Health-related Quality Of Life Variables Research Articles

Facial pain, health-related quality of life and trismus-related symptoms up to 5 years post-radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

PurposePain is a frequent symptom of head and neck cancer (HNC) but longitudinal studies investigating facial pain are scarce. We aimed to investigate prevalence of facial pain, its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and trismus-related symptoms in a HNC cohort.MethodsPatients (n = 194) were prospectively followed post completion of radiotherapy (RT). Outcome measures included facial pain, HRQL, trismus-specific symptoms, and maximal interincisal opening (MIO).ResultsFacial pain was reported by 50% at baseline. Corresponding figures for 3-, 12-, and 60 months post-RT were 70%, 54% and 41%. Moderate to severe pain was reported in 29–44% of patients reporting pain during the study period. Patients reporting pain scored significantly worse on more HRQL variables and trismus symptoms, as well as had significantly smaller MIO at all follow-up time points.ConclusionsFacial pain was common in HNC patients pre- and post-RT and remained prevalent up to 5 years after completion of RT. Reductions in MIO were associated with more facial pain. Pain was also associated with worse HRQL.

Association of Reaction Symptoms and Eliciting Dose With Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Peanut Allergy.

Food allergy adversely affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients. It is unclear whether factors such as the reaction eliciting dose (ED) and the nature of allergic reaction symptoms affect HRQoL. To explore associations between reaction ED or the nature of allergic symptoms and HRQoL among children with peanut allergy. This study was a secondary analysis of baseline data from the PPOIT-003 randomized trial in 212 children aged 1 to 10 years with challenge-confirmed peanut allergy. Children's past reaction symptoms were collected by clinicians during screening. Associations between variables of interest and parent-reported child-proxy HRQoL were examined by univariable and multivariable linear regression. Mean age of study participants was 5.9 years; 63.2% were male. Children with a low reaction ED of 80 mg peanut protein had significantly poorer HRQoL (β= -0.81; 95% CI, -1.61 to -0.00; P= .049) compared with children with a high ED of 2,500 mg peanut protein. Gastrointestinal symptoms (β= 0.45; 95% CI, 0.03-0.87; P= .037), lower airway symptoms (β= 0.46; 95% CI, 0.05-0.87; P= .030), multisystem involvement (β= 0.71; 95% CI, 0.25-1.16; P=.003), or anaphylaxis (β= 0.46; 95% CI, 0.04-0.87; P= .031) during a previous reaction were associated with worse HRQoL. Peanut-allergic children with a lower allergen reaction threshold experienced a greater negative HRQoL impact compared with children with higher reaction thresholds. In addition, specific past allergic reaction symptoms were associated with comparatively worse HRQoL. Children experiencing these symptoms and those with lower reaction ED require increased clinical support to manage the food allergy and are likely to benefit from interventions that can improve HRQoL.

Social inequality in cancer survivorship: Educational differences in health-related quality of life among 27,857 cancer survivors in Denmark.

With a growing population of cancer survivors in Denmark, the evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become increasingly important. We describe variations in HRQoL between educational groups in a national population of cancer survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study among breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer survivors diagnosed in 2010-2019 in Denmark. We used the EORTC QLQ-C30 to assess HRQoL including physical, role, emotional, cognitive, social functioning, and symptoms (fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and financial difficulties). Information on educational level and clinical data were extracted from national registers and clinical databases. Levels of impaired functioning and severe symptoms were identified using newly established thresholds for clinical importance. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between education and HRQoL. All statistical tests were 2-sided. In total, 27,857 (42%) participated in the study. Up to 72% and 75% of cancer survivors with short education (≤9 years) reported impaired functioning and severe symptoms, respectively. Cancer survivors with short compared to long education (>12 years) were more likely to report impaired functioning and severe symptoms, with for example significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) for impaired physical function (breast OR = 2.41, 99% CI = 2.01-2.89; prostate OR = 1.81, 99% CI = 1.48-2.21; lung OR = 2.97, 99% CI = 1.95-4.57; and colon cancer OR = 1.69, 99% CI = 1.28-2.24). Cancer survivors with short education are at greater risk of impaired HRQoL than survivors with long education 2-12 years after diagnosis. This underscores the need for systematic screening and symptom management in cancer aftercare, in order to reach all cancer survivors, also cancer survivors with short education.

Catastrophizing and acceptance are mediators between insomnia and pain intensity-an SQRP study of more than 6,400 patients with non-malignant chronic pain conditions.

