WHOQOL BREF Research Articles

Evaluation of sexual dysfunction and quality of life in patients with severe mental illness: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in Chhattisgarh.

Background:Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) are common and lead to psychological distress and impair quality of life (QOL). However, little attention has been paid to explore SD in severe mental illnesses (SMIs). Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of SD and its impact on the QOL in persons suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression and compare it with healthy controls.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 79 clinically stable patients and 50 healthy controls underwent evaluation for SD on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and their QOL was measured using the WHO QOL-BREF scale. Chi-square test was used for the categorical variables, whereas comparison of continuous variables was done by t-test with post hoc corrections.Results:Compared to healthy controls, patients with depression had significantly higher rates of SD in the domain of obtaining penile erection (P = 0.019), ability to reach orgasm (P = 0.03), and satisfaction from orgasm (P = 0.01). Patients with schizophrenia had higher rates of problems in achieving arousal (P < 0.01), penile erection (P = 0.03), and satisfaction from orgasm (P = 0.03), whereas those with bipolar disorder only differed significantly on the domain of ability to reach orgasm (P = 0.03). However, patients fared better than the controls on various domains of QOL (except social domain).Conclusion:A significant number of patients with SMI suffer from SD. Hence, it should be made a routine practice to evaluate and address the problem of SDs in patients with SMI.

Русскоязычная версия шкалы симптомов нейрогенного мочевого пузыря (NBSS)

The Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) is widely used now for the bladder symptoms assessment in neurogenic low urinary tract dysfunction. It is suitable for all patients, regardless of a bladder management method. NBSS contains 24 questions, which focus on incontinence, storage and voiding symptoms, urinary complicationsand life quality.With the permission of the authors (Dr.Welk et al.), NBSS had been translated into Russian according to the cultural and lingual adaptation algorithm. Validate the Russian version of NBSS for multiple sclerosis patients. The study included 80respondents: group A - 40 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with neurogenic bladder, group B - 40 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients without bladder dysfunction, group C - healthy controls. All participants filled out the NBSS two times with an interval of two weeks. They also completed other measurement tools (IPSS,OAB Awareness Tool, WHOQOL BREF).Data were used to determine the internal consistency (Cronbachs alfa), external validity (Pearson correlation), and test-re-test reliability with interclass correlation coefficient. The mean of the NBSS total in the group A was 22.56+/-12.6, which significantly (p<0.001) exceeded score in comparable groups B (6.42+/-2.3) and C (5.31+/-1.9). The Cronbachs alfa of the total and the in continence, storage/voiding, and consequences domains was 0.939, 0,965, 0,801 and 0.712 respectively, which confirms the high internal consistency of the Russian version of the NBSS. External validity was verified by the relevant correlations with other questionnaires. Test-retest reliability was excellent. The interclass correlation coefficients were >0.85 (p<0.001) for all subdomains and the overall score. The Russian version of the NBSS demonstrated good validity and reliability and may be recommended for use in clinical practice.

Developmental Status of Children Operated for Esophageal Atresia with or without Tracheoesophageal Fistula Along with Maternal Stress, Their Quality of life, and Coping Abilities at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA with or without TEF) is one of the neonatal surgical emergencies requiring surgical intervention in the early neonatal period, influencing the developmental outcome in the operated children. This study was aimed to assess the developmental status of children operated for EA with or without TEF along with maternal stress, their quality of life (QOL), and coping abilities. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 51 children aged up to 5 years after EA with or without TEF repair and their mothers' in a tertiary care facility. The tools used were, namely, demographic datasheet of child and mother, anthropometry assessment, Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants, and modified Vineland Social Maturity Scale for the developmental evaluation, Child Behavior Checklist (1.5-5 years) caregiver report form, Parental Stress Scale, WHOQOL BREF, and Coping Strategies Checklist. The majority of children had low weight (47.1%) and height (31.4%), for reference age. The overall and social developmental delay was observed in 40.7 and 37.5% of children, respectively, and few children (7.4%) had behavioral problems in the borderline range. Among the mothers, 47% had moderate stress and relatively poor QOL in environmental (60.1 ± 18.9) and psychological (60.8 ± 18.8) domains. The most commonly used coping strategy by the mothers was an emotional outlet (29.4%). Developmental delay was present in children operated for EA with or without TEF caused significant stress among mothers, affecting their QOL for which the emotional outlet was the most commonly used coping strategy.

