World Health Organization Quality Of Life-BREF Research Articles

Navigating the complexities of care: exploring quality of life among parents-caregivers of children with neurological impairments in Bulgaria

ABSTRACT This study delves into the quality of life (QoL) experiences of parents caring for children with neurological impairments in Bulgaria. Employing the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on parents of neurologically impaired children (n = 52) and parents of healthy children (n = 43). The study uncovers the intricate interplay of physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions that contribute to caregivers’ well-being. Despite the challenges parents of neurologically impaired children face, including the delicate balance between caregiving and employment, financial strains, and the need for culturally sensitive support services, they demonstrate remarkable adaptive capacities. The findings advocate for a multifaceted approach in addressing the challenges to improve the overall QoL for parents nurturing children with disabilities in Bulgaria.

Association of categorical diagnoses and psychopathologies with quality of life in patients with depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveMajor depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and somatic symptom disorder (SSD) are associated with quality of life (QoL) reduction. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between these conditions as categorical diagnoses and related psychopathologies with QoL, recognizing their frequent overlap. MethodsWe recruited a total of 403 clinical patients and healthy individuals, administering diagnostic interviews based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. QoL and psychopathologies were assessed using the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and several self-administered questionnaires, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses examined the associations between psychiatric diagnoses, psychopathologies, and QoL. ResultsSSD and MDD were independently associated with impaired global (β = −0.318 and − 0.287) and all QoL domains (β = −0.307, −0.150, −0.125, and − 0.133, in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains respectively for SSD; β = −0.278, −0.344, −0.275, and − 0.268 for MDD). The Beck Depression Inventory-II score showed pervasive associations with QoL (β = −0.390, −0.408, −0.685, −0.463, and − 0.420, in global, physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains). The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 and Health Anxiety Questionnaire scores were associated with global (β = −0.168 and − 0.181) and physical (β = −0.293 and − 0.121) QoL domain, while the Cognitions About Body and Health Questionnaire score was only associated with environmental QoL domain (β = −0.157). ConclusionSSD and MDD were independently associated with QoL impairment. Depressive symptoms were associated with all QoL domains, whereas somatic symptom burden and health anxiety primarily affected the physical QoL domain. Clinicians should consider concomitant psychopathologies when managing patients with depression, anxiety, or somatic symptoms.

The Day After: The Longitudinal Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Quality of Life of University Students and the Moderator Role of Mindfulness.

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown has been a major stressor for the general population, posing a considerable threat to quality of life (QoL), particularly among university students. Existing research highlights the protective role of dispositional mindfulness (DM) in mitigating stressors; however, its influence on moderating the impact of COVID-19 on QoL remains unknown. We used a longitudinal design to assess the QoL of undergraduate students before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, while also examining the potential moderating effect of DM on this impact. Methods: One hundred eleven Spanish undergraduate students were recruited in 2019, and 103 were followed-up in 2020. Instruments comprised a demographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) inventory to assess QoL, and the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to assess DM. Results: Analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the two time points in WHOQOL-BREF: Psychological, Social Relationships, and Environmental. Moderation analyses revealed that the impact of COVID-19 on WHOQOL-BREF Psychological scores was moderated by FFMQ-Observe and FFMQ-Non-judging. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a reduction of QoL among undergraduate students, yet this impact was moderated by DM. Specifically, present moment attention to experience (observe) and non-judgmental awareness attenuated the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being. Future research should focus on evaluating the protective role of preventive interventions designed to increase DM among undergraduate students.

A Study on Suicidal Intent, Quality of Life, Medical and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry

Background- Cancer is now widely recognised as a new epidemic globally which accounts for nearly 10 million deaths in year 2020. Aims and Objectives-The aim of the study was to estimate suicidal ideation among cancer patients and to evaluate the association between suicidal intent with the quality of life, medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Methods-The study group included 70 cancer patients who were surgically treated in the Department of Surgical Oncology in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The sample size was calculated using Open Epi Version 3.0. Sampling was done using consecutive sampling method. The study was conducted from March 2021 to September 2022. A socio-demographic information form, HADS (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), Beck Suicide Intent Scale and WHO-QOL BREF (WHO Quality of Life BREF) were used. Results- In our study 12.9% reported having attempted suicide in the recent past, 18.6% scored abnormal on anxiety scale and 40% scored depression level on HADS. Conclusions- Cancer patients are at increased risk of developing many psychiatric illnesses including anxiety, depression and suicidal attempts. The QOL of cancer patients are affected by these psychiatric comorbidities. Timely assessment and intervention can improve their QOL and also reduce the risks of suicide. There is a significant correlation between anxiety, depression and suicide attempt. Keywords: Suicide, Anxiety, Quality of Life, Cancer .

