Subjective Quality Of Life Research Articles

IDF23-0117 Evaluation of quality of Life in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

IDF23-0117 Evaluation of quality of Life in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Sexual dysfunction, marital relationship, and subjective quality of life among women with schizophrenia: Analytical case-control study.

Women with schizophrenia have a high risk of adverse sexual health outcomes. The chronic course of schizophrenia draws attention to assessing the quality of life and marital relationships of patients with schizophrenia. However, there is a crunch of data in the Indian setting. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions (SDs) and determine the marital relationship and quality of life among women with schizophrenia. The study followed an analytical case-control design. The study was conducted at the inpatient psychiatric department of one of the apex tertiary healthcare centers located at the foothills of the Northern Himalayas. The study purposively included 136 participants (68 cases and 68 controls). The control group included healthy women aged 18-45 currently staying with sexual partners. Data were collected using pretested and standardized self-report questionnaires. The median age of the case group was 36 (interquartile range (IQR), 29-42) years, while that of the control group was 29 (IQR 26-34) years. The prevalence of SD was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in cases (95.3%) than in controls (73.4%). Compared to healthy controls, women with schizophrenia have a significantly higher rate of SD in sexual desire (P = 0.001), getting arousal (P < 0.001), lubrication (P < 0.001), achieving orgasm (P < 0.001), and sexual satisfaction (P < 0.001) (except pain). In addition, the marital relationship was better managed (P < 0.001) in healthy controls compared with cases. The healthy control group significantly expressed a better quality of life in physical (P < 0.001), psychological (P < 0.001), and maintaining social (P < 0.001) relationships (except environment domains). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, employment status significantly predicted SDs (odds ratio (OR), 25.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09, 318.10; P < 0.05) in participants. The prevalence of SD is significantly high among female participants. Hence, treating physicians should pay attention to sexual function during the screening and treatment of patients with schizophrenia.

일 지역사회 주민의 걷기 운동 참여가 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

This study is a descriptive survey to identify the effects of walking exercise participation on the quality of life among residents aged 60 years or older in a community. The subjects were 271 residents who participated in the walking exercise program in G County, and the data were analyzed using t-test, χ2-test, and multiple regression analysis methods with SPSS 23 program. In the difference test, gender, health status, and walking exercise participation were significant, and in the correlation, there was a positive correlation between the degree of walking exercise participation and subjective happiness, subjective happiness and self-efficacy, subjective happiness and quality of life, walking exercise participation and quality of life, and self-efficacy and quality of life. Factors influencing the quality of life were education level, health status, and walking exercise participation, and the explanatory power was 24.4%. In conclusion, to improve the quality of life of residents living in communities, it is necessary to focus on developing programs that allow them to participate in physical activities such as walking exercise continuously.

Evaluating the Clinical Equivalence of Truwax® and Ethicon® Bone Waxes for Sternal Wound Hemostasis: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Incidence of sternal dehiscence, wound infection, and mortality are prevalent following sternotomy. Bone wax is widely used over the sternal edges for augmenting hemostasis. This study evaluated the clinical equivalence of Truwax® (Healthium Medtech Limited, Bengaluru, India) with Ethicon® (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States) bone wax for sternal wound hemostasis in subjects undergoing surgical procedures by sternotomy. The primary endpoint of this prospective (May 2022-April 2023), parallel-group, two-arm, randomized, single-blind, multicenter study was to evaluate the proportion of subjects having sternal dehiscence within 26 weeks of median sternotomy closure. Secondary endpoints assessed the average time to hemostasis on sternum sides, bone wax properties, number of dressing changes, sternal bone instability (clinically/chest radiography), pain, perioperative/postoperative complications, blood and blood products used, duration of intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital stay, reoperations, time taken to return back to work and normal day-to-day activities, subject satisfaction and quality of life (QoL), and adverse events. A probability of <0.05 was considered significant. No incidence of sternal dehiscence or postoperative complications was witnessed. Time to hemostasis, bone wax properties, number of dressing changes, sternal stability, pain, blood and blood products used, duration of ICU/hospital stay, reoperations, time taken to return back to normal day-to-day activities and to work, and subject satisfaction and QoL were comparable between Truwax® and Ethicon® bone wax groups. Truwax® and Ethicon® bone waxes are safe and effective and provide sternal wound hemostasis in people undergoing sternotomy.

