QOL In Women Research Articles

Asymptomatic Uterine Fibroid: The Best Management for Improved QOL in Women by Comparing Laparoscopic and Laparoscopy Hysterectomy (Evidence-Based Medicine)

Introduction: Uterine Fibroids (UFs) are benign smooth-muscle neoplasms typically originating from the myometrium. Hysterectomy is the most common non-pregnancy-related surgical procedure performed on women. Laparoscopy Hysterectomy (LH) is currently accepted as a safe and efficient way to manage benign uterine disease with a lower risk of trauma and morbidity. A qualitative approach, which focuses on the Quality of Life of each patient, should help navigate which treatment is more beneficial.Case Illustration: A 56-year-old woman (G0P0) came for a health screening. It was known that about 10 years ago, the patient had a history of uterine myoma. Currently, the patient has no complaints, no abdominal pain, no history of bleeding, history of regular menstruation, and no dysmenorrhea. The patient underwent abdominal laparotomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy hysterectomy. Methods: We searched through 3 databases: Pubmed, Cochrane, and ProQuest with the keywords: “Abdominal Hysterectomy” OR “Laparoscopy Hysterectomy” AND “UFS-QOL” with critical review based on the criteria of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine for Qualitative-Studies. Conclusion: Studies show that laparoscopic hysterectomy increased patients’ QOL after the procedure, which revolves around symptom elimination and pain reduction. To ensure holistic and best-practice management, an individual assessment of each patient’s condition according to their symptoms and demographics is needed. Fibroid Uterus Asimptomatik: Penanganan Terbaik untuk Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup Wanita dengan Membandingkan Histerektomi Laparoskopi dan Laparoskopi (Evidence-Based Medicine)AbstrakPendahuluan: Fibroid Uterus (UFs) merupakan neoplasma jinak otot polos yang biasanya berasal dari miometrium. Histerektomi adalah prosedur bedah non-kehamilan yang paling umum dilakukan pada wanita. Laparoskopi Histerektomi (LH) merupakan salah satu cara yang aman dan efisien untuk menangani penyakit uterus jinak dengan risiko trauma dan morbiditas yang lebih rendah. Pendekatan kualitatif yang berfokus pada kualitas hidup setiap pasien akan membantu menentukan pengobatan mana yang lebih bermanfaat.Ilustrasi Kasus: Seorang wanita berusia 56 tahun (G0P0) datang untuk pemeriksaan kesehatan. Diketahui sekitar 10 tahun yang lalu pasien memiliki riwayat mioma uteri. Saat ini pasien tidak memiliki keluhan apa pun, tidak ada nyeri perut, tidak ada riwayat perdarahan, riwayat menstruasi teratur, dan tidak ada dismenore. Pasien menjalani laparatomi abdomen histerektomi salpingo-ooforektomi bilateral. Metode: Peneliti mencari melalui 3 database: Pubmed, Cochrane, ProQuest dengan kata kunci: “Abdominal Histerektomi” ATAU “Histerektomi Laparoskopi” DAN “UFS-QOL” dengan tinjauan kritis berdasarkan kriteria Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine for Qualitative-Studies. Kesimpulan: Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa histerektomi laparoskopi telah terbukti meningkatkan kualitas hidup pasien setelah prosedur dengan tujuan untuk menghilangkan gejala dan mengurangi rasa sakit. Untuk memastikan penatalaksanaan yang holistik dan praktik terbaik, diperlukan penilaian individual terhadap kondisi setiap pasien sesuai dengan gejala dan demografinya.Kata kunci: Fibroid Uterus, Kuesioner Gejala Fibroid Uterus, Laparoskopi Histerektomi, Abdominal Histerektomi