Early Analysis of Peripheral Obstructive Arterial Disease in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Care Setting in Kuantan, Malaysia: Are There Differences?

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for the development of Peripheral Obstructive Arterial Disease (POAD). POAD is also one of the major cause of limb loss in diabetic patients. Yet, there is no Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) screening among the diabetic population to quantify the disease burden or detect the disease at an early stage. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of POAD among diabetic patients in primary care and the associated risk factors and its implication on their quality of life. Materials and Methods: Ninety diabetic patients were included in this universal survey at Klinik Kesihatan (KK) Jaya Gading. ABI of lower than 0.9 was used to define POAD. A validated WHO-QOL BREF Malay version was used to assess the Quality of Life. Results: The prevalence of POAD among diabetic patients in KK Jaya Gading, Kuantan was found to be 20%. Age was a significant risk factor (p=0.005). Social domain of the Quality of Life was significantly affected in patients with POAD. Conclusion: The prevalence of POAD among diabetics in the primary care was relatively high and this supports early screening to prevent further deterioration.

Escalas para evaluar la calidad de vida en personas con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada: Revisión integrativa

Introducción: La calidad de vida es un indicador de bienestar percibido por personas diagnosticadas con Enfermedad Renal Crónica Avanzada (ERCA), al respecto la literatura reporta diferentes instrumentos para su medición y de algunos de ellos describe las características psicométricas y adaptación transcultural. Objetivo: Identificar los instrumentos reportados por la literatura para evaluar la calidad de vida en la persona con ERCA y describir las características psicométricas y validación transcultural de los mismos. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión integrativa de la literatura científica publicada en el periodo 2013 a 2018, en español, inglés y portugués. La búsqueda se realizó en 2 etapas, utilizando los operadores booleanos AND y OR, y los términos DeCS y MeSH para identificar escalas que evalúan la calidad de vida de los pacientes con ERCA, posteriormente se realizó una búsqueda focalizada para identificar cuales contaban con adaptación transcultural y las características psicométricas de las mismas. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial reportó 364 títulos elegibles, se seleccionaron 20, que comprendían instrumentos genéricos y específicos, de ellos 5 escalas se han usado en pacientes con ERCA: SF-12, SF-36, KDQOL 36, WHOQOL BREF, WHOQOL OLD. Conclusión: La escala KDQOL 36, posee dimensiones específicas para evaluar al paciente con ERCA , se encuentra adaptada transculturalmente en varios países de habla hispana y sus características psicométricas son confiables, el Alfa de Cronbach es &gt;0.7, y su utilidad es adecuada porque es de fácil aplicación, poco compleja y a un bajo costo.

A RELAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DE VIDA ENTRE RESPIRADORES BUCAIS, ORONASAIS E NASAIS

The present study aimed to verify the relationship between quality of life and respiratory its influence on the physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals who present oral, oronasal and nasal breathing. 30 participants, of both sexes, were investigated: 15 oral and oronasal breathers, 15 nasal breathers, between 13 and 60 years old. A valid quality of life protocol - the World Health Organization quality Life - WHOQOL-BREF (WHOQ) Portuguese version was used. the existence of association between the groups studied in social and physical domains, with values (p &lt;0.05) arbitrated, where mean of oral or nasal breath scores, was nasal respirator has better quality of life between domains. The study revealed that oral and oronasal breathers have worse quality of life than nasal breathers in physical and social aspects.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND MENTAL EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF ELDERLY PEOPLE

The higher dependence rate of elderly people in Ponorogo can make their quality of life lower.Unfortunately, how the quality of life can influence the mental emotional health is still unknown. The purpose of this research was to identify the influence of the quality of life to mental emotional disorders of older adults. The design of this research was Observational correlational  with cross sectional approach. This research was held at 4 working areas of health facilities in Ponorogo district in East Java from March to May in 2015.This study included 200 elder people as participants and 50 sampling quota in each health facilities. The data collection in this study was assessed with 2 instruments. First instrument was used in this study developed by World Health Organization in Quality of life (WHO QOL-BREF) and second instrument was Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). The Pearson Correlation test was performed in this study (SPSS version 20) . The researchers found out that there was an influence of quality of life (physical health, psychologic, social relationship, and environment) on mental emotional disorders in elder people (p-Value &lt; 0.05).  This result revealed that quality of life in older adults influenced the mental emotional disorders. The improvement actions that can be proposed to decrease the mental emotional disorders of the elderly are the elderly are able to have an easy and quick access to health and general service facilities to support the mental well being of older people.

