Standardized Quality Of Life Questionnaires Research Articles

The Influence of the Time Factor and Marital Status on the Quality of Life of Patients After Kidney Transplantation in Uzbekistan

Background: Currently, compared to program hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, kidney transplantation is considered to be the preferred method of renal replacement therapy in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in terms of patient survival and improvement in their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the influence of the post-transplantation period and marital status on the health-related QOL of patients with CKD who underwent kidney transplantation.Methods and Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 78 patients who had received a kidney transplant from living related donors in the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation between January and April 2022. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were divided into four groups depending on the time after kidney transplantation: 3, 6, 12 months, and 2 years or more after surgery. The study used 2 questionnaires. The first included questions about the sociodemographic data of patients; the second was the standardized health-related QOL questionnaire SF-36. This study of the QOL of KTRs, residents of the Republic of Uzbekistan, showed an improvement in most scales of physical and mental health components 12 months and 2 years or more after kidney transplantation. On the scales of physical and mental health components, unmarried KTRs had a higher self-assessment of QOL than married KTRs, and among married KTRs, those with children had higher QOL indicators.Conclusion: Clarifying how the time after kidney transplantation and individual sociodemographic and medical factors influence QOL indicators requires further research (including longitudinal studies) in a wider КTR population.

Mental Adjustment to Cancer and its Effect on the Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer

Introduction: Breast cancer has been recognized as the most common malignancy in women during the last 10-15 years. Quality of life is the result of several physical and psychosocial effects. The result of this study was conducted to investigate the strategies of mental adjustment to cancer and its impact on the quality of life of breast cancer patients.
 Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 240 breast cancer patients using simple random sampling who were referred in Shahid Ramezanzadeh Radiotherapy Center, Yazd, Iran, from April to October 2021. Data collection tools were standard quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Mini-Comparison of Mental Adaptation to Cancer (Mini-MAC). Data were analyzed using t-test, correlation and regression in SPSS version 16 software.
 Results: The mean age of patients was 44.77(±11.00) years. There was a significant and negative correlation between quality of life and Helplessness hopelessness (r= -.795, p<0.001) and anxious preoccupation (r= -.705, p<0.001). Quality of life was significantly and positively correlated with fighting spirit (r= .368, p<0.001) and cognitive avoidance (r= .364, p<0.001) and Fatefulness(r= .155, p<0.05). In general, cancer coping strategies explained 59% of the quality of life variation in breast cancer patients.
 Conclusion: In order to improve the quality of life of patients, it is necessary to teach them adaptive strategies to adjust with cancer, such as fighting spirit and cognitive avoidance.

RESEARCH OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

The aim of the research: To determine effective techniques for researching the quality of life of patients with diabetic retinopathy, conduct surveys, and analyze the obtained results.
 Materials and Methods: Bibliosemantic and analytical methods, sociological and statistical methods were employed. A standardized quality of life questionnaire, SF-36, was used. The study population consisted of 30 outpatient patients (22 females and 8 males) who are affiliated with the State Institution of Science «Research and Practical Center of Preventive and Clinical Medicine» State Administrative Department, suffering from diabetes with diabetic retinopathy.
 Results and Discussion: In medical practice, "health-related quality of life" (HRQL) refers to the comprehensive characterization of a patient's physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being, as assessed based on their subjective perception.
 Key requirements for modern questionnaires include universality, reliability, sensitivity to changes in the health status of each patient, reproducibility, and ease of use. Additionally, these questionnaires should be standardized, meaning they have a consistent set of standard questions and response options for all respondents, and they should allow for quantitative assessment of psychophysical well-being. In Europe, the most commonly used general-type questionnaire is the EuroQol (EQ-5D), while in the United States, the American questionnaire SF-36 and its variations (SF-22, SF-20, SF-12) are widely recognized.
 During our research, the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) was conducted using the SF-36 questionnaire, which patients filled out by hand. The study population consisted of 30 outpatient patients (22 females and 8 males) suffering from diabetes with diabetic retinopathy of the second and third degree of severity (preproliferative and proliferative).
 Conclusions: The only element of self-perception of the disease that was found to be prognostically favorable for health-related quality of life (HRQL) is anosognostic attitudes oriented towards continuing an active way of life and a drive for self-realization. The pronounced maladaptive component of self-perception of the disease is associated with a decrease in HRQL both overall and in specific areas. It is not excluded that the tendency to attach excessive significance to the disease creates a favorable ground for the emergence of emotional problems and the development of intra- and interpersonal conflicts, both related and unrelated to the illness.

