WHOQOL BREF Research Articles

Study on the Quality of Life of the Rural Elderly

The aim of the research was to investigate the quality of life of the rural elderly in China. Two representative villages in the eastern and western regions were selected and the WHO QOL-BREF was used The results showed that: male elderly scored higher than female in the environmental domain; the quality of life of the rural elderly in economically developed areas was higher than that of the rural elderly in economically underdeveloped areas; elderly people with their spouses still alive scored higher than those widowed or never married or divorced in social relationship domain and the quality of life of the left behind elderly was lower than that of the non-left behind.

Self-perceived health related quality of life in adolescents with repaired cleft lip and palate

Background: Cleft lip and palate is one of the most frequent birth defects and is associated co-morbidities such as facial abnormalities, difficulty in feeding, speech impairments and hearing difficulties. The psychological consequences of this anomaly are often not addressed effectively resulting in silent suffering for these individuals. The dissatisfaction with surgical outcome as well as the stigma and discrimination may affect the quality of life for both patients and their family. The study evaluates the self-perceived quality of life in children with repaired cleft lip/palate.Methods: Adolescents between the age of 11-18 years who were operated for cleft lip and palate in their early years were administered the WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire and their response were analysed in 4 domains, Physical health, Psychological, Social relationship and environmental.Results: Among the 46 children enrolled, 29 were boys and 17girls. The mean scores across each domain were as follows: Physical health-68.5, psychological-66, social relationship-88.5 and environmental-79.1. The psychological stressors frequently encountered were: teasing by their peer group, unattractive physical appearance and dissatisfaction with facial features post-surgery.Conclusions: Among the 4 domains, the mean value of domain 3 (Social relationship) was the highest-88.5 and the mean value of domain 2 (Psychosocial) is the lowest-66. Continued psychological counselling and support during the turbulent adolescent years will help these children face the challenge of integrating with the society.

Comparison of Treatment of Salmeterol and Formoterol with Fluticasone on Quality of Life (QOL) of Patients Suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by symptoms of dyspnoea, paroxysmal coughing, fatigue, and insomnia associated with considerable impact on quality of life of patients. Inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combinations (ICS/LABA) are endorsed for maintenance therapy for COPD. So, we designed this study to compare the treatment of combination of salmeterol or formoterol with fluticasone on Quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This prospective, randomized, parallel group study was conducted 45 patients suffering from COPD were enrolled in the study after they signed a written informed consent. The patients were divided in two groups based on the treatment in two groups. Group 1 was on treatment with salmeterol with fluticasone whereas group 2 was on treatment with formoterol with fluticasone; they were assessed at baseline and 4weeks. Patients were subjected to St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and WHO – Quality of life (WHO-QOL Bref) Questionnaire. Results: A total of 24 patients in group 1 and 21 patients in group 2 completed the study. The demographic profile of patients was comparable at baseline. Patients in both groups had showed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms score as compared to baseline as is evident by lower scores in SGRQ and high scores in WHO-QOL Bref score Patients on formoterol and fluticasone had slightly better scores as compared to the other group though it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both the treatment showed significant improvement in symptoms as well as quality of life as compared to baseline and a combination of formoterol and fluticasone was slightly better as compared to combination of salmeterol and fluticasone.

An Analysis of Patient Quality of Life after Ischemic Stroke of the Brain

Introduction. In highly developed countries, apart from heart attack and malignancies, stroke is the third leading cause for death and one of the major causes for disability or worsening of self-reliance, and consequently the quality of life for adults.Aim. To evaluate the quality of life and its conditions in patients who suffered an ischemic stroke.Material and Methods. The study involved 100 patients who suffered an ischemic stroke of the brain at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Regional Hospital in Bialystok. A cutom-designed self-assessment questionnaire, the WHOQOL BREF Scale for assessing the quality of life, the Barthel Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale were used as research tools.Results. 40 (40%) women and 60 (60%) men in the age range between 36 and 86 years old (mean age 69±9.93). The mean level of the overall quality of life in the study group of ischemic stroke of the brain patients was at 3.23±0.81, while self-assessment of health was worse than that. The somatic domain was rated as the worst by the elderly. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease have assessed their quality of life to be worse. Patients in a fair functional condition rated their quality of life and self-assessed health as better.Conclusions. The overall quality of life of patients after ischemic stroke of the brain was at an average level, both under objective and subjective assessment, and was correlated with functional fitness, worsening of depressive disorders, risk factors, education, and gender. (JNNN 2017;6(2):44–54)

