WHOQOL BREF Research Articles

Assessment of Quality of Life and Determinants Among the Elderly Population in Rural Areas of Puducherry: A Mixed Method Study

Background: Elderly people living in rural areas often faces unique challenges that affect their quality of life (QOL), including limited access to healthcare and social support. Understanding the factors influencing their well-being is essential to improve the quality of life. The study aims to assess the QOL and its determinants among the elderly in rural areas of Puducherry. Methods: A community based sequential explanatory mixed method study was conducted among the elderly residing in the rural field practice area of a medical college in Puducherry district. 200 participants were recruited by simple random sampling from the family health records in the Rural Health Training Centre of a medical college. WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the Quality of Life quantitatively and an interview guide to explore its determinants. Data were entered in MS excel and analyzed using SPSS v16.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 68.8± 2.5 years with majority being females. The environmental domain scored the highest mean QOL and psychological domain the lowest mean QOL. The overall mean QOL was 234.8 ± 65.4. The main determinants of poor QOL are age ≥ 75 years, lower socio-economic class, those who are widow/separated and presence of comorbid conditions. The binary logistic regression predicts the factor for poor QOL was age ≥ 75 years with OR (95% CI) as 6.23 (2.44-15.91). Conclusion: The overall mean QOL was moderate. The factors identified for poor QOL need to be addressed with key intervention strategies. Quality affordable medical services at door step to improve physical domain and targeted health education for family members and the community, who form the immediate environment around the elderly, can play a crucial role in enhancing the social domain.

The quality of life of primary caretakers of children with cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous group of disorder affecting the development of movement and posture, which is permanent nonprogressive. Previous studies in different regions have shown links between caregivers’ mental health and children’s well-being. However, the lack of such detailed research for the caretakers of children with CP and correlation of quality of life affected the type and severity of the condition; this necessitates the development of a new study to assess caregivers’ quality of life. Aim: Quality of life among caregivers of disabled children is an important concern in healthcare. We aim to evaluate the quality of life among caregivers of children with CP and to assess the factors affecting the caregivers’ quality of life, namely, age, gender, type, and gross motor function in children with CP. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study, conducted over a period of 6 months. It included the caregivers of children with CP at a tertiary care hospital of Mumbai. Data were collected using the WHO BREF questionnaire. The children were divided into two groups (2 to 7 years and 7 to 12 years). The qualities of life of the caretakers of these two groups were compared in four domains, namely, physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Results: The study included 50 participants. Mothers (80%) and fathers (10%) were the primary caregivers. Caretakers of the children with cerebral palsy showed significant affected quality of life as calculated from WHO QOL BREF score in both age groups (2–7 and 7–12 years) and in all domains. Overall, the most affected domain in our study was of psychological health and the least affected domain was of the environmental domain. Conclusion: This study provides a snapshot of the impact of having a child with cerebral palsy on the lives of the caregivers Most of the caregivers in the study were mothers, and quality of life was affected in all domains mainly in psychological and physical domains. The study showed that there is a need for interventions in caregivers which can have an indirect impact on the children with CP.

The Correlation Between Quality of Sleep and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients; An Indonesian Sample

Background: Sleep quality is important clinical outcomes of hemodialysis patients. Nurse has importance role to maintains the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, quality of sleep and quality of life in hemodialysis patients in research are needed in order to improve quality of life hemodialisys patients. Aim: To determine the correlation between quality of sleep and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Method: Cross-sectional study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI) and WHOQOL–BREF questionnaires were administered in this study. The Kendall Tau test was used to determine the correlation between sleep quality and quality of life. Results: Two hundred four respondents participated in this study. A total 90.2% of hemodialysis patients experienced mild sleep disturbances and, 48.3% of patients had a good quality of life category. A significant correlation between sleep quality and quality of life in hemodialysis patients was found (p=0.002). Conclusion: Lower levels of quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients have a negative effect on quality of life. Reducing sleep disruption through nursing intervention programs for hemodialysis patients is recommended during nursing care to increase quality of sleep in this vulnerable population. Identification of factors supporting sleep quality and intervention strategies are recommended for further research.