Improving quality of life for women with incurable fistula in Uganda

Aims: To understand whether reintegration services can improve quality of life (QoL) for women with incurable fistula (WIF) in Uganda.&#x0D; Methods: Standardized tools measuring health/psychosocial status and QoL were administered before and after intervention to assess impacts: Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), WHO QoL-BREF, and modified King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ).&#x0D; Results: Before intervention, all participants had SRQ-20 scores &gt;8, indicating psychological distress. After intervention, there was significant reduction (to 37%) in the proportion of participants with scores indicating distress (p=0.0003). As measured by WHO QoL-BREF, self-reported QoL and health satisfaction improved significantly after intervention (p=0.0003 and p&lt;0.0001, respectively). Mean scores on specific domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) also significantly increased (p&lt;0.001). Physical health showed the largest increase and psychological the smallest. As measured by modified KHQ, participants’ perception of their health improved significantly after intervention (p&lt;0.0001) as did their perception of how much fistula affects their life (p&lt;0.0001). The KHQ also assesses seven functional domains. Mean scores significantly increased in each after intervention (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusions: TERREWODE’s intervention was associated with significant positive changes in participants’ perception of and satisfaction with health and wellbeing. While many effects of incurable fistula cannot be eliminated, individualized support may mitigate QoL impacts. Such interventions may be adapted in other settings; standardized measures enable comparison of approaches.

Quality of life among patients on MDR-TB treatment in a district tuberculosis centre of a metropolitan city

Background: MDRTB is a global health concern with its current prevalence in India being 2.3% and 17.2% respectively among newly diagnosed and previously treated cases. Besides its clinical impact, the disease affects the QOL of patients suffering from MDR-TB. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of life among MDR-TB cases in comparison with non-MDR TB cases and TB cured subjects (Category I, RNTCP).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in all the 14 TUs under District Tuberculosis Centre of Municipal Corporation of Bengaluru (BBMP). Study subjects comprised of 52 MDR-TB Cases, 53 Non-MDR-TB cases and 54 Category I TB cured subjects. WHOQOL BREF questionnaire was used to assess the QOL among study subjects. Median [IQR] scores of QOL in each of the domains among various groups were compared using Kruskal Wallis test. P&lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Median age among MDRTB cases was 35 years [IQR: 26-50] whereas it was 37 years [IQR: 28-47] among Non MDRTB cases and 30.5 years [IQR: 22-45] among TB cured subjects. Out of 52 MDRTB cases, 26(50%) were females compared to 14 (26.4%) among Non MDRTB cases and 26(48.1%) among TB cured subjects (p=0.0024). As compared to non MDRTB cases, physical and environmental domains’ scores of MDRTB cases were significantly low (p=0.01 and p=0.001 respectively).Whereas, as compared to TB cured subjects, physical and psychological domains’ scores of MDRTB cases were significantly low (p&lt;0.001 and p&lt;0.001 respectively).Conclusions: The QOL of patients suffering from TB is affected and the impact is even worse in MDRTB. Hence prompt treatment of TB and early diagnosis of MDRTB will reduce the disease severity and improve the QOL.