Quality of life in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in the Chuvash Republic

Anthropometric data, indicators of laboratory and instrumental examinations were prospectively studied in 80 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who were treated at the Republican Clinical Hospital for War Veterans of the Ministry of Health of Chuvashia. The quality of life of all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism was assessed before and after surgical treatment using two questionnaires: the SF-36 questionnaire and the standardized quality of life questionnaire for patients with PGPT — PHQol, an adapted Russian version of the quality of life questionnaire for primary hyperparathyroidism. As a result of the study, primary hyperparathyroidism was found to be a disease with a low level of detectability due to low awareness of practitioners, therefore, it often takes up to 10 years from the onset of the disease to diagnosis. It is necessary to introduce screening programs to determine the level of calcium in the blood. The disease primary hyperparathyroidism is of medical and economic importance, which pushes us to pay closer attention to this disease, to create a register of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Assessment of the quality of life before and after surgical treatment makes it possible to assess the subjective state of the patient, and also contributes to a patient-oriented approach in the management of patients with PGPT. The standardized questionnaire for assessing the quality of life in hyperparathyroidismPHQoL, its adapted and validated Russian version is a reliable method for studying the quality of life before and after surgical treatment of patients with PGPT, as well as for evaluating the effectiveness of surgical treatment.

The efficacy and safety of intravesical chondroitin sulphate solution in recurrent urinary tract infections

BackgroundUrinary tract infections are among the most common indications for antibiotic therapy. The emergence of resistant uropathogens indicates the need for treatment alternatives. Replenishment of the glycosaminoglycan layer of the bladder, achieved by intravesical instillation of e.g. chondroitin sulphate (CS), is described to be a cornerstone in the therapy of cystitis. To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a therapy with 0.2% CS in patients suffering recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) in comparison to a treatment with low-dose long-term antibiotics (LDLTAB) and a combination of both.MethodsA total of 151 patients with recurrent UTI who underwent intravesical therapy at Diaconesse hospital in Leiden, The Netherlands were included. 50 patients had been treated with CS, 51 patients had received LDLTAB, and 50 patients had received a combination therapy (LDLTABCS). Data recorded for baseline, after 6, and 12 months of treatment were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Exploratory comparisons between groups and within groups were performed by using one-tailed and paired t-tests. Patients filled in a standardized quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D).ResultsWe found a statistically significant reduction of number of infections from 7.10 ± 0.50 SEM to 0.45 ± 0.07 SEM after 12 months therapy with CS compared to 12 months therapy with LDLTAB (from 7.04 ± 0.47 SEM to 1.8 ± 0.15 SEM). The number of visits to the urologist significantly decreased in the CS group from 7.46 ± 0.80 SEM to 1.28 ± 0.11 SEM and from 4.10 ± 0.29 SEM to 1.35 ± 0.11 SEM in the LDLTABCS group. In addition, a significant increase in Quality of life (QoL) was seen in the CS-group (from 58.2 ± 0.82 SEM to 80.43 ± 0.82 SEM) and in the LDLTABCS group (from 62.4 ± 0.97 SEM to 76.73 ± 1.06 SEM). There was no improvement in QoL with LDLTAB (from 58.24 ± 1.08 SEM to 58.96 ± 1.19 SEM). Evaluation’s evidence is limited due to its retrospective character.ConclusionsRetrospective analysis of data from patients that underwent therapy for rUTIs confirms the safety and efficacy of CS and indicate a superiority to antibiotic treatment of rUTIs.

