Total Quality Of Life Score Research Articles

Associations of Diabetes-related and Health-related Quality of Life With Glycemic Levels in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Preparing to Transition to Adult Care

ObjectivesAs adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) progress to adulthood, they assume responsibility for diabetes self-management while dealing with competing life demands, decreasing parental support, and the transfer to adult care. Lower perceived quality of life (QOL) may hamper diabetes management, which is associated with suboptimal glycemic levels. Our objective was to determine associations of diabetes- and health-related QOL with glycemic management (glycated hemoglobin [A1C]) in adolescents with T1D before their transfer to adult care. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Group Education Trial to Improve Transition (GET-IT- T1D) in adolescents with T1D (16 to 17 years of age). Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring diabetes-related QOL (PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module) and health-related QOL (PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales). Associations of QOL Total and subscale scores with A1C were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for sex, diabetes duration, socioeconomic status, insulin pump use, and mental health comorbidity. ResultsOne hundred fifty-three adolescents with T1D were included (mean age, 16.5 [standard deviation, 0.3] years). Diabetes-related QOL Total scores (adjusted β=−0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.05 to −0.02) as well as subscale scores for Diabetes Symptoms (adjusted β=−0.02; 95% CI, −0.04 to −0.00) and Diabetes Management (adjusted β=−0.04; 95% CI, −0.05 to −0.02) were inversely associated with A1C. Health-related QOL Total scores were not associated with A1C, but Psychosocial Health subscale scores were (adjusted β=−0.01; 95% CI, −0.03 to −0.00). ConclusionOur results suggest that strategies focussing on diabetes-related QOL and psychosocial health may help prepare adolescents for the increasing responsibility of diabetes self-care.

Relationship between self-management of patients with anxiety disorders and their anxiety level and quality of life: A cross-sectional study.

To explore the correlation between self-management and anxiety and quality of life in patients with anxiety disorders and to understand whether self-management can influence the relationship between anxiety and quality of life and provide a basis for improving their anxiety and quality of life. A cross-sectional survey of 245 patients with anxiety disorders in West China Hospital of Sichuan University was conducted using the Self-Management of Anxiety Disorders Scale, Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BBREF. The data were then analyzed using descriptive tests and Pearson correlation in SPSS 25. Bootstrap mediated effects tests were used to test the effect relationship between anxiety, quality of life and self-management scores in patients with anxiety disorders and Amos was used to establish the structural equation model. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the total self-management score was positively correlated with the total quality of life score (r = 0.695, P <0.001), physical domain score (r = 0.552, P <0.001), psychological domain score (r = 0.661, P <0.001), social relations domain score (r = 0.542, P <0.001), and environmental domain score (r = 0.614, P <0.001). Additionally, it was negatively correlated with SAS score (r = -0.470, P <0.001). Self-management partially mediates the relationship between anxiety and quality of life, and the direct effect value of anxiety on quality of life was -0.44. The indirect effect value of self-management was -0.27, accounting for 38% of the total effect value. Self-management of patients with anxiety disorders was negatively correlated with anxiety and positively correlated with quality of life. It played a partially mediating effect between anxiety and quality of life. We recommend that healthcare providers pay attention to self-management interventions for patients with anxiety disorders to further improve their quality of life.

Fatigue as Mediator Factor in PTSD-Symptoms after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a valid treatment for hematological oncological or metabolic diseases. Despite its therapeutic efficacy, it is an aggressive treatment that impacts negatively on quality of life (QoL) and may result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The aim of this study is to explore rates and risk factors for PTSD symptoms, and fatigue in post-HSCT patients with hematological malignancies. A total of 123 patients after HSCT were evaluated for PTSD symptoms, QoL and fatigue. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the Impact of Event Scale- Revised (IES-R), QoL was measured with Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) and fatigue symptoms were assessed with Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F). A total of 58.54% of the sample developed PTSD symptoms after transplant. Patients with PTSD symptoms reported significantly lower QoL total scores and significantly higher fatigue than those without PTSD symptoms (p < 0.001). The SEM analysis showed that worse QoL and fatigue affected PTSD symptomatology along different pathways. Fatigue was found as a major influencing factor of PTSD symptoms directly (β = 0.31 **), while QoL only through the mediation of fatigue at a lesser extent. (β = 0.33 *). Our findings indicate that QoL is a concurrent causative factor to the development of PTSD symptomatology through the mediating role of fatigue. Innovative interventions before transplantation to prevent PTSD symptoms should be investigated to improve survival and QoL in patients.