Effects of Circuit Exercise Program on Cognitive Function, Functional Exercise Capacity, Mobility, Depression, and Quality of Life in Women with Gestational Diabetes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of circuit exercise programs applied in addition to diet therapy on cognitive function, functional exercise capacity, mobility, depression, and QoL in women with GD. Materials and Methods: 43 women with GDM aged 18-35 years old were included and 43 were analyzed. A parallel, single-blind trial with participants allocated (1:1) to one of two groups the Exercise Group and the Diet Group. Personalized diet programs were received by all participants. In the Diet Group, only a diet program was performed. In the Exercise Group, a circuit exercise program was applied to 40-minute sessions, 3 days a week over 6 weeks in addition to the diet program. Participants were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks for general cognitive function, attention, selective attention, functional exercise capacity, mobility, depression, and quality of life. Results: Significant differences were found in terms of MoCA, Stroop ve SF-36 Physical Functioning in both groups (p<0.05). In Time*Group evaluations, there was a significant difference in the WMS Backward Digit Span in favor of the Diet Group, and in TUG in favor of the Exercise Group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, personalized diet programs may enhance cognitive functions, and circuit exercise programs in addition to the personalized diet program may enhance mobility and cognitive functions in women with GD.

Reducing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women with MV140 Impacts Personal Burden of Disease: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Placebo-controlled Efficacy Study

BackgroundRecurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) remains a major health burden for women. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT; NCT02543827) reported that female patients with rUTI receiving a sublingual vaccine, MV140, had a reduction in rUTI and increase in UTI-free rate compared with placebo. ObjectiveTo determine the impact of MV140 on the personal burden of disease in women with rUTI using secondary endpoint data from the pivotal RCT evaluating MV140. Design, setting, and participantsIn the primary RCT, female patients with rUTI enrolled in Spain and UK (from October 2015 to April 2019) were randomized to placebo (6 mo) or MV140 (3 or 6 mo), and followed for 12 mo. Individuals analyzed in this secondary analysis included those in the placebo and 3-mo (recommended dose) groups. InterventionA polybacterial sublingual vaccine, MV140 (four inactivated whole-cell bacteria—Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Enterococcus faecalis), or placebo. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisSymptom severity scoring, antibiotic use, safety, and multiple aspects of quality of life (QoL; Short-Form Questionnaire [SF-36]) were assessed. Results and limitationsCompared with the placebo group (n = 76), the 3-mo vaccinated group (n = 74) experienced fewer overall UTI symptoms (mean symptom score 102.2 ± 222.9 vs 194.2 ± 178.8; p = 0.0002), fewer days on antibiotics (12.4 ± 17.7 vs 28.7 ± 25.2; p = 0.0001), and improved total, general, and physical SF-36 QoL improvement (differences in means for total SF-36 score 15.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.80, 22.64; p < 0.0001), with only social function QoL showing no impact (4.07; 95% CI –4.93, 13.08; p = 0.3744). ConclusionsThree months of MV140 is associated with a reduction of the personal burden of UTI by reducing overall UTI symptoms and antibiotic use, improving QoL in women with rUTI. Patient summaryThree months of MV140 vaccine, which has previously been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection safely, is associated with a reduction in the personal burden of disease.

Women’s experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative meta-synthesis—part I