Sleep problems (insomnia) and chronic pain are associated. Chronic pain and insomnia/insufficient sleep quality share similar symptoms and features. Although they have a bidirectional relationship, more research is needed to understand how they interact via mediators and how moderators influence this relationship. In this large clinical registry-based cohort study (N = 6,497), we investigate important mediators between insomnia and pain intensity in a cross-sectional sample of chronic pain patients using advanced path analysis. In addition, we investigate whether some background variables were moderators of the identified important paths or not and the correlation patterns between insomnia and pain intensity in relation to the mediators. This study includes a cohort of adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP) with data on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (2008-2016). The PROMs cover the background, pain aspects, psychological distress, pain-related cognitions, activity/participation, and health-related quality of life variables of the patients. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct and indirect (via mediators) relationships between insomnia and pain intensity at baseline. In this cohort study, insomnia was prevalent at 62.3%, and both direct and indirect mediating paths were present for the insomnia-pain intensity relationship. All of the mediating effects combined were weaker than the direct effect between insomnia and pain intensity. The mediating effects via catastrophizing and acceptance showed the strongest and equal mediating paths, and mediating effects via fear avoidance were the second strongest. Insomnia showed stronger direct significant correlations with psychological distress, catastrophizing, and acceptance compared with those of pain intensity. Sex, age, education level, spatial extent of pain, or body mass index did not moderate the mediating paths. This study confirms the existence of significant direct and mediating paths between reported insomnia and pain intensity. Future studies should focus on illuminating how sleep interventions influence pain intensity and other important key factors that contribute to the distress of chronic pain patients.

Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) allows for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an intervention strategy that improves functional capacity, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life. However, adherence to such programs might be improved. This study aimed to describe the differences in sociodemographic and clinical variables, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in patients diagnosed with COPD adherent and non-adherent to pulmonary rehabilitation at a clinic in Cali, Colombia. Methods: This study followed a descriptive cross-sectional model with 150 patients diagnosed with COPD. Adherence was classified by taking into account the number of sessions completed: low (<35%), moderate (35–85%), and high (>85%). Sociodemographic, clinical, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life variables were considered. Results: Adherence to the PR was rated as high in 57.3% of patients. Variables such as sex, health system affiliation, height, functional capacity, resting SaO2, and health-related quality of life presented significant differences (p-value ≤ 0.05). The main causes of non-adherence to the program were medical recommendations that prevented continuing in the program due to clinical and safety issues and economic issues that prevented reaching the rehabilitation site, as it was unaffordable. Conclusions: It can be concluded that adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation was rated as high in 57.3% of patients. The high adherence to the PR program occurred in male patients with a capacity to pay the Colombian health system (contributory regime).

Health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with psoriasis at a referral hospital in Northwest Ethiopia.

This study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants among patients with psoriasis having follow-ups at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH). A cross-sectional institutional-based study was conducted at the dermatologic clinic of UoGCSH from June to August 2022. Four hundred eligible patients with psoriasis were included in the study using a systematic random sampling technique. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) measurement scale was used to assess HRQoL. The relationship between HRQoL and independent predictor variables was investigated using bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of <0.05 at the 95% CI. Of the 422 study subjects approached, 400 respondents with psoriasis were included in the final analysis. The mean (±SD) age was 39.8 (±17.2) years, and 56% were women. The most commonly prescribed medications were topical corticosteroids (68.3 %). The mean (±SD) DLQI was 13.05 (7.82). More than three-fourths (78.5%) of the patients' HRQOL was affected, and its severity ranged from very large to extremely large. Being male (adjusted odd ratio) (AOR) = 0.373, 95% CI (0.171, 0.773), the use of alternative therapy (AOR) = 0.237, 95% CI (0.114, 0.494), duration of diseases (AOR) = 0.184, 95% CI (0.061, 0.557), duration on medication (AOR) =3.75, 95% CI (1.32, 10.73), presence of comorbidity (AOR) = 6.199, 95% CI (1.921, 20.00), and income were found to have a significant association with poor HRQoL. Psoriasis patients had reduced HRQoL, which was lower than that of the normal population. The study identified that several variables contributed to this reduced HRQoL. Predictors that take into account interventions were essential for preserving patients' HRQoL.