The Effect of Academic Burnout and Quality of Life in Adolescents’ Career Indecisiveness

Career decisions during adolescence are crucial and challenging. Most adolescents experience career indecisiveness, including dilemma, pressure, confusion, and difficulties which causes them to delay or leave their choices to others. Previous studies examined career indecision related to personality factors, social support, and school career programs. Aim of this study to examine the relationship and effect of academic burnout and quality on life towards career indecisiveness in adolescents. This quantitative study involved 575 adolescents in the Greater Jakarta area, which were selected through random sampling techniques. Data were collected by using google form questionnaires through a link. In this stage, the instrument consists of the Student Burnout Inventory, The WHO Quality of Life BREF, and The Career Indecisiveness Scale. Data were analyzed with multiple correlations and regression tests. The results showed that both academic burnout and quality of life have moderate correlations and effect in adolececnts’ career indecisiveness at 18.3%. The psycho-emotional dimension was a role in predicting academic burnout and quality of life, meanwhile the lack of information was a major problem for adolescents’ career indecisiveness. Keywords: adolescent, academic burnout, quality of life, career indecisiveness

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.

Comparison of the Sensor-Augmented Pump System with the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Delivery System: Quality of Life, Diabetes Distress, and Glycaemic Outcomes in a Real-Life Context.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic disease that requires exogenous insulin administration and intensive management to prevent any complications. Recent innovations in T1D management technologies include the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop delivery system (AHCL). The pioneer AHCL system provides automated basal and automated bolus corrections when needed. This study aimed to compare the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop (AHCL) system and the Sensor-Augmented Pump (SAP) with Predictive Low Glucose Management (PLGM) system, in relation to glycaemic outcomes, general and diabetes-related Quality of Life (QoL), and diabetes distress. General and diabetes-related QoL were assessed with the Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQOL-BCI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Diabetes distress was assessed with the Diabetes Distress Scale for Type 1 diabetes (T1-DDS). Eighty-nine T1D adults participated in the study, mostly females (65.2%), with a mean age of 39.8 (± 11.5 years). They had on average 23 years of diabetes (± 10.7) and they were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. Significant differences favoring the AHCL over the SAP + PLGM system were demonstrated by lower mean glucose levels, less time above range, lower scores on DQOL-BCI, T1-DDS, and higher scores on WHOQOL-BREF. Finally, the linear regression models revealed the association of time in range in most of the above aspects. This study highlighted the advantages of the AHCL system over the SAP + PLGM system in the real-world setting in relation to general and diabetes-related QoL, diabetes distress, and glycaemic outcomes.

The Relationship Between Physical and Psychological Discomfort on the Quality of Life of Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a period when a pregnant woman needs to adapt with the physical and psychological change. During the pregnancy, the mother who cannot adapt with that change will experience discomfort and impact the life quality. This research aimed to find out the correlation between the physical and psychological discomfort and life quality of the pregnant women in the work area of Umban Sari Community Health Center. This research used descriptive correlational design by employing cross sectional approach. The research samples were 92 respondents that were selected by using purposive sampling technique. This research used Maternal Physical Discomfort Scale (MPDS), Depression Anxiety Stres Scale (DASS-21), and World Health Organization Quality Of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The analysis used was bivariate analysis by using chi-square test. The research results showed that there was a significant correlation between the physical discomfort and the life quality of pregnant women and the research results also showed that there was a significant correlation between the life quality of pregnant women.

Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Rivers State, Nigeria

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurologic disorder which leads to physical disability in children. Children with CP require more care and attention from their care givers. Hence the quality of life (QoL) of the care givers can be adversely affected.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the QoL and its determinants among caregivers of children with CP in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, participants were 96 caregivers of children on follow up for CP. The English Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) was used to evaluate the QoL of the participants. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic characteristic of the participants and children with CP, while the patients hospital record was used to obtain the medical history of the patients. The functional disability level of the child was measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS levels I-V) scale. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to determine the predictors of the care givers QoL on all four domains of the WHOQOL-Bref.&#x0D; Results: The age of the participant ranged from 23 -58 years with a mean age of 37.67± 8.27 years. Seventy-eight (81.3%) were females, 77(80.0%) had secondary education and above while 56 (58.3%) of the patients had co-morbidity. The care givers had lower level of QoL &lt; 60 points in all domains except for Physical Health Domain which had mean point of 61.3.&#x0D; The GMFCS level of the patients with CP and the marital status of the caregivers significantly determined the different domains of the caregivers QoL (p ≤ 0.05). Age of care giver (p 0.00), presence of comorbidity (0.03) significantly predicted the psychological domain of the QoL of the care givers. In addition, the socioeconomic class significantly predicted the environment and psychological domains of the caregivers QoL. (p &lt; 0.05)&#x0D; Conclusion: The quality of life in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy is low. The predictors include GMFCS level of the patient, age of the care giver, marital status, presence of comorbidity and socioeconomic status. The treatment of CP should include strategies to enhance the health and quality of life of caregivers of children with the condition.