The Effect of Cultural, Economic, and Social Capital on the Quality of Life of Retired Teachers in Jawanroud County

Introduction: One of the most significant chalanges during retirement period is the isuue of quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cultural, economical, and social capital on the quality of life of the retired teachers in Jawanroud, a county in Kermanshah Province in 2020. Method: The method of this study is descriptive-analytic. 170 teachers were randomly selected as the sample of the study. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the data. The instruments used were a researcher-made questionnaire on cultural, economic, and social capital as well as the standard quality of life questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHO). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis’ comparative tests as well as multivariate regression were used to analyze the data. Findings: The results of the study indicated that the mean of social factor and quality of life of the retired teachers in Jawanroud was obove the average (3.43). The mean of social variable of retired children (3.50) was more than economic (2.50) and cultural (1.40) one. Cultural varaiable was more among women than men while social and economic of men were more that that of women. The results also demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between the quality of life and the variables of age and education. Finally, the regression analysis indicated that the cultural, economical, and social capital as well as the quality of life had a significant correlation with each other, and these three variables had 0.56 of prediction for quality of life and its elements. Discussion: Therefore, it can be concluded that cultural, economic and social capital are the most important capital for explaning the quality of life of the retired teachers, which should be taken into account by those in charge in this regard.

Reliability and Validity of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Using the Smartphone App AllerSearch for Hay Fever: Prospective Observational Study.

BackgroundHay fever is a highly prevalent, heterogenous, and multifactorial disease. Patients may benefit from longitudinal assessments using mobile health (mHealth) principles. We have previously attempted to establish an effective mHealth platform for patients with hay fever through AllerSearch, our in-house smartphone app that assesses electronic patient-reported outcomes through a questionnaire on hay fever and provides evidence-based advice. To be used by the public, an investigation on its reliability and validity is necessary.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to assess the reliability and validity of subjective symptom data on hay fever collected through our app, AllerSearch.MethodsThis study used a prospective observational design. The participants were patients aged ≥20 years recruited from a single university hospital between June 2, 2021, and January 26, 2022. We excluded patients who could not use smartphones as well as those with incomplete data records and outlier data. All participants answered the Japanese Allergic Conjunctival Disease Standard Quality of Life Questionnaire (JACQLQ), first in the paper-and-pencil format and subsequently on AllerSearch on the same day. The JACQLQ comprises the following three domains: Domain I, with 9 items on ocular or nasal symptoms; Domain II, with 17 items on daily activity and psychological well-being; and Domain III, with 3 items on overall condition by face score. The concordance rate of each domain between the 2 platforms was calculated. The internal consistency of Domains I and II of the 2 platforms was assessed using Cronbach alpha coefficients, the concurrent validity of Domains I and II was assessed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients, and the mean differences between the 2 platforms were assessed using Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsIn total, 22 participants were recruited; the data of 20 (91%) participants were analyzed. The average age was 65.4 (SD 12.8) years, and 80% (16/20) of the participants were women. The concordance rate of Domains I, II, and III between the paper-based and app-based JACQLQ was 0.78, 0.85, and 0.90, respectively. The internal consistency of Domains I and II between the 2 platforms was satisfactory (Cronbach alpha of .964 and .919, respectively). Pearson correlation analysis yielded a significant positive correlation between Domains I and II across the 2 platforms (r=0.920 and r=0.968, respectively). The mean difference in Domains I and II between the 2 platforms was 3.35 units (95% limits of agreement: –6.51 to 13.2).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that AllerSearch is a valid and reliable tool for the collection of electronic patient-reported outcomes to assess hay fever, contributing to the advantages of the mHealth platform.