Adherence problems in elderly patients with hypertension

Introduction: Adherence to treatment recommendations for chronically ill patients is still a complex problem, especially among the older population. Chronic diseases, including hypertension, negatively affect patients’ quality of life (QOL). A satisfactory level of the patients’ QOL and good adherence to medication regimens can prevent complications and deterioration of daily functioning. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse selected sociodemographic and clinical factors affecting adherence to antihypertensive treatment in elderly patients. Material and methods: A total of 100 patients (61 females, 39 males) with hypertension who were treated in a university hospital participated in the study. Medical records were analysed to include required sociodemographic and clinical factors. Data were collected from standardized instruments: World Health Organization Quality of Life-Age (WHOQOL-AGE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS). Results: The median duration of illness was 10 years (Q1 = 4.75, Q3 = 14.0). The median total QOL score was 61.06 points (Q1 = 50, Q3 = 69.23). Symptoms of depressive disorder were found in 32% of patients. There was a high level of adherence in 63% of respondents, 34% presented a moderate level, and 3% of patients adhered to a low level. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were found in the adherence levels in groups varying in depressive symptoms (rs = –0.289) and QOL results (rs = 0.33). Adherence was also significantly higher in patients with a college/university education and a good financial situation (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Education and financial standing affect adherence to antihypertensive treatment in elderly patients and should be considered in everyday clinical practice. Also, the level of QOL and depressive symptoms are significant.

QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER PEOPLE RESIDING IN A RURAL COMMUNITY AT BANKE DISTRICT, NEPAL

Background: The quality of life of older people reflects their health status and well-being and is an important area of concern for those involved in the care of older people. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life of older people residing in a rural community at Banke district, Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 older people aged 60 years and above in ward number-3 (Karmona, Radhaypur, and Indrapur) of Janaki rural municipality of Banke district. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale- BREF. T-test and ANOVA test were used to compare the mean scores of different variables and domains of quality of life. The significance level was set at p &lt;0.05. Results: The mean score and standard deviation of total quality of life were 72.97±6.91. The mean quality of life score was lowest in the psychological domain (63.39±7.11) compared to environment (71.56±7.40), social (77.68±10.49), and physical domains (79.24±12.39). A statistically significant difference was observed on total quality of life scores between age groups (p=.001), sex (p=0.047), marital status (p=.001), occupation (p=.004), educational status (p=.001), living status (p=.007), source of livelihood (p=0.001), and physical health problems (p=.001) of older people. Conclusions: In older people, the psychological domain of quality of life necessitates particular attention along with their environment, social, and physical health.

Physical activity, obesity, and quality of life among rural Australian cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study

PurposeWe aimed to describe physical activity (PA), obesity, and quality of life (QoL) among rural Australian cancer survivors, assess whether total and item-specific QoL are associated with sufficient PA and obesity, and assess whether PA and obesity interact with respect to QoL.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, convenience sampling was used to recruit adult cancer survivors via a chemotherapy day unit and allied health professionals at a rural hospital in Baw Baw Shire, Australia. Exclusion criteria were acute malnutrition and end-of-life care. PA and QoL were measured using Godin-Shephard and 7-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G7) questionnaires, respectively. Factors associated with total and item-specific QoL were assessed via linear and logistic regression, respectively.ResultsAmong 103 rural cancer survivors, the median age was 66 years, 35% were sufficiently physically active, and 41% presented with obesity. Mean/median total QoL scores were 17 on the FACT-G7 scale (0–28; higher scores indicate better QoL). Sufficient PA was associated with better QoL (widehat{upbeta }=2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26, 4.33) and more energy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.00, 95% CI = 1.48, 10.78) while obesity was associated with worse QoL (widehat{upbeta }=-2.09; 95% CI = -4.17, -0.01) and more pain (OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 1.29, 11.68). The PA-obesity interaction was non-significant (p-value = 0.83).ConclusionsThis is the first known study conducted among rural survivors of any cancer to find sufficient PA and obesity are associated with better and worse QoL, respectively. PA, weight management, and QoL—including energy and pain—should be considered when targeting and tailoring supportive care interventions for rural cancer survivors.

