WHOQOL BREF Research Articles

Estimating disability and quality of life after different degrees of hand and forearm trauma.

Hand injuries comprise up to one fourth of all injuries and require excellent skills and aggressive physical therapy with still a high potential to cause long term physical and functional disability which affects one's quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate disability and quality of life in patients with different degrees of hand and forearm injuries using the two different scoring sistems and to examine the correlation between them. This retrospective study was performed among patients operated on at our clinic due to acute hand and forearm trauma during the period of two years. Four groups of patients were made according to the Modified Hand Injury Severity Score (MHISS). One year after the treatment, phone interviews were made with those patients to answer to the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (quick-DASH) score for estimating disability and to the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) score to estimate the quality of life regerding four domains: physical, social, environmental and psychological. Out of 182 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria, only 60 completely answered to the questionnaires, 46 (17%) men and 14 (23%) women. Most of the patients were in the group with moderate injuries according to the MHISS, followed by the group with major and severe injuries. A weak correlation was found between the MHISS and quick DASH score in the group with minor injuries, compared to no correlation between these parameters in other groups. The lowest quality of life was registered in the physical domain, while the highest in the social one. A negative correlation was found among the four domains of the WHOQoL BREF score and quick-DASH score in all the groups. Severity of hand and forearm injuries does not necessarily correlate with patient's perception of disability. The quality of life was less affected by severity of injury than by the patient's per- ception of disability.

Measures of Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Adult People Living with HIV/AIDS at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background & Aims: The study investigated the relationship between objective and subjective nutritional status parameters and quality of life in HIV seropositive patients. Methods: Retrospective review of clinic records of 150 HIV seropositive patients at a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Nutritional status was evaluated objectively with anthropometry including body mass index (BMI), subjectively with malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) and subjective global assessment (SGA) tool. Data on quality of life (QOL) assessed with WHOQOL (Bref), and CD4 count were extracted. Correlation analysis and linear regression were done to investigate the relationship between variables, level of significance set at p < 0.05 respectively. The CD4 count correlated with percentage body fat (r = 0.224), MUST (r = -0.186) and SGA (r = -0.192), p < 0.05 respectively, but not with any of the QOL domains. Weight, MUST, SGA, percentage body fat were significant predictors of the percentage weight change in 6 months. Conclusions: BMI has significant positive association with psychological domain of QOL. MUST and SGA have significant negative association with certain domains. QOL did not predict short-term weight changes, as did the current weight, MUST, and SGA.

Long-term effect of Haart on biochemical profiles of HIV/AIDS patients in a tertiary health facility in Benin city, Nigeria

Purpose: To assess the long-term effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on biochemical parameters of HIV-infected patients in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria.Methods: HIV/AIDS patients on HAART for 2 - 8 years (297), those who were not on HAART (112, positive control), and healthy subjects (103, negative control) were recruited in the Infectious Diseases Clinic (IDC) of UBTH. Their sera were assayed for biochemical parameters. WHOQoL bref instrument was used to assess patients’ Quality of life (QoL).Results: Patients who have been on HAART had significantly elevated ALT and AST levels (p &lt; 0.001) but mild liver toxicity. QoL of these patients was not significantly different from that of the healthy controls. The levels of Na+ (133.4 ± 5.2 mmol/l), K+ (3.6 ± 0.4 mmol/l) and Cl- (101.3 ± 4.0 mmol/l) were significantly lower in patients on HAART than those of the positive (137.5 ± 5.1, 3.9 ± 0.5, 104.3 ± 5.7 mmol/l respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Also, levels of creatinine (0.8 ± 0.2 mg/dl), TBil (0.5 ± 0.2 mg/dl), and CB (0.3 ± 0.5 mg/dl) were significantly higher in patients on HAART than those of either the positive (0.7 ± 0.3, 0.4 ± 0.2, 0.2 ± 0.1 mg/dl) or negative (0.7 ± 0.3, 0.3 ± 0.1, 0.2 ± 0.1 mg/dl) controls respectively (p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Treatment with HAART for 2 - 8 years may not produce severe hepatotoxicity in HIV/AIDS patient though mild liver toxicity should be expected. The patients’ QoL was not negatively affected by the use of HAART for 2 - 8 years.Keywords: Biochemical parameters, HIV/AIDS, Long-term HAART, Quality of life (QoL).