Quality of Life of the Primary Caregivers of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate in Guanajuato, Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Comprehensive treatment is crucial for patients with a cleft lip/palate. While studies have investigated its impact on children's quality of life, few have examined the effects on primary caregivers. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life of caregivers of children with cleft lip/palate to a control group at the National School for Higher Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Guanajuato. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching dental clinic of the National School of Higher Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Guanajuato, México, from May to December 2021 involving 140 caregivers (70 in each group). The WHOQoL Bref instrument assessed the quality of life. In addition to the descriptive analysis, a binary logistic regression analysis was carried out, taking dichotomized reported quality of life as the dependent variable. Among the caregivers, 88.6% were female (p > 0.05), and 45 (64.8%) from the study group reported poor quality of life (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis indicated that caring for a child with cleft lip/palate raised the likelihood of poor quality of life (p < 0.05). The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive support for both patients and caregivers, as their well-being affects patient outcomes.

Efficacy of tryushnadya churna in metabolic syndrome with obesity – A randomized double blind controlled clinical trial

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) with obesity has significant mortality and morbidity. Integrative Ayurveda management is explored for it's possible effect. To evaluate the effect of Tryushnadi churna in the management of Metabolic syndrome with obesity. Study is a Randomized, Controlled, double blind, parallel group comparative clinical trial. 48 participants meeting the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment panel 3 diagnostic criteria were recruited in the study. They were divided in two 2 groups. Placebo group were administered with Placebo 1gm twice a day, Ayurveda diet and yoga. Tryushnadi Group were intervened with Tryushnadi churna 1gm twice a day, Ayurveda diet and yoga. Interventions were for 90 days. Assessments criteria included Weight, BMI,Waist circumference (WC), Waist hip ratio, Skin fold thickness (SFT), Body fat, blood pressure, WHO-QOL BREF scale, Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI)- Severity, Global improvement and Efficacy index, Fasting blood sugar (FBS) were assessed on every 30th day. Other blood parameters like Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), Triglycerides, High density lipoproteins (HDL), Low density lipoproteins (LDL), Total cholesterol (TC) were evaluated at pre and post study. Between groups comparison showed, Tryushnadi group had significant improvements in BMI, Weight, WHOQOL-Bref and had large effect size. Both the groups showed improvement in WC, body fat, SFT, CGI severity, CGI efficacy index and improvement in quality of life in within group assessment. Study showed that Tryushnadi churna was effective in management of MetS with Obesity. Integrated management of Ayurveda medicine, Ayurveda diet and yoga had beneficial effect.

Coronavirus Fear and Life Quality Perceptions of COVID-19 Positive Patients' Spouses

This study was conducted to determine the fear of coronavirus and quality of life perceptions of the spouses of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were treated and discharged. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted with the spouses of 111 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in a district state hospital and were treated and discharged. Data were collected with the Patient Spouse Identification Form, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, and the WHOQOL BREF 27 Quality of Life Scale. Data were evaluated by percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t test, Mann Whitney-U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Pearson Correlation coefficient. The mean COVID-19 Fear scale score of the participants was 16.92 ± 6.20. A statistically significant difference was found between the education level, chronic disease status, hospitalization period of the spouse, and knowledge of the new type of coronavirus and the quality of life sub-dimensions mean scores of the participants. As individuals' fear levels increase, the quality of life psychological health sub-dimension score decreases.

Effect of the postoperative pain management model on the psychological status and quality of life of patients in the advanced intensive care unit