The Lower the Physical Function, the Higher the Quality of Life in Japanese Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy

Aims To investigate the factors that contribute to subjective quality of life (QOL) in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods We evaluated the subjective QOL in 51 adolescents with CP through interviews using the Japanese version of KIDSCREEN-27 (J-KIDSCREEN-27) and compared the scores with those of 60 typically developing adolescents. Correlations of subjective QOL with age, sex, the levels of functions (gross motor, manipulation, and communication), intelligence, the level of activity of daily living (ADL), and the type of educational support were examined. Thereafter, we investigated the predictors of the subjective QOL by multiple regression analysis. Results The total QOL scores and individual J-KIDSCREEN-27 domains were not significantly different from those of typically developing adolescents. Sex, manipulation and communication functions, and intelligence had no relationship with subjective QOL. Gross motor function and ADL level negatively correlated with satisfaction with the school environment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that higher age predicts lower psychological well-being, lower gross motor function predicts higher satisfaction with the school environment, and attending schools or classes for special needs predicts higher physical well-being. Conclusions Seeking adequate support for mildly affected adolescents attending regular classes will be the key to further improving subjective QOL in adolescents with CP.

Quality of Life and Related Factors in Patients Undergoing Renal Replacement Therapy at the Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real: Cross Sectional Descriptive Observational Study.

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between the quality of life of patients on renal replacement therapy and the Symptomatology they presented. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study: quality of life was assessed by means of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire, Symptomatology by the Palliative Care Outcome Scale-Symptoms Renal questionnaire, and sociodemographic and clinical data of patients in the Hemodialysis Unit (HD) of the Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real (HGUCR) by means of personal interviews and clinical history data. Results: A total of 105 patients participated in the study, 63 (60.57%) men and 42 (40.38%) female. The mean age was 62.5 dt (14.84) years. Of these, 43 (41%) were on peritoneal dialysis and 62 (59%) were on hemodialysis. The mean quality of life score was 44.89 dt (9.73). People on hemodialysis treatment presented a better quality of life than those on PD treatment: 49.66 dt (9.73) vs. 38.13 dt (9.12) t = 7.302, p < 0.001. A higher score on the symptom impairment scale (post-renal) correlated with worse scores on the total quality of life score: r = -0.807, p < 0.001. It was observed that those who improved the distress symptom scored better on the total quality of life questionnaire: 50.22 dt (8.44) vs. 46.42 dt (9.05), p < 0.001. Conclusions: The presence and management of the large number of symptoms that appear as side effects, such as distress or depression, could determine changes in some components of quality of life.

Assessing the Menstrual Cycle and Related Problems in Adolescents with a Genetic Syndrome Associated with Intellectual Disability

Study ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the experience and quality of life (QoL) related to menstruation in adolescents with a genetic syndrome accompanying intellectual disability (ID). MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 adolescents with a genetic syndrome accompanied by ID, which was defined by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, and 50 unaffected controls. In a survey created by the authors, demographic information, menstrual history, and information regarding menstrual difficulties, school abstinence, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual changes were collected. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to evaluate physical impairment, whereas the QoL scale was utilized to evaluate QoL in general and during menstruation. Data were collected from caregivers and additionally from the participants with mild ID, whereas in the control group, data were collected from the participants. ResultsMenstrual history was similar between the 2 groups. Menstruation-related school absenteeism was higher among the ID group (8% vs 40.5%, P < .001). Mothers reported that 73% of their daughters needed help with menstruation care. Social, school, psychosocial functioning, and total QoL scores during menstruation were significantly lower in the ID group when compared with the controls. A significant decrease in physical, emotional, social, psychosocial functioning, and total QoL score occurred during menstruation in the ID group. None of the mothers requested menstrual suppression. ConclusionAlthough menstrual patterns in the 2 groups were similar, QoL decreased significantly while menstruating in the ID group. Despite a decrease in QoL, an increase in school absenteeism, and a high percentage of needing assistance while menstruating, none of the mothers requested menstrual suppression.

