological Domain of QOL (t = 3.048, p &lt; 0.01) and Social Domain of QOL (t = 2.154, p = 0.03).ConclusionThis study shows that primary caregivers of patients with schizophrenia have high prevalence of depression and poor quality of life. There is need to pay attention to the psychological wellbeing and quality of life of caregivers who come in contact with psychiatric services, and not just the patients they accompany.

Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Transfusion Dependent b-Thalassemia: A Single Centre Experience

Background and Objectives:Thalassemia is a serious global health problem, associated with life-threatening anemia that necessitates repeated blood transfusions. Despite the significant advances in the management of thalassemia, little improvement has achieved in patients' health-related quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the QOL of transfusion-dependent children with b-thalassemia. Methodology:A cross-sectional research design followed at the East Jeddah General Hospital, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, from April to June 2020. The inclusion criteria were children aged four years or more, with b-thalassemia major or intermedia registered for at least one year at the Hereditary Blood Diseases Unit and receiving a blood transfusion on a monthly or near-monthly basis. The study included 48 children (26 boys and 22 girls). The researchers designed a data collection tool. It comprised sociodemographic characteristics of patients and their parents and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). It includes 26 items. Parents asked about the quality of their thalassemic children's life during their regular blood transfusion visits. Their responses scored, and the QOL of each thalassemic child produced. This study focused mainly on three QOL domains, namely "Physical health," "Psychological," and "Social relationships." Domain scores scaled in a positive direction (i.e., higher scores denote better QOL). Data were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM, SPSS, version 25). Descriptive statistics, namely frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation (SD), were calculated. Testing significance was applied using the Chi-square (c2) test, independent samples t-test, and variance (ANOVA). P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results:Age of thalassemic children ranged from 4 to 15 years (Mean±SD: 8.7±3.0 years). Age at diagnosis ranged from 1 to 60 months years (Mean±SD: 14.1±13.0 months). Seven fathers (14.6%) and nine mothers (18.8%) were illiterate, 23 fathers (47.9%) and 27 mothers (56.3%) had school education, while 18 fathers (37.5%) and 12 mothers (25%) were university educated. The majority of thalassemic children were living with their parents (93.8%). The family monthly income of 30 children (62.5%) was &amp;lt;8000 SR (i.e., &amp;lt;2000 US$). A family history of blood diseases was positive among 52.1% of participant thalassemic children. Before the start of blood transfusion sessions, the overall QOL of 13 children (27.1%) was poor but significantly improves after blood transfusion (p&amp;lt;0.001). Moreover, the overall QOL was significantly better among children with maintained medications (p=0.028). All QOL domains did not differ significantly according to the ferritin level. However, considerably better social domains of QOL were present among children with regular follow up. None of the QOL domains differed among thalassemic children according to their age, age at diagnosis, gender, or their parents' characteristics. Conclusions:The QOL of b-thalassemic children is significantly affected, which substantially improves after blood transfusion. The overall QOL is considerably better among children with maintained medications. Significantly better QOL among thalassemic children was associated with their follow at specific subspecialty clinics, namely Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), endocrinology, and nutrition. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effectiveness of hallux valgus surgery on patient quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and purpose — The quality of life (QoL) of patients with hallux valgus (HV) usually improves postoperatively. Evidence regarding the effect of HV surgery on different domains of patient QoL remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the effect of HV surgery on patient QoL through distinguishing effects on physical domains (comprising physical function and body pain domains) using the EuroQol-5D, short form (SF) health survey-12, and SF-36 QoL scales and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score and mental and social domains using QoL scales.Patients and methods — MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2019 for studies on the effect of HV surgery on patient QoL. A standardized mean difference score was calculated for each specific QoL domain (mental, social, pain, physical, and VAS) using Cohen’s d index. The pooled effect size (ES) was estimated using a random-effects model based on the DerSimonian and Laird method.Results — From 12 published studies selected, the estimated pooled ES for QoL was 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52–1.51; I2 = 87%) for body pain and 0.43 (CI 0.31–0.55, I2 = 35%) for physical function. Regarding the composite mental and social domains of QoL, the pooled ES estimates were 0.24 (CI 0.00–0.47, I2 = 80%) and 0.42 (CI 0.21–0.63, I2 = 6.4%), respectively. The pooled difference in means for the VAS score was –4.1 (CI –4.5 to –3.6, I2 = 90%).Interpretation — Our data showed that HV surgery decreased patients’ perceptions regarding pain. Furthermore, the data confirmed that HV surgery increased patients’ QoL, particularly concerning physical and social domains.

Negative pressure wound therapy for patients with hard-to-heal wounds: a systematic review.

Despite the lack of evidence, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is commonly used in patients with hard-to-heal wounds. In our medical centre, one third of patients with abdominal wounds infected postoperatively end this therapy prematurely due to negative experiences and prefer standard wound care. This study was designed to explore the effects of NPWT on quality of life (QoL). A search from 2000 to 2019 in eight databases was performed to identify qualitative studies of patients treated with NPWT. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers, who appraised the methodological quality, extracted and structured the data and performed content analysis. A total of five qualitative studies with good methodological quality, incorporating 51 individual patients, were included. After content analysis, four major themes emerged: reduced freedom of movement caused by an electric device; decreased self-esteem; increased social and professional dependency; and gaining self-control. NPWT has major effects on the physical, psychological and social domains of QoL. Knowledge of these effects may lead to improved treatment decisions for patients with hard-to-heal wounds regarding use of NPWT or standard wound care.