A comparative study of family burden and quality of life between caregivers of schizophrenia and dementia patients

Background: In chronic mental diseases, as the disease progresses, it carries with tremendous burden both physically and psychologically on the family members, who are usually in the process of caregiving. The quality of life (QOL) of these caregivers is directly related to the subjective and objective burden of the illness. The objective of the study was to assess and compare the level of family burden and QOL between caregivers of Schizophrenia and Dementia patients as well as to find out the relationship between family burden and QOL.Methods: A total of 128 key caregivers (64 caregivers of each group) fulfilling the inclusion criteria purposely selected from the OPD of MHI, S. C. B. Medical College and Neuropsychiatric Consultation Centre, Cuttack. The impact of family burden on key caregivers of dementia and schizophrenia patients was assessed by using family burden interview schedule and the quality of life of key caregivers was assessed by using WHOQOL BREF scale. Data was analysed by using chi-squre, t test and pearson correlation. Data analysis was performed by SPSS.Results: Statistical significant differences (p <0.05) were found in the areas of financial burden, disruptions of family routine activities, family leisure and family interaction between dementia and schizophrenia caregivers. Whereas there was no statistical significant difference (p >0.05) found in different domains of quality of life between these two groups of caregivers. There were significant negative correlations found between family burden and psychological, social relationships and environment domains of quality of life.Conclusions: Caregivers perceived subjective and objective burden ultimately affecting their QOL.

Adverse Drug Reactions and their Impact on Quality of Life in Patients on Antipsychotic Therapy at a Tertiary Care Center in Delhi.

Context:Adverse drug reactions (ADR) due to antipsychotic therapy have significant impact on a psychiatric patient's quality of life. Few studies have been conducted in India to monitor adverse drug reactions due to antispsychotics and none has been done to determine their impact on quality of life.Aims:The present study was conducted to monitor ADRs due to antipsychotics and ascertain the impact of ADRs on quality of life.Settings and Design:This prospective observational study was conducted in the psychiatry outpatients department in New Delhi for 1 year.Patients and Methods:A total of 224 patients enrolled were followed up for a period of 3 months. ADRs were monitored using the standard form of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and causality was determined using the Naranjo algorithm. The WHO Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale was used to study the effect of ADR on the quality of life.Statistical Analysis Used:The data were entered and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 17.0. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the quality of life of patients who encountered ADRs and those who did not. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Of the total 224 patients, 38 adverse drug events occurred. Adverse drug events were mostly with risperidone (10), followed by olanzapine (8) owing to high usage. Majority of the events were classified as probable (34). The occurrence of adverse drug events decreased the scores on physical and psychological domain scores of WHO-QOL BREF at 3 months compared to baseline.Conclusions:The study provides information on the existing incidence of ADRs in the setup with an established pharmacovigilance center. The nature of ADRs correlates with the prevalence pattern of usage of atypical antipsychotics. Clinicians need to weigh benefit versus the impact on quality of life while prescribing antipsychotics.

Difference in quality of life and associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam.

In Vietnam today, many generations remain living together in a family. With escalating urbanization and population aging, mental health disorders and the quality of life (QoL) among the elderly are gradually presenting themselves as of great concern. The objective of this study was to examine gender differences in QoL and some associated factors among the elderly in rural Vietnam using the QoL scale of WHO (WHOQOL-BREF). A cross-sectional study using quantitative methods. The proportion of the elderly men having higher level of QoL in physical health, psychological health and environment was higher than that of their women counterparts. Reversely, of those having medium and lower QoL, females made up a larger proportion than males. The overall QoL score in elderly men (75.32) was higher than that of women (72.32) and the same pattern was witnessed in all four domains of QoL. While higher QoL in elderly men was significantly correlated with 5 factors, aged ≥ 80 years, following Buddhism and Christianity, having better connection and without illness in the past 6 months, these among female counterparts are aged ≥ 80 years, completing secondary level or above, having medium and high socioeconomic status and without illness in the last 6 months.