BackgroundQualitative research on women’s experiences participating in yoga after a cancer diagnosis is growing; systematic synthesis and integration of results are necessary to facilitate the transfer and implementation of knowledge among researchers and end-users. Thus, the purpose of this meta-synthesis was to: (1) integrate findings from qualitative studies, (2) compare and contrast findings to elucidate patterns or contradictions in conclusions, and (3) develop an overarching interpretation of women’s experiences participating in yoga after a cancer diagnosis.MethodsUsing meta-study methodology, six electronic databases were searched using a sensitive search strategy in November 2020, a supplemental scan of reference lists was conducted in August 2021, and the database search was replicated in October 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-texts to determine eligibility.ResultsThe searches yielded 6804 citations after de-duplication. Data from 24 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were extracted, and the results, methods, and theoretical approach(es) were analyzed. The analysis revealed that there was a predominant focus on two focal points in the primary articles: (1) women’s well-being and quality of life (QoL; part I) and (2) intervention preferences (part II). Five overarching categories emerged related to well-being and QoL: (1) yoga can support improvements in multiple dimensions of QoL in women diagnosed with cancer, (2) women diagnosed with cancer experience an interaction between QoL dimensions, (3) elements of yoga that support improvements in QoL dimensions, (4) breathwork and meditation are integral elements of yoga, and (5) yoga practice may support lifestyle behavior change. The articles reviewed had notable limitations related to: (1) reporting about instructor(s), content of the intervention, and environmental characteristics of the setting, (2) identifying and incorporating optimal features in the intervention design, (3) incorporating theory and real-world considerations into the study procedures, and (4) including positive and negative conceptualizations of QoL as an interconnected and multidimensional concept.ConclusionMoving forward, it remains critical to identify the ideal structure and content of yoga programs for promoting well-being and QoL among women diagnosed with cancer, as well as to explore barriers and facilitators to sustainable program implementation.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021229253.

Self at Risk: Self-Esteem and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment and Experiencing Bodily Deformities.

Self-esteem is an important factor determining QoL after surgical procedures leading to bodily deformities associated with cancer treatment. However, there are few data on which components of self-esteem are most closely related to QoL. The article presents two studies that aim to fill this gap. Study 1 concerns changes in global self-esteem and QoL in patients treated surgically for oral cancer (n = 35); Study 2 concerns changes in explicit and implicit self-esteem and QoL in women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy (n = 96). The study was longitudinal with two measurements: before and after surgery. Both studies used the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Rosenberg's SES questionnaires. In Study 2, the Implicit Association Test (IAT) was additionally performed. The patients' global QoL and self-esteem deteriorated after surgery. In Study 1, patients with higher initial self-esteem showed a greater range of decreased self-esteem and QoL than patients with initially low self-esteem. In Study 2, the largest decreases in various dimensions of QoL and explicit self-esteem were observed in women with fragile self-esteem. A group of women with high explicit and implicit self-esteem showed the best QoL after mastectomy. Cancer patients with high, fragile self-esteem are at risk of the greatest deterioration in QoL and self-image after cancer surgery. These people should be given special psycho-oncological care.

Effect of a Multimodal Supervised Therapeutic Exercise Program on Quality of Life, Pain, and Lumbopelvic Impairments in Women With Endometriosis Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of “Physio-EndEA”, a multimodal nine-week supervised exercise intervention, on quality of life, pain, and lumbopelvic impairments in women with endometriosis unresponsive to conventional therapy. DesignParallel-group randomized controlled trial. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1 year. SettingTwo Public University Hospitals. ParticipantsThis trial included 31 women with endometriosis (N=31) randomly allocated to “Physio-EndEA” group (n=16) or control group (n=15). Four participants dropped out of the study for causes unrelated to the intervention. InterventionsThe “Physio-EndEA” program consisted of a 1-week lumbopelvic stabilization learning phase followed by an 8-week phase of stretching, aerobic, and resistance exercises focused on the lumbopelvic area. It was sequentially instructed and supervised by a trained physiotherapist (with volume and intensity progression) and adapted daily to the potential of each participant. Control group received the usual treatment stipulated by their gynecologist. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was quality of life. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity, pressure pain thresholds, pain-related catastrophic thoughts, abdominal and back strength, lumbopelvic stability, and muscle architecture. ResultsAdherence rate was 90.6% and mean (±standard deviation) satisfaction was 9.44±0.73 out of 10. No remarkable health problems were reported during the trial. In comparison with controls, the quality of life was improved post-intervention and at 1 year in the Physio-EndEA group with large effect sizes (d>0.80). This group also evidenced: a reduced intensity of dyspareunia, catastrophic thoughts; an increase in pelvic, lumbar, and distal pressure pain thresholds; increases in abdominal and back strength and lumbopelvic stability; and increased thickness of transversus abdominis (right side) and width of lumbar multifidus (left side). ConclusionA 9-week program of multimodal supervised therapeutic exercise is a feasible and effective intervention to improve QoL in women with endometriosis. This program also offers benefits in terms of pain/sensitization and lumbopelvic impairments.