The effect of age and resilience on the dose-response function between the number of adversity factors and subjective well-being.

Encountering challenges and stress heightens the vulnerability to mental disorders and diminishes well-being. This study explores the impact of psychological resilience in the context of adverse events, considering age-related variations in its influence on well-being. A total of 442 participants (male vs. female =48% vs. 52%) with a mean age of 41.79 ± 16.99 years were collected and completed the following questionnaires Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey (BBTS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Peace of Mind (PoM), The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ). They all underwent structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants were categorized based on adversity levels: 34.39% faced one, 26.24% none, and 19.91, 9.50, and 8.14% encountered two, three, and four adversities, respectively. This categorization helps assess the impact on participants' experiences. As adversity factors increased, PoM decreased. Controlling for age improved PoM model fit (ΔR2 = 0.123, p < 0.001). Adversity factors and age explained 14.6% of PoM variance (df = 2, F = 37.638, p < 0.001). PoM decreased with more adversity and increased with higher age. The study found most participants faced at least one adversity. Adversity negatively affected PoM scores, while resilience acted as a protective factor. Resilience plays a crucial role in buffering the impact of adversities on well-being. Among those with high adversity, higher resilience correlated with stronger DMN-right frontal pole connectivity. Brain volume showed no significant differences, but the quality of life and social support varied between subgroups, with no differences in personal demographic and biophysical features.

The quality of life and its inter-relationship with posttraumatic stress disorder and social support in two post-conflict communities in Nigeria.

The study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) in two communities with different exposures to conflict and investigate the inter-relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social support, and QoL. This is a cross-sectional with 413 participants. Study instruments included the PTSD module of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQoL-BREF), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The family domain of social support was protective of both PTSD and QoL. Except for the relationship between community's location and the physical subscale of the QoL, a hierarchical regression analysis showed that all the independent variables were significantly associated with the QoL domains. Direct exposure to crises impaired QoL more than areas indirectly exposed. PTSD and the family domain of social support play a significant role in the QoL outcome. This suggests that therapeutic intervention to improve QoL should target these key variables.

Comparing the Quality of Life of Patients and their Family Members with Dermatological and other Chronic Conditions, in The Bahamas

Background &amp; Objectives: Impact of dermatological and other chronic conditions not only affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients but also that of their family members. This pilot study aimed to compare the QoL impact of dermatological and other chronic conditions on patients with the QoL impact on their family members. Methods: A cross-sectional study using validated QoL questionnaires was conducted. In the dermatological group, patients (&gt;17 years) completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire, while children (4-16 years) completed the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) questionnaire. Family members (&gt;18 years) completed both Family Reported Outcome Measure (FROM-16) and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) questionnaires. In the other chronic conditions group, patients (&gt;17 years) completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life -BREF (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire and children (4-17 years) completed The Revised Children’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDL-r: Kiddy KINDL, Kid KINDL and Kiddo KINDL). Family members completed the FROM-16 questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS™ statistical software. Results: Forty-four participants completed the study. In the dermatological group (n=26), there was a weak negative correlation between DLQI and FDLQI scores (r= –0.23, p=0.55) not between DLQI and FROM-16 (r = –0.04, p=0.92). There was a very strong positive relationship between both CDLQI and FDLQI (r=0.83, p=0.17) and CDLQI and FROM-16 (r=0.82, p=0.18). Although not statistically significant, there may be a correlation between the FROM-16 and FDLQI scores for family members of dermatology patients. In the chronic conditions group (n=18) the mean score of WHOQoL-BREF was 90.5 (SD=13) with a significant negative inverse relationship to FROM-16 (r= –1.000, p=&lt;0.001). The KINDL-r scores (mean=66, SD =11) showed no significant correlation (r= –0.24, p=0.61) with FROM-16 scores (mean=9.6, SD=3.7). Conclusion: The impact of a patient’s dermatological or other chronic condition can not only negatively affect the patient’s QoL but also the QoL of their family members.