Using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire to Improve Urinary Incontinence Assessments for Female Veterans

ObjectiveTo evaluate quality of life (QoL) in female veterans by comparing responses of the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) before and after a chosen treatment for urinary incontinence (UI), determine whether a QoL assessment was being completed for each woman seeking care for UI, and review the PFIQ-7 questionnaire scores to ensure the veterans were offered the appropriate levels of treatment. DesignQuality improvement project using the plan–do–study–act cycle for evaluating change. Setting/Local ProblemA Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the midwestern United States. No standardized education or QoL questionnaire was being used for female veterans diagnosed with UI before implementation of the project. ParticipantsTwenty female veterans diagnosed with stress or mixed UI who had completed Kegel exercises or pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) and a pre- and posttreatment PFIQ-7. Interventions/MeasurementsThe Veterans Affairs Medical Center incorporated the PFIQ-7 into routine practice for pre- and posttreatment assessment of UI. Data were collected through a retrospective chart review. ResultsThe mean initial PFIQ-7 score for participants (n = 4) who chose PFR was 71.77 (SD = 82.79). The mean final PFIQ-7 score for participants in the PFR group was 43.99 (SD = 63.34). The mean initial PFIQ-7 score for participants who chose Kegel exercises was 71.72 (SD = 34.92), and the final score was 60.71 (SD = 44.98). When comparing pre- and posttreatment scores, a lower score means there was a positive effect from the treatment and reflects an improved QoL. ConclusionThe addition of the QoL assessment tool assisted staff in developing an individualized plan of care for female veterans. Regardless of treatment option chosen, participants who did not show an overall improvement in the pre- and posttreatment QoL scores were referred to a more advanced level of care.

Parents' perceptions of quality of life of their children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during Ramadan fasting in Riyadh.

This study aimed to assess parents' perceptions of the quality of life (QoL) of their children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during Ramadan fasting (RF). In this cross-sectional study, an Arabic-translated version of the standard diabetes-specific QoL questionnaire (PedsQL™ version 3.0) was used to compare perceptions of QoL during Ramadan month (Rm) versus non-Rm (NRm) of parents of children/adolescents with T1D from two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh. We used regression analysis to compare proxies (parents' reports) of their perceptions on their children/adolescents' QoL during Rm compared to NRm. A sample of 61 proxies (parents') of two age groups T1D offspring: 8-12 years (41%) and 13-18 years (59%) who reported their perceptions of their children/adolescents QoL during Rm were matched by children/adolescents' age and gender of 61 proxies in NRm. QoL scores of all domains were significantly lower in Rm compared to NRm; p < 0.0001, however, worries domain showed no statistical differences p = 0.052 in a regression analysis. The total aggregate median (IQR) in Rm was 850 (612-1,062) compared to 1,750 (1,475-2,062) in NRm, p < 0.001. The highest differences in NRm and Rm median scores were observed in communications (OR = 3.64; 95% CI 2.7-5.57) and treatment adherence (OR = 3.09; 95% CI 2.48-3.84) domains especially in the age of 13-18 years. Parents of adolescent boys, who are usually risk-takers and more exposed to outdoor activities, perceived lower QoL for them. Parents of adolescents with T1D perceived a lower QoL for their children during RF, especially in the treatment adherence and communication domains.

CaPaBLE: Comparing the Patient Generated Index to standard quality of life measures in patients and caregivers affected by high-grade brain tumours - Preliminary analysis

