World Health Organization Quality Of Life Research Articles

Quality of Life of the Family Caregivers of Children with the Cerebral Palsy and its Determinants: A Study from India

Abstract Introduction: The responsibility of caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) at home can be challenging to the caregiver’s and children’s quality of life (QoL). This study was designed to assess the QoL and its determinants amongst family caregivers of children with CP. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, from March to May 2021, involving 126 participants selected through systematic random sampling. QoL was assessed using the World Health Organization QoL Brief Version scale. The data were analyzed using the statistical software, Epi Info Version 7.2. Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the overall QoL of family caregivers of CP children was 66.7 ± 1.44. The study found a significant association of QoL with the age of the caregiver, residence, education, socio-economic class, total number of children, health insurance and accessibility of services. Conclusion: More than half of the study participants exhibited low overall, physical, social and environmental QoL, influenced by various determinants.

Effects of Short-Term Gluten-Free Diet on Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Quality of Life in Healthy Individuals: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: The exposome concept includes nutrition as it significantly influences human health, impacting the onset and progression of diseases. Gluten-containing wheat products are an essential source of energy for the world’s population. However, a rising number of non-celiac healthy individuals tend to reduce or completely avoid gluten-containing cereals for health reasons. Aim and Methods: This prospective interventional human study aimed to investigate whether short-term gluten avoidance improves cardiovascular endpoints and quality of life (QoL) in healthy volunteers. A cohort of 27 participants followed a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for four weeks. Endothelial function measured by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), blood testing, plasma proteomics (Olink®) and QoL as measured by the World Health Organisation Quality-of-Life (WHOQOL) survey were investigated. Results: GFD resulted in decreased leucocyte count and C-reactive protein levels along with a trend of reduced inflammation biomarkers determined by plasma proteomics. A positive trend indicated improvement in FMD, whereas other cardiovascular endpoints remained unchanged. In addition, no improvement in QoL was observed. Conclusion: In healthy individuals, a short-term GFD demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects but did not result in overall cardiovascular improvement or enhanced quality of life.

Quantification of Cephalometric Changes in Gonial Angle Morphology Following Facial Feminization Surgery.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a type of gender-affirming surgery aimed at bringing masculine facial features more in line with typically feminine characteristics. Specifically, mandibular contouring can create a softer jawline and help create a more round, feminine face. As the popularity of FFS continues to increase, improving surgical techniques and patient satisfaction is imperative. However, no quantitative measurement system currently exists to measure these changes. In this study, the authors describe the use of a novel segmentation technique using computerized tomography imaging to quantify the bony changes that occur during gonial angle reduction. Further, authors utilize this technique to describe changes in a cohort of 13 patients, and how these changes correlate with patient satisfaction. The authors found that gonial angle volume and surface area significantly decreased, as well as the intergonial:interzygomatic ratio, with a smaller ratio associated with more feminine features. In addition, patient satisfaction significantly increased post-operatively both specifically regarding jawline appearance (P = 0.0014) and regarding overall social and psychological function (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.0032, respectively), as captured by the FACE-Q and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) surveys. Patients with greater changes in surface area reported greater improvements in WHOQOL psychological scores (P = 0.0086), and patients with greater changes in the intergonial:interzygomatic ratio reported greater improvements in WHOQOL social scores (P = 0.0299). Overall, our novel technique captures significant changes in gonial angle shape and can be applied to a wide range of future studies to improve the quality and accessibility of FFS.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer in India: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Cancer poses numerous health-related threats to patients, significantly impacting their Quality of Life (QoL) and that of their caregivers. This systematic review aims to assess the prevalence and severity of QoL-related health issues among cancer survivors in India using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) framework. The review will explore the patients’ lived experiences that will ultimately manifest the importance of health-related QoL for cancer patients. Method: The PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct the review. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for eligible studies, resulting in the inclusion of 34 quantitative descriptive studies focusing on adult cancer patients in India. Results: Most of the included studies reported low or below-average overall QoL of the patients. Factors such as pain, fatigue, emotional distress, social relationships, and financial burden significantly influenced overall QoL and its subdomains. Demographic factors (age, marital status, religion), cancer-related variables (stage, site, treatment type), and social determinants of health (education, information access) also played roles in affecting QoL. Due to study inconsistencies, conclusive comparisons were challenging. Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive, culturally adapted approach to enhancing QoL, along with the development of standardized assessment tools and longitudinal study designs.