A Multidimensional Approach to Assessing Factors Impacting Health-Related Quality of Life after Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

In the field of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), relationships between pre-injury and injury-related characteristics and post-TBI outcomes (functional recovery, post-concussion depression, anxiety) and their impact on disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are under-investigated. Here, a multidimensional conceptual model was tested using a structural equation model (SEM). The final SEM evaluates the associations between these four latent variables. We retrospectively investigated 152 children (8-12 years) and 148 adolescents (13-17 years) after TBI at the recruiting clinics or online. The final SEM displayed a fair goodness-of-fit (SRMR = 0.09, RMSEA = 0.08 with 90% CI [0.068, 0.085], GFI = 0.87, CFI = 0.83), explaining 39% of the variance across the four latent variables and 45% of the variance in HRQoL in particular. The relationships between pre-injury and post-injury outcomes and between post-injury outcomes and TBI-specific HRQoL were moderately strong. Especially, pre-injury characteristics (children's age, sensory, cognitive, or physical impairments, neurological and chronic diseases, and parental education) may aggravate post-injury outcomes, which in turn may influence TBI-specific HRQoL negatively. Thus, the SEM comprises potential risk factors for developing negative post-injury outcomes, impacting TBI-specific HRQoL. Our findings may assist healthcare providers and parents in the management, therapy, rehabilitation, and care of pediatric individuals after TBI.

Characterization of sleep in emerging adults with cystic fibrosis on elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor

Characterization of sleep in emerging adults with cystic fibrosis on elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor

Effects of interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs on neuropathic and non-neuropathic chronic pain conditions – a registry-based cohort study from Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP)

Background and aimNeuropathic pain arises as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. Pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain often fail despite following guidelines. Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programs (IPRP) are an effective intervention for chronic pain conditions. Little research has investigated whether IPRP can benefit patients with chronic neuropathic pain compared to other chronic pain conditions.This study assesses the real-world effects of IPRP on patients with chronic neuropathic pain compared to non-neuropathic patients using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) available in the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP).MethodsA neuropathic group of patients (n = 1,654) were identified in two steps. This group was compared to a non-neuropathic group (n = 14,355) composed of common diagnoses (low back pain, fibromyalgia, whiplash associated disorders, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) in relation to background variables, three overall outcome variables, and mandatory outcome variables (pain intensity, psychological distress symptoms, activity/participation aspects and health-related quality of life variables). Of these patients 43–44% participated in IPRP.ResultsAt assessment, the neuropathic group reported significantly (with small effect sizes (ES)) more physician visits the previous year, older age, shorter pain durations, and less spatial extent of the pain (moderate ES). Moreover, for the 22 mandatory outcome variables, we found only clinically insignificant differences according to ESs between the groups. For patients participating in IPRP, the neuropathic group displayed equal or in some cases slightly superior results compared to the non-neuropathic group.Discussion and conclusionAfter assessing the real-world effects of IPRP, this large study found that neuropathic pain patients can benefit from the IPRP intervention. Both registry studies and RCTs are needed to better understand which patients with neuropathic pain are most suitable for IPRP and to what extent special considerations need to be made for these patients within the framework of IPRP.

Associations between comorbidity and health-related quality of life among in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors – A cross-sectional nationwide registry study

AimThe aim of this study was to explore associations between comorbidities and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survivors. MethodsThis registry study is based on data from the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (SRCR) collected during 2014–2017. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L, the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In total, 1,278 IHCA survivors were included in the study, 3–6 months after the cardiac arrest (CA). Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The comorbidities analysed in this study were the patients’ status for diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, respiratory insufficiency, and heart failure. ResultsOverall, the IHCA survivors reported high levels of HRQoL, but there was great variation within the population, e.g., EQ VAS median (q1-q3) = 70 (50–80). Survivors with one or more comorbidities reported worse HRQoL in 6 out of 8 outcomes (p < 0.001). All studied comorbidities were each associated with worse HRQoL, but no comorbidity was associated with every outcome measure. Previous stroke and respiratory insufficiency were significantly associated with every outcome measure except for HADS Anxiety. The linear regression models explained 4–8% of the total variance in HRQoL (p < 0.001). ConclusionSince IHCA survivors with comorbidities report worse HRQoL compared to those without comorbidities, it is important to pay directed attention to them when developing and providing post-CA care, especially in those with respiratory insufficiency and previous stroke.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in gynaecologic cancer survivors with lower limb lymphedema: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