Abstract Aims High grade gliomas are rare but have the highest number of cancer deaths in the under-40s. Treatment options are limited, resulting in a clinical focus on maintaining quality of life (QoL). However standard QoL assessment tools are time consuming, may not reflect an individual’s priorities, and are rarely used in clinical practice. Moreover, the impact of caring for someone with a high grade glioma is seldom assessed. An alternative approach to assessing quality of life is to use a patient - or carer-generated index (PGI/CaGI), which asks patients &amp; carers to raise, rank and number their concerns. This may offer a route to individualised QoL assessments within clinical and research settings. The CaPaBLE study tests the feasibility and acceptability of the PGI and CaGI methodology in patients with high-grade glioma and their caregivers. This paper highlights key similarities and differences of the PGI/CaGI to standard QoL questionnaires. Method CaPABLE is an observational phase 2 non-randomised study following patients and their caregivers over 6 months starting at either first diagnosis or recurrence (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN45555598). Patients and caregivers complete both standard questionnaires (EORTC QLQ C30 &amp; BN20 and CargoQOL) and PGI/CAGI at 5 timepoints over the 6 month period. Each time the patients/caregivers complete the PGI/CAGI they are asked to identify up to 5 main topics of concern for their QoL, to score these, and rank their importance. For this analysis, we grouped topics into themes, compared the stability of themes over time and to EORTC domains. Analyses of EORTC measures are conducted using standard scoring approaches. Here we present an initial analysis of occurrence of PGI/CaGI themes compared to EORTC domains, but do not consider scores or ranking. Results 6 patients (4 male) and 5 caregivers (3 female; 4 paired with patients; one unpaired) have completed both standard questionnaire and PGI/CaGI at three or more time points, with a total of 19 (patient) and 18 (caregiver) assessments. On average people reported 3 topics at each assessment. The PGI generated 59 topics (32 themes); the CaGI, 50 topics (23 themes) and themes were consistent over time. The most common domain raised by patients was “social life” (13). Caregivers raised “personal life and family” (12 and “planning ahead” (7) more commonly. Of the 32 PGI themes, 23 align with EORTC domains. 9 PGI themes were not represented in the EORTC questionnaires, and 14 EORTC domains did not appear in the PGI. Of the 23 CaGI themes, 17 align with 7 CarGOQOL domains. 6 CaGI themes were not represented in the CarGOQOL and 3 CarGOQOL domains did not appear in the CaGI. Conclusion PGI and CaGI themes coincide with the main domains of EORTC (i.e., cognitive, social, role, physical, emotional functioning, future uncertainty). However, there were significant discrepancies: PGI (e.g., intimacy, ability to drive, and COVID related restrictions) and CaGI (e.g. personal life &amp; family) highlighted themes that are not in the standard questionnaires. Both PGI/CaGI and standard questionnaires agree that symptom-related issues such as pain and seizures are not the main priority when it comes to QoL. In addition, CarGOQOL reports positive aspects of care, whereas CaGI only raised negative areas. This study is the first to show the feasibility of PGI/CaGI in a brain tumour patient &amp; caregiver population. PGI/CaGI are notably quicker to complete and provide insights not captured by standard questionnaires. We are continuing to recruit patients and caregivers, and have submitted a protocol amendment to carry out qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers, to explore their views further.

Pneumonitis and fibrosis after breast cancer radiotherapy: occurrence and treatment-related predictors

Background Radiation pneumonitis (RP) and radiation fibrosis (RF) are common side effects after breast cancer (BC) radiotherapy (RT). However, there is a great variation in the frequency of RP and RF. This study presents the occurrence of- and the treatment-related predictors for RP and RF. Further, physician- and patient-reported pulmonary symptoms during the first year after postoperative RT for BC are demonstrated. Materials and methods From 2007 to 2008, 250 BC patients referred for postoperative RT were included in a prospective cohort study and followed during the first year after RT. High-resolution computed tomography of the lungs and symptom registration were performed before RT and 3, 6, and 12 months after RT. Patient-reported symptoms were registered by standard quality of life questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate treatment-related predictors for radiological RP (rRP), clinical RP (cRP), radiological RF (rRF), and clinical RF (cRF). Results The occurrence of rRP and cRP at three months was 78% and 19%, while 12 months after RT rRF and cRF was 89% and 16%, respectively; all reported as grade 1. In multivariable analyses, mastectomy predicted cRP at three months (OR = 2.48, p = .03) and cRF at six months, ipsilateral lung volume receiving 20 Gray or more (V20), V30, and mean lung dose (MLD) predicted rRP at six months (OR = 1.06, p = .0003; OR = 1.10, p = .001; and OR = 1.03, p = .01, respectively). Endocrine treatment predicted cRF at 12 months (OR = 2.48, p = .02). Physicians reported significant more dyspnea at 3 months (p = .003) and patients reported ‘a little dyspnea’ more at 3 and 12 months compared to baseline (p = .007). Conclusion RP and RF are prevalent in the first year after BC radiation. Mastectomy predicted cRP at three months. V20, V30, D25, and MLD predicted rRP at 6 months, and endocrine treatment predicted cRF at 12 months. Patients and physicians reported dyspnea differently.

