Total Quality Of Life Score Research Articles

Psychometric Validation of the CLN2 Quality of Life Questionnaire in Participants with CLN2 Disease Treated with Cerliponase Alfa

Objectives: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 Quality of Life (CLN2 QoL) questionnaire. Methods: Data from children with CLN2 disease aged 3–16 years receiving cerliponase alfa in the BMN 190-201 and BMN 190-202 clinical studies, collected via purposive sampling, were used to assess convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency and reliability. The clinically important difference (CID) was estimated with distribution- and anchor-based methods. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS. Results: CLN2 QoL data of 22 participants were analysed. Ceiling effects were observed in 22 items (35% threshold); no floor effects were observed. Internal consistency analysis showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha and Omega reliability >0.7) for four domains at study completion; only one domain had good reliability at baseline. All domains had good test–retest reliability (correlation >0.5) except Feeding With G-Tube and Seizures. Convergent and divergent correlation analysis showed moderate-strong correlations (>0.4) between PedsQL and CLN2 QoL total scores, between the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) total score and most CLN2 QoL domains at baseline, and between CLN2 QoL total score and most PedsQL domains at week 97. Known groups validity showed a significant difference in means for the Behaviour domain (p = 0.05) for reasons that could not be clarified. CID was 6.79–12.94 for domains; total score CID was 6.91 using distribution-based and 6.13–13.05 using anchor-based methods. Conclusions: This study is the first to validate the CLN2 QoL and to estimate the CID of this instrument in CLN2 patients. Our results show good validity and reliability of this tool.

Comparing the effectiveness of a blended video plus face-to-face educational program with a face-to-face educational program on quality of life among adolescents undergoing hemodialysis in Palestine.

Hemodialysis is frequently used as a primary treatment for individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and it significantly impacts the quality of life in adolescents undergoing this procedure. Providing a hemodialysis education to these patients is a valuable strategy for enhancing their well-being. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of the video-assisted educational program on the quality of life among adolescents undergoing hemodialysis in Palestine. This study employed a quasi-experimental design, a pre-test-post-test interventional study, involving a sample of 68 adolescent patients between the ages of 13 and 18 diagnosed with ESKD. The quality of life level was assessed in both groups using an Arabic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 3.0 ESKD Module survey. The study was conducted at the dialysis units in four hospitals associated with Augusta Victoria Hospital, An-Najah University Hospital, Palestine Medical Complex/Ramallah, and Beit Jala (Al Housain) Hospital. The study involved providing tailored face-to-face educational sessions with video assistance to the experimental group, while the control group received regular face-to-face education. The Generalized Estimating Equation analysis revealed no significant differences in quality of life between the experimental and control groups over time, across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up periods (p ≥ 0.05). However, within the experimental group, there was a significant improvement in total quality of life scores between the pre-test, post-test, and post-test follow-up (p ≤ 0.001), although the difference between the pre-test and follow-up approached significance but was not statistically significant (p = 0.056). In contrast, the control group showed significant differences in quality of life across the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up time points (p ≤ 0.05). Implementing suitable interventions can potentially enhance the quality of life for individuals undergoing hemodialysis. Consequently, we suggest using video-based education as a cost-effective, uncomplicated, and engaging approach for educating hemodialysis patients.

Investigating the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life in Iranian women

BackgroundWomen’s quality of life and self-efficacy play pivotal roles in task accomplishment and overall health improvement within families and society. This study determination the intricate relationship between quality of life and self-efficacy among women utilizing care services from Mashhad health centers.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 366 women accessing Mashhad health centers in 2023 was conducted. Clustering sampling was employed, and data were gathered using the Schwartz self-efficacy questionnaire and the short form of quality of life. Statistical analysis utilized Spearman correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon test, and Chi-square test in SPSS25, with a significance level set at 0.05.ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 36.42 ± 11.13 years. A statistically significant relationship was observed between self-efficacy and total quality of life score, as well as its dimensions (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, social environment and quality of life, and general health) (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe study underscores a significant association between self-efficacy and both the overall quality of life and its specific dimensions among women. These findings highlight the reciprocal influence of self-efficacy and quality of life. Consequently, tailored interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy and quality of life are recommended.

Quality of life and late therapy effects in pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: Insights from a single-institution study.