BackgroundsGynaecological cancer survivors may develop lower limb lymphoedema after surgery, which negatively impacts quality of life. The purposes of this study were (1) to assess the levels of symptom distress, depression, body image, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); (2) to recognize factors associated with HRQoL related in gynaecologic cancer survivors with lower limb lymphoedema.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with convenience sampling of gynaecologic cancer survivors with lower limb lymphoedema. Gynaecologic cancer survivors were assessed for symptom distress, depression, body image, and HRQoL. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to recognize the factors associated with HRQoL. Independent-samples t-test was used to compare symptom distress, depression, body image, and HRQoL by grade of lymphoedema.ResultsThe most common distressing symptoms of lower limb lymphoedema were lower extremity oedema, lower extremity tightness, and lower extremity stiffness. Worse HRQoL was associated with more symptom distress, less satisfaction with body image, a high grade of lymphoedema, and a longer duration of lower limb lymphoedema. These factors explained 76.5% of the variance in HRQoL. Gynaecologic cancer survivors with late grade lymphoedema experienced lower HRQoL and higher levels of symptom distress, depression, and greater dissatisfaction with body image than those who had early grade lymphoedema.ConclusionsSymptom distress had the strongest association with overall HRQoL and with all individual domains of HRQoL, except mental function. These results suggest that educating gynaecologic cancer survivors to assess lower limb lymphoedema-related problems, providing symptom management, and guiding survivors in physical activity to relieve lower extremity discomfort can improve HRQoL.

Quality of life and its health and occupational determinants among hospital-based nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nurses worldwide were exposed to increased levels of occupational stress during the COVID-19 pandemic which could have hindered their level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This project investigated HRQoL level in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and its health and occupational predictors. A cross-sectional design was adopted and targeted full-time nurses in Jordan. Study collected data included demographics, 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12) to measure HRQoL, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), nurses' evaluation of work conditions during COVID-19, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). Data was analyzed descriptively to summarize main outcome measures and using multiple linear regression model to identify factors significantly associated with HRQoL. In total 245 nurses successfully completed the survey, 39.6% were males with a mean age of 35±6 years. Participant SF-12 scores were 65.94±17.85 for physical component and 50.09±19.36 mental component. The statistical model significantly explained 53.2% of variance in HRQoL (r2 = 0.534, F = 57.849, p < 0.001). Better sleep quality self-evaluation was significantly associated with higher HRQoL levels, while increased levels of depression, musculoskeletal pain, and financial burden on family were significantly associated with worse HRQoL level. Jordanian nurses' HRQoL level was relatively low during COVID-19. Sleep quality, mental health status, musculoskeletal health status, and financial status were identified as factors possibly influenced HRQoL among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses' quality of life along with their mental and physical health should be considered by healthcare administrators in the remaining period of COVID-19 and in future similar emergencies.

The Impact of Nonmotor Symptoms on Health-Related Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: A Network Analysis Approach.

Nonmotor symptoms negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is unknown which nonmotor symptoms are most commonly associated with HRQoL. Considering the complex interacting network of various nonmotor symptoms and HRQoL, this study aimed to reveal the network structure, explained HRQoL variance, and identify the nonmotor symptoms that primarily affect HRQoL. We included 689 patients with PD from the Cohort of Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Spain (COPPADIS) study who were rated on the Nonmotor Symptoms Scale in Parkinson's disease (NMSS) and the Parkinson´s Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) at baseline. Network analyses were performed for the 30 items of the NMSS and both the PDQ-39 summary index and eight subscales. The nodewise predictability, edge weights, strength centrality, and bridge strength were determined. In PD, nonmotor symptoms are closely associated with the mobility, emotional well-being, cognition, and bodily discomfort subscales of the PDQ-39. The most influential nonmotor symptoms were found to be fatigue, feeling sad, hyperhidrosis, impaired concentration, and daytime sleepiness. Further research is needed to confirm whether influencing these non-motor symptoms can improve HRQoL.

Sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors as factors related to depression and health-related quality of life among older women living alone: a population-based study

BackgroundAlthough the number of older women living alone (OWLA) has risen steadily in aging societies, and research has been conducted on depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults, research is scarce on the health behaviors of OWLA, including their sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors. Hence, we aimed to identify factors related to depression and HRQoL among this subset of the population, focusing on their health behaviors, using Andersen’s model as a research framework.MethodsData for secondary analysis were from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020). The inclusion criteria were (1) women aged 65 and older and (2) those living alone. We included 794 older South Korean women living alone from 31,051 respondents. We used hierarchical regression analysis, considering sampling weight and a complex sample design, to identify factors related to depression and HRQoL.ResultsAmong the health behavior factors of Andersen’s model as a research framework, sleep was associated with depression, whereas physical activity and sedentary behaviors were related to HRQoL. Subjective health status, limited activity, and perceived stress were associated with both depression and HRQoL. Household income, as an enabling factor, was only associated with HRQoL. The final regression model explained 39% of the variance in depression (p < 0.001) and 37% of the variance in HRQoL (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of strategies to improve specific healthy behaviors that affect depression and HRQoL in OWLA. Appropriate interventions that target increasing physical activity and quality of sleep, and decreasing sedentary behaviors, will be effective to enhance the well-being of OWLA. Healthcare providers should comprehensively understand the characteristics of OWLA and pay more attention to enabling, need, and health behavior factors.