Refractive error and vision related quality of life

BackgroundTo investigate and compare the vision-related quality of life (QOL) in different types of refractive error (RE).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 200 subjects, categorized into four groups of 50 each, consisting of subjects with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and emmetropia, the latter being the control group. The mean age of the participants was 23.88 ± 5.87 (range, 15 to 38: 110 females and 90 males). RE was defined as myopia, spherical equivalent (SE) < -0.25 diopters (D), hyperopia, SE > + 0.25 D, astigmatism, cylinder < -0.25 D, and emmetropia (-0.25 ≤ SE(D) ≤ + 0.25, cylinder ≥ -0.25). Groups are subdivided into very low magnitudes of RE (0.50 and 0.75) and significant RE (1.00 ≤). Vision-related QOL was assessed using the Persian version of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). The NEI-VFQ was scored as visual function and socioemotional scales using Rasch analysis.ResultsCorrected myopia, astigmatism, uncorrected myopia, and hyperopia had a lower vision-related QOL than emmetropes. (P < 0.001). Vision-related QOL in myopic subjects was lower than that in astigmatic participants. Very low myopes, who often do not use correction, had a significantly lower QOL than other groups.ConclusionIndividuals with refractive errors experience a lower QOL score than those without. Notably, the adverse impact on QOL score is significantly greater in myopic cases, particularly very low myopia, compared to other refractive errors. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to neglect managing very low myopia since it may improve participants’ QOL.

Quality of Life Comparisons in Strabismic Children Managed Surgically or Conservatively

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Strabismus causes visual impairment due to ocular misalignment, interferes cosmetic appearance, results in negative self-image and impacts quality of life. Studies in adults have shown that successful strabismus surgery improves quality of life, but awareness of strabismus surgery and its benefits are still lacking. Studies regarding the impact of conservative treatment on quality of life are limited, so further study is required.&#x0D; Methods : This was an observational study comparing 2 unpaired groups. The method used in this study was cross-sectional and samples were obtained purposefully according to medical records and consecutively based on outpatient visits.&#x0D; Results : Thirty-six subjects in group A, who had undergone strabismus surgery and 33 subjects in group B who were still managed conservatively were included in this study. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics, except parental education background (p=0.048). Comparative test of2 unpaired groups in this study showed higher quality of life scores in group A (p=0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusion : The quality of life in subjects who had undergone strabismus surgery was better than that in those who were still managed conservatively.

A machine learning-based assessment of subjective quality of life

A machine learning-based assessment of subjective quality of life

Few negative effects of psychotherapy in a psychiatric day hospital: a follow-up survey to a multiprofessional treatment with acceptance and commitment therapy.

While there are many studies on psychotherapy and its efficacy - in terms of desired outcomes - there is comparatively little evidence on the possible negative effects of psychotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible negative effects of a multi-professional psychiatric day hospital treatment for patients with mental health disorders based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including possible confounding factors. Fifty-one patients with a range of psychiatric diagnoses were assessed three months after an ACT-based psychiatric day hospital treatment. Questionnaires were used to measure negative effects of psychotherapy (INEP), subjective quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and symptomatology (BDI-II and SCL-90-R). Correlational analyses and group comparisons were performed to determine the relationship between the sum of reported negative effects on the one hand and symptomology, quality of life, and sociodemographic variables (gender, age, diagnosis, education) on the other hand. At least one negative effect out of a list of 18 possible effects was reported by 45% of participants, and 10% reported more than two. The number of negative effects reported correlates positively with symptomology and negatively with quality of life. The sum of reported negative effects does not correlate with age or gender and does not vary by education level and primary diagnosis. In the light of previous findings, patients included in this study showed lower rates of negative effects, both overall and at item level. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Reliability and validity of a Japanese version of the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale.

The Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) is a popular quality of life measure, indexing satisfaction with and importance of six empirically selected life domains. Whether these domains hold cross-cultural validity remains largely unexplored. The current study developed and psychometrically validated a Japanese version of the BBQ (BBQ-J). Data were collected from 637 Japanese individuals aged between 20 and 87 years. We used t-tests, Pearson product-rate correlation coefficients, a reliability analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, and an exploratory factor analysis to analyze the data, with 637 participants in all analyses. There were no statistically significant gender differences on the BBQ-J. Confirmatory factor analysis of the BBQ-J revealed a 1-factor structure with six items. Convergent validity was confirmed by its association with life satisfaction, and negative convergent validity was confirmed by its negative correlation with depressive symptoms. Cronbach's alpha of the BBQ-J showed high internal consistency. Similar to the original version, the Japanese version of the BBQ is a valid and reliable self-administered measure of subjective quality of life for use in clinical and research settings.

Botulinum Toxin Injections to the Obliquus Capitis Inferioris Muscle for Dynamic Cervical Dystonia Improves Subjective Patient Outcomes.

The obliquus capitis inferioris (OCI) muscle is a significant driver of cervical dystonia with torticaput movements and a no-no head tremor. Limited data are available on the efficacy of OCI injections on patient outcomes. Our study aims to determine whether the botulinum toxin injection into OCI improves subjective patient quality of life in those with dystonic head tremors. A retrospective chart review was performed for 25 patients receiving injections into the OCI for a dystonic head tremor at the London Movement Disorders Clinic between January 2020 and January 2022. Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Scale-2 (TWSTRS-2) subscale scores for disability and pain, TWSTRS-PSYCH scores, and the global impression of severity were extracted. The average TWSTRS-2 disability subscale change was -2.8 points (p < 0.003). The average TWSTRS-2 pain subscale change was -4.6 points (p < 0.003). The average TWSTRS-PSYCH score prior to injection was 5.6. After injection, the average score was 3.7 (p < 0.004). The patient self-reported average global impression of severity before injection was 7.0; after this, it was 4.2 (p < 0.0003). The OCI injection showed significant improvement in retrospective patient self-reported outcomes; it should be considered early in the treatment plan for cervical dystonia with a no-no head tremor.

Impact of post-COVID-19 lung damage on pulmonary function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in Indian subjects.

After recovery from COVID-19, there is data to suggest potential long-term pulmonary sequelae and associated impairment of functional capacity. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the impact on respiratory function in a cohort of Indian subjects. Subjects who had recovered from COVID-19 were recruited. Clinical symptoms, pulmonary function test results, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) results, St George's Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and chest radiographs were obtained. Information on the COVID-19 illness during hospitalization, baseline laboratory biomarkers and the disease severity categories as outlined by WHO (asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical), were retrieved from the hospital records. The 'COVID pneumonia'(WHO category moderate, severe & critical) group was compared with the 'Mild COVID' (WHO category mild) group and likewise, the WHO category moderate and the WHO category severe/critical groups were compared. In 207 subjects, whose mean age was 48.7 years were assessed after an average of 63 days from onset of symptom, 35% had TLC< 80% (restrictive defect), 8.3% had FEV1/FVC<70% (obstructive defect) and 44.4% had diminished DLCO<80% (diffusing capacity). The 'COVID-19 pneumonia' group when compared to the 'mild COVID-19' group, had lower FVC% (77.85 VS 88.18; P = 0.001), TLC% (79.48 VS 87.91; P = 0.0002), DLCO% (75.30 VS 89.20; P<0.0001) and DLCO/VA% (105.6 VS 111.8; P = 0.032), decreased minimum oxygen saturation (94.89 VS 97.73; P<0.0001) and more subjects had a drop in saturation of ≥ 4% (21.69% VS 4.84%; P = 0.001) during the 6MWT, and a greater mean total SGRQ score (29.2 VS 11.0; P<0.0001). To our knowledge, this is the first such report on Indian subjects. We have shown that post-COVID-19 lung damage leads to significant impairment of lung function, quality of life and effort tolerance.