A Cross-Sectional Investigation of the Association between Arterial Stiffness and Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety Symptoms, and Quality of Life

Background and Objectives: Previous studies have assessed the association between arterial stiffness and depressive and anxiety symptoms, but the results were inconsistent. We aimed to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between arterial stiffness, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the 2014-2015 Korea Institute of Sport Science Fitness Standards project data. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured to assess arterial stiffness. High baPWV was defined as a baPWV higher than 1400 cm/s. Participants completed Beck's depressive symptoms inventory (BDI), Beck's anxiety symptoms inventory (BAI), and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref). We performed a logistic regression analysis by adjusting confounding factors and used the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method. Results: 1936 participants were included in the analysis (men 43.9%, median age 47). Participants with a high baPWV had higher odds of depressive symptoms compared to those with a normal baPWV (aOR 1.920, 95% CI 1.062-3.472, p = 0.031; IPTW OR 2.637, 95% CI 1.219-5.704, p = 0.014). In addition, baPWV was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the IPTW model in men but not in women (OR 2.497, 95% CI 1.004-6.207, p = 0.049). High baPWV was not associated with anxiety symptoms in all models, but it was associated with poor QOL in women (OR 4.561, 95% CI 1.465-14.199, p = 0.009). Conclusions: High baPWV was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms, especially in men. Our study suggests a modest association between arterial stiffness and depressive symptoms in Korean adults.

Impact of integrated yoga therapy on cognitive impairment and cardiac dysfunction in relation to quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: Study protocol for a two-arm randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundChemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and cardiac dysfunction (CRCD) are common adverse effects seen in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Even though these effects significantly influence daily functioning and overall quality of life, effective strategies to avoid and/or mitigate these adverse effects remain elusive. Yoga as a Mind-body intervention has been used increasingly by cancer patients and has undergone empirical investigations as a potential intervention for patients with cancer. Furthermore, yoga is associated with improved cognition and cardiac functioning in healthy older adults and subjects with cognitive and cardiac impairments. Accordingly, in the current study, yoga holds promise as an intervention to prevent/manage CRCI and CRCD with improved overall QOL in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.MethodsThe study is a two-arm, randomized controlled trial. Women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer and awaiting neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy will be recruited from a tertiary care center in Bangalore, India. Following recruitment, subjects are randomized to the intervention group (integrated yoga therapy intervention during chemotherapy) or the control group (standard care during chemotherapy). The study’s primary outcome is to measure the quality of life (cognitive domain) using European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). The other primary objectives will include cognitive functioning using neuropsychological test battery and cardiac autonomic function testing using heart rate variability. Secondary outcomes are Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), brain function (functional MRI), Echocardiography, serum cortisol, Functional assessment of cancer therapy-cognition (FACT-Cog V3), perceived stress scale and Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being. Assessments take place before, during and after chemotherapy; 16-weeks post chemotherapy and 1-year post-baseline.DiscussionYoga is a promising intervention for preventing and/or managing chemotherapy-related adverse effects (CRAE) and enhancing the quality of life among breast cancer patients. The findings from this study may also help understand the inner mechanisms involved in the protective and restorative effects of yoga on CRAE and support the use of yoga prophylactically for breast cancer patients. In addition, the results of this study could help chemotherapy-exposed individuals with other solid cancer types who have cognitive and cardiac issues.Ethics and DisseminationThe study is approved by the ethics committee of the HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. Hospital (EC/434/19/01) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMH/DO/ETHICS SUB-COMMITTEE (BS&NS) 9th MEETING/2018).Clinical Trial Registration http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/advancesearchmain.php, identifier CTRI/2020/10/028446.