The survival outcomes of pediatric patients with mature B-non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have improved due to advances in treatment. We aimed to assess the frequency and severity of late effects and their impact on quality of life among pediatric NHL survivors. This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with mature B-NHL at Children's Cancer Hospital of Egypt (CCHE) 57357 from January 2012 through December 2015. Patients received treatment according to the modified LMB 96 protocol. The minimum follow-up period was 5years. Assessments for toxicity and quality of life were conducted at regular intervals during and after treatment. Patients were assessed for toxicity including pulmonary dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, lipid profile abnormalities, endocrine dysfunction (thyroid function, vitamin D levels, growth curves), and cognitive function (intelligence quotient [IQ] level using Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales-5th Edition, and quality of life (QoL) assessment (PedsQoL). A total of 273 patients were eligible, and 206 were evaluable. Median age was 5.45 (range: 2.4-18), with a male-to-female ratio 4:1. Pulmonary function abnormalities were detected in 119/203 (58.6%); most had mild dysfunction (72/119, 60.5%), while 17% had severe dysfunction. Cardiac toxicity occurred in 10% of the patients (n=20). IQ testing showed that 52 patients had a low average IQ score, while 151 patients had either average or above average scores. The total mean QoL score was 99±0.058 classified as "satisfactory." However, significant impairment of the physical domain of quality of life was observed among group C patients compared to A/B (p=.033), older age at diagnosis (p=.042), and those with pulmonary dysfunction (p<.001). Total score of quality of life was significantly impaired among patients with pulmonary dysfunction (p=.009), likewise older age at diagnosis (p=.017) and those with low average IQ scores (p=.033). Childhood mature B-NHL survivors are at significant risk for late effects; pulmonary dysfunction and low average IQ that can subsequently impact QoL.

Exercise, Sports Participation, and Quality of Life in Young Patients with Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease.

Patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD)are often restricted from sports and certain types of exercise. This study was designed to investigate the effect of lifetime exercise exposure and competitive sports participation on quality of life (QOL) in patients aged 15-35 with syndromic [Marfan syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS)] and non-syndromic heritable thoracic aortic disease (nsHTAD). This cross-sectional study employed questionnaires to assess lifetime exercise exposure and utilized the PedsQL QOL Inventory. We developed an Exercise Exposure Score (EES) to quantify lifetime exercise exposure. Questionnaires were completed via telephone with complimentary medical record review. Forty patients were enrolled. Mean age was 26 years. The diagnosis was MFS in 83%. Despite 88% of patients being restricted by their provider, 65% reported competitive sports participation and 93% reported recreational exercise. Participants with an EES greater than the median had significantly better total QOL scores compared to those below the median (78 vs 65, p = 0.03). There were significant positive correlations between current frequency of exercise and psychosocial QOL (slope = 3.9, 95% CI: (1.2, 6.6), p = 0.005), physical QOL (slope = 8.1, 95% CI: (4.1, 12), p < 0.001), and total QOL score (slope = 6.0, 95% CI: (3.1, 9.0), p < 0.001). We found no difference in aortic size or need for surgical intervention between those above and below the median EES, or between those who did and did not participate in competitive sports. Despite exercise restrictions, young HTAD patients are physically active. Increased lifetime exercise and current physical activity levels were associated with improved QOL in HTAD patients.

Health related quality of life and associated factors among patients treated for ischaemic heart disease in two public sector hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.

To determine the level of health-related quality of life among patients treated for ischaemic heart disease in two public-sector tertiary care settings. The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2021 at two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi after approval from the ethics review boards of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Dow University of Health Sciences, and comprised patients of either gender treated for ischaemic heart disease after being diagnosed within the preceding year who were coming for follow-up in the outpatient department. Data was collected using the short version of the World Health Organisation quality of life tool. Association of socio-demographic and clinical variables with health-related quality of life was explored. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 300 patients aged 25-85 years, 212(70.7%) were males and 88(29.3%) were females. The mean total quality of life score was 6.1+/-1.4, while mean general health was 52.6+/-10.5. The lowest score among quality of life subscales was for environmental 44.7+/-15.1, while the highest score was for psychological 60.1+/-10.7 domains. Quality of life was significantly associated with patients' age, education, comorbidities, marital status, monthly income, body mass index, activities of daily living and smoking status (p<0.05). ischaemic heart disease patients had average health-related quality of life in all domains, but showed low quality of life in the environmental domain.