Postoperative functional and cancer control evaluation of conventional and Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Comparison of selected cases by propensity score matching.

Although many reports have shown that Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) is effective for postoperative urinary continence, the postoperative voiding status and sexual function associated with this technique have not yet been adequately compared with those associated with conventional RARP (C-RARP). In this study, the lower urinary tract function, erectile function, and cancer control after C-RARP and RS-RARP were compared chronologically. We selected 50 cases of C-RARP and RS-RARP each by propensity score matching and evaluated them over time using various questionnaires. Urinary continence recovery rates and biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between the two groups using the log-rank test. When urinary continence was defined as 0 pads per day, 0 pads per day + 1 security linear, or ≤1 pad per day, the postoperative improvement in urinary continence was better with RS-RARP over the course of up to 1 year for all definitions. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form total scores and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores were better in the postoperative RS-RARP group. There were no significant differences in the International Prostate Symptom Score total score, QOL score, and erectile hardness score between the two groups during the observation period. The BCR-free survival did not differ significantly between the two groups CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative urinary continence was better in the RS-RARP group than in the C-RARP group; however, the voiding function, erectile function, and cancer control did not differ significantly.

Quality of life associated with immunosuppressant treatment adherence in liver transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Transplanted organ survival after solid organ transplantation highly correlates with the adherence levels of the patients to their immunosuppressive drugs. On the other hand, one of the main goals of liver transplantation is to increase the overall quality of life (QOL) for the patient. This study is aimed to analyze the relationship between adherence and QOL in adult liver transplant recipients of the biggest liver transplant center in Asia. Methods: All of the included patients were older than 18 years and at least 6 months had passed from their liver transplantation. The adherence level was measured with BAASIS method and the QOL was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire in real-time interviews. The relationship between adherence and different aspects of QOL in addition to qualitative and quantitative influential factors on these two outcomes was calculated with statistical analysis. Results: Among the 122 included patients, 41% of the were categorized in the non-adherent group. The most important reasons for non-adherence in these patients included forgetfulness (62%), lack of medication (12%), financial problems for drug supply (9%), and side effects (2%). According to the results of the multivariate linear regression model, rejection was the only influential factor in the occurrence of non-adherence among patients (OR = 8.226 CI (1.404-48.196)). The overall mean QOL score of patients was reported 51.09 ± 21.86. The lowest is given to social functioning, while mental health has achieved the highest score. The mean QOL scores in different dimensions in patients with adherence were higher than non-adherents, which was only significant in mental health (p-value = 0.01). Additionally, in total scores related to Physical Composite Score (PSC) and Mental Composite Score (MCS), the mean MSC scores in adherent patients were significantly higher than non-adherent patients (p-value: 0.02). Although adherent patients have an overall greater QOL, the only meaningful effect on QOL total score was from income level. Conclusion: The overall QoL score has been in all parameters higher in the adherent group compared with non-adherent patients. The difference in QoL was most meaningfully significant in mental composite score among other parameters of QoL.

Long-term postoperative quality of life in childhood survivors with cerebellar mutism syndrome.