Long-term quality of life after repeated ketamine infusions in anxious and nonanxious patients with depression

BackgroundThere have been many studies on the benefits of repeated ketamine infusions on patients' depression but few on the impact of ketamine on patients' long-term quality of life (QoL). This study investigated long-term QoL in individuals with depression, both anxious and nonanxious. MethodsA total of 107 individuals with a diagnosis of depression were included in the study. The patients were evaluated on Days 0, 13 and 26 and Months 6 and 9, and they received six ketamine infusions over the course of two weeks. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Scale were used to measure depressive symptoms and QoL. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate depressive symptoms and QoL during ketamine treatment. ResultsA total of 67.2 % of patients were diagnosed with anxious depression. In the long term, there were no significant differences in the time-by-group interactions for general QoL (F = 0.510; P = 0.676), physical QoL (F = 2.092; P = 0.102), psychological QoL (F = 0.102; P = 0.959), social QoL (F = 2.180; P = 0.091), or environmental QoL (F = 1.849; P = 0.139) between the two groups. LimitationsThe main limitation of this study is its open-label design. ConclusionThe improvement in depression symptoms and QoL following ketamine treatment was not impacted by the presence or absence of anxiety in patients who were depressed prior to treatment. Only occasionally did depressed individuals with anxiety experience a worsening of their quality of life compared to those without anxiety.

A Cross Sectional Study to Measure the level of Depression and the Quality of life among the Geriatric Population Residing in Old Age Home

Background: Aging can cause reduced physical and mental ability, economic dependence, and depression in theelderly, lowering their quality of life. The study aims to determine depression prevalence and assess quality of lifeamong geriatric populations in Old Age Homes.Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the elderly (age≥60 years) residing in anold age home (n=90) in district Bhopal (M.P). Multistage simple random sampling was used to select the studyparticipants in all elderly people living in the OAH were included. The tools used are Geriatric Depression Scale-Hindi (GDS-H) to estimate the level of depression and The World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF(WHOQOL-BREF) in Hindi to assess the quality of life.Results: The prevalence of depression in OAH nearly 90 percent were suffering from depression either mild (61.11percent) or severe (27.78 percent).Conclusion: This study also revealed that the level of depression is inversely proportional to the quality of life. Asthe level of depression increases the quality of life of an elderly individual decreases.

Effects of a lower limb walking exoskeleton on quality of life and activities of daily living in patients with complete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial.

In recent years, lower limb walking exoskeletons have been widely used in the study of spinal cord injury (SCI). To explore the effect of a lower limb walking exoskeleton on quality of life and functional independence in patients with motor complete SCI. This was a multi-center, single blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 16 SCI patients were randomly assigned to either the exoskeleton-assisted walking (EAW) group (n= 8) or the conventional group (n= 8). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training, including aerobic exercise and strength training. The EAW group additionally conducted the exoskeleton-assisted walking training using an AIDER powered robotic exoskeleton for 40-50 minutes, 5 times/week for 8weeks. World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM-III) were used for assessment before and after training. There was an increasing tendency of scores in the psychological health, physical health, and social relationships domain of WHOQOL-BREF in the EAW group after the intervention compared with the pre-intervention period, but there was no significant difference (P> 0.05). SCIM-III scores increased in both groups compared to pre-training, with only the conventional group showing a significant difference after 8weeks of training (P< 0.05). A lower limb walking exoskeleton may have potential benefits for quality of life and activities of daily living in patients with motor complete SCI.

Exploring the psychometric properties of Gujarati version of WHOQOL-BREF scale among general population of Western Gujarat: A confirmatory factor analysis.

Quality of life (QOL) is a useful component in assessing the health of people and society. There are many reports on the validity of the four-domain structure of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), but few studies have investigated the possibility of a better alternative model fit among the general population. The objectives of the study were to perform exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the WHOQOL-BREF and to generate a model that fits among the general population of western Gujarat. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 using the Gujarati version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire among the general population of urban and rural areas. Factor analysis was performed to check the model fit. Factor analysis gave a five-factor structure, and the CFA suggested that the model was acceptable. Based on the findings, this model can better explain QOL and can be used as a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating QOL in the general population of Gujarat.