The effect of consuming multivitamin/mineral supplements on elderly quality of life: Based on randomized control trial

BACKGROUND:Clinical trials concerning the effect of supplements or multivitamin on improving the quality of life have proven different results. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of multivitamin supplement on quality of life of the elderly.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sixty-four old people over 65 years of age in Kermanshah Elderly Care Center participated in this randomized trial. The samples were first selected using the convenience sampling and then were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received one multivitamin mineral (MVM) supplement capsule every day for 3 months with no intervention for the control group. Standard quality of life questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 22.RESULTS:The mean age of the participants was 70.77 ± 8.29 years. The results of intra-group evaluation of the aspects of quality of life of the elderly show the lack of significant changes in the mean scores of physical health and environmental health of the elderly in the intervention group (P > 0.05) and the significant reduction of these aspects in the control group (P < 0.05) after intervention. The mean score of mental health scores in the intervention group significantly increased (P = 0.01), but there are no significant changes in the control group (P = 0.273). The mean scores of social relationships as well as the overall score of quality of life in the intervention and control groups showed no significant changes (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:The present study showed that the consumption of MVM supplements can have a positive effect on increasing the quality of life of the elderly, but it is recommended to be done in the long term along diet. Moreover, considering the fact that no change was observed in the other aspects of the quality of life, attentions should be paid to the environmental and social factors such as social supports and empowerment of the old people in the future studies.

Quality of Life in Iranian Patients with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer

Objective: To assess sociodemographic factors and cancer information on patients' quality of life with head and neck cancer . Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 69 patients with head and neck cancer who attended in one of the oncology centers in Mashhad, Iran, from September 2019 to December 2019. Data was collected through a questionnaire consisted of demographic information (gender, age, educational level, and job) and cancer information (type, location, treatment, clinical stage) and standard quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-H&N35). Data analyzed in SPSS22 software using T, ANOVA, Linear regression tests at 0.05 significant levels. Results: 49 participants (72.1%) were men. The mean age was 60.48 ± 13.74 years. Forty-nine participants (72.1%) had squamous cell carcinoma and 26 participants (38.2%) had a larynx tumor. Forty-six participants (67.6%) were in clinical stage 3, mainly with a problem and complain about hard food swallowing, xerostomia and speech. The mean score of QLQ-H&N35 was 42.06 ± 20.12 from 90. Quality of life in 47.1% of cases was moderate. There was no significant relationship between gender, job, educational level, type and location of cancer (p>0.05). There was a significant relationship between the patient's age, clinical stage, type of treatment, and quality of life (p<0.05) . Conclusion: Quality of life in 47.1% was moderate. Clinical stage, age of patients and type of treatment statically and significantly affected the quality of life. Assessing quality of life in HNC patients can identify important side effects of treatment that affected quality of life and look for ways to improve QoL.

Menopause-Related Quality of Life among Urban Women of Hyderabad, India.

Background:Menopause is regarded as the marker for various symptoms such as physical, psychological, vasomotor, and sexual impairing the quality of life (QOL).Objectives:To assess the menopause-related QOL and determine associated factors among postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 postmenopausal women attending the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital using a standardized menopause-specific QOL (MENQOL) questionnaire consisting of physical, vasomotor, psychosocial, and sexual domains.Results:The study included 378 women aged above 40 years, with majority belonging to the age group of 46–50 years. The total MENQOL mean score was found to be 19.35 ± 16.20, with physical domain score the highest 14.89 ± 11.85, followed by vasomotor 1.98 ± 3.83, psychosocial 1.82 ± 3.29, and the least as sexual domain with score of 0.624 ± 2.21. Post menopausal women with age less than 50 years, No formal education, High socio-economic status, Home makers and duration of menopause less than 5 years was found to have statistical significant association with higher vasomotor domain score; No formal education, higher socio economic status and duration of menopause with greater than 5 years was found to be significant with higher sexual domain scores.Conclusions:Menopause may be associated with a decrease in QOL. Certain sociodemographic variables showed a statistically significant association with the vasomotor and sexual domains. Awareness and interventions that affect the modifiable factors may help in increasing the QOL at menopause.