To investigate the long-term quality of life (QoL) of children with cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) and explore the risk factors for a low QoL. This cross-sectional study investigated children who underwent posterior fossa surgery using an online Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaire. CMS and non-CMS patients were included to identify QoL predictors. Sixty-nine patients were included (male, 62.3%), 22 of whom had CMS. The mean follow-up time was 45.2 months. Children with CMS had a significantly lower mean QoL score (65.3 vs. 83.7, p < 0.001) and subdomain mean scores (physical; 57.8 vs. 85.3, p < 0.001; social: 69.5 vs. 85.1, p = 0.001; academic: p = 0.001) than those without CMS, except for the emotional domain (78.0 vs. 83.7, p = 0.062). Multivariable analysis revealed that CMS (coefficient = -14.748.61, p = 0.043), chemotherapy (coefficient = -7.629.82, p = 0.013), ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement (coefficient = -10.14, p = 0.024), and older age at surgery (coefficient = -1.1830, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of low total QoL scores. Physical scores were independently associated with CMS (coefficient = -27.4815.31, p = 0.005), VP shunt placement (coefficient = -12.86, p = 0.025), and radiotherapy (coefficient = -13.62, p = 0.007). Emotional score was negatively associated with age at surgery (coefficient = -1.92, p = 0.0337) and chemotherapy (coefficient = -9.11, p = 0.003). Social scores were negatively associated with male sex (coefficient = -13.68, p = 0.001) and VP shunt placement (coefficient = -1.36, p = 0.005), whereas academic scores were negatively correlated with chemotherapy (coefficient = -17.45, p < 0.001) and age at surgery (coefficient = -1.92, p = 0.002). Extent of resection (coefficient = 13.16, p = 0.021) was a good predictor of higher academic scores. CMS results in long-term neurological and neuropsychological deficits, negatively affecting QoL, and warranting early rehabilitation.

Factors Impacting Quality of Life of Caregivers of Cancer Patients in the Sub-Himalayan Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Caregivers of cancer patients experience excessive emotional and financial stress. Objective To determine the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of cancer patients and factors affecting it in caregivers attending the OPD of a governmental tertiary care cancer center in the sub-Himalayan region. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was used. A pre-validated caregiver quality of life (CQOL) questionnaire was completed by consenting caregivers of 96 outpatient attendees. Results The mean total QOL scores were higher in attendants of subjects who did not undergo surgery versus those who underwent surgery (p-value: 0.04) and in those who received 0-5 versus >5 chemotherapy cycles (p-value: 0.015). On subdomain analyses, the burden was significantly greater in caregivers of patients who did not undergo surgery (p-value: 0.02) and had a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale (p-value: 0.03). Disruptiveness was significantly higher in married individuals (p-value: 0.01) and those aged between 36 and 60 years (p-value: 0.003). Positive adaptation was worse in caregivers with another family member suffering from chronic illness (p-value: 0.041) and in professional and skilled workers (p-value: 0.03). The greater financial burden was experienced by caregivers belonging to lower socioeconomic status (p-value: 0.03). On putting these factors in the regression model, the non-specific domain of 0-5 cycles had poor CQOL, i.e., higher scores. The burden score was more in ECOG stages 3 and 4 in comparison with stages 1 and 2. Married individuals had significant disruption. Individuals aged between 36 and 60 years perceived more disruption in their lives. A more financial impact was observed on the lower middle and lower class compared to the upper and upper middle class. Conclusion Caregivers of cancer patients experience significant stress and burden. Counseling and social and financial support to caregivers may help improve CQOL.

Effects of different psychological interventions on quality of life and remission rate in patients with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to examine and compare different psychological intervention effects on the quality of life (QoL) and remission rates of patients with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapy. A total of 180 participants were randomly divided into a cognitive intervention group, a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) group, a cognitive intervention plus PMR group, and a usual care control group. QoL via the Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 and remission rate were assessed at baseline and immediate post-intervention. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used for statistical analysis. Cost-effectiveness analysis with the value of the Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio was conducted to realize the economic evaluation of psychological interventions. The total score of QoL and its most dimensions were significantly improved for participants in the intervention groups compared with the control group. The cognitive intervention plus PMR intervention was the most effective concerning QoL with cost-effectiveness. No significant improvements were indicated in participants' remission rates among the groups. The cognitive intervention plus PMR intervention is the most effective in improving QoL with cost-effectiveness among patients with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapy. More rigorous randomized controlled trials with multiple follow-up points are suggested to clarify the psychological interventions on remission rates in this population.

Effect of a partnership care programme on quality of life in school-age children with leukaemia: a controlled clinical trial.