Objectiveit was to explore the influence of the postoperative pain management mode on the psychological state, quality of life (QOL), and nursing satisfaction of late patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and improve the nursing effect of late patients in the ICU.Methodsseventy patients who were admitted to the postoperative ICU for gastric cancer and received treatment in our hospital from March 2021 to May 2022 were selected. The patients were assigned into a research group and a control (Ctrl) group according to a random number table, with 70 cases in each group. The Ctrl group received routine nursing intervention, while research group received nursing intervention based on routine nursing intervention with postoperative pain management mode and received psychological care. Good communication was established with the patients, and the postoperative pain assessment was well conducted. The general information, state-trait anxiety (STAI) score, World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Instrument (WHO QOL-BREF) score, and care satisfaction were compared.Resultsthe general information differed slightly, such as sex, age, and ward type, between groups, with comparability (P > 0.05). S-AI scores (13.15 ± 1.53 vs. 16.23 ± 1.24) and T-AI scores (14.73 ± 3.12 vs. 18.73 ± 3.16) in research group were inferior to those in Ctrl group (P < 0.05). The scores of patients in research group in the physiological field (78.9 ± 6.1 points vs. 72.3 ± 5.6 points), social relationship field (76.9 ± 4.5 points vs. 71.3 ± 4.8 points), psychological field (78.6 ± 6.2 points vs. 72.4 ± 5.3 points), environmental field (78.6 ± 6.7 points vs. 73.5 ± 6.4 points), and total QOL (79.5 ± 7.4 points vs. 71.6 ± 5.4 points) were higher than those in Ctrl group (P < 0.05). The total satisfaction rate with nursing care in research group (82.85%) was dramatically superior to that in Ctrl group (62.85%) (P < 0.05).Conclusionthe adoption of a postoperative pain management model in postoperative nursing interventions for patients in advanced ICUs can alleviate anxiety and depression, improve patients’ QOL and nursing satisfaction, and have clinical promotion value.

The associationof quality of life and the functioning in the chronic disease among patients after myocardial infarction

Abstract Background The importance of health-relatedquality of life (HRQoL) and improving functional status in reducing risk factors of myocardial infarction (MI) has also been increasingly recognized. Purpose This study aimed to examine the level of quality of life (QoL) in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) in relation to the degree of functioning in chronic disease. Methods This was a cross-sectional, single-centre study. The study was conducted among 231 patients who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL BREF) andthe Chronic Disease Functioning Scale(FCIS) were used. Results The Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation (coefficient value 0.5 &amp;lt; |r/rho| ≤ 0.7) between general functioning in chronic disease and the average QoL (rho = 0.56;p &amp;lt; 0.001)and somatic QoL levels(rho = 0.52;p &amp;lt; 0.001), as well as a moderately strong positive correlation with the QoL level on the psychological domain (rho = 0.50;p &amp;lt; 0.001), social domain (rho = 0.48;p &amp;lt; 0.001) and environmental domain (rho = 0.43;p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Identifying the chronic disease functioning indicator in post-MI patients in relation to HRQoL allows for targeted counseling and secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD), which translates into a reduced risk of further cardiovascular events and related rehospitalization.

Quality of Life and its Associated Factors Among the Elderly Community Dwellers in Rural Bihar – A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study from Eastern India

Background: Aging, longevity, advanced health care, and demographic transition have altered the quality of life (QOL) among the elderly. This study was planned to assess the QOL among the elderly and the associated factors in rural Bihar. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study among 395 elderlies residing in rural Bihar adopted a multistage sampling technique and a standard WHO-QOL BREF tool to assess the QOL. A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed and an adjusted beta-coefficient was reported to determine the factors determining the QOL. Results: A total of 33 [8.4% (95% CI: 6-11.5%)] out of 395 elderlies had poor QOL. Age [adjusted B= -0.19 (-0.3 to -0.07)], Females [adjusted B= -1.89 (-3.5 to -0.25)], No. of drugs consumed [adjusted B=1.7 (0.4 to 2.99)], presence of any of the comorbidity [adjusted B=-5.9 (-10.8 to -1.1)], presence of Polymorbidity [adjusted B=-3.5 (-6.6 to -0.4)] were found to be independent correlates of QOL scores among elderly. Conclusion: Almost one in ten elderlies had poor QOL. The physical domain of QOL was affected the most among all the domains. Increasing age, female gender, presence of any co-morbidity, presence of poly-morbidity, and more drug consumption were associated with decreasing QOL scores among the elderly.

Quality of Life, Treatment Seeking Pathways and Out of Pocket Expenditure of parents with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in South Delhi

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder requiring continuous preventive, curative and rehabilitative management of child. Taking care of these children leads to parents face various challenges. Lack of awareness, associated stigma, misdiagnosis, inappropriate management impacts parents' lives in various aspects. Objectives: To assess quality of life of the parents of ASD children, find out various treatment-seeking pathways adopted by them, and estimate out-of-pocket expenditure for childcare. Methodology: Cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted for assessment of quality of life of parents (WHO-QOL BREF), out-of-pocket expenditure, treatment-seeking pathways opted by parents for ASD management. Results: Quality of life of parents were found to be affected in various domains, however psychological domain was most influenced. Age of parents had an impact on social domain. Delays in the identification of symptoms, confirmation of diagnosis, Lack of availability of treatment services, and non-integration of rehabilitative services were major loopholes in the treatment seeking. The median out-of-pocket expenditure was 16% of monthly family income. Conclusion &amp; recommendation: Community awareness, medical fraternity sensitization, integration of all services for management and rehabilitation are keys towards better quality of life for parents. Financial support through health programs, NGOs, or insurance is a much-needed reform to reduce catastrophic health expenditure.