219P UK survey measuring informational needs &amp; QoL in women living with metastatic breast cancer (LIMBER)

Studies have shown that there are considerable knowledge gaps related to the diagnosis and management of advanced/metastatic breast cancer (ABC/MBC), and limited availability of patient-focussed information around areas of concern. Workshop findings from 92 advocates from 27 countries (ABC19 conference) highlighted many practical concerns and unmet information needs, but there were several cultural variations and healthcare delivery differences. We wanted to compare these findings with those from a UK population via an on-line survey.

Impact of an endometrial cancer prevention program based on health belief model on elderly women's awareness and quality of life

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer worldwide affecting elderly women. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an endometrial cancer prevention program based on health belief (HBM-based) model on elderly women's awareness and quality of life. Design: A Quasi-experimental pre- post nonequivalent control group design was utilized. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 elderly women with postmenopausal bleeding and not diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Setting: the study was conducted at El-Galaa' teaching hospital, and El kasr El Ainy teaching hospital outpatient clinics. Study tools: 1- A structured demographic data and medical history questionnaire, 2-An endometrial cancer prevention awareness questionnaire (beliefs, knowledge&amp; practices), 3- (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire to assess elderly women's QOL. Results: the mean age of elderly was 65.87±3. 15. All elderly women had unsatisfactory knowledge and practice level related to endometrial cancer prevention during pretest evaluation which was improved to satisfactory in the study group after program implementation, a highly statistically significant difference between total beliefs (perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, cues to action) and the total QOL mean score of elderly women in the study group in the pre, post, follow up test (P= 0.00).

Effect of aerobic exercise on pain and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is a pain full menstruation without any pelvic pathology, and that’s the most common health problem among women of reproductive age. Primary dysmenorrhea described as painful cramps during menstruation that leads absenteeism and affect the QOL, its associated with restriction of activity and absence from routine activity. The objectives are to find out effectiveness of aerobic exercise on reducing pain and improving of quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea, and if there is possibility then what can be the adequate duration of aerobic training to be effective.Purpose of Study: The aim of the study to find out effect of Aerobic Exercise on pain and QOL in women with primary dysmenorrhea.Methodology: Article from different search engines like PubMed, Research Gate, Google Scholar are being reviewed. Articles from previous 5 years, those which are available in full text and published in English language are included.Result: Article showed positive effect of aerobic exercise in reducing pain which was assessed through Premenstrual syndrome scale, visual analogue scale, short form McGill pain questionnaire, numerical pain rating scale, and QOL also improved which was also assessed through QOL- 12 item short form health survey, quality of life enjoyment & satisfaction questionnaire – short form (Q-LES-Q-SF), Moo’s menstrual distress questionnaire, short form of international physical activity questionnaire.Conclusion: The study concluded that 6 to 8 ±2 weeks of aerobic exercise is effective in reducing pain and improving QOL in women with primary dysmenorrhea. There are very few recent evidences supporting the topic hence more researches should be conducted.

A descriptive systematic review of the relationship between personality traits and quality of life of women with non-metastatic breast cancer