Wheelchair basketball: fitness and quality of life

Abstract: The study aimed to assess the physical activity (PA) level, subjective perception of quality of life (QOL), muscle strength, flexibility, and agility in wheelchair basketball (WB) players from Pelotas/RS. The sample consisted of 10 WB amateur athletes. For muscle strength, it was applied three isometric handgrip tests - maximum handgrip test (MIHS in kgf), sub-maximum handgrip test (to assess strength endurance at 70% of MIHS (70MIHS in s) and scapular isometric test (SIS), - and two isotonic tests to measure strength endurance (maximum repetitions in 1 min) in: i) elbow flexor muscles (EFS) and ii) shoulder abductors (SAS). To evaluate agility, it was conducted adapted 20-m Shuttle Run (SR). For flexibility, it was adopted Apley’s and Back Stretch tests. Physical activity and QOL were measured by IPAQ and WHOQOL–bref, respectively. After that, descriptive statistics and t test were used with significance level at 5%. The performance in MIHS, 70MIHS, SIS, EFS, SAS and Apley’s test was, respectively, 46.17±5.06 kgf, 49.31±15.75 s, 28.44±11.53 kgf, 37.10±9.89 reps, 28.30±6.56 reps and 12.70±10.94 to right side and 47.51±8.98 kgf, 45.41±11.28 s, 30.75±12.64 kgf, 40.40±7.79 reps, 29.80±5.55 reps and 13.35±5.06 cm to left side. The athletes reached 93.00±10.92 cm in the Back Stretch (cm) test and 16.23±1.93 s in the SR. They showed 736±120 min/week of moderate and 467±191.4 min/week of vigorous PA, and the WHOQOL-bref overall score was 67.62±5.45 au. The WB players exhibited QOL near from reference values and superior performance in agility test when compared with people with physical disabilities from other sports.

Quality of life of young male catheterized patients

Introduction: It is pointless to point out that, Per-urethral or Supra-pubic Catheter compromises the Quality of life (QoL) of young male patients. Our study is about the comparison of QoL status along with depression of catheterized state with same after removal of catheter of patients. Objectives: In our study we wanted to quantify the quality of life (QoL) and distress experienced by patient following catheterisation and also to assess the improvement of QoL after catheter removal following surgical intervention. Methods: We used two tools named World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL BREF) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for this purpose. Result: We found statistically significant improvements in all domains of QoL as measured by WHOQOL BREF and improvement in depression status as well, measured by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Conclusion: As we have documented poor QoL and depression status in catheterised state and improvement of the same after catheter removal we recommend counselling of such patients regarding QoL and Psychiatry consultation for management of depression.

Citalopram and group psychotherapy in breast cancer patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Depression is a common psychiatric disorder in breast cancer patients. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of group psychotherapy on breast cancer patients with depressive disorder who took citalopram. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 40 breast cancer patients with depressive disorder. The control group received citalopram 20-40 mg/ day for 12 weeks and the intervention group participated in 8 sessions of group psychotherapy in addition to the same dose of citalopram. At the baseline and 3, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment, patients were followed- up. Treatment outcomes and quality of life were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Overall, the depression score of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline with the mean of 11.6±1.6 was signed in the range of clinical depression and after intervention it declined to 8.8±3.6 (in the 3rd week), 7.1±3.9 (6th week), and 5.9±4.5 (12th week). Furthermore, HADS anxiety score at baseline with the mean of 12.6±2.6 was signed in the range of clinical anxiety and after intervention it declined to 9.1±3.0, 7.3±4.1, and 6.0±4.0, respectively. This improvement was significantly more in the combined therapy intervention group (p<0.001). The mean score of quality of life based on WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire increased by 1.85 fold in the case group, improved from 44.09 to 81.70, while the slight change was observed in the control group (p<0.001). During the treatment, no significant adverse drug event was observed in the 2 groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Group psychotherapy has a significant effect on improving depression, anxiety, and quality of life in breast cancer patients.

Galvos smegenų traumą patyrusių asmenų pažintinių gebėjimų sąsajos su gyvenimo kokybe