Treatment diary for botulinum toxin spasticity treatment: a pilot study.

The aim of this study is to develop a treatment diary for patients receiving spasticity treatment including botulinum toxin injection and physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy. The diary focuses on problems triggered by skeletal muscle overactivity; agreed goals for treatment and the patient’s self-evaluation of achievement on the Goal Attainment Scale; which skeletal muscles were injected; physiotherapists’ and occupational therapists’ evaluation of the patients’ achievement of objectives on the Goal Attainment Scale; and proposals for optimization of treatment and changing goals. The evaluation included a satisfaction questionnaire and the WHO-QoL BREF and WHO-5 well-being score. Overall, 10 patients were enrolled in the pilot study. The patients were generally satisfied with the diary, found that it involved them more in their treatment and made it easier to set personal goals, and found it worth the time spent using it. However, no clear advantage in relation to their quality of life (WHO-QoL BREF and WHO-5 well-being score) was reported.

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN SPORT

BackgroundA recent prevalence study in the Netherlands and Belgium showed that 38% of children in sport experienced psychological violence, 11% physical violence, and 14% sexual violence. Ethnic minority, lesbian/gay/bisexual (LGB)...

Translation, cross‐cultural adaptation, and validation of the french version of the 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality Of life scale

Evaluation of quality of life (QOL) has become essential in healthcare. Currently no MG-specific QOL measure exists in French. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the French version of the 15-Item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale (MG-QOL15) scale for French myasthenia patients. Translation and cross-cultural adaption of the MG-QOL15 was performed, followed by reliability and validity evaluations. One hundred and twenty-five patients were included. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach α = 0.92) as was test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.96). Concurrent validity was good for both clinical scores (myasthenic muscle score: ρ = -0.52, P < 0.001; Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living scale score: ρ = 0.62, P < 0.001). Correlations were strongest for overall QOL (ρ = 0.62, P < 0.001) and physical health (ρ = 0.67, P < 0.001) on the World Health Organization Quality of Life short score (WHO-QOL BREF). The French version of the MG-QOL15 is valid and reliable and is now available for use with French-speaking patients. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 639-645, 2017.

Psychiatric comorbidity and quality of life in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome

Context: There is a lack of literature on the relation between psychiatric comorbidities and their influence on quality of life in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome in the Indian settings. Aims: To study the relation between psychiatric comorbidity with quality of life in patients with alcohol dependence. Settings and Design: The study was carried out in a de-addiction centre of a tertiary care hospital upon randomly selected inpatients of alcohol dependence syndrome. Patients with other substance abuse except tobacco or those with severe physical impairment were excluded. Materials and Methods: Hundred in-patients were assessed between the period of August 2013 to July 2014, using a number of instruments including specially designed proforma for clinical and drinking variables, CIWA-Ar, SADD, M.I.N.I 5.0 and WHO QoL Bref. Statistics used: SPSS 19.0 was used for analysis. Significance was calculated using t-test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: Prevalence of psychiatric disorder was found to be 32% across all the tested patients, with anxiety (n = 13) and depressive disorder (n = 12) being most common. Presence of psychiatric comorbidity lead to significant lowering in overall quality, perception of general health, physical (42.12 vs 57.78, P = 0.001), psychological (40.19 vs 53.29, P = 0.002), social (43.97 vs 66.90, P = 0.000), and environment (50.47 vs 62.71, P = 0.001) domains. Conclusion: Comorbid psychiatric disorders have a significant negative impact on the quality of life in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome.

Effect of Supportive Psychotherapy on Mental Health Status and Quality of Life of Female Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Recurrent Disease.