Quality of life in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Duhok government, Kurdistan of Iraq

Background and objectives: Spondylarthritis is a broad spectrum of chronic inflammatory diseases, and one of its of phenotypes is ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis can impact the quality of life and health status because of pain, fatigue, and stiffness. This study aims to evaluate health-related quality of life and extra-articular manifestation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Iraq /Duhok city. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Duhok Center of Rheumatic Diseases. This study was conducted from the first of June 2022 to the end of November 2022 and ninety-two ankylosing spondylitis patients were enrolled and had their quality of life assessed. The assessment of Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire was used, which is divided into four categories: social interaction, emotional health, disease activity, and physical function. Results: Most of the patients were diagnosed between age 25 and 34 years, more than 90% of the participants were males only 6.5 % were females. The mean value of the total Quality of life score of patients with ankylosing spondylitis was 32.1. %. The patients had bilateral sacroiliitis (90.22%), peripheral arthritis (54.35%), plantar fasciitis (43.48%), and anterior uveitis (22.83%). The HLA-B27 was positive for 60.87% and 93.48% had spinal involvement. A small percentage did moderate physical activity (10.8%). patients with normal sleepers (63.04%), and those who were able to walk (94.57%). The study showed that the total QoL score of short sleepers had worse scores compared to the normal sleepers (41.67 vs. 27.76; P&lt;0001) was statistically significant. Conclusion: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition that needs assessment. The disease affects the quality of life, causing functional disability and reduced activity.

Quality of life and abdominal wall functionality after abdominal wall reconstruction: A prospective single center follow-up study

BackgroundFascial breakdown with the occurrence of an incisional hernia (IH) is an important and challenging complication of any laparotomy. For a long time, the success of the abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) was measured only from the surgeon’s perspective by defining outcome measures such as wound morbidity and recurrence. The understanding that complete recovery is difficult to assess without considering patients has shifted the paradigm of optimal outcomes to Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) and Quality of Life (QoL), which are pivotal to evaluate the success and efficacy of AWR.MethodsWe conducted a prospective follow-up study of 91 patients undergoing mesh-augmented abdominal wall reconstruction for primary or recurrent incisional hernia between January 2021 and December 2023. Demographic data, comorbidities, and hernia characteristics were recorded. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by a native abdomino-pelvic CT scan to assess the characteristics of hernia (length, width, surface, and volume of the incisional hernia sac and of peritoneal cavity), the presence of mesh (if previously inserted), and abdominal wall muscles status. All intervention were performed by the same surgical team according to the techniques described by Rives – Stoppa (RS), Ramirez (ACS), and Novitsky (PCS). Abdominal wall function was assessed using trunk raising (TR) and double leg lowering (DLL) measurements performed preoperatively, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. At the same time, pre- and post-operative quality of life was analysed using the EQ-5D score.ResultsMean age of 59.42 ± 12.28 years and a male/female ratio of 35/56 were recorded, most of them being obese. There were 36 (42%) patients with defects larger than 10 cm. The distribution of the type of surgical intervention was: RS 35 patients, ACS 13 patients, and PCS 43 patients. The mean value of combined score for the preoperative abdominal wall functionality was 4.41 ± 1.67 (2–8) while the mean value of preoperative EQ-5D index was 0.652 ± 0.026 (-0.32–1.00). QoL was poor and very poor for 48% (44) of the patients who recorded index values less than 0.56 (50% percentile). Preoperative EQ-5D index was highly correlated with Combined AWF score (r = 0.620; p < 0.0001) and the correlation was specific (AUC = 0.799; p < 0.0001; asymptotic 95%CI = 0.711–0.923). At 12 months, the AWF score increased to 8.13 ± 2.58 (1–10) and the QoL total score to 0.979 ± 0.007 (0.71–1). Good and very good total scores for QoL were recorded for 47 patients (84%) compared to 33 (36%) in the preoperative evaluation (χ2 with Yates continuity correction for two degrees of liberty = 46.04; p < 0.00001).ConclusionOur results suggest that patients can expect to see a significant overall improvement in all five components of QoL measured with the help of Eq. 5D questionnaire. This improvement is dependent by hernia size, and some individual patient’s factors (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and age over 60 years).