Impact of defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses for myopia control on quality of life of the children: a qualitative study

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of DIMS (defocus incorporated multiple segments) spectacle lenses on the quality of life of children using it.MethodsSeparate in-depth interviews were conducted with children using DIMS as...

Effectiveness of meditation on wellness management among corporate employees in India: An interventional study.

Urban corporate sector relies heavily on workplace well-being, with meditation being a potent stress reduction method that significantly enhances the quality of life (QoL) and wellness. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of meditation on wellness management among corporate employees in India. The quasi-experimental controlled study design was employed from May to June 2021, which assessed stress, QoL, and wellness indices (satisfaction with life, well-being) with meditation practice as the intervention. The online questionnaire incorporates questions from the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale, World Health Organization (WHO) QoL Scale, Five-item Satisfaction with Life scaleand WHO-5 Well-being Index. A nonrandom sampling technique selected 146 and 74 subjects in the intervention and control groups, respectively, among the employees of Star health- and allied insurance company. The data was analyzed using SPSS V27 (©IBM SPSS Statistics). The Wilcoxon signed rank test for the dependent groups, and Mann-Whitney U test for the independent groups (between subjects) was performed. Among a total of 220 subjects who enrolled in the recruitment survey, 146 subjects underwent the intervention thus providing a response rate of 66.4%. For the intervention group, the difference (within group) in mean scores between baseline and endline assessment shows a reduction in stress (0.02) and significant improvement in QoL (0.21) and wellness indices (satisfaction with life: 0.21, well-being: 0.24). The difference (betweenthe experimental and control groups) in mean endline scores shows a decrease in stress (0.07), an increase in wellness indices (satisfaction with life: 0.12, well-being: 0.23), and a significant change in the QoL(0.17). Meditation intervention in corporate wellness programs enhances the QoL, wellness, and stress management, establishing the effectiveness of health profile-raising ingenuities at the workplace.

Impact of Ocrelizumab on Disease Progression, Memory Improvement, and Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal MRI and Clinical Criteria Analysis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and functionality. Ocrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20-positive B cells, has emerged as a treatment for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). This study aimed to assess the impact of ocrelizumab on disease progression and quality of life over a longitudinal course, utilizing clinical criteria and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyses. Conducted at the Neurology Department of Pius Brinzeu Clinical Emergency Hospital in Western Romania from 2020 to 2023, this observational study enrolled 93 patients with RRMS who commenced ocrelizumab therapy. The study employed the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and MRI to evaluate disease progression, while quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire, Beck Depression Index (BDI), and MOCA scales. Significant improvements were observed post-treatment. EDSS scores decreased from 4.61 to 4.08 (p = 0.038), indicating reduced disability. MRI analyses showed a substantial decrease in expansive lesions (from 67.74% to 26.88%, p < 0.001) and an increase in stationary lesions (from 32.26% to 73.12%, p < 0.001). Quality of life improvements were notable in the physical (from 58.42 to 64.84, p = 0.005) and environmental domains (from 63.21 to 68.44, p = 0.033). Cognitive functions, assessed via Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), showed a significant total score increase from 20.38 to 22.30 (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed more pronounced effects in females and younger patients, with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms measured by BDI scores (from 14.35 to 11.62, p = 0.003). Ocrelizumab significantly reduced disease activity and disability in RRMS patients, as demonstrated by improvements in EDSS scores and MRI findings. Quality of life and cognitive functions also showed considerable enhancements. These findings support ocrelizumab's efficacy in not only managing MS symptoms but also improving overall patient well-being.

Study of the effectiveness of telemedicine-based pulmonary rehabilitation in recovered patients of COVID-19 pneumonitis.