Associations between socioeconomic status, aging and functionality among older women

To assess if there is an association between socioeconomic status and quality of life, functional status and markers of aging, we studied 86 women aged 73 ± 7 years, who answered the WHO Qol Bref quality of life survey. Mini mental state examination, timed up and go test, 12 minutes' walk, hand grip and quadriceps strength, dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), carotid intima-media thickness and telomere length in peripheral leukocytes were measured. Successful aging was defined as a walking speed, handgrip strength, appendicular lean body mass, timed up and go and minimental values above cutoff points for disability. Participants with successful aging had a higher quality of life score and were more likely to live in rich municipalities. There was a positive correlation between telomere length, right handgrip strength and total fat free mass. Therefore, there is an association between socioeconomic status, successful aging and quality of life.

Effects of pilates method in low back back pain.

Introduction: Back pain is all pain conditions, located in the lower back, between the last rib and the gluteal fold. The main goal of Pilates is to strengthen the center of the body, improving spinal stabilization. Objective: This study aimed at examining the effects of Pilates on low back pain, checking their effect on low back pain, using a visual analog pain scale, assess the quality of life through the Quality of Life Questionnaire - WHOQOL Bref and measure flexibility by Test FINGER-FLOOR. Method: This study was submitted to the CEP of a private college in Teresina, PI (no. 18441813.0.0000.5211). The sample was not random type, consisting of six participants with low back pain box. They were assessed before and after treatment by means of an evaluation form (age, weight, height, BMI, visual analog pain scale - EVA Test and finger-floor) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire - WHOQOL Bref . 10 individual sessions were conducted with the Pilates method, often two weekly visits lasting one hour each. Data were analyzed using parametric test "t" test, with significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: The results showed that treatment significantly reduced pain, with p = 0, 0048 Regarding quality of life, we can observe significant improvements in the Physical Domain with p = 0.0288, and p = Psychological Domain. 0.0477. Already in Social Domains, Domain Environment and overall quality of life, the results were not significant with p = 0.2894, p = 0.6357 and p = 0.0830, respectively. Flexibility in the analysis of observed significant improvement, with p = 0.0039. Conclusion: Therefore, the Pilates Method can be an effective treatment option in the treatment of lumbago, acting globally.

Quality of Life Among HIV Positive Individuals in Kathmandu Valley and Eastern Region of Nepal

The alarming increase of HIV/AIDS, inability to afford highly active anti-retroviral therapy, disability and stigma associated with the disease, loss of productivity due to illness, and chronic nature of the disease has made HIV/AIDS one of the most important public health problems in developing countries. The Quality of life assessment is focused on humanistic element and intervention resulting from this result may lead to better overall patient well being. The aim of our study was to assess and compare the quality of life among HIV positive individuals in Kathmandu Valley and Eastern region. The study was conducted among 228 HIV positive individuals from Eastern Nepal and 213 from Kathmandu valley and they were compared with an equal number of age-sex matched controls from the community. The instrument used was the WHO QOL-BREF Nepali questionnaire. The HIV positive individuals had significantly lower (P<0.001) QOL scores than the controls in the overall QOL and all the domains of life: Physical, Psychological, Social and Environmental. HIV positive individuals from Kathmandu valley scored significantly better (P<0.001) scores in the Physical and Environmental domains when compared to HIV positive individuals from Eastern region. HIV positive females had a significantly higher (P<0.02) QOL scores for overall QOL and overall perception of health than the males. These findings suggest that HIV positive individuals have a poorer quality of life than the general population in Kathmandu valley and Eastern region of Nepal and interventions could be targeted to improve this aspect of their health.

Effectiveness of diabetes self-management education on quality of life in diabetic elderly females.

Introduction:Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and patient self-management education to reduce the risk of long-term and acute complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education on quality of life in elderly females with diabetic mellitus (type 2) in Shiraz, Iran, 2013.Method:The study was conducted from January to April 2014 at the Jahandidegan center, a day center affiliated to Shiraz welfare organization. The instrument used for the study was the Quality of life Questionnaire (WHO QOL-BREF) SF26. After an explanation of the aim of the study by the researcher, 90 participants with all the required criteria and G.H.Q score ≤ 23 were selected as the study sample for the intervention. Participants divided into experimental and control groups, and completed WHO QOL-BREF before the intervention, 2 and 3 months after the last session of education.Result:It is shown that 2 and 3 months after the intervention, QOL scores had a significant difference between the two groups. In other words, the training sessions improved the score of QOL in the intervention group (P < 0.001) versus control group (P = 0.5).Conclusion:The Behavioral Intervention Program significantly improved the quality of life outcomes of the diabetic elderly females. Thus, it is concluded that the diabetic individuals can be significantly improved following instruction by health care providers.