The predictive relationships between advanced dynamic balance and physical activity/quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Gait and balance problems commonly occur in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, balance tasks with only one performance objective (e.g., sit-to-stand) may not be sufficient, compared to dual motor tasks (e.g., carrying a tray while walking), to be applied to the assessments and interventions which are designed to promote PD patients' balance functioning, physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HQoL). The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine whether advanced dynamic balance, measured by a demanding motor-motor dual task, is a significant predictor of PA/HQoL in older adults with and without PD. Participants with (n = 22) and without (n = 23) PD were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the single leg hop and stick series task (SLHS), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–39 (PDQ39). We calculated the R2 change, namely the incremental validity, between the multiple regression models before and after adding the scores on the BBS/SLHS. While controlling for biological and socioeconomic covariates, competence in the SLHS task provided moderate and large levels of incremental validity to PA (ΔR2 = 0.08, Cohen's f2 = 0.25, p = .035) and HQoL (ΔR2 = 0.13, Cohen's f2 = 0.65, p < .001), respectively. In particular for participants with PD, the SLHS explained significantly more variance in HQoL in relation to psychosocial functioning (ΔR2 = 0.25, Cohen's f2 = 0.42, p = .028) compared to the BBS (p = .296). Assessing advanced dynamic balance by means of a highly demanding dual-task paradigm was not only strongly associated with PA but also covered a wider spectrum of HQoL components. This approach is recommended for use in evaluations and interventions carried out in clinical and research settings in order to promote healthy living.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Osteoporosis Patients with and without Fractures in Tehran, Iran.

This study aimed to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with osteoporosis with and without fractures in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. We surveyed a sample of 478 patients with osteoporosis aged over 50 years. Participants with fractures included patients referred to hospitals due to osteoporotic fractures which were alive 6 months after the fracture. Participants without fractures were randomly selected from patients with a definite diagnosis of osteoporosis admitted to 3 outpatient clinics in Tehran. Data were collected using the EuroQol 5-dimensional 5-level questionnaire. Statistical differences between patients with and without fracture were tested with Pearson's χ2 test, Student's t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U-test. The association between HRQOL and other variables was evaluated using a multiple linear regression model. The patients' mean age±standard deviation was 67.3±11.9 years, and 74.1% were women. One hundred and seventeen (23%) patients had hip fractures, 56 (11%) had vertebral fractures, 127 (25%) had forearm fractures, and 178 (40%) had no fractures. The median (interquartile range) values of HRQOL scores of those with hip, vertebral, and forearm fractures and those with no history of fracture were 0.53 (0.22), 0.60 (0.28), 0.64 (0.26), and 0.64 (0.27), respectively. The multiple regression model revealed a significant relationship between the HRQOL scores and sex, marital status, employment status, presence of any chronic illness in addition to osteoporosis, and type of fracture. Osteoporosis and its related fractures can reduce the HRQOL.

Association of Kinesiophobia with Catastrophism and Sensitization-Associated Symptoms in COVID-19 Survivors with Post-COVID Pain.

Pain symptoms after the acute phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are present in almost 50% of COVID-19 survivors. The presence of kinesiophobia is a risk factor which may promote and perpetuate pain. This study aimed to investigate variables associated with the presence of kinesiophobia in a sample of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors exhibiting post-COVID pain. An observational study was conducted in three urban hospitals in Spain, including one hundred and forty-six COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. Demographic (age, weight, height), clinical (intensity and duration of pain), psychological (anxiety level, depressive level, sleep quality), cognitive (catastrophizing), sensitization-associated symptoms, and health-related quality of life variables were collected in 146 survivors with post-COVID pain, as well as whether they exhibited kinesiophobia. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were conducted to identify variables significantly associated with kinesiophobia. Patients were assessed a mean of 18.8 (SD 1.8) months after hospital discharge. Kinesiophobia levels were positively associated with anxiety levels (r: 0.356, p < 0.001), depression levels (r: 0.306, p < 0.001), sleep quality (r: 0.288, p < 0.001), catastrophism (r: 0.578, p < 0.001), and sensitization-associated symptoms (r: 0.450, p < 0.001). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 38.1% of kinesiophobia variance was explained by catastrophism (r2 adj: 0.329, B = 0.416, t = 8.377, p < 0.001) and sensitization-associated symptoms (r2 adj: 0.381, B = 0.130, t = 3.585, p < 0.001). Kinesiophobia levels were associated with catastrophism and sensitization-associated symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. Identification of patients at a higher risk of developing a higher level of kinesiophobia, associated with post-COVID pain symptoms, could lead to better therapeutic strategies.