Subjective quality of life and schizophrenia: results from a large cohort study based in Chinese primary care

IntroductionMuch confusion exists between health-related QoL (HRQoL) scales and subjective QoL (SQoL) scales. One method to avoid confusion is use of a single question that asks What is your quality of life? or similar. This study explored the relationship between biopsychosocial factors and high SQoL, SQoL stability, and factors associated with improving SQoL.MethodWe conducted a large cohort study of community-dwelling Chinese adults with schizophrenia, with two data points (2015–2016 (N = 742), 2017–2018 (N = 491)). Demographic and clinically related items and a comprehensive suite of published measures were collected. Direct logistic regressions were used to explore links between biopsychosocial factors and high SQoL and Improvement in SQoL across time.ResultsSample at Baseline: Male = 62.3%; Med age = 38.5 years; Med Age at illness onset = 24 years; SQoL Mode = neither poor nor good. Three independent variables predicted high SQoL at T1. Contemporary age and the presence of clinically relevant symptoms had a negative relationship with high SQoL; insight had a positive relationship with high SQoL. SQoL changed significantly across time with a modest effect size. Age at illness onset was the single independent variable linked to improving SQoL favoring being older at the time of illness onset.Discussion/ConclusionsSQoL can be high and changeable. While symptomology and illness insight may affect SQoL self-appraisals at single points in time, only age of illness onset was connected with improving SQoL. Thus, public health measures to delay illness onset are important. In addition, care about the distinction between HRQoL and SQoL in study design and choice of measures is necessary and will depend on the purpose and context.

Bipolar-ADHD comorbidity: screening for differences in neurocognition and virtual reality-based cognitive performance

Objectives Identification of comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) is complicated by overlapping cognitive symptoms and methodological challenges. This cross-sectional study investigated whether virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive assessment that mimics daily life cognitive challenges can aid in the detection of sustained attention impairment in BD individuals with comorbid ADHD (BD + ADHD). Methods Forty-nine fully or partially remitted outpatients with BD, of whom 14 (24%) had BD + ADHD, were assessed with the Cognition Assessment in Virtual Reality (CAVIR) test, including a sustained attention test that involves distractions, and the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP). Patients were also rated for mood symptoms and functioning and completed questionnaires assessing subjective cognition and quality of life. Patients’ cognitive impairment on the SCIP was estimated with reference to n = 100 demographically comparable healthy control participants. Results BD + ADHD participants exhibited more pronounced performance deficits on the CAVIR sustained attention test (t(48) = 2.15, p = .037, d = .66). Notably, deficits on this test were proportional to self-reported daily life concentration difficulties in BD + ADHD individuals. Exploratory analyses revealed that BD + ADHD participants also displayed greater impairment on the SCIP working memory- and delayed verbal learning subtests and greater subjective cognitive complaints than BD patients without this comorbidity (p-levels < .001), but only the difference in subjective cognition survived correction for multiple comparisons (F(1,47) = 14.13, p = .005, np2 = 0.24). Conclusion Screening for deficits in sustained attention with an ecologically valid VR test involving distracting stimuli may be useful for identifying BD + ADHD individuals.

The Effect of Social Cohesion on Subjective Individual Quality of Life in European Countries

Many scholars have studied the effects of economic conditions on subjective well-being, but scarce attention has been paid to the effect of cultural and social determinants on quality of life. This study aims to analyse the effect of social cohesion considered as a characteristic of a country on subjective quality of life. In addition, we also tested the moderating effect of social cohesion on the relationship between income and placement in society with quality of life. To test our hypotheses we estimated a multilevel regression model. First, we estimated the null model, which showed that almost a quarter of the variance in quality of life is located at country level. Second, we included in the model all the level-1 predictors. This model highlighted that self-evaluated position on the social ladder has a larger positive effect than income on quality of life. In the third step, we added country-level predictors. Controlling for other macro factors—GDP, Life Expectancy, Gini coefficient and Homicide rate—and individual-level variables, we shows that Cohesion exerts a positive effect on subjective quality of life. The model also points out that country’s economic conditions (measured by GDP) do not affect quality of life when we control this relationship for social cohesion. Interestingly, also the within-country economic disparities (measured by Gini coefficient) do not seem to affect quality of life when cohesion is taken into account. Finally, we also shows that the positive effect of income on quality of life is moderated by cohesion. In other words, income is a relatively less important factor in determining quality of life in countries with higher levels of cohesion. In the same way, individuals’ position and perception of their placement on the social ladder affects in a lesser extent their quality of life in those countries that have higher degrees of cohesion.

Quality of Life and Sexual Function after Laparoscopic Posterior Vaginal Plication Plus Sacral Colpopexy for Severe Posterior Vaginal Prolapse.

Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) is the gold standard treatment for women with apical/anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP). For isolated posterior vaginal prolapse, instead, the literature suggests fascial native tissue repair. This is a retrospective 2-year quality-of-life follow-up study after laparoscopic posterior plication (LPP) combined with LSC in patients with anterior/apical prolapse combined with severe posterior colpocele. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the subjective outcomes quality of life (QoL), sexual function, and patient satisfaction rate. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate perioperative and anatomical outcomes at the 2-year follow-up. A total of 139 consecutive patients with anterior and/or apical prolapse (POP-Q stage ≥ II) and severe posterior vaginal prolapse (posterior POP-Q stage ≥ III) were retrospectively selected from our database among women who underwent, from November 2018 to February 2021, a "two-meshes" LSC. The patients were classified into Group A (81 patients; LSC plus LPP) and Group B (67 patients; LSC alone). The primary endpoint was evaluated using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), and the EuroQol (EQ-5D). The secondary endpoint was studied using the POP-Q study and an intra-, peri-, and post-operative complications assessment. Two-year follow-up data were analyzed for the study. At 2 years, all women showed a statistically significant amelioration of their symptoms on the QoL questionnaires. We found a statistical difference in favor of posterior plication in terms of the PGI-I successful outcome rate (Group A versus B: 85.3% versus 67.1%), FSDS (median 11 versus 21), and PISQ-12 (median 89 versus 62) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). A significant improvement of all EQ-5D values was observed from baseline to 2-year follow-up, and only for the "pain/discomfort" domains did we observe a significant improvement in LSC plus LPP patients versus LSC alone (p < 0.05). LSC plus LPP women showed, at 2 years, a significant amelioration of their Ap and GH POP-Q points. We observed no statistical differences in terms of intra-post-operative complications or anatomic failure rate between groups. Our LPP approach to LSC appears to be a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapse with a significant impact on the patient's general health and sexual quality of life. Adding laparoscopic posterior vaginal plication to "two-meshes" sacral colpopexy is recommended in patients with apical/anterior prolapse and concomitant severe posterior colpocele. This surgical approach, in addition to improving the anatomical results of these patients, is associated with a significant improvement in sexual and quality of life indexes.

Effectiveness of Jumping Rope Exercise Verses Short Foot Exercise on Pain and Quality of Life for Subjects with Flat Foot

Background: Pes planus, commonly known as flat foot, is a deformity that leads to the collapse of the mediallongitudinal arch and flattening of the foot against the ground. This study aims to compare the effectiveness ofjumping rope exercise and short foot exercise on pain reduction and improvement in quality of life for patientswith flatfoot.Purpose: To find out the effect of Jumping rope exercise versus short foot exercise among individuals with flatfoot.Method: A sample of 30 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study.They were divided into two groups: the jumping rope exercise group with ultrasound (n=15) and the short footexercise group with ultrasound (n=15). The interventions were administered five times a week for three weeks.The entire process was performed from November 2022 to April 2023.Outcome measure: The navicular drop test (NDT) was used to measure the degree of foot pronation, the NumericPain Rating Scale (NPRS) was employed to assess pain levels, and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ)was utilized to evaluate participants’ quality of life.Results: The mean value of the jumping rope exercise group at the post-test was significantly higher than that ofthe short foot exercise group, with a p-value of &lt;0.0001Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that jumping rope exercise with ultrasound therapy yieldssuperior outcomes in managing Pes Planus compared to short foot exercise.

Effectiveness of Jacobson Relaxation Technique and Bhastrika Pranayama on Sleep Quality in Elderly Subjects