Adaptation and Validation of the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) for People with Aphasia

ABSTRACT Background It is essential to consider the well-being and quality of life (QoL) of the person as part of an effective intervention in health. To this end, the World Health Organization developed an instrument to assess the QoL, the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). However, it is not adapted to the comprehension and expression difficulties a person with aphasia must face. Aims To create and validate a version of the WHOQOL-BREF, Portuguese version, which is adapted to the needs of people with aphasia (PWA). Methods & Resources For the adaptation and validation phase, two participatory workshops were held with a group of five PWA and then, individual interviews were carried out with the same experts. For the validation phase (concurrent validity and assessing group differences), the study included a sample of 45 people (15 PWA and 30 neurologically healthy participants – NHP). To evaluate the test-retest (intra-rater) reliability, the t-test was used, and the Pearson correlation was calculated. To compare the two groups (PWA and NHP), the Chi-Square Test was used for categorical variables and the independent t test (or the Mann-Whitney test) for the numerical variables. Outcomes & Results The results obtained are in line with what is reported in the literature regarding the aphasia-friendly adaptions of health assessment instruments: It is relevant to provide graphic support and to highlight specific information. There were no differences between test-retest (moderate to strong correlations between the two testing points: 0.56-0.79). Contrary to expectations, PWA did not present significant differences in QoL when compared to NHP, except for the physical domain (p=0.01). During concurrent validation, the following correlation values were obtained in the specific domains of WHOQOL-BREF and SAQOL-39: WHOQOL-BREF Physical/ SAQOL-39 Physical (0.55) and WHOQOL-BREF Physical/ SAQOL-39 Communication (0.53). Conclusion The adaptations carried out to facilitate the understanding and expression of PWA and the aphasia-friendly support materials produced for WHOQOL-BREF were well received by a group with mild aphasia and may be useful for the broader population of PWA. The WHOQOL-BREF could be used without communicative support by PWA, facilitating the collection of clinically relevant data about this population.

Influence of anxiety/depression on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and related quality of life: A prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe impact of anxiety and depression on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis has not been extensively explored in the literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate anxiety/depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life, and oral health-related quality of life and their association with oral mucositis among individuals receiving chemotherapy. MethodsThis is a prospective longitudinal study carried out at a Brazilian referral service. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-14) were applied at D0 (before chemotherapy) and D15 of chemotherapy. Clinicodemographic data and oral mucositis severity scores were evaluated. ResultsA total of 37 individuals (median age: 49 years) were included in the study. Nearly 38% of patients developed chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and had higher anxiety/depression scores at baseline. Oral mucositis had a negative impact on oral health-related quality of life regarding functional limitation, physical pain, physical disability, and handicap. ConclusionAnxiety/depressive symptoms are associated with oral mucositis that affects overall health and oral health-related quality of life.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey

BackgroundHealthcare workers and medical students faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Processes within many hospitals were completely disrupted. In addition, the face to face teaching of medical students was drastically reduced. Those at risk of developing mental health problems appear to be younger health care workers and women. ObjectiveTo investigate potential COVID-19 pandemic-related gender differences in psychological distress among medical students and physicians in their first years of practice. Design and settingAn anonymous survey was carried out online between December 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the Mannheim Medical Faculty and the Würzburg Medical Faculty, Germany, after obtaining informed consent. Primary outcome measures were changes in anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and changes in participants' current quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life BREF. ResultsThe results show wave-like courses for perceived anxiety and burden overlapping with the course of the COVID-19 incidence. In comparison to men, women showed a significant higher increase in HADS (p = 0.005) and a reduced life quality (p = 0.007) after COVID-19. Both sexes showed different frequencies of the factors influencing quality of life, with the presence of a previous mental illness and mean anxiety having a significant higher negative impact in women. ConclusionFuture and young female physicians reported a disproportionate higher burden during COVID-19 compared to their male colleges. These observations suggest an increased need for support and prevention efforts especially in this vulnerable population.

Psychometric attributes of WHOQOL-BREF among tuberculosis patients: Rasch model analysis

The World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument has been used to assess several diseases, including chronic pain sufferers' quality of life. In Indonesia it can be utilized for evaluating the quality of life among tuberculosis (TBC) patients. This study aimed to assess the psychometric attributes of quality of life questionnaires among 123 respondents with TBC (56.9% males, 43.1% females) in Yogyakarta. This study employed the Rasch analysis technique for psychometric analysis. The findings indicate that six questions are biased in favour of the respondent's qualities. Four items do not statistically match an MNSQ (Mean-square or Standardized fit statistics) output value of &amp;gt;1.5 but are still acceptable (Pt. Meas Corr 0.3-0.8). Between the elements Q14-Q12 and Q12-Q21, there is a gap The responders' ability level is higher than the average problem difficulty level. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument revealed unidimensionality, and the evaluation scale worked properly when it was used with TBC patients with Cronbach's α value of 0.89. The WHOQOL-BREF scale continues to be appropriate for evaluating the patient quality of life since it has solid psychometric qualities.