To determine the effectiveness of the telemedicine-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme in COVID-19 pneumonitis. Prospective intervention study. Rehabilitation outpatient department, Tertiary-Care institute. Consecutive sample of patients (N = 50) in recovered COVID-19 infection. Six weeks of telemedicine-based pulmonary rehabilitation in recovered patients of COVID-19 infection. All patients were clinically assessed by six minutes walk test (6MWT), Modified Medical Research Council Scale (mMRC), 30s-STS and SF 36 at zero week and six weeks post-intervention. Difference in means of pre- and post-intervention was compared using paired t-test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The 6MWT, mMRC Scale, 30 seconds sit-to-stand test, and WHO QoL scale-SF 36 were assessed and post-rehabilitation sessions, all the patients' showed improvement in the prescribed parameters. After six weeks of respiratory rehabilitation, the distance covered in the 6MWT was significantly longer than that of before the intervention. There was a significant difference between zero and six weeks during the PR intervention. mMRC and 30s-STS results showed a significant difference between zero and six weeks (2.36 ± 0.598, 4.54 ± 1.94. Quality of life improved significantly after six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation in eight domains of the SF-36. Six-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme delivered through telemedicine platform improves respiratory function, QoL and anxiety in patients with post-COVID-19 pneumonia during a recovery phase.

Quality of life and psychopathology in different COVID-19 pandemic periods: A longitudinal study.

Τhe aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and quality of life (QoL) of the general population in the region of Attica, Greece, during the third year of the pandemic (2022), and tο compare the findings with those of a survey conducted in the first year (2020). Our sample consisted of 130 participants and the study was conducted through phone interviews. The instruments used were: the World Health Organisation QoL instrument, the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale, the Body Vigilance Scale, the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, as well as socio-demographic data and questions on stressors related to COVID-19. The findings of the study were the following: (1) Regarding the comparison of the variables between the first and the third year of the pandemic in the total sample: a) In comparison to the first year, in the third year we observed a significant decrease in negative feelings caused by the pandemic; b) obsessive compulsive (OC) and hypochondriacal symptomatology were significantly reduced, and the fact that participants felt safe following vaccination had a statistically significant effect on this decrease; c) job insecurity was aggravated; d) QoL remained low and even deteriorated in the Environment domain; f) no changes were found in Depression-Stress. (2) Regarding participants who were contaminated, there was a significant increase in negative feelings during the third year of the pandemic. Moreover, QoL decreased in the Physical, Psychological health, Environment domains, as well as in OC symptomatology. (3) Depression-Stress, hypochondriacal symptomatology, and the case of contamination were the predominant factors negatively associated with the dependent variables of QoL. (4) Vaccination was found to contribute to high levels of the QoL Environment domain score. (5) Anxiety, hypochondriacal symptomatology, fear of contamination, and negative feelings seemed to predict OC symptomatology. (6) The most vulnerable groups, in terms of QoL and mental health, were men, older and lower-educated people. Overall, it was found that the negative psychosocial impact of the pandemic persisted, especially on people who had fallen ill during the third year of the pandemic. Therefore, targeted psychotherapeutic interventions should be implemented, especially for those who got infected.

Relationship exercise motivation levels on quality of life during retirement from elite sport

There is not much research examining the lives of athletes in retirement. This research aims to determine the level of training motivation in retirement, the quality of life in former athletes and the relationship between training motivation and quality of life in former athletes.The subjects in this research were retired athletes aged 25-60 years. The subjects involved in this research were 81 retired pencak silat athletes consisting of 42 men and 39 women.This research is a quantitative descriptive research with a survey approach. The instrument used in this research used the Exercise Regulations Questionnaire (BREQ-3) to determine the level of exercise motivation and The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF to determine quality of life. Questionnaires were distributed from November 25 2023 to January 5 2024. The data analysis technique uses simple correlation. The results show a significance value &lt; 0.005, meaning it is correlated or related. The correlation value between motivation to exercise and quality of life is 0.974, the correlation value is &gt; from r table. This means that there is a positive relationship between exercise motivation and quality of life. In this way, it can be concluded that the higher the motivation of retired athletes to train, the better the quality of life of former athletes. Keywords: training motivation, quality of life, former athlete, pencak silat, martialart.

A taste alteration-related scale assesses megestrol to improve chemotherapy-induced anorexia.