Examining the associations between self and body compassion and health related quality of life in people diagnosed with endometriosis

ObjectiveAn understanding of the role that self and body compassion may play as protective mechanisms in the context of psychological and physical health conditions is steadily increasing. The availability of research pertaining to their role in mitigating the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impacts associated with endometriosis is limited. The current study examined the influence of self and body compassion on HRQoL in people diagnosed with endometriosis. MethodsIndividuals aged 18+ years (n = 318), assigned female at birth, with a self-reported diagnosis of symptomatic endometriosis completed an online cross-sectional survey. Participant demographics and endometriosis-related data was collected in addition to self and body compassion and HRQoL. Standard multiple regression analyses (MRA) were conducted to estimate the proportion of variance in HRQoL that can be accounted for by self and body compassion in endometriosis. ResultsSelf and body compassion were both associated with higher HRQoL across all domains. However, when both self and body compassion were entered into a regression, only body compassion was significantly associated with HRQoL domains of physical wellbeing, bodily pain, vitality, social engagement and general HRQoL; self-compassion explained no unique variance. In the domain of emotional wellbeing, when both self and body compassion were entered into a regression, both were significantly associated, and explained unique variance. ConclusionsIt is suggested that future psychological interventions for individuals living with endometriosis should emphasise building general self-compassionate abilities with a subsequent specific focus on strategies designed to improve body compassion.

Correlates of Health-Related Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Guadeloupe (French West Indies): Results from the KASADS Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the correlates of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults in Guadeloupe. We used the Karukera Study of Aging-Drugs Storage (KASADS), an observational, cross-sectional study on community-dwelling older people living in Guadeloupe. A visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100 was used to assess HRQoL. The study sample consisted of 115 patients aged 65 years or older; 67.8% were women. Participants were 76 (±7.8) years old with a mean HRQoL of 66.2 (±20.3). The correlates of HRQoL were complaints of pain (p < 0.001) and IADL dependency (p = 0.030) after adjustment. We found no significant interactions between HRQoL and other variables such as marital status, socio-educational level and cognitive decline. Pain and IADL dependency were independently associated with lower HRQoL in community-dwelling older people in Guadeloupe.

Large Prostate Volume Does Not Negatively Impact Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated with Ultrahypofractionated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Survival outcomes after primary radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer (PCa) are excellent, regardless of the specific treatment modality. For this reason, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has come to play an ever more important role in treatment selection. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is increasingly used to treat patients with PCa. However, the impact of prostate volume on HRQOL is not clear. In this study, we aimed to determine whether a large prostate volume negatively influences HRQOL outcomes in patients undergoing ultrahypofractionated SBRT. We conducted a prospective study of 530 men with low- and intermediate-risk localized PCa. All patients were treated from 2013 to 2017 with SBRT (Cyberknife system). HRQOL data were collected at baseline (pre-treatment), immediately after treatment, and at 12 and 24 months. QOL variables were assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and PR-25 module. Differences in the QLQ-C30 scales were considered clinically relevant when the change was >10 points. For the analysis, patients were classified into two groups according to prostate volume (≤60 vs. >60 cm3). The prostate volume was ≤60 cm3 in 415 patients (78.3%) and >60 cm3 in 115 (21.7%). No between-group differences were observed at baseline for any of the following variables: clinical stage; hormonal therapy; marital status; educational level; or employment status. No clinically-significant deterioration (functional and symptom scales) was observed in either group between the baseline and 24-month assessment. There were no clinically-relevant differences between the groups on any of the HRQOL variables, regardless of the prostate volume. This study shows that a large prostate volume (>60 cm3) does not appear to negatively impact HRQOL outcomes at two years in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with ultrahypofractionated SBRT administered with the CyberKnife system.