Context:Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy for their recurrent disease often report the presence of anxiety and depression.Aims:In the study, we intended to find out the mental health status and overall quality of life (QOL) of such patients and to identify the effect of supportive psychotherapy.Subjects and Methods:Forty cancer patients undergoing second or subsequent line chemotherapy(CCT) were selected for psychotherapy session. Pre- and post-psychotherapy evaluation of anxiety and depression was determined by hospital anxiety depression scale. The QOL was measured before and after psychotherapy sessions by using WHO QOL-BREF scale.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical analysis was done by paired t-test, using SPSS V.20.Results:Among 40 patients, 17 patients had breast cancer, and the remaining had ovarian cancer. All breast cancer and 19 ovarian cancer patients were receiving 2nd line CCT. Four ovarian cancer patients were undergoing 3rd line CCT. Results indicated that mean scores (± standard deviation) of anxiety 13.95 (±4) and depression 15.5 (±4.4) both exceeded the cut-off score of 11 and mean score of QOL physical health 29.77 (±10.1), psychological health 31.3 (±10.1), social relationship 35.1 (±9.6), and environmental condition 25.9 (±9.9) was below cut-off score of 60. After psychotherapy, there was significant reduction in anxiety (P < 0.01), depression (P < 0.01) and improvement on QOL physical heath (P = 0.02), psychological health (P < 0.01), environmental condition (P < 0.01), and social relationship (P < 0.01).Conclusions:Supportive psychotherapy helps to reduce the level of anxiety, depression, and increase the QOL. Therefore, psychotherapeutic intervention should be encouraged along with chemotherapy to promote positive mental health and to obtain full benefit of their physical treatment.

Coping Strategies among Parents of Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: Having a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia represents challenges to the family which may impact their quality of life. In such circumstances, parents use various coping strategies to face this stressful situation, and understanding the relation of coping strategies on quality of life among parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may provide professionals with ideas about how to support them which in turn may improve their quality of life. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between coping strategies and the health related quality of life of parents whose children are suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Study design: A cross-sectional design using guided self-administered questionnaire by a single researcher was used. Methods: A universal sample consisted of 299 parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was recruited from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur Institute Pediatrics. The response rate was 98%. The data collection tools were WHOQOL BREF which is the World Health Organization Quality of Life shorter version and Brief COPE questionnaires. Results: The results revealed that half of the parents perceived their health related quality of life as good. The highest scores for parents were reported on the social relationship domain meanwhile the lowest were reported on the environmental health domain. In regard to the coping strategies, it was found that religion was most frequently used while humor was the least to be used. Moreover, there was a significant positive relationship between quality of life of the parents and problem-focused coping style and a significant negative relationship with emotion-focused coping style. Conclusion: On the basis of the finding of present study, an appropriate intervention could be design to include program that promote the use of problem-focused copings such as active coping and planning and discourage the use of emotion-focused copings such as self-blaming to enhance parents’ health related quality of life.

Effect of Family Focused Intervention on Perceived Stress, Quality of Life and Relapse Rate of Clients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

A study was conducted to assess the effect of family focused intervention on perceived stress, quality of life and relapse rate of clients with alcohol dependence syndrome admitted in selected De-addiction centre at Kozhikode. The objectives were (1) determine the effect of family focused intervention on perceived stress and quality of life of clients with alcohol dependence syndrome, (2) identify the effect of family focused intervention on relapse rate of clients with alcohol dependence syndrome. The theoretical framework used was Sister Callista Roy's Adaptation Model. True experimental approach with pre-test post-test control group design was adopted for 20 sample, 10 each for control and experimental groups were selected using simple random sampling. Tools used in the study were structured questionnaire for the personal data, Perceived Stress Scale, WHOQOL BREF Scale and The AWARE Questionnaire. Results showed that family focused intervention is effective in improving quality of life and reducing stress of clients with alcohol dependence syndrome. The relapse rates were low for majority of the clients with alcohol dependence syndrome after family focused intervention.