We evaluated the efficacy of megestrol in improving chemotherapy-related anorexia by analyzing the related scales of taste alteration. We conducted the current study on a group of advanced patients with cancer with two or more chemotherapy cycles. The chemotherapy-induced taste alteration scale (CiTAs) scale helped assess the megestrol effects on basic taste perception, aversive taste changes, unpleasant symptoms, and associated concerns. Furthermore, the Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire scale (SNAQ) helped measure the impact of megestrol on malnutrition likelihood in patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced anorexia. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF Scale was used to evaluate the quality of life of participants, producing scores related to physical health, psychological well-being, environmental factors, and social relationships. The CiTAs scale assessment indicated that administering megestrol significantly enhanced taste perception among advanced patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Notably, the megestrol group patients showed significantly higher Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ) scores than the control group. The megestrol group patients also exhibited higher physiological (PHYS) scores than their control group counterparts. However, this distinction was not statistically significant. The study findings indicate that patients who received megestrol demonstrated significantly higher scores in psychological (PSYCH) and environmental(ENVIR) domains than the control group. Furthermore, megestrol administration was associated with significantly elevated SOCIL and ENVIR levels in patients. The proficient efficacy evaluation of megestrol in enhancing appetite, mitigating malnutrition likelihood, and improving the quality of life of chemotherapy-induced anorexic patients can be achieved through taste-related scales.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study Regarding Quality of Life among Medical Students During MBBS Course at Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala (Punjab)

Introduction: In order to prevent and treat the syndemic of lifestyle diseases and other non-communicablediseases, following healthy lifestyle and improving the overall quality of life is of utmost important. Healthylifestyle behaviours are positively and independently associated with academic achievement.[1] Hence this study is trying to estimate the quality of life of medical students at Government Medical College (Patiala), whose lifestyle will be percolated in turn into their family and field of practice.Aims and objectives: To evaluate the Quality of Life (QOL) and find association between QOL and academic achievements.Material and methods: A 26 item WHO QOL- BREF scale was used to collect data from 326 MBBS students from Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala.Results: Out of 326 MBBS students, 54% were female 46% were male. Majority of the students were hailing from urban area (93%) as compared to rural area(7%). The average scores in each domain of WHOQOL – BREF were 63.71 in Physical health domain, 61.51 in psychological domain, 57.91 in social relationship domain and 53.7 in environment domain. There was no significant association between academic scores and different domain scores of WHOQOL-BREF scale.Conclusion: Majority of the students perceived their quality of life to be good to very good (66%). 48% of students felt their health to be satisfied to very satisfied. The average score of WHOQOL BREF in physical and psychological domains were above 60 (63.71, 61.51 respectively), whereas it was less than 60 in social and environmental domain (57.91 and 53.7 respectively). There was no significant association between academic scores and different domain scores of WHOQOL-BREF scale.

IJCM_332A: Factors affecting quality of life among antenatal women seeking health care in tertiary care hospitals of Mangaluru

Background: QOL is defined as “individuals’ perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” Pregnancy is a physiological state associated with several emotional and physical changes, and the antenatal period is the moment of preparation of the woman for the childbirth and maternity. Thus, poor quality of life can have adverse effects on mother and the fetus. In order to develop methods to improve the quality of life of pregnant women, the factors affecting it should be understood; and our study aims at providing such understanding. Methodology: A hospital based Cross-sectional study of the pregnant women seeking antenatal health care in Government Lady Goschen Hospital and KMC, Attavar. The data collection was done from 14-03-16 to 31-03-16 using a questionnaire consisting of 4 parts-participant details, WHO QOL- BREF, QIDS and modified Kuppuswamy scale. Results: The study was done among 195 pregnant women, and the mean QOL-BREF score was found to be 73.60. 60.5% participants belonged to lower socioeconomic status, and had a lower QOL in physical, psychological and environmental domains. 54.6% participants showed symptoms of depression and had a lower QOL in physical domain. Other factors like parity, history of abortion and complications in the current pregnancy did not show a significant association with QOL score. Conclusion: The QOL of antenatal women seeking health care in tertiary health care setup was found to be good. The factors that significantly affected the quality of life were depression and lower socio-economic status. They had a negative impact on the quality of life.

Management of Anidra through Shirodhara with Jala, Ashwagandha Kwatha, TilaTaila: a comparative clinical study