Online Disease Management Training for Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Using online methods in health education is an effective method that provides individual services to older adults with limited access to health services and allows for low-cost and continuous communication. The study was completed with 52 older adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis, including 26 intervention and 26 control participants. For data collection, a Patient Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Self-Efficacy Scale in Arthritis, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module and a Telephone Counselling Follow-up Form were used. Individuals in the intervention group were provided with online training for the first 4weeks and telephone counselling for the following 4weeks. Scales were applied to both groups. The scales were applied to both groups at the first, second and last measurements. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the total pain and functional status scores of the individuals in the intervention and control groups at the second and last measurement (p<0.05), while the average scores of the intervention group were lower control group. The total self-efficacy score and quality of life total score of the intervention group were statistically significantly higher than the total score of the control group (p<0.05). As a result of the research, it was found that online education and telephone counselling given to elderly individuals with osteoarthritis were effective in reducing pain severity and improving functional status, self-efficacy and quality of life. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT04816474/2021-08-10/https://register. gov/).

An Investigation of the Psychosocial Outcomes of Dry Eye Disease Treatment in Children with Computer Vision Syndrome.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a common disorder among children and is often associated with dry eye disease (DED). While researchers have shown a higher prevalence of psychopathology in older patients with DED, the impact of CVS-induced DED on the psychological state of children is not well known. This study aimed to evaluate psychological outcomes before and after DED treatment in pediatric patients with CVS-related DED. In this study, a total of 38 children (32 girls, 6 boys) with CVS-related DED were evaluated with the Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and Oxford grading scale at the time of diagnosis and after treatment with artificial tear drops. Additionally, quality of life (QoL) and anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using self-report scales for children. The mean age and mean daily screen exposure of the patients were 13.95±2.42 years and 5.65±2.31 hours, respectively. After treatment, TBUT and Schirmer test values of the patients increased significantly, while OSDI values decreased (p<0.001 for all). The anxiety and depression scores of the patients decreased, while QoL functionality scores increased (p<0.05 for all) following treatment. There were significant correlations between Schirmer test values and anxiety scores (r=-0.32, p=0.045) and QoL total scores (r=0.38, p=0.016). Enhanced QoL and decreased anxiety and depression scores were associated with improved Schirmer test results, indicating that appropriate DED treatment may mitigate the psychosocial effects of CVS-related DED in pediatric patients.

Quality of life after anterior vaginal wall suspension for incontinence and prolapse repair with mixed, urge, or stress urinary incontinence

Purpose:To compare qualify of life outcomes in women with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), urge (UUI) or stress (SUI) urinary incontinence after treatment with an anterior vaginal wall suspension (AVWS) to correct urethral hypermobility and concomitant anterior compartment prolapse (ACP). Methods:Following IRB approval, a prospective long-term database of women who underwent an AVWS for urinary incontinence (UI) with early stage (stage ≤2) ACP was reviewed. Patients completed the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6 SF) and a one question visual analog scale (VAS) of quality of life (QoL) before and after AVWS. Indication for AVWS was based on demonstrable UI, with documented urethral hypermobility and cystocele on standing lateral cystogram comparing rest and straining views. Three groups (MUI, SUI, and UUI) were analyzed based on urge (Question 2) and stress (Question 3) predominant scores at baseline. Results:From 1997 to 2018, 104 patients met study criteria: 54 with MUI, 30 SUI predominant, and 20 UUI predominant. Total UDI-6 and QoL scores improved significantly from baseline to 1-year post-AVWS and to the last visit (median 3.5 years) in all three groups. Patients with MUI had the most improvement based on UDI-6 total and QoL scores. Conclusions:Regardless of the nature of baseline UI symptoms, restoring support of the anterior vaginal wall compartment can durably improve UI-specific quality of life scores in the short and long-term.

The Impact of the Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and Vitamin D3 on Homocysteine Levels and the Health-Related Quality of Life of Levodopa-Treated Patients with Parkinson's Disease-A Pilot Study in Romania.