A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY ON QUALITY OF LIFE OF NURSES WORKING IN SELECTED HOSPITALS OF UDUPI AND MANGALORE DISTRICTS KARNATAKA, INDIA

Abstract:Quality of life (QOL) is an important dimension of health. It is a subjective term which varies from person to person and depends on each individual's capacity to cope with a situation. It is important to know how satisfied nurses are with their QOL and jobs and what characteristics influence their quality of life. The main aim of this study was to determine the Quality of Life of nurses as measured by WHO Quality of Life questionnaire and to find the association between Quality of Life and selected demographic and work related variables. The study population consisted of 1040 registered nurses working in selected medical college hospitals and government hospitals of Udupi and Mangalore districts during the period of data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples. Data were gathered by administering Background proforma, and scale on Quality of life (WHO QOL-BREF). Median score of QOL of nurses on overall perception of quality of life and health were equal. Significant association was observed between Quality of life and marital status, and monthly income, area of work, working hours and total years of experience.

AB1146-HPR Assessment of Health Problems and Quality of Life of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus - SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the involvement of many organs. Fundamental principle of treatment of SLE is a comprehensive and individualized treatment approach,...

Association between body mass index and quality of life in Chinese adults

To assess the relationship between body mass index and quality of life (QOL) in Chinese adults. 83 347 subjects from database of 2010 Chronic Non-communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in China were included in this study. Questionnaire was used to collect general information and health status. WHO QOL-BREF was adopted as an instrument to measure the quality of life among all the subjects. Weight and height of each subject were measured, and then body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare QOL from different BMI classifications. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of QOL with BMI in different sex. Among 83 347 subjects, when compared with normal weight adults, their QOL scores were relatively low for those underweight, overweight and obese adults. Scores of psychological and environment domains in the overweight adult groups were higher than other groups. The highest score of social relationship domain was for obese group and the lowest score was seen in the underweight group. Differences on the above said groups were significant (P < 0.000 1). When compared to normal weight adults, after adjusting for other factors, OR impaired QOLs in physical (OR = 1.38, 95% CI:1.12-1.70), mental (OR = 1.29, 95% CI:1.08-1.54), social relationship and (OR = 1.26, 95% CI:1.08-1.47) and environment domains (OR = 1.37, 95% CI:1.12-1.67) all increased among men in the underweight group. However, ORs of impaired QOL in physical (OR = 0.88, 95%CI:0.82-0.94; OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.82-0.98), psychological (OR = 0.88, 95% CI:0.83-0.94; OR = 0.83, 95% CI:0.77-0.90), social relationship (OR = 0.89, 95%CI:0.84-0.94; OR = 0.78, 95%CI:0.71-0.85) and environment domains (OR = 0.85, 95%CI:0.80-0.92; OR = 0.79, 95%CI:0.73-0.86) decreased among both overweight and obese men, respectively. For women,ORs of impaired QOL in social relationship (OR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.85-0.98) and environment domains (OR = 0.91, 95%CI:0.80-0.92) both decreased in the overweight group. And the ORs decreased also in impaired QOL in social relationship domain (OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.78-0.95) for obese women. QOLs of the four domains were different for adults with different BMl classification. Underweight men showed poor QOL on these four domains while overweight and obese men had better QOLs. For women, overweight group had better QOLs in both relationship and environment domains but obese women had better relationship QOL.

Perceived pregnancy stress and quality of life amongst Iranian women.