Galvos smegenų trauma ne tik sutrikdo žmogaus fizinę sveikatą, bet ir turi neigiamą įtaką pažintiniams gebėjimams. Esama įrodymų, kad tokios traumos padariniai neigiamai siejasi ir su asmens gyvenimo kokybe, tačiau tyrimų duomenys neretai yra nevienareikšmiai ir prieštaringi. Šio tyrimo tikslas buvo išanalizuoti patyrusių galvos smegenų traumą ir jos nepatyrusių asmenų pažintinių gebėjimų ryšį su gyvenimo kokybe. Tyrime dalyvavo 46 Respublikinėje Vilniaus universitetinėje ligoninėje ir Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto Kauno klinikose besigydantys asmenys, kuriems buvo diagnozuota lengvo sunkumo galvos smegenų trauma (pagal Glasgow komos skalę 13–15 balų). Kontrolinę tyrimo imtį sudarė 60 sveikų asmenų. Tyrimo dalyvių amžius – nuo 20 iki 81 metų (M = 44,60, SD = 15,49). Iš tyrimo dalyvių 51 buvo vyras (48,1 %) ir 55 moterys (51,9 %).Tyrimo metu buvo naudoti atminties (HVLT-R), sekos sudarymo (angl. Trail-making-test) testai, skirti tirti dėmesį, jo perkėlimo greitį ir vykdomąsias funkcijas, bei sutrumpintas gyvenimo kokybės klausimynas (WHOQOL BREF). Tyrimo metu buvo nustatyta, kad abiejų imčių pažintiniai gebėjimai nėra susiję su subjektyviai vertinama gyvenimo kokybe, tačiau galvos smegenų traumą patyrę asmenys prasčiau vertina savo fizinę sveikatą, palyginti su kontroline grupe. Nagrinėjant tyrimo dalyvių pažintinių gebėjimų skirtumus, nustatyta, kad galvos smegenų traumą patyrę asmenys pasižymi prastesniais pažintiniais gebėjimais nei sveiki. Taip pat nustatytas amžiaus ir išsilavinimo ryšys su rezultatais.

The relationship between obsessive compulsive symptoms and quality of life in Nigerian patients with schizophrenia.

Obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) are relatively common in schizophrenia. Their presence and severity can affect the quality of life (QoL) of schizophrenia patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of OCS on the subjective QoL of the Nigerian outpatients with schizophrenia. It also determines the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with OCS. A cross-sectional study involving 232 patients with schizophrenia completed socio-demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire. OCS was examined with Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (OCI) and QoL was assessed using the brief version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire. Most of the schizophrenia patients with OCS were unmarried, unemployed, had an earlier onset, longer duration of illness, and were on higher doses of antipsychotics. They reported lower QoL and more severity of symptoms of schizophrenia when compared to those without OCS. The OCI total and it's subscales had negative weak to moderate relationship with all the domains of the WHOQoL Bref. Being unemployed, dosage of antipsychotic medication, negative symptoms and OCI total were the predictors of the total quality of life among Nigerian schizophrenia patients. OCS are very common and reduce QoL of schizophrenia patients. Hence, there is a need to routinely screen patients with schizophrenia for OCS and manage them appropriately.

One-Year Follow-Up of Women with Severe Acute Maternal Morbidity (SAMM): A Cohort Study

Some women experience unforeseen complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which may be life threatening; their survival depends on intensive support and timely interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term prevalence of adverse health conditions and their impact on quality of life in women who had severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM). This is a prospective cohort study comprising 43 women with SAMM during 2015 (exposure group) and 43 women who had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery (non-exposure group) during the same study period. Those who consented were given an additional follow-up date for free medical health check at 1 year. The incidence of SAMM during study period was 8.6/1000 births. There were five deaths in the exposure group. Adverse health events were seen in 30 (78.94%) out of 38 survivors. Abnormal lipid profile, thrombocytopenia, cardiac diastolic dysfunction, amenorrhoea, Sheehan and Asherman syndrome were major findings in the exposed group. Four (10.52%) women required re-admission, and eight (20.05%) required additional procedures to confirm screening abnormalities. The exposure group had higher mean scores on the EPDS scale, incidence of suicidal thoughts and poorer performance in the WHOQOL BREF psychological domain. Health programmes need to focus on maternal health, provide medical treatment and psychological support for a longer duration than the traditional 6weeks postpartum in women who experience SAMM.

Quality of Life among adolescents studying in Bengali and English medium schools of Siliguri subdivision, Darjeeling district, West Bengal

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is a very subjective construct that cannot be directly measured. It needs to be converted to valid and reliable indicators of its component dimensions and domains to be quantified and measured objectively. Quality of life studies of adults have progressed over time now but literature regarding adolescents remains scarce. Objectives: To assess the QoL among adolescents studying in Bengali and English medium schools and explore the factors related to its variations. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted by pre-tested and pre-designed self-administered anonymous questionnaire (WHO-QOL BREF) which is divided in four domains.Result: It was found that the students from the Bengali medium school had better quality of life than their counterparts in the English medium school with respect to all the four domains. It was also revealed that students in their late adolescence and female gender had better quality of life. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggests that including exposure to the mother tongue may help students to express themselves freely and keep them grounded to their culture.