Path Analysis on the Influence of Educational Level, Stages of Cancer, Social Support, and Coping Strategy toward the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients in Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta

Background: Breast cancer develops into main health problem for women globally. Patients of breast cancer will endure transformation both physically as well as psychologically, it will give impact to the quality of life. The study aimed to analyze the influence of educational level, stages of cancer, social support, and coping strategy toward the quality of life of breast cancer patients.Subjects and Method: The study employed mixed method with quantitative and qualitative approach. The study was conducted in Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta in August – October 2017. There were a total of 150 study subjects selected with stratified random sampling. Purposive sampling was used for qualitative study with 3 informants. The dependent variable was quality of life. The independent variables were educational level, stages of cancer, social support and coping strategy. Quantitative data collection was conducted by using questionnaires. Social support variable was measured by using Multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) questionnaires, coping strategy variable was measured by brief COPE questionnaires and life quality variable was measured by WHOQOL BREF questionnaires. Data qualitative collection was by means in depth interview. Quantitative data was analyzed by using path analysis, qualitative data was analyzed by using interactive model Miles and Huberman.Result: Quality of life was influenced by educational level (b= 8.69, SE= 1.84, p<0.001), stages of cancer (b= -6.41, SE= 2.94, p= 0.029), social support (b= 1.03, SE= 0.34, p= 0.003), coping strategy (b= 2.07, SE= 0.43, p<0.001). Coping strategy was influenced by educational level (b= 0.97, SE= 0.34, p= 0.004) and social support (b= 0.37, SE= 0.06, p<0.001).Conclusion: Quality of life of breast cancer patients is influenced by educational level, stages of cancer, social support, and coping strategy. Coping strategy was influenced by educational level and social support. Key words: social support, coping strategy, quality of life, path analysisCorrespondence: Sri Nuryati. Masters Program in Public Health, Sebelas Maret University, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: sri.nuryati1985@gmail.com. Mobile: +6282138283802.Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (2017), 2(3): 225-235https://doi.org/10.26911/jepublichealth.2017.02.03.04

Music &amp; Wellbeing

Introduction: Scientific literature suggests that music may serve as therapeutic function among populations with different illnesses or disorders. Functional neuroimaging studies that incorporate music activity or music method shown an increase activation in several brain areas, with widespread bilateral hemodynamic responses in occipital lobe, bilateral cerebellum, temporal lobe, in the right lateral prefrontal cortex as well hemodynamic responses in the left middle frontal gyrus.Music activity can have effects that improve the psychological health of individuals. These improvements refer to modulation of emotion, neurocognition, and behaviour. Another important conclusion is the social function of the music. Music seems to be capable of engaging in social behaviour, involves communication, increase interindividual trust , improve social cohesion of the group. In summary, making music is an activity that involves several social functions.However, is it possible to improve quality of life with music method in severe mental illness? The term severe mental illness (SMI) has been used to refer psychiatric disorders that are persistent over time and that result in serious impairment in one or more domains of functioning, such as social relations, employment, and family relations. Meta-analytical studies have found a relationship between severity of disorder and quality of life measures.The use of music stimuli to convey information may imbue the learning experience with positive emotional associations. Thereby, scientific literature suggests that music may serve a therapeutic function among populations with SMI, including overall reduction in psychotic symptoms, reduction in negative symptoms of schizophrenia, improved social functioning and increase in subjective sense of community participation, decreased social isolation and increased level of interest in external events.The stigma of mental illness remains a powerful negative attribute in all-social relations. Discrimination is also about the conditions in which our patients live in their community. The stigma of severe mental disorders contributes to social isolation and social exclusion. The main goal is social integration of people with SMI in the community through music investigating the quality of life and self-esteem outcomes.Method: The musical activity consists on choral singing 1 hour a week conducted by a professional music with training in music pedagogy and learning strategies and patterns of emotional modulation led by a psychologist.Persons with and without mental illness favouring social integration form the choral group.Different aspects that are promoted:• Musical practice: choral singing, musical language, rhythm, intonation, and technique voice-articulation.• Neurocognitive strategies are directed by the psychologist to improve attention, memory executive function and emotional modulation.• Psychomotor skills aimed to improving the appropriate tone for action and facial and body gestures.• Social skills: active listening, empathy, motivation to belonging to a group.• Participants create a common artistic project: Concert Performance.• Decisions concerning the group are made in assemblies, in which the whole grou take part. People are distributed depending on their vocal tone (soprano, alto, tenor and bass).Outcomes measures: The Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965) and The Quality of Life Scale of WHO Spanish version (WHOQOL Bref, Lucas C. 1998) were assessed in baseline and at post condition ( 12 month of choral sessions).Results: Twenty-six people were recruited to the study of whom 13 with SMI and 12 without mental illness. The mean age was 46 years, and de gender were 11 male ( 44%). Statistical analysis shown that people with SMI achieved significant improvement over time in terms of Quality of life and self-esteem measurements.Conclusions: Performing musical activity, specifically choral singing (1hour a week) with SMI along with other people without mental problems promotes social integration.Facilitating contact between people with and without mental illness by creating a common artistic project prevents social isolation of SMI and promotes the wellbeing.