Background:Stress during pregnancy can result in critical negative outcomes on the mother, the fetus, the newborn, the child and even the adolescent. Quality of life has been recognized as a predictor of stress amongst pregnant women.Objectives:The first aim of this study was to investigate the role of quality of life in pregnancy stress rates. The second aim was to explore the relationship between maternal stress rate and the four domains of quality of life namely physical health, psychological status, social relationships and environmental conditions.Methods:The present study was a quantitative cross-sectional research. It was conducted on 210 pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy who attended a hospital located in the west of Tehran for prenatal care between August and October 2012. Two questionnaires of The WHO QOL–BREF and Specific Pregnancy Stress were given to respondents to complete. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 22 using one-way ANOVA and Spearman correlation and Lisrel 8.8 using statistical path analyzing to describe the direct dependencies among variables.Results:In the current study, we hypothesized that quality of life may influence the perceived stress during pregnancy. The mean age of the women surveyed was estimated 27±4.8 years. The ultimate result showed that there is a significant relationship between quality of life and pregnancy stress level (Pvalue<0.05, β=-0.16). In addition, we found a significant relationship, as well as direct correlation between the environmental domain in quality of life and the financial and environmental dimensions of specific pregnancy stress (Pvalue<0.05, r=-0.365, r=-0.181).Conclusion:Further investigations may be considered for extending the results to all pregnant women. Thus, further research across country would be required to validate the results of this study and to generalize the findings to wider population.

Patient education, upper-limb symptom perception, and quality of life among Japanese breast cancer survivors

To examine the effects of perceptions of information received about upper-limb morbidity (ULM) and perceptions of upper-limb symptoms (ULS) on quality of life (QoL) among Japanese breast cancer (BC) survivors. A total of 166 Japanese BC survivors with postoperative ULS participated in a cross-sectional study. Participants were divided into three groups by time since breast surgery (short-term, middle-term, and long-term). Survivors' perceptions of the information, their perceptions of ULS, and QoL were assessed using questionnaires, including the WHO QoL-BREF Japanese version. Factors associated with QoL were analyzed by multiple regression stepwise analyses. In the short-term group, perceptions of insufficient information about managing ULM were associated with poor physical (P=0.002), psychological (P=0.003), and environmental health (P=0.015). Positive perceptions of ULS were associated with good physical (P=0.011), psychological (P=0.024), and social health (P=0.028). Symptom disclosure was associated with poor physical (P=0.036) and psychological health (P=0.041) in the long-term group. No significant association was found between QoL and perceptions of information or symptoms in the middle-term group. Facilitating positive perceptions of information and ULS may improve QoL, especially in short-term survivors. Healthcare providers should develop patient education programs that take the perceptions of BC survivors into account.

Work stress and quality of life in persons with disabilities from four European countries: the case of spinal cord injury

Evidence on the adverse effects of work stress on quality of life (QoL) is largely derived from general populations, while respective information is lacking for people with disabilities. We investigated associations between work stress and QoL and the potentially moderating role of socioeconomic circumstances in employed persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Cross-sectional data from 386 employed men and women with SCI (≥18 work h/week) from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway were analyzed. Work stress was assessed with the 'effort-reward imbalance' (ERI) model and the control component of the 'demand/control' model. QoL was operationalized with five WHOQoL BREF items. Socioeconomic circumstances were measured by years of formal education and perception of financial hardship. We applied ordinal and linear regressions to predict QoL and introduced interaction terms to assess a potential moderation of socioeconomic circumstances. Multivariate analyses showed consistent associations between increased ERI and decreased overall QoL (coefficient -1.55, p<0.001), domain-specific life satisfaction (health -1.32, p<0.001; activities of daily living -1.28, p<0.001; relationships -0.84, p=0.004; living conditions -1.05, p<0.001), and the QoL sum score (-2.40, p<0.001). Low job control was linked to decreased general QoL (0.13, p=0.015), satisfaction with relationships (0.15, p=0.004), and QoL sum score (0.15, p=0.029). None of the tested interaction terms were significant. ERI was consistently related to all indicators of QoL, while associations with job control were less consistent. Our results do not support the notion that unfavorable socioeconomic circumstances moderate the association between work stress and QoL among persons with SCI.