Quality of life and associated factors among people with epilepsy in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundEpilepsy is a global health and economic burden with major problems that have an impact on physical, psychological, and social activities. Quality of life (QoL) is often disturbed and can be influenced by many factors, like anti-seizure medication side effects, the sociocultural environment, and various disease-related factors. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an overview of the most recent information available regarding the pooled prevalence of poor quality of life and associated factors among adult people with epilepsy in Ethiopia.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) is an appropriate set of guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with CRD42024527914. To find publications for the systematic review and meta-analysis, we used both manual and electronic searches. The publications were searched by PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and other grey publications were searched by Google Scholar. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for cross-sectional study quality assessment was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel, and then it was exported into STATA 11.0 for analysis. A funnel plot and an objective examination of Egger’s regression test were used to check for publication bias.ResultsWe have included 7 studies conducted in Ethiopia with 2123 study participants, of whom 1163 (54.78%) were male individuals, and 1196 (56.34%) of the participants were living without marriage (either single, divorced, or widowed). The pooled prevalence of poor quality of life among people with epilepsy in Ethiopia is 45.07 (95% CI: 39.73–50.42%). Further, in subgroup analysis regarding the assessment tool of poor quality of life of people with epilepsy, QOLIE-31 accounted for 50.05% (95%CI: 46.65–53.45) and WHO QOL BREF accounted for 39.72% (95%CI: 27.67–51.78). Among the associated factors, being unable to read and write, anxiey and depression were significantly linked to the quality of life of people with epilepsy.ConclusionThis review found that there was a high pooled prevalence of poor quality of life related to people with epilepsy in Ethiopia. This study may provide further information to concerned bodies that do early screening and manage the quality of life of individuals with epilepsy. Also, screening and intervention for anxiety and depression problems should be considered in regular epilepsy care management.

The Relationship of The Medication Adherence Model to The Quality of Life of Communities Pulmonary Tuberculosis Suffering in The Working Area of The Muliorejo Health Center, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang 2023

Tuberculosis sufferers experience changes in their physical, psychological health and social life which can have an impact on the quality of life of pulmonary tuberculosis sufferers. Curing pulmonary tuberculosis requires regular treatment for up to 6 months. The purpose of this research is to identify the relationship between the Medication Adherence Model and the Quality of Life of People Suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Muliorejo Community Health Center, Sunggal District, Deli Serdang Regency. This research method uses descriptive collaborative with a cross sectional approach. Sampling was taken by accidental sampling with a sample size of 60 respondents. Medication adherence was obtained using the MMAS-8 questionnaire and quality of life using the WHO Qol-BREF questionnaire. The statistical analysis used is the Chi-Square test. Of the 60 respondents, 25 respondents were found in the low medication adherence category, namely 25 people (41.7%) had a poor quality of life, 20 people (33.3%) had a moderate quality of life and none had a moderate quality of life. good, out of a total of 30 respondents in the high medication adherence category, 35 people (58.3%) had a quality of life in the moderate category, 20 people (33.3%) experienced a quality of life in the good category and no one experienced a poor quality of life. Based on the results of the Chi-Square Test, it was found that the pvalue (0.000) was smaller than the significant value (0.05) so that Ha was accepted, which means there is a relationship between adherence to taking medication and the quality of life of Tuberculosis patients in the Muliorejo Community Health Center working area. There is a relationship between adherence to taking medication and quality of life in tuberculosis patients in the Muliorejo Community Health Center working area. Consume nutritious food · Let sunlight enter the room · Use a mask · Limit contact at the start of treatment · Wash your hands frequently.