Background: Despite the low quality of life (QoL) of children with leukaemia, there is a lack of well-designed and culture-oriented care programmes to improve it. The Partnership Care Model (PCM), which was developed based on the Iranian culture, seems to be effective in improving the QoL in children living with chronic diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a care programme based on the PCM on the QoL of children with leukaemia. Methods: This controlled clinical trial encompassed 60 school-age children with leukaemia and their mothers. In the experimental group (n=30), a 2-month care programme was implemented based on the PCM, including the four stages of motivation, preparation, involvement and evaluation. Only standard care was provided to the control group (n=30). Children's QoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Cancer Module in the pre-test phase and 2 months after the intervention. Findings: The total score of QoL and all its subscales were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group in the post-test phase (p<0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was observed between pre-test and post-test scores in all domains in the experimental group (p<0.001); however, no significant difference was noticed between the scores in the control group. Conclusion: The partnership care programme seems to improve the QoL in children with leukaemia. Future investigations are recommended to shed further light on the findings of this study.

Effect of Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study is to investigate the effect of home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR) on quality of life, functional capacity, and readmission rates in patients with heart failure. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened from Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. The intervention group received a standardized HBCR or a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy that included HBCR. The participants in the control group received CR at a medical center or usual care without CR intervention. The main outcome measurements included quality of life, exercise capacity, mortality and re-hospitalization. This meta-analysis included 20 RCTs, in which 16 studies compared HBCR with usual care, and 4 studies compared HBCR with center-based CR. In comparison with the usual care, HBCR improved the total quality of life score [MD=-5.85, 95 % CI (-9.76, - 1.94), P=0.003, I2=75 %]. Patients with HBCR and usual care were significantly different in VO2max [MD=1.05 mL/kg/min, 95 % CI (0.35, 1.75), P=0.003, I2=46 %]. However, VO2max of patients with HBCR was not significantly different from those with center-based CR [MD=0.08 mL/kg/min, 95 % CI (-1.29, 1.44), P=0.91, I2=0 %]. There was statistically significant difference in the 6-min Walk Distance between usual care and HBCR (for distance [MD=11.84, 95 % CI (7.41, 16.28), P<0.00001, I2=0 %]; and for feet [MD=98.93, 95 % CI (26.79, 171.08), P=0.007, I2=56 %]). However, there was no significant difference in 6-min Walk Distance between patients with HBCR and center-based CR [MD=12.45, 95 % CI (-9.81, 34.72), P=0.27, I2=0 %] , or in anxiety and depression between patients with usual care and HBCR (for anxiety, [MD=-0.25, 95 % CI (-0.56, 0.05), P=0.11, I2=0 %]; for depression, [MD=-0.18, 95 % CI (-0.51, 0.16), P=0.30, I2=0 %] . No significant difference was found in death number [RR=1.04, 95 % CI (0.55, 1.98), P=0.90, I2=0 %] or in the number of re-hospitalization [RR=0.88, 95 % CI (0.66, 1.18), P=0.40, I2=0 %] between usual care and HBCR. For patients with heart failure, compare with usual care and center-based CR, HBCR can improve the total quality of life. Compare with usual care, HBCR can improve VO2max and 6-min Walk Distance, but compare with center- based CR, there are no differences in mortality, re-hospitalization rate or incidence of anxiety and depression. Additionally, center- based CR and HBCR showed similar outcomes and medical costs.

The association between healthy beverage index and quality of life among overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough several studies have evaluated the association between patterns of beverage consumption with different components of quality of life separately, the findings are controversial. In addition, none have examined all components of quality of life together in relation to patterns of beverage consumption. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between healthy beverage index (HBI) and quality of life among overweight and obese women.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, 210 obese and overweight women were recruited from health centers in Tehran, Iran. Using reliable and verified standard protocols, data on beverage intake, socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric variables were assessed. Based on past studies, the predetermined HBI was estimated. Serum samples were used to determine biochemical characteristics, and quality of life was assessed using SF-36 questionnaires.ResultsThere was a significant association between total QoL score with T2 tertile of HBI in the adjusted model (β: 13.11, 95% CI: 1.52, 24.69, p-value = 0.027). General health had a significant negative association with T2 (β: -5.83; 95% CI: − 11.48, − 0.18; p-value = 0.043) and T3 (β: -6.20; 95% CI: − 12.37, − 0.03; p-value = 0.049). Women with greater adherence to the HBI had a higher physical functioning score, and there was a significant upward trend from the second to the third tertile (7.74 vs 0.62) (−trend = 0.036). There was a significant positive association between mental health with T3 of HBI (β: 4.26; 95% CI: 1.51, 5.98; p-value = 0.015) and a significant increasing trend was observed with increasing tertiles (P-trend = 0.045).ConclusionIn conclusion, there is a significant association between total QoL score, and its components, with HBI among overweight and obese women. However, additional well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Factors Related to Quality of Life in Children With Cerebral Palsy