Validity and Reliability of Finnish Version of WHOQOL-Bref on Adult Population in Finland

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to determine the WHOQOL-Bref population norms and describe the psychometric properties of the Finnish WHOQOL–Bref in relation to construct validity, discriminatory power, and internal consistency in the general population.Method: Data from the Finnish HYPA survey, which combines telephone and personal visits interviews. Telephone interviews and posted questionnaires and register based data were used for 18-79 year olds and face to face interviews with register data at age group over 79 years old, were analyzed and used.Results: The Cronbach alpha, confirmatory factor and regression analysis show the internal consistency and validity of the instrument to be sufficient for research and QoL measurement purposes, the same applies to its domains and general QoL. The internal consistency of the domains in the sample for the physical, psychological, social relationships, and environmental domains were 0,83; 0,78; 0,69; 0,67 respectively measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The internal consistency for physical and psychological demonstrated good values and social and environment domain acceptable internal consistency values. The internal consistency for the total scale was 0,89 which was near excellent. In addition discriminatory tests and confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence of the construct validity of the scale.Conclusions: We find and conclude the two general items and the physical and psychological domains to be psychometrically and in addition statistical significant measures of QoL, construct valid indicators of quality of life (QoL). These dimensions also produce valid socio-economic discriminatory results for QoL. There however exist construct validity reservations with respect to the social and the environment domains in the Finnish data.

Assessment of Quality of Life and Associated Factors among People with Epilepsy Attending at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: There is shortage of literature on the impact of epilepsy on quality of life (QoL). We conducted a study to assess the quality of life and associated factors among epileptic patients in Ethiopia. Method: An institution based cross -sectional study was conducted From April to May, 2013, among 423 samples of epileptic patients from outpatient department of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. Quality of life was assessed using world Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHO QOL BREF) scale; in addition, perceived stigma scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale were used for interviewing the study participants. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with quality of life. Result: A total of 415 epileptic patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Out of which, 45.8% of the study participants had poor quality of life. Respondents who are unable to read and write, primary school, those who had frequent seizures, taking more than one type of antiepileptic drugs, anxiety, depression and perceived stigma, were found to be significantly associated with poor quality of life. Conclusion: Poor quality of life was found to be high among epilepsy patients. Managing patients with epilepsy to become seizure free, educating people regarding epilepsy and treatment of co-morbid disorders will help to improve quality of life in patients with epilepsy.

EPA-1230 – Social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenic outpatients

Background Schizophrenia evolution have negative effects on social functioning, with substance abuse, low coping capacity and social-economic losses for patients and their families. Identifying and assessing the impact of social factors can create the preconditions to improve the evolution of the disease. Objectives Determining the correlation between social functions and quality of life in schizophrenic outpatients. Methods Study on 81 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and hospitalized in Craiova Mental Health Center (July 1 st , 2007–June 30 th , 2012) using Personal and Social Performance Scale and WHOQOL–BREF. Results Social-demographic data revealed the dominance of female (59.26%), average age 45.36±8.50 years, urban residence (85.18%), average educational level (49.38%), and unemployment (92.59%). There is a high incidence of paranoid schizophrenia (74.09%) with insidious onset (67.90%) between 20-29 years (50.62%) and aggressive behavior (69.14%), with 2 admissions in the last 5 years (60.50%), and poor level of social functioning (95.06%). Moderate-severe social and personal inabilities were significantly correlated with the aggressive behavior, the poor social adjustment, stationary or worsened evolution and unemployment. The assessment of the quality of life was influenced by several clinical and social-demographic variables: the number of readmissions, the patient's condition upon discharge, the patient's gender, educational level and level of social adjustment. Conclusions These correlations demonstrating the influence that social stress elements have on the schizophrenic outpatient's quality of life representing the genuine risk factors for unfavorable evolution.

Which tinnitus-related aspects are relevant for quality of life and depression: results from a large international multicentre sample

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate, which aspects of tinnitus are most relevant for impairment of quality of life. For this purpose we analysed how responses to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and to the question “How much of a problem is your tinnitus at present” correlate with the different aspects of quality of life and depression.Methods1274 patients of the Tinnitus Research Initiative database were eligible for analysis. The Tinnitus Research Initiative database is composed of eight study centres from five countries. We assessed to which extent the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and its subscales and single items as well as the tinnitus severity correlate with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and different domains of the short version of the WHO-Quality of Life questionnaire (WHO-QoL Bref) by means of simple and multiple linear regression models.ResultsThe THI explained considerable portions of the variance of the WHO-QoL Physical Health (R2 = 0.39) and Psychological Health (R2 = 0.40) and the BDI (R2 = 0.46). Furthermore, multiple linear regression models which included each THI item separately explained an additional 5% of the variance compared to the THI total score. The items feeling confused from tinnitus, the trouble of falling asleep at night, the interference with job or household responsibilities, getting upset from tinnitus, and the feeling of being depressed were those with the highest influence on quality of life and depression. The single question with regard to tinnitus severity explained 18%, 16%, and 20% of the variance of Physical Health, Psychological Health, and BDI respectively.ConclusionsIn the context of a cross-sectional correlation analysis, our findings confirmed the strong and consistent relationships between self-reported tinnitus burden and both quality of life, and depression. The single question “How much of a problem is your tinnitus” reflects tinnitus-related impairment in quality of life and can thus be recommended for use in clinical routine.