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is an important patient-reported outcome that has been studied extensively as an endpoint. There is a growing interest in factors that may influence QoL, such as personality. This descriptive systematic review examined the relationship between personality and QoL in women with non-metastatic breast cancer. MethodsOn November 24th, 2020, with a update on March 7th, 2022, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Embase were systematically searched for studies that assessed the direct relationship between personality traits and QoL among adult women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. The National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. Three reviewers independently extracted data regarding objectives, population, setting, design, method, outcome measurements and key results. The results are descriptively reported.ResultsTwelve studies (6 cohort studies and 6 cross-sectional studies) were included. Three studies were rated as poor, one study was rated as good, and the remaining studies were rated as moderate. There was a small to moderate effect of personality on QoL as correlation coefficients ranged from 0.10 to 0.77, and the explained variance ranged from 4 to 43%. The (strength of the) relationship depended on the personality trait and QoL domain that was measured and was most apparent for the personality traits ‘optimism’ and ‘trait anxiety’ on psychosocial QoL domains. The results for the personality traits (unmitigated) agency, agreeableness, conscientiousness, novelty seeking, and self-efficacy indicated a smaller but statistically significant correlation between these personality traits and QoL.ConclusionsThe results confirm that personality affects QoL in women with non-metastatic breast cancer and thus provides evidence that personality traits are indeed important influential factors of QoL. It is therefore strongly recommended for all future QoL research to measure personality traits and use these variables as predictive factors, as they are needed to accurately interpret QoL. Information regarding personality traits provide physicians and patients with an interpretation of low or deterioration of QoL, which could guide physicians to improve their patients’ health outcomes and subsequently QoL using psycho-oncological support or treatment.

Quality of life of women with breast cancer in a tertiary referral university hospital

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is one of the treatment outcome measures in patients with breast cancer. In this study, we measured the QoL of women with breast cancer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) and identified the associated factors.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to December 2017 and involved female patients with breast cancer. The QoL scores and domains were determined using the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L, and were presented as the utility value and visual analog scores, respectively.ResultsWe recruited a total of 173 women, aged 33–87 years. The median VA score was 80.00 (interquartile range [IQR] 70.00–90.00); the median utility value was 0.78 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.65–1.00. Women who did not take traditional medicine had a higher utility index score of 0.092 (95% CI 0.014–0.171), and women with household income of RM3000–5000 had a higher utility index score of 0.096 (95% CI 0.011–0.180).ConclusionTraditional medicine consumption and household income were significantly associated with lower QoL. The pain/discomfort domain was the worst affected QoL domain and was related to traditional medicine use and household income. Addressing pain management in patients with breast cancer and the other factors contributing to lower QoL may improve the QoL of breast cancer survivors in the future.

STUDY OF URINARY SYMPTOMS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH PROLAPSE.

INTRODUCTION in Western society 21 _51% urinary incontinence problem due to pelvic dysfunction various urinary symptoms are stress incontinence, mixed incontinence, dysuria, nocturia, driblling of urine, and later stages nocturnal enuresis. METHODS this study was conducted in 150 patients of prolapse aged 40_70year of age help was taken from King's health questionaare to develop proforma of the patients which included general health, incontinence impact, physical and social limitation, emotional problem with sleep disburtances, demographic characteristics and Obstetrics and medical history. DISCUSSION out of 150 patients, 44 had one or more medical management antimuscarinic drug were given in 20 patients, Mirabin were given in 6, ATT in 2,HRT in 10. Surgical management were done in 70 patients, vault prolapse in 10 and TOT in 3 patients. CONCLUSION our study conrm medical physical psychological and intervention factors were reported as inuential in QoL in women with incontinence and therefore increasing need for intervention for these prolapse patients with urinary dysfunction. AIM :Study of urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction in women with urinary incontinence in prolapse patients . The present study was conducted from January 28, 2019 to jan20 ,2020 .

Gender differences in the association between sexual satisfaction and quality of life

Sexual satisfaction (SS) may be an important predictor of broader quality of life (QOL; e.g. life satisfaction, etc.). However, past studies have rarely examined moderating variables of this association. The current study examined gender differences in the association between QOL and satisfaction with both intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of sex (e.g. one’s physical pleasure vs. quality of emotional connection with a partner). 188 adults completed measures of SS and QOL. SS was moderately correlated with a range of QOL outcomes. Satisfaction with intrapersonal aspects of sex was generally a stronger predictor of QOL for men whereas satisfaction with interpersonal factors was sometimes more predictive of QOL in women. Implications regarding the broader impact of sexual well-being are discussed.