Quality of Life and Glycemic Control in Saudi Children with Type 1 Diabetes at Different Developmental Age Groups.

Background:Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at different stages of development have age-specific needs, which can influence their perception of quality of life (QoL). In our study, we aimed to emphasize these age-specific needs and assess the perception of QoL in Saudi children with T1D, as well as their parents correlating QoL scores with children’s glycemic control.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study in which children with T1D and their parents from 2 tertiary institutes in Saudi Arabia have answered a standard diabetes-specific QoL questionnaire (PedsQL™ 3.0 diabetes module, translated in Arabic). We also reported glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results for these children within a month of completing the questionnaire. The QoL total aggregate and domain scores for self (children) and proxy (parents’) reports were compared and correlated with children’s HbA1c.Results:A sample was 288 self and proxy reports from 144 children with T1D of 3 age groups: 5 to 7 years (7%), 8 to 12 years (49%), and 13 to 18 years (44%), and their parents. QoL differed significantly between self and proxy reports in the total aggregate and domain scores (P-values range from .02 to <.001). The impact on QoL was significantly higher in female patients (P = .043). Insulin pump users had better HbA1c (P = .007), and HbA1c level was worse in those who intended to fast at Ramadan (P = .005).Conclusion:Children with T1D at different developmental age groups perceive QoL differently than their parents. Adjusting management as per age-specific challenges could potentially improve these children’s QoL and glycemic control.

Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 Alleviates Perennial Allergic Rhinitis in Japanese Adults by Suppressing Eosinophils: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

This article examines the effects of fermented milk (FM) containing Lactobacillus helveticus SBT2171 (LH2171) on the subjective symptoms of individuals with mild and moderate perennial allergy. Two hundred subjects were divided into two groups and consumed FM containing LH2171 or placebo FM once per day for 16 weeks. The primary endpoints were defined as per the degree of nasal and ocular symptoms and difficulty in daily life as determined by the Japanese guidelines for allergy rhinitis and the Japanese allergic rhinitis standard quality of life questionnaire, respectively. The secondary endpoints included parameters related to allergic symptoms in the blood and nasal fluids, as well as the mental status. The severity of allergic rhinitis significantly improved in the LH2171 group compared to that in the placebo group. Additionally, the LH2171 group showed a significantly lower degree of “stuffy nose” (as per the diary survey) than the placebo group. Eosinophil counts in the nasal fluids and in the blood were significantly lower in the LH2171 group compared to the placebo group. Thus, the oral administration of FM containing LH2171 cells alleviated perennial allergic rhinitis in individuals with mild and moderate symptoms, possibly via suppression of eosinophils in both the blood and nasal fluids.

Quality of Life among Post CABG Patients

Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is one among the most common proceduresperformed in the world, and it is one of the possible treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD). Althoughthe effectiveness of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is being evaluated in terms of mortality,complications or recurrence of symptoms, empirical studies assessing the change in patients quality of life(QOL) after CABG need to be studied as findings keep changing as time progress. A systematic analysisof how well the patient is considering a multiple variable need to be studied which has greater impact inimproving the overall performance of the patients after CABG.Aim: Aim of the study is to assess the quality of life among post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)patients.Method: A quantitative approach with a descriptive design using a non-probability convenience samplingtechnique was used to collect data from 101 post CABG patients. The setting used for the study was CVTSOPDs at AIMS, Kochi. A standardized quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) along with a semi-structuredquestionnaire to assess socio-demographic and clinical data.Results: The study result showed that the majority of samples (97%) had good QOL with mean score of69.22. PCS (96%) showed higher value than MCS (68. 3). A significant association found between QOL andsocio-demographic variables like occupation (p=0.018).Conclusion: Overall QOL improved one year after CABG.