Previous studies have shown that the levodopa treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) elevates circulating homocysteine levels, which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and neurological disorders, or thrombosis. The present trial aimed to examine whether the intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D3 supplements improved homocysteine level and quality of life (QoL). An interventional prospective trial was conducted in multiple centers across Romania. Participants with clinically established PD taking at least 300 mg/day of levodopa for more than 1 year received a daily tablet of a supplement containing 800 UI of vitamin D3, 1000 µg of folic acid, and 15 µg of vitamin B12. They were followed for 6 months and their serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and QoL scores were measured at baseline and at 6 months of treatment. QoL was measured using a 15D questionnaire, which assesses mobility, vision, hearing, breathing, sleeping, eating, speech, excretion, usual activities, mental function, discomfort and symptoms, depression, distress, vitality, and sexual activity. Twenty-four PD patients with a mean age of 71 ± 5.04 years (54.2% male and 45.8% female) finished the study. After the intervention, the mean score of speech, mental function, discomfort and symptoms, depression, and QoL significantly increased (p < 0.05 for all). Also, the serum homocysteine and vitamin D were significantly enhanced (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.025, respectively). Changes in vitamin B12 were not statistically significant at 6 months of treatment (p = 0.996). No gender differences were found among the changes that we have demonstrated for homocysteine, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and QoL levels (p < 0.05 for all). The findings of this study showed that the dietary intake of vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D3 remarkably decreased the dimensions of homocysteine and finally increased the total score of QoL in PD patients. We have successfully captured the potential benefits of the supplementation regimen over time and provided insights into the broader implications for managing PD with a focus on nutritional support.

Health-related quality of life and its associated factors among infertile women compared with fertile women in public hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundInfertility can have detrimental physical, psychological, and social effects that significantly impact health-related quality of life. Although the impact of infertility on quality of life is well established, there is a lack of research comparing the quality of life between fertile and infertile women in Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 287 infertile and 301 fertile women. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. A structured, validated tool was used to collect data. An independent sample t-test was conducted to determine if there was a difference in the study participants' quality of life domains and the mean total quality of life score. Multiple linear regressions were used to correlate quality of life scores with significant predictor factors for the infertile group.ResultsInfertile women had a mean total Herbal of 66.54 ± 10.18, and fertile women (72.68 ± 7.57) were found to be statistically different between the groups. All domains except the physical domain were significantly different between the groups. Duration of marriage (β = -0.529), number of previous sexual partners (β = -0.410), total number of working hours per day (β = -0.345), types of infertility (β = -0.34), and history of the sexually transmitted disease (β = -0.277), in decreasing order of effect, were found to be associated with the quality of life of infertile women (R2 = 0.725).ConclusionsThe study found that infertile women had a lower mean HRQoL score compared to fertile women, with all domains except for the physical domain being significantly different between the two groups. This suggests that infertility can have a significant impact on various aspects of a woman's life, including her emotional well-being, social functioning, and psychological health. The factors associated with the quality of life of infertile women were the duration of marriage, the number of previous sexual partners, the total number of working hours per day, the types of infertility, and the history of sexually transmitted diseases, with duration of marriage having the strongest association. These findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to address the psychological and social aspects of infertility.

The Effect of Sleep Habits on Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Sleep disturbance has been studied in adult patients with early and end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are limited publications on the pediatric patient population. This paper evaluated the association between sleep disturbances and quality of life (QoL) inpediatricpatients with CKD. The study included 22 patients and 22 healthy controls from the pediatric nephrology outpatient clinic.All participants completed the Turkish Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (HRQoLQ) and the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire(CSHQ). Patients diagnosed with CKD were compared in terms of HRQoLQ and CSHQ scores within themselves as kidney replacement therapy (KRT) recipients and non-recipients and with the control group. The mean HRQoLQ total score of the patients was 89.0 ± 12.4 and the mean CSHQ total score was 46.7 ± 5.6; there was no correlation between the total scores (p=0.599). CSHQ total and subgroup scores were similar in patients with and without KRT. The CSHQ total and subgroup median scores were not different in the patient and control groups. According to the HRQoL scale, the total QoL score and the physical and emotional well-being subscale scores were lower in patients receiving KRT than in those not receiving KRT. Sleep problems and HRQoL should not be underestimated in the pediatric CKD population, especially in patients receiving KRT. Large-scale studies with long-term outcomes are needed to understand better and improve QoL.