Abstract Introduction: Insomnia (Anidra) is known as one of the most vital factors for person’s well-being. Shirodhara in Ayurveda is a recognized therapeutic measure which significantly improves sleep quality. In this study, we check the efficacy of Shirodhara with different liquids which would consequently give an insight about the role of liquids in Shirodhara. Materials and Methods: In this study, eligible candidates were randomized into three groups of Shirodhara, that is, Group A: JalaShriodhara, Group B: Ashwagandha Kwatha (decoction) Shirodhara, Group C: TilaTailaShirodhara. All groups were given Shirodhara for 14 days, 30 min duration and were assessed on first, seventh, 14th, and 30th day on the basis of Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Hamilton’s Anxiety Scale, Hamilton’s Depression Scale, World health organization (WHO)–Quality of scale (Bref.), serum cortisol (only for six patients two from each group), electroencephalogram (EEG) (only for six patients two from each group) and AnidraLakshanas—Jrumbha, Tandra, Angamarda, Shiroroga, Shirogaurav, Akshigaurav, Jadya, Glani, Bhrama, Apakti, Vataroga. Results: A similar kind of result was found in all the groups. In AIS, a decline of 16.71, 18, and 15.71 was seen in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In HAS, a decline of 22.5, 26, and 25.43 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In HDS, a decline of 28.57, 33.86, and 33.86 was seen in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In all the domains of WHO QOL, an overall improvement of 214, 199.01, and 206.85 was found in all the three groups A, B, C, respectively. In Ayurveda Lakshana of Anidra, a decline of 20.86, 24.57, and 22.28 was found in all the three groups A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusion: The efficacy of all the three groups was almost similar, evidencing the fact that the effect of liquid medicament is predominantly low.

Management of Anidra through Shirodhara with Jala, Ashwagandha Kwatha, TilaTaila: a comparative clinical study

Abstract Introduction: Insomnia (Anidra) is known as one of the most vital factors for person’s well-being. Shirodhara in Ayurveda is a recognized therapeutic measure which significantly improves sleep quality. In this study, we check the efficacy of Shirodhara with different liquids which would consequently give an insight about the role of liquids in Shirodhara. Materials and Methods: In this study, eligible candidates were randomized into three groups of Shirodhara, that is, Group A: JalaShriodhara, Group B: Ashwagandha Kwatha (decoction) Shirodhara, Group C: TilaTailaShirodhara. All groups were given Shirodhara for 14 days, 30 min duration and were assessed on first, seventh, 14th, and 30th day on the basis of Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Hamilton’s Anxiety Scale, Hamilton’s Depression Scale, World health organization (WHO)–Quality of scale (Bref.), serum cortisol (only for six patients two from each group), electroencephalogram (EEG) (only for six patients two from each group) and AnidraLakshanas—Jrumbha, Tandra, Angamarda, Shiroroga, Shirogaurav, Akshigaurav, Jadya, Glani, Bhrama, Apakti, Vataroga. Results: A similar kind of result was found in all the groups. In AIS, a decline of 16.71, 18, and 15.71 was seen in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In HAS, a decline of 22.5, 26, and 25.43 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In HDS, a decline of 28.57, 33.86, and 33.86 was seen in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In all the domains of WHO QOL, an overall improvement of 214, 199.01, and 206.85 was found in all the three groups A, B, C, respectively. In Ayurveda Lakshana of Anidra, a decline of 20.86, 24.57, and 22.28 was found in all the three groups A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusion: The efficacy of all the three groups was almost similar, evidencing the fact that the effect of liquid medicament is predominantly low.

The Effect of Vocational Training on Visually Impaired People's Quality of Life.

Quality of life (QOL) is frequently utilized in clinical medicine and research to assess a patient's health status and treatment effectiveness. This study investigates the impact of vocational training on the QOL of visually impaired individuals. We employed the brief Taiwan version of the World Health Organization QOL Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREFTW) to assess four domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental, using a nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design. The experimental group participated in 6 months of vocational training, including life and career reconstruction. After completing the vocational training, the average QOL score for the experimental group was 3.34 ± 0.18, while the control group had a score of 3.10 ± 0.85. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) results revealed a notable improvement of 10.81 (1.10) in the posttest overall QOL scores compared to the pretest scores in the control group. Vocational training significantly improves the overall QOL for visually impaired individuals. It is noteworthy that the psychological, social relationship, and physical health domains of WHOQOL-BREF TW exhibited the most significant improvements. This emphasizes the following: 1. professional knowledge and technical learning can enhance the abilities of the visually impaired. 2. The improvement in QOL occurs primarily at physical, psychological, and social levels. These levels involve maintaining physical health, reducing dependence on medical care, and enhancing self-care abilities for life reconstruction. 3. Integrating electronics with directional action can help to mitigate the risks associated with outdoor activities.