PSYCHOLOGICAL QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING AS CORRELATES OF SPIRITUAL, RELIGIOUS AND PERSONAL BELIEFS

Today’s youth are the shapers and leaders of our global future and are often seen as healthiest cohort. But, their distressing state such as anxiety, depression, self harm, and disobedience shows that youth of today is not healthy psychologically. They undergo severe psychological distress due to many factors such as their own and family expectations, pressure for achieving success and excellence in walk of life and many others. The present investigation was planned to study predictors of psychological quality of life and wellbeing among youth populations. The sample for the study consisted of 754 youth within the age range of 16-29 years. They were assessed with World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL BREF) and World Health Organisation Spiritual, Religious, Personal Beliefs (WHOQOL - SRPB) Field Test Instrument. Data were processed by correlation and regression analysis. The results revealed that psychological quality of life and wellbeing is positively associated with spiritual, religious and personal beliefs among youth. Stepwise regression analysis identified eight predictors of psychological quality of life and wellbeing i.e. spiritual connection, meaning and purpose in life, wholeness and integration, spiritual strength, inner peace, hope and optimism, and faith.

Schizophrenias’ Quality of Life and Emotional Intelligence in Songklanagarind Hospital

Objective: To estimate the level of quality of life (QoL), emotional intelligence (EI) and the association between QoL and EI in schizophreniaMaterial and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of Songklanagarind Hospital from; May to November, 2016. A total of 96 participants were interviewed. Demographic data and medical history were collected. QoL and EI were assessed using the WHO QOL BREF (Best available techniques REFerence document) Thai version and the Thai EI Screening Test for ages of 18-60. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.Results: Our subjects were predominantly single males. Sixty-seven point seven percent of the participants were poor to moderate QoL while only two factors significantly related to their poor to moderate QoL; difficulties from psychiatric conditions and a lower level of life satisfaction. Fifty-seven point four to eighty-seven point two percent of the participants were generally within normal EI in every subscale. Moreover, there was statistical significance for positive relationships between EI with QoL in schizophrenia.Conclusion: The high prevalence of schizophrenia was a moderate QoL. A positive relationship of individual subscales of EI towards QoL was substantially found.

Factors associated with mental health status of hospital nurses

Association of individual and work-related factors as well as fatigue and quality of life (QoL) with the occurrence of mental health problems (MHPs) among 990 Iranian hospital nurses was investigated in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to collect data on individual and work-related factors, MHPs (by the General Health Questionnaire [GHQ–12]), fatigue (using the Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory [MFI–20]), and QoL (using the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF [WHOQOL–BREF]). MHPs (26.2% had GHQ–12 score ≥ 4), fatigue (particularly general, physical and mental fatigue), and poor QoL were frequent among nurses. Multivariate logistic regression modelling indicated that job experience (years), total fatigue score of the MFI–20 and its general fatigue and mental fatigue dimensions, as well as psychological health and social relationship domains of the WHOQOL–BREF were independently associated with the presence of MHPs. The findings add to the understand of the potential consequences of adverse working conditions of hospital nurses and highlight the need for ergonomic and psychosocial interventions to improve fatigue, QoL and mental health status in this occupational group.

Sexual Desire in Opiate-Dependent Men Receiving Methadone-Assisted Treatment.

Low sexual desire (SD) is not life threatening, but its negative impact on the quality of life and intimacy of a relationship among the patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is significant. This cross-sectional study involved 183 men on MMT who were interviewed and who completed the Malay version of the SDI-2 (SDI-2-BM), the Malay version of the self-rated Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS–BM) and World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF Scale (WHOQOL–BREF) questionnaires. Findings showed 32.8% (n = 60) participants had low SD. Those who were older, had sexual partners, and were smokers achieved lower scores in both dyadic SD (≤24) and solitary SD (≤6), and suffered lower quality of life in their social relationship. MMT is very cost-effective in rehabilitating opioid dependence; however, as clinicians, we need to address and manage the issues of low SD and depression among patients on MMT, especially the older men.