BackgroundWe investigated the influence of relevant demographic, clinical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial variables on the proxy-reported quality of life (QOL) of children with cerebral palsy (CP). MethodsThe proxy-reported Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life-Child questionnaire (CP QOL-Child) was completed by 58 children with CP (mean age 10.22 years, SD 1.67). Relationships between QOL scores and demographic, clinical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial variables were assessed. CP QOL scores and other variables that correlated significantly were introduced into a multiple linear regression model. ResultsExecutive functioning and motor functional status were explanatory variables for the CP QOL total score. Executive functions explained three specific QOL domains: Social Wellbeing and Acceptance, Feelings about Functioning, and Emotional Wellbeing and Self-esteem. Parental stress also explained Social Wellbeing and Acceptance. Motor functional status and visual perception were explanatory variables for the Access to Services domain. Finally, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits were an explanatory variable for the Participation and Physical Health domain. ConclusionExecutive functioning and motor functional status importantly influence QOL of children with CP. Visual perception, ASD symptoms, and parental stress variables are related with specific QOL domains. These findings demonstrate that interventions targeting cognitive functions in children with CP may positively influence QOL.

Health-related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Graves’ Disease

Background: Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children. In adults, it influences physical and mental health as well as health-related quality of life (QoL) of the patients. However, study of QoL in children has been limited. Objective: To measure QoL in children with Graves’ disease by means of the PedsQL™ and EQ-5D-Y by using Thai version questionnaires. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study examined 21 Graves’ disease patients with the mean age 13.6 ± 3.1 years. All of the participants and their care givers reported the PedsQL™ questionnaires and 20 participants older than eight years completed the EQ-5D-Y questionnaires. Results: The total mean QoL scores by child- and parent-report PedsQL™ questionnaires were 85.4±17.8 and 82.1±16.3, respectively. Both reported the lowest scores in the emotional functioning domain. The scores by child and parent reports were not different except in the school domain, in which parents reported lower scores. For the EQ-5D-Y questionnaires, 40% of the children reported problems in the domain of having pain or discomfort and 40% reported problems in the domain of feeling worried, sad, or unhappy. Mean (±SD) EQ-5D visual analogue scale value was 86.5±12.0. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with Graves’ disease reported their lowest QoL life scores in the domain of emotional functioning, followed by the physical functioning domains. However, the total QoL score was not lower than the total QoL scores in the previous studies of general healthy populations. Keywords: Health-related quality of life; Quality of life; Children, Graves’ disease

Quality of Life and its Correlates among Doctors in Uva province in Sri Lanka

Higher quality of life among doctors has been identified as a key factor in increased productivity of health service delivery. This study was designed to determine the quality of life and its correlates among doctors in Uva province, Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires was carried out. The study sample of 403 doctors was selected following a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Independent T-test and one-way ANOVA were used appropriately to determine the statistical significance. The mean total quality of life score of study participants was 65.1 (SD ±11.3) and all the domains had mean scores above 50. Age category (Less than 40 years) showed a negative association with Quality of Life revealing an adjusted OR of 0.7 (95% CI: 0.45-0.92) while doctors who are involved in private practice demonstrated an adjusted OR of 2.68 (95% CI: 1.34-4.33). Involved in regular physical exercise (adjusted OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.10-2.31), Level of qualification(Having post-graduate qualifications)(adjusted OR=2.98, 95% CI: 2.3-3.6), Not living with children (adjusted OR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93), were the other significant predictors retained in the model (p &lt; 0.05). The level of total quality of life of doctors in Uva province was substantially high. Individual domain scores also showed higher acceptable levels. As far as the associated factors of quality of life among medical officers are concerned, several adjustable behavioral factors were identified and could be attended to further increase the quality of life among doctors.