Background: Insomnia continues to be one of the most prevalent sleep disorders seen in geriatric clinic population.It is typically characterized by the subjective complaints of trouble falling asleep, or experiencing nonrestorativesleep. This study was developed to determine the effectiveness of Jacobson relaxation techniques and Bhastrikapranayama on sleep quality in elderly subjects.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of jacobson relaxation techniques and Bhastrika pranayama on sleep qualityin elderly subjects.Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study . A total of 86 people participated in the studybased on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participants were chosen from the old age home . The subjects whowere willing to participate were divided into two separate groups as Group A (43 subjects) received jacobsonrelaxation techniques and Group B (43 subjects) received Bhastrika pranayama. All the 86 subjects were assessedwith insomnia severity index scale. This techniques was given for 2 weeks , 5 days per week. Pre and post testvalues were calculated and tabulated.Study period: November 2022 to June 2023.Results: According to statistical analysis Jacobson relaxation techniques are effective in improving the sleepquality in elderly subjects with p value of &lt;0.0001.Conclusion: This study finally concluded that Jacobson relaxation techniques have a higher impact “compared toBhastrika Pranayama ” in improving sleep quality in elderly subjects and also the quality of life in elderly subjects.

Stellate ganglion block for treating post-COVID-19 parosmia.

Post-COVID parosmia may be due to dysautonomia and sympathetic hyperresponsiveness, which can be attenuated by stellate ganglion block (SGB). This study evaluates SGB as a treatment for post-COVID olfactory dysfunction (OD). Retrospective case series with prospective data of patients with post-COVID OD undergoing unilateral (UL) or bilateral (BL) SGB. Patients completed Brief Smell Identification Tests (BSIT) (12 points maximum) and post-procedure surveys including parosmia severity scores on a scale of 1 (absent) to 10 (severe). Scores were compared from before treatment (pre-SGB) to after first (SGB1) or second (SGB2) treatments in overall, UL, and BL cohorts. Forty-seven patients with post-COVID OD underwent SGB, including 23 UL and 24 BL. Twenty patients completed pre- and post-SGB BSITs (eight UL and 12 BL). Twenty-eight patients completed postprocedure surveys (11 UL and 17 BL). There were no differences in BSIT scores from pre-SGB to post-SGB1 or post-SGB2 for the overall (p=0.098), UL (p=0.168), or BL (p=0.230) cohorts. Parosmia severity for the overall cohort improved from pre-SGB (8.82±1.28) to post-SGB1 (6.79±2.38) and post-SGB2 (5.41±2.35), with significant differences from pre-SGB to post-SGB1 (p<0.001) and pre-SGB to post-SGB2 (p<0.001), but not post-SGB1 to post-SGB2 (p=0.130). Number of parosmia triggers decreased for overall (p=0.002), UL (p=0.030) and BL (p=0.024) cohorts. Quality of life (QOL) improved for all cohorts regarding food enjoyment, meal preparation, and socialization (p<0.05). SGB may improve subjective parosmia and QOL for patients with post-COVID OD, however it may not affect odor identification. Further placebo-controlled studies are warranted.

Subjective oral health, malocclusions and oral health related quality of life in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a hereditary progressive neuromuscular disorder. Deterioration and weakening of the muscles is also present in orofacial muscles. Both weakness of the muscles and the fact that patients become more dependent of care, can make oral care more difficult. At this moment, it is unknown how patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy experience their oral health and which problems regarding oral health and oral care may impact their oral health related quality of life. In this cross-sectional study, we found that, despite a high percentage of gingivitis, a high percentage of patients who experience halitosis and a high percentage of malocclusions, patients score their oral health related quality of life as good.

Comparison of subjective quality of life domains in schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety disorders; an individual patient data meta-analysis

This study sought to compare satisfaction with different subjective quality of life domains across individuals with three different mental health disorders. Samples from four separate studies were combined to conduct a one-step individual patient data meta-analysis. 5329 individuals with either a schizophrenia (n = 1839), mood (n = 1650), or anxiety disorder (n = 1840) were included. Mean satisfaction ratings for each life domain were compared across disorders. Associations between satisfaction ratings and personal characteristics were investigated using multivariable mixed effect models. Results showed that individuals with an anxiety disorder had the widest range of scores and reported lower satisfaction in most domains compared to those with a schizophrenia or mood disorder. Individuals with a schizophrenia disorder rated domains to do with ‘others’, such as relationships with family and sex life, as lower than individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder. Satisfaction ratings were often more impacted by personal characteristics, such as employment status, than by diagnostic category. These results demonstrate that specific life areas are impacted differently in the three mental health disorders studied. However, further research needs to consider the impact of personal characteristics across disorders, and the subjective quality of life in individuals with anxiety disorders in particular warrants further investigation.