Quality of Life in Caregivers of Alcohol Use Disorder Patients: Role of Family Functioning and Social Support

Background: Caring for alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients poses significant challenges, impacting caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) across all the dimensions. Following Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, family functioning (FF) and social support (SS) are crucial coping resources. Purpose: This study aims to explore how FF and SS relate to QOL in caregivers of individuals with AUD, recognising their pivotal role in navigating diverse caregiving-related stressors. Methods: A sample of 128 primary caregivers for AUD patients was collected from two psychiatric hospitals in Amritsar, Punjab. Data were collected using assessment tools, such as the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL–BREF), Family Assessment Device and PGI Social Support Questionnaire, and were analysed through the Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results: FF ( r = –0.603) and SS ( r = 0.641) exhibited significant correlations with caregivers’ QOL. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that both FF (β = –0.345) and SS (β = 0.436) significantly predicted QOL among caregivers. Approximately 49% of the variance in QOL was explained by the linear combination of SS and FF. Conclusion: Developing tailored programs is essential to enhance caregivers’ physical, mental, social and environmental well-being. Healthcare professionals should recognise the intricate connections among these dimensions, crafting holistic approaches to nurture a supportive caregiving environment.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery and Traditional Recovery Pathway in Robotic Hysterectomy for Benign Indications: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate the impact of implementation of the ERAS program in patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy for benign indications in comparison with conventional management DesignRandomized controlled trial SettingNorth Indian tertiary care hospital ParticipantsPatients aged 40-60 years willing to sign the informed written consent were included while cases with contraindications for neuraxial anesthesia were excluded. 130 subjects undergoing robotic hysterectomy, divided into ERAS (N=65) and conventional (non-ERAS) (N=65) groups. InterventionsComponents of the ERAS protocol included preoperative counselling, carbohydrate loading, early removal of catheter, and early ambulation. Both groups underwent optimization of medical conditions, standardized anesthesia, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. ResultsOutcome measures included length of hospital stay (LOHS), time to tolerance of diet, postoperative complications, readmission rates, and quality of life assessed by WHO-QOL BREF. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. ERAS group showed significantly lower docking time (4.82±0.73 versus 5.31±0.92 minutes), faster tolerance of diet (0.14±0.35 versus 1.14±0.35 days), and earlier resumption of ambulation (0.42±0.5 versus 1.26±0.44 days). Time for 'fit for discharge' (1.43±0.61 versus 2.97±1.1 days) and LOHS (2.85±1.09 versus 3.78±1.29 days) were significantly lower in the ERAS group. Postoperative complications and readmission rates were comparable. Quality of life scores favoured the ERAS group at postoperative day 1 and 30. ConclusionThe combination of ERAS and robotic surgery improves patient outcomes, shortens hospital stay, and enhances postoperative recovery without increasing complications. This research serves as a pioneering effort in assessing ERAS impact on robotic hysterectomy for benign indications, providing valuable insights for future multicentric studies and supporting the integration of ERAS protocols to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.Clinical trial registration: Clinical trial registry of India: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=NjczODM=&Enc=&userName=)

RELATIONSHIP OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FROM MONTENEGRO

The main goal of this research was to determine the relationship between physical activity and the quality of life of female students from Montenegro. The sample of respondents consisted of 128 female students of the University of Montenegro, average age 20.9±3.28 years. Two measuring instruments were used in the research: a modified short version of the IPAK questionnaire for assessing physical activity (light, moderate, intensive and total) and a modified version of the WHOQOL BREF questionnaire for assessing quality of life (physical health, mental health, social relationships, satisfaction with quality of life). Basic descriptive parameters were calculated for each variable, while regression analysis was used to establish the mentioned relationship. The results showed that female students are moderately physically active, and that total, moderate and intense physical activity is associated with physical health, mental health and satisfaction with social relationships. Total and moderate physical activity aren’t related to satisfaction with quality of life. Light physical activity is only associated with psychological health (concentration, satisfaction with sleep). The results of this study confirmed the significant connection between physical activity and quality of life among female students in Montenegro and represent a strong argument that should initiate an adequate reaction, primarily from the professional and scientific society, but also from the executive authorities in order to strengthen the promotion of the active lifestyle of the student population in Montenegro, and decreasing the epidemic of physical inactivity.