Quality of Life of Parents and Patients with Biliary Atresia in Native Liver

Children with chronic conditions such as biliary atresia may experience several issues that affect their quality of life (QoL). Childhood chronic disease impacts family members and leads to family health impairment. Objective: This study aims to asses the QoL of parents and patients with biliary atresia. Methods and material: The assessment of parent and patient quality of life with biliary atresia was conducted using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) parent report and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL).Multivariate linear regression was used for associated factors. This case-control study involved 38 children (0-24 months) with biliary atresia at the Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya, which was conducted from June to July 2023. Data obtained showed that male and female prevalence was equal (50%). Age &lt;6 months, mothers with high school education, family income &gt;3 million rupiahs, normal nutritional status were frequently in patients with biliary atresia. Based on the WHOQoL questionnaire, the environment was the only domain that impacted the quality of life of the parents significantly (P= 0.005). However, no significant association with patients' QoL was found for the five domains of the PedsQL. The environment factor had a significant impact on the QoL of the patient's parents according to the results of the WHOQoL questionnaire (P= 0.005).

Investigating gender differences in quality of life and social support in patients with severe mental illnesses.

Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect patients significantly. Gender has been identified as a key factor influencing the experience of SMIs with notable disparities in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) and social support for patients with SMIs can vary based on gender. This study examined gender differences in QoL and social support of patients with SMIs. Participants include 170 outpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at Shafa Hospital (2021). QoL and social support were assessed using World Health Organization QoL (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), respectively. Group differences were analyzed using t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and two-way multivariate analyses of variance explored the effect of gender and disease type. It was indicated that females with schizophrenia reported higher QoL than males, but the opposite was observed for bipolar disorder. Gender differences in social support were not significant among schizophrenia patients, nor between the two patient groups. However, women with bipolar disorder and multiple hospitalizations experienced lower social support and QoL compared to men. Additionally, more hospitalizations were associated with decreased QoL in both genders with schizophrenia. Findings suggest the need for gender- specific interventions and support policies to enhance QoL and social support in patients with SMI.

Faktor Internal Yang Berhubungan Dengan Kualitas Hidup Penderita Diabetes Melitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that can significantly impair the quality of life. Individuals with this condition often experience physical and mental disturbances, affecting their activities, medical therapy, rest, and pain perception, all of which are dimensions of quality of life. Factors that can influence the quality of life of individuals with Diabetes Mellitus include their level of knowledge about the disease, economic status, and duration of illness. This study aims to investigate the internal factors related to the quality of life of individuals with Diabetes Mellitus at the Janti Public Health Center in Malang. The research design employed is descriptive correlational with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consists of 93 respondents selected using purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA, with the instruments used are the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF and the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ24). The analysis results indicate a significant correlation between knowledge (p=0.003 0.05), economic status (p=0.007 0.05), duration of illness (p=0.008 0.05) to the quality of life. The most influential factor is the duration of illness, as respondents who have been suffering for more than 10 years tend to feel that their activities are disrupted by Diabetes Mellitus and may develop complications in other organs, significantly affecting their quality of life. This study can serve as a reference for further scholarly development, thereby facilitating ongoing exploration of factors associated with quality of life.

Efficacy of whole system ayurveda management protocol in major depressive disorder- A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the common depressive disorder. MDD has high comorbidity and has greater implications on quality of life. Whole system Ayurveda management protocol (WSAP) is explored for it's possible role in management of MDD. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Whole system Ayurveda management protocol on Major Depressive Disorder. Material and MethodsStudy was a randomized controlled trial. Total 50 patients of MDD meeting the DSM V criteria, age group 20–70 years of either sex participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups, control group received Escitalopram 10 mg twice a day and Ayurveda group was on WSAP. Interventions were for 60 days. Assessments were done through various clinical parameters like Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), WHO Quality of Life- BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), Clinical Global Improvement scale (CGI), UKU Side effect scale. Assessments during intervention was on every 15th day. ResultsStudy showed that Ayurveda group produced significant outcome improvement compared to control group in HDRS (p = 0.01), HARS (p = 0.03), PSQI (p = 0.03), WHOQOL-Bref (p < 0.001) and UKU side effect scale (p = 0.02). Both the group showed improvements in all the parameters except in WHOQOL-Bref where Ayurveda group only showed improvements (p < 0.001). Effect size showed large effect in WHOQOL-Bref. Mild side effects were reported in control group and none in Ayurveda group. ConclusionWSAP was effective in management of MDD and had better side effect profile. Further studies needed.