Efficacy, Quality of Life, and Safety of Canacea in Palliative Cancer Patients

Background: Cancer is an important health problem in Thailand and all over the world. Cancer patients usually receive standard treatments, which causes adverse events. The advanced-stage cancer patients may not be responsive to treatments; therefore, supportive or palliative care is usually required. Canacea is a traditional medicine consisting of herbs with antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Objective: To determine the efficacy, quality of life (QoL), and safety of Canacea in advanced-stage cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand between January 2020 and March 2022. All patients received Canacea with supportive care medications. The performance status, pain control, and QoL were measured 24 weeks after Canacea treatment by using The Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group (ECOG), the Palliative Performance Status (PPS), the pain score, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief - Thai (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI), respectively. Results: Seventeen patients were enrolled in the present study. The average age was 64.29±9.14 years, with eleven males and six females. At 24 weeks, the average pain score was 0.33±0.47 (range of 0 to 1) which was mild pain. The average ECOG and PPS were 1.7±0.75 (range of 1 to 3) and 70±18.26% (range of 40 to 90), respectively, which reflected a stable health status. The total QoL score from WHOQOL-BREF-THAI was 94.5±8.44 (range of 78 to 105), which reflected a moderate-to-high QoL. The safety outcome was monitored throughout the study using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. Eleven patients developed adverse events, with four patients who had to withdraw from Canacea (23.53%). Conclusion: The treatment of Canacea with other supportive care showed a moderate-to-high score of pain control, health status, and QoL. Particularly, the total QoL showed an improvement after 24 weeks of treatment and the patients tended to have a better QoL.

Quality of life and level of physical activity of individuals with temporomandibular disorders with and without otological symptoms: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study.

Otological symptoms (OS) are highly prevalent in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Individuals with TMD and OS have more neck disability and decreased deep neck muscles endurance when compared to individuals without OS. However, no studies have evaluated whether OS is associated with lower Quality of Life (QoL) and worse levels of physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL and level of physical activity of individuals with TMD with and without OS. In this cross-sectional study, 62 individuals with TMD were allocated into 2 groups: TMD with OS (n=36) or TMD without OS (n=26). Self-reported complaints of dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, earache, ear fullness, or hypoacusis were considered as OS. QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-Bref and physical activity with the IPAQ-SF. Independent t-test and chi-squared test were used for analysis between-groups. Effect sizes were reported using Cohen's d. A Pearson correlation was used to compare the number of OS and QoL scores. A significance level of p<0.05% and 95% confidence intervals were considered statistically significant. The total generic scores for QoL were not different between-groups (p=0.076), but individuals with TMD with OS had lower satisfaction (p=0.015; d: 0.63) and physical domain (p=0.015; d: 0.64) scores with a moderate effect size. In TMD with OS, 69.4% of individuals were irregularly active and 50% for the TMD without OS, with no statistical significance (p>0.05). The number of OSs was inversely and weakly associated with the QoL total score. Individuals with TMD and OS are associated with worsened QoL (physical domain and satisfaction) when compared to individuals with TMD without OS. The higher the number of OS, the worse the QoL score. Individuals with TMD with and without OS had similar levels of physical activity, but a high prevalence of irregularly active and sedentary individuals within TMD diagnosed population was found.

Quality of Life and Employment among Patients with Epilepsy

Abstract Background/Aims: Seizures significantly affect quality of life among patients with epilepsy, while employment significantly contributes to quality of life in general. Thus, in our study, we aimed to determine how the demographic and disease-related characteristics of patients with epilepsy impact quality of life and employment. Methods: Our sample included 202 patients who had been diagnosed with epilepsy for at least a year and who applied to the Neurology Polyclinic between October 2023 and March 2024. Data about patients’ characteristics were collected using a sociodemographic information form, while quality of life was measured using the Turkish Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31). Results: On average, patients were 29.07 ± 10.84 years old and had had epilepsy for 10.5 ± 8.92 years. Patients’ lowest mean score on the QOLIE-31’s subscales was for Total Quality of Life, whereas their highest mean score was for Social Function. The total quality of life score of patients with low education level and low income was found to be significantly lower. Among other results, patients with a seizure frequency of 6 or more per month had significantly lower scores on all subscales except Emotional Well-Being, and patients with refractory epilepsy and/or receiving polytherapy had significantly lower total scores and scores on all subscales. Conclusions: Our results indicate that employment does not significantly affect quality of life among patients with epilepsy, whereas their clinical features do. Even so, physicians should take all conditions into account to ensure the highest-possible quality of life for patients with epilepsy.