The Effect of CoQ10 Supplementation on Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Tamoxifen Therapy: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BackgroundSurvival rates among breast cancer patients and the number of patients living with treatment side effects have improved, leading to increased focus on quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of CoQ10 on QOL scores among breast cancer patients in Iranian undergoing tamoxifen therapy.MethodsThirty breast cancer patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received 100 mg CoQ10, and the second group took fplacebo once a day for 8 weeks. QOL was evaluated by a standard QOL questionnaire and a specific questionnaire on QOL of breast cancer patients at baseline and the end of the study. Also, physical activity of patients was assessed with the IPAQ questionnaire and dietary intake determined by a 3-day dietary record.ResultsThe data of 30 subjects were analyzed. According to QOL C30 data, CoQ10 led to a significant increase in physical functioning (P=0.029), emotional functioning (P=0.031), and cognitive functioning (P=0.023) compared to placebo. Symptom scales revealed a notable reduction in appetite loss in the first group (P=0.01). Global health status showed no significant changes in either study arm. On the QOL BR23, progress in functions and decline in symptoms were not statistically significant. Arm symptoms showed significant reduction (P=0.022) in patients that received placebo.ConclusionThis trial indicates that CoQ10 supplementation has effects in ameliorating some dimensions of QOL in breast cancer patients. To generalize the results, larger and longer intervention studies are needed.Clinical Trial RegistrationIRCT2015042021874N1.

The Effect of Intelligence Self-Control Program on the Quality of Life of the Adolescents with Type I Diabetes.

Background:Diabetes affects patients’ quality of life in almost all physical, mental, and social areas. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of self-control intelligence program on the dimensions of quality of life in the adolescents with diabetes.Materials and Methods:The present study is a randomized controlled trial with pre-test and post-test design in which 56 adolescents with diabetes referring to the Janan charity diabetic association in Najafabad in 2018 (Isfahan, Iran) were selected by convenience sampling method and were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 28). Self-control intelligence program was performed for the intervention group. The data were collected using standard Quality of Life Questionnaire for adolescents with diabetes and were analyzed using Chi-square test, independent and dependent t-test, Mann-Whitney.Results:Statistical tests showed no significant difference between the groups in terms of their demographic characteristics such as gender, duration of diabetes, and the number of insulin injections. There was, however, a significant difference in the mean scores of all quality of life dimensions except for the dimension of physical symptoms both before and after the intervention in the intervention group (t23 = 4.46, p < 0.001). By contrast, no significant difference was observed in the mean scores of quality of life before and after the intervention in the control group (t24 = 0.08, p = 0.93).Conclusions:Based on the results, self-control program can have an effective role in the adoption of coping strategies and, thus, improves the patients’ quality of life.

Patient engagement in the design of a randomised trial of proton beam radiotherapy versus photon radiotherapy for good prognosis glioma

Abstract Introduction UK Neuro-Oncologists and multidisciplinary colleagues are developing one of the first randomised clinical trials of proton beam radiotherapy(PBT) to compare quality of life(QOL), cognitive function and other late effects in adults with good prognosis glioma following either PBT or photon radiotherapy. The feasibility of running randomised studies with PBT is an important consideration, particularly in respect of participants’ views of a randomised design requiring treatment at national centres. We sought patient and carer engagement on our proposals to ensure we incorporate their views. Methods To explore these issues, we invited patients who had previously completed radiotherapy for oligodendroglioma and their carers to attend a focus group in Manchester in November 2018. Fifteen participants attended. We sought views on our trial proposal through small group discussions centred around 5 questions, led and facilitated by neuro-oncologists, a research radiographer, neuro-psychologist and statistician. Results Participants strongly endorsed the trial proposal and positively highlighted the opportunity to access PBT within a clinical trial and the group recognised and supported the need for randomisation and stated this should be 1:1. Patients disliked some traditional terminology such as ‘trial’ and ‘neurocognitive tests’ and preferred ‘research study’ and ‘neurocognitive assessments’. Patient and carers expressed the need for careful consideration of issues around travel and accommodation during PBT away from home. Interestingly, participants considered that standard QOL questionnaires fail to address some important areas reflecting daily wellbeing. Conclusion We acknowledge and will now incorporate these important patient and carer observations to strengthen our study and add validity to the key study endpoints.