Are there differences in the health outcomes of mothers in Europe and East-Asia? A cross-cultural health survey.

The aim of the current study was to investigate differences in quality of life outcomes and depression of mothers in East-Asia and Central Europe. 170 women in Japan and 226 women in Austria with children between 3 and 5 answered the same cross-culturally validated questionnaires. The Quality of Life Questionnaire from the WHO (WHOQOL-Bref), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), a Social Support Scale (MSPSS), and questions on gender orientation were used. In all dimensions of QOL (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) Japanese women had lower QOL scores compared to Austrian mothers (P < 001). Seven percent of women in both countries experienced major depression. In both countries sense of coherence, experienced stress level, satisfaction with income, social support, and gender roles had an influence on QOL and depressive symptoms. Mothers in Japan consider life events less comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful and experience less support. Consequently, creating an environment where fathers could be more involved in child rearing and mothers have more opportunities to choose between life styles and working and social environments would improve QOL not only in Japanese mothers but also in other countries all over the world.

Long-Lasting Effects of a New Memory Self-efficacy Training for Stroke Patients

Background and purpose. This study aims to determine the long-term effects of a new Memory Self-efficacy (MSE) training program for stroke patients on MSE, depression, and quality of life. Methods. In a randomized controlled trial, patients were allocated to a MSE training or a peer support group. Outcome measures were MSE, depression, and quality of life, measured with the Metamemory-In-Adulthood questionnaire, Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Who-Qol Bref questionnaire, respectively. We used linear mixed models to compare the outcomes of both groups immediately after training, after 6 months, and after 12 months, adjusted for baseline. Results. In total, 153 former inpatients from 2 rehabilitation centers were randomized—77 to the experimental and 76 to the control group. MSE increased significantly more in the experimental group and remained significantly higher than in the control group after 6 and 12 months (B = 0.42; P = .010). Psychological quality of life also increased more in the experimental group but not significantly (B = 0.09; P = .077). However, in the younger subgroup of patients (<65 years old), psychological quality of life significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group and remained significantly higher over time (B = 0.14; P = .030). Other outcome measures were not significantly different between both groups. Conclusions. An MSE training program improved MSE and psychological quality of life in stroke patients aged <65 years. These effects persisted during 12 months of follow-up.

Correlational Study: Patient’s Characteristics and Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients with Chronic Renal Diseases Undergoing Hemodialysis in Gambiran Hospital, East Java Indonesia

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most terrible health problems. Most of these patients choose to be placed on hemodialysis which can be debilitating and can threaten body image, finances, independency, and quality of life (QoL). Therefore it is important to conduct studies to identify the related factors of quality of life in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis to determine what strategies can be implemented to improve quality of life. This study was aimed to identify the relationship between patients’ characteristics and their quality of life. Method: Twenty-nine patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis were recruited from a Hospital in Kediri, East Java Indonesia. The patients’ quality was of life measured using WHO-QoL BREF which consisted of 26 questions including physical and psychological dimension, social, and environment dimension. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze patients’ characteristics data and level of patients QoL, while the relationship between both variable was analyzed by Chi Square. Results: Almost all patients were Muslim (96.55%), mostly male (72.4%), and more than half of patients were over 51 years old (51.72%). Additionally, more than half of patients (58.62%) had high QoL. However, there was no significant relationship between gender, religion, family relationship, and social activity with patient’s quality of life. There was significant relationship between age and educational state with quality of life. Conclusion: It was concluded that patients’ QoL in this area need an improvement. It also is extensively recommended to further conduct study with bigger sample and broader predisposing factor in order to identifying build strong evidence in improving patients QoL.