Assessment of Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a broad spectrum of motor disability which is non progressive and is caused by damage to the brain at or around birth. Care of a child with cerebral palsy is a source of tension and struggle for parents and causes many problems in meeting the child’s needs. Understanding the quality of life of this category of parents , will contribute entire and sufficient physiotherapeutic interventions by various techniques and examine what structural changes could be made to increase parent satisfaction. Study Design: This study is a cross sectional study approach to assess the quality of life of these parents in Pune. A sample of 30 parents of children of cerebral palsy age 3-17 years was selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using WHO-QOL BREF, Parental stress index, Beck depression inventory questionnaire, focusing on quality of life, stress and depression of parents. Method: 30 Participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Convenient sampling was done. Informed consent was obtained before data collection. Demographic details were recorded, and participants responded to the questionnaire, focusing on physical health, psychological health, social relationship and environmental barriers, stress and depression level. Descriptive statistics analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Results: The result showed as compare to father mother experienced lower quality of life, average depression level and increased stress level. This finding emphasizes the quality of life is severely affected suggesting the need to have family- centered approach for the management of children with cerebral palsy and evaluate unique challenges and experiences of parents to improve communication and support. Conclusion: This study concludes that the Quality of Life in Mothers is lower than that of Fathers of Cerebral Palsy child.

Correlation of postural stability with pain, disability and quality of life among patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction- A cross-sectional study

Context-Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction accounts for altered postural stability which can cause a continuously intense pain level and range of disabilities. AimTo investigate the correlation of postural stability with pain, disability & QOL among sufferers of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. SettingThis cross-sectional research was undertaken at Rehabilitation Centre, Jamia Hamdard University. MethodA total of fifty participants were recruited using sample of convenience according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent, three pain provocative tests and one motion palpation test were used to determine sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Humac balance master system (CSMi USB powered, Stoughton, USA), Visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) & WHO QOL-BREF (US version) were used to assess postural stability, pain, disability & Quality of life (QOL) respectively. Data analysis was done for correlation by SPSS version 24.0. ResultStrong positive correlations were found between reaction time, VAS (r = 0.791) and modified ODI score (r = 0.576) and weak positive correlations between eyes closed solid surface (ECSS) component of modified clinical test of sensory interaction & balance with VAS (r = 0.333) and with modified ODI score (r = 0.304) and eyes open foam surface (EOFS) component with environmental component of QOL (r = 0.287). There were negative correlations between reaction time, physical health (r = −0.413), psychological health (r = −0.375), social relations (r = −0.305), and environment (r = −0.379) parameters of QOL. ConclusionAccording to the findings of the study, there were positive correlations of reaction time with pain and disability and negative correlations with QOL. Awareness of clinicians regarding the altered postural stability can help in improvising the assessment and treatment protocols for patients of SI dysfunction.

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 .

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_420A: Chronic morbidity and disability and its effect on quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Mangalore, South India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Senior citizens, or individuals over 60 years, constitute 8.6% of India’s population. As a result of shifting family dynamics brought about by growing urbanization and globalization, these elderly populations are flocking to elder care centers. The objectives of this research are to ascertain the elderly’s self-reported chronic morbidities, disabilities, and the relationship between these factors with their quality of life (QOL). Methodologys: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 residents of old age homes in Mangalore block of Dakshina Kannada district. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire consist of, Indian Disability Evaluation and assessment Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of life Brief Version (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire and the data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Odd’s ratio was calculated, independent T test was used to compare the means across the groups and a ‘p’ value &lt; 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In the current study 65.5% participants were female (N=72) and most of the study participants reported hypertension and musculoskeletal pain (41.8% &amp; 36.7% respectively) as the major ailment they are seeking health care, followed by diabetes mellitus (20.0%), angina (12.3%), asthma (10.9%), COPD (6.4%) and heart attack (4.5%). There was a statistically significant association between age, male gender, and level of disability with quality of life. Age of the participant was found to be directly proportional to quality of life in 2 domains – psychological and social relationships. Male gender was found to be significantly associated with social relationships domain of quality of life. Conclusion: It was shown that there was no clinically significant correlation between chronic morbidities and any dimension of quality of life, suggesting that the frequency and quality of health examinations delivered in the care homes were sufficient, which must carry on in the subsequent years.