Effects of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome on Quality of Life Among Airline Crew.

Background: Interest in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome following COVID-19 infection has been increasing. Maintaining quality of life (QoL) is vital for airline crews because they work in a special environment, where they are responsible for the passengers' safety. This study aims to closely investigate factors affecting the QoL of airline crews, including post-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey, comprising 167 crews. Findings: Age-specific significant differences were observed in social, overall, and total QoL scores. The physical domain QoL was significantly higher in the cockpit crews than that in the cabin crews. Significant differences were found in psychological and overall QoL depending on years of continuous service. Social domain and environmental QoL were lower in those who had no symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID-19 than in those who were symptomatic. Among the participants, 4.2% had post-COVID-19 syndrome, indicating significant differences in the physical domain, depending on whether they exhibit post-COVID-19 syndrome. Conclusion: It is urgent to develop measures to increase the QoL of airline crews, investigate post-COVID-19 syndrome before returning to work, and develop strategies to manage it. Application to practice: The QoL among airline crews differed not only by the demographic characteristics of the participants but also by the presence of symptoms during COVID-19 diagnosis and post-COVID-19 syndrome. Higher QoL among airline crews is associated with the safety of both airline crews and passengers. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a systematic management protocol for airline crews returning to work after following COVID-19 infection.

Long-term (> 10years) bowel function of anorectal malformations: a retrospective single-center study.

To describe the long-term bowel function of anorectal malformation (ARM) patients and explore the potential influence factors. ARM patients with follow-up data > 10years were included. Cases of cloaca, Currarino syndrome, and VACTERL syndrome were excluded. Rintala score and PedsQL 4.0 were used to assess bowel function score (BFS) and quality of life (QoL). Based on the results, patients were divided into satisfactory group with BFS ≥ 17 and unsatisfactory group with it < 17. Comparisons between the groups were made. Among the 81 patients were 44 males and 37 females. Follow-up time was 138 (126,151) months. 16 (19.75%) patients had associated anomalies. 23 (28.40%) patients had reoperations, and fistula recurrence was the most common reason. BFS of the patients was 20 (18,20). QoL score was 100 (100,100), which correlated positively with BFS (r = 0.648, P < 0.001). The satisfactory and the unsatisfactory groups had 69 and 12 cases, and their BFS were 20 (20,20) and 11 (8,15) respectively, which had statistical difference (P < 0.001). Total QoL score and psycho-social health score of the unsatisfactory group were lower (P < 0.001). Only reoperations were statistically different between the groups (P < 0.001). Long-term (> 10years) bowel function of ARM patients is good in this study. Defecation problems have negative impacts on QoL and mainly affects their psycho-social health. Primary anorectoplasty is extremely important. Reoperations, which are most commonly seen in recto-urethral fistula recurrence, adversely affect the outcome.

Quality of life among community-dwelling elderly in rural and urban areas of Himalayan region, Northeast India: An analysis of factors affecting well-being.

There is a dearth of literature on the quality of life (QOL) experienced by the elderly population in the hilly terrains of the Himalayan region. The objective of this study was to highlight the QOL among community-dwelling elderly residing in rural and urban areas of the Himalayan region, Northeast India. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 450 participants (324 in rural and 126 in urban areas) aged 60 years and above. The QOL score was assessed with the help of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Mann-Whitney U test was performed to find out the difference in QOL between rural and urban areas. Binary logistic regression was conducted to find the association of QOL with demographic variables. The total mean QOL scores of elderlies in rural areas (39.4 ± 11.3) were significantly lower compared to urban areas (51.1 ± 11.5). QOL scores in all four domains were found to be low among elderly living in rural areas as compared to urban areas. Among the four domains, environmental QOL was found to be the lowest in both rural (29.5 ± 16.0) and urban areas (46.5 ± 17.2). Determinants of QOL differ in urban and rural areas. QOL was found to be significantly lower among the elderly residing in rural areas as compared to urban areas. Targeted interventions and policies are necessary to address environmental challenges to improve the overall QOL of the elderly.