How effective are volunteers at supporting people in their last year of life? A pragmatic randomised wait-list trial in palliative care (ELSA).

BackgroundClinical care alone at the end of life is unlikely to meet all needs. Volunteers are a key resource, acceptable to patients, but there is no evidence on care outcomes. This study aimed to determine whether support from a social action volunteer service is better than usual care at improving quality of life for adults in the last year of life.MethodsA pragmatic, multi-centre wait-list controlled trial, with participants randomly allocated to receive the volunteer support intervention either immediately or after a 4 week wait. Trained volunteers provided tailored face-to-face support including befriending, practical support and signposting to services, primarily provided within the home, typically for 2–3 hours per week. The primary outcome was rate of change of quality of life at 4 weeks (WHO QOL BREF, a general, culturally sensitive measure). Secondary outcomes included rate of change of quality of life at 8 weeks and Loneliness (De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale), social support (mMOS-SS), and reported use of health and social care services at 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsIn total, 196 adults (61% (n = 109) female; mean age 72 years) were included in the study. No significant difference was found in main or secondary outcomes at 4 weeks. Rate of change of quality of life showed trends in favour of the intervention (physical quality of life domain: b = 3.98, CI, –0.38 to 8.34; psychological domain: b = 2.59, CI, –2.24 to 7.43; environmental domain: b = 3, CI, –4.13 to 4.91). Adjusted analyses to control for hours of volunteer input found significantly less decrease in physical quality of life in the intervention group (slope (b) 4.43, CI, 0.10 to 8.76). While the intervention also favoured the rate of change of emotional (b = –0.08; CI, –0.52 to 0.35) and social loneliness (b = –0.20; CI, –0.58 to 0.18), social support (b = 0.13; CI, –0.13 to 0.39), and reported use of health and social care professionals (b = 0.16; CI, –0.22 to 0.55), these were not statistically significant. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsClinicians can confidently refer to volunteer services at the end of life. Future research should focus on ‘dose’ to maximise likely impact.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered. ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN12929812, registered 20 May 2015.

IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION IN SCREENING AND EDUCATION ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN A RURAL AREA IN SOUTHERN INDIA

ABSTRACTObjective: Hypertension (HTN) expends a consequential public health concern on cardiovascular health status and health-care systems in India. Theeffectuation of the pharmaceutical care program in the health care is an extremely important need to achieve the optimum therapeutic effect. Theobjective of the study was to assess the impact of pharmacist intervention on patient’s blood pressure (BP) level, quality of life (QOL), and knowledge,attitude, and practice (KAP) of hypertensive patients.Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study was carried out for 6 months. The hypertensive patients were randomized into control and interventiongroup based on age, and both the groups were interviewed using KAP and WHO QOL-BREF questionnaires, screened BP, respectively, at baseline andeach follow-up after post counseling section to the intervention group. The effect of pharmacist intervention on QOL and KAP among control andintervention was statistically analyzed by paired t-test using SPSS version 16.Results: The total sample studied was 60, of which 20 (33.33%) were males and 40 (66.67%) were females. In our study, the QOL score for eachdomain of both intervention and control groups were almost poor (p˃0.05) at baseline and for the intervention group, a highly significant improvement(p&lt;0.001) was observed for all domains in final follow-up. KAP score of intervention group also showed a significant improvement (p&lt;0.001) frombaseline to final follow-up. In this study, intervention group showed a significant mean reduction of systolic BP from baseline 150.13±25.670 to finalfollow-up 145.33±12.914.Conclusion: The results of the study showed a significant improvement in the patient’s KAP toward different aspects of HTN and QOL followingpharmacist mediated counseling. Involvement of pharmacy practitioners in the management of HTN significantly improves QOL and KAPs.Keywords: Hypertension, Quality of life, Knowledge, Attitude and practice, Pharmacist intervention, Patient counseling.

KUALITAS HIDUP PENDERITA KUSTA BERBASIS TEORI HEALTH BELIEF MODELS (HBM)

Introduction: Leprosy was a chronic infectious disease that affects the quality of life of patients. Many factors could affect the quality of life of people with leprosy, but there was no specific research that analyzed factors related to quality of life of people with leprosy based on Health Belief Models theory (HBM). This study aimed to analyze factors that related to quality of life of people with leprosy based on Health Belief Model theory (HBM) in Public Health Center in North Surabaya. Methode: This study used descriptive analytic correlational with cross-sectional approach. Sample in this study were 30 patients with leprosy at public health center in North Surabaya. The independent variabels were individual perceived depend on HBM theory and dependent variabel was Quality of Life of Leprosy patients. Data were collected by interviews and using questionnaire. The instrument for collecting Quality of life using WHOQOL BREF and for collecting individual perception using a questionnaire derived from HBM theory. Data were analyzed used statistical Logistic Regression test (p&lt;0,05). Result and Analysis: People with leprosy in public health care in region of North Surabaya 83.3% had good quality of life. There was correlation between quality of life with perceived susceptibility (p = 0.013) and perceived of seriousness (p = 0.004). There is was no correlation that found between quality of life with perceived benefit (p = 0.638) and perceived barriers (p = 0.334). Perceived susceptibility and perceived seriousness could be factors that affect quality of life of people with leprosy. Discussion: It needs to do a research about quality of life of patients with leprosy based on HBM theory using questionnaire that has been tested for validation to determine factors that affect quality of life of patient with leprosy.Keywords: Leprosy, quality of life, HBM, individual perceptions

Study of Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression among Cancer Survivors at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Cancer survivors may experience mental health concerns that affect their emotions, behavior, memory, and ability to concentrate. For example, cancer survivors may feel emotional distress like depression, fear, and anxiety after being diagnosed with cancer. Present study was conducted to assess depression, anxiety level and quality of life of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: 42 cancer survivors (under cancer therapy for 1 year and above) visiting Department of Radiotherapy, Rama Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Hapur, UP, (India) are included in the present study. The study forms including the questions regarding the patient’s demographic characteristics, Becks Depression Inventory (BDI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and WHOQOL BREF were completed during face-to-face interviews for the determination of the psychological status of the patients. Results: Study sample consists of 16 (38.1%) males and 26 (61.9%) females. Maximum number of the sample belongs to the age group of ˃61 years (33.3%, 14). Further, 35 (83.3%) out of total 42 cases are married. There was a positive correlation between BDI and STAI and there is negative correlation between BDI and quality of life. Study sample was compared in terms of Quality of Life and STAI scores. Comparison on both scales shows that all the dimensions of the Quality of Life except D3= Domain 3 (Social Relationship) is negatively correlated with both the two sub-types of STAI. The state anxiety score is negatively correlated with D1=Domain 1 (Physical health; p<0.001), D2= Domain 2 (Psychological; p<0.001), D4= Domain 4 (Environment; p<0.001) and also the trait anxiety score of the sample is also negatively correlated with D1=Domain 1 (Physical health; p<0.001), D2= Domain 2 (Psychological; p<0.001), D4= Domain 4 (Environment; p<0.001). However, there is no significant difference in terms of D3= Domain 3 (Social Relationship; state anxiety p ˃ 0.001and trait anxiety p ˃ 0.001) and STAI scores. Conclusion: There is a need for methodological studies that measure QOL among cancer survivors more precisely by taking into account the effects of the severity of the cancer and the long-term impact of different treatments. Additional data are needed to help us understand the needs of survivors and to identify those subgroups of survivors who are at greatest risk for the adverse sequelae of the disease and its treatment.