Effect of exercise mode on physical function and quality of life in breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized trial.

This study aimed to compare the effects of virtual reality (VR) training and resistance exercises training on lymphedema symptom severity as well as physical functioning and QoL in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). In a single blinded randomized trial, women diagnosed with unilateral BCRL were randomly divided into two groups: the Xbox Kinect group received VR Kinect-based games (n = 30) and resistance exercise group received resistance training (n = 30). In addition, both groups received complex decongestive physiotherapy (manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, skin care, and exercises). The intervention was conducted five sessions per week for 8weeks. The outcome measures included excessive limb volume, visual analogue scale (VAS), the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, shoulder range of motion (ROM), shoulder muscles strength, hand grip strength, and Study Short-Form (SF-36). The outcomes were evaluated pre and post intervention (week 8). Statistical significant differences were recorded in VAS (pain intensity), DASH, shoulder ROM (p < 0.001), bodily pain (p = 0.002), general health (p < 0.001), and vitality (p = 0.006) in favor of the Xbox Kinect group. However, there were statistically significant differences in shoulder flexion strength (p = 0.002), external rotation strength (p = 0.004), and abduction strength and handgrip strength (p < 0.001) in favor of the resistance exercise group. The VR training was superior to resistance exercises training in BCRL management. The empirical findings support the VR as a new effective and encouraging intervention modality which can assist in improving physical functioning and quality of life in women with BCRL. This study is retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04724356).

Ultrasonography and clinical outcomes following anti-incontinence procedures (Solyx™ tape): a 3-year post-operative review.

Our primary objective was to study objective and subjective outcomes of patients with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) following Solyx™ at 3-year follow-up. Our secondary objective was to evaluate ultrasonographic tape and bladder neck position and mobility. Records of 88 women who received Solyx™ surgery between September 2015 and December 2017 were reviewed. Ultrasonographic sling evaluation was performed at 6months and 3 years postoperatively. Primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure of stress incontinence, defined as no involuntary urine leakage during filling cystometry, 1-h pad test < 2g and negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 Question 3. Subjective and objective cure rates at 3 years were 85.2% and 87.5%, respectively, with no complications reported. QOL improvements were maintained. Bladder neck position and mobility had no significant change between 6-month and 3-year follow-up. Tape position demonstrated significant shifts in the y-axis at both rest and Valsalva and in the x-axis at Valsalva between 6 months and 3 years; overall mobility was unchanged. Percentile of sling location remained unchanged at 60.1%, as did percentage of urethral kinking (67.9%) achieved. Risk factors for failure were bladder neck hypomobility postoperatively and no urethral kinking postoperatively. There was good sustained objective and subjective cure with improved QOL in women who underwent Solyx™ for USI at 3-year follow-up. Ultrasonographic evaluation showed a tape position shift upwards and backwards with unchanged tape and bladder neck mobility. Percentile of sling location and rates of dynamic kinking were maintained.

The Effect of Free Androgen Index on the Quality of Life of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Free androgen index (FAI) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are independently associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to describe the relationship between these two markers and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in women with PCOS.Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 81 women in the Hull PCOS biobank, who fulfilled the Rotterdam consensus criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS. The primary outcome was to measure the various domains of the QoL in the modified polycystic ovary syndrome questionnaire (MPCOSQ).Results: Mean age of the study participants was 28 ± 6.0 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 33.5 ± 7.8 kg/m2, mean FAI (6 ± 5.5), free testosterone (2.99 ± 0.75) and mean AMH (3.5 ± 0.8 units). In linear regression analysis, the FAI was associated with overall mean MPCOSQ score (Beta = 0.53, P-value = 0.0002), and with depression (Beta = 0.45, P-value = 0.01), hirsutism (Beta = 0.99, P-value = 0.0002) and menstrual irregularity (Beta = 0.31, P-value = 0.04). However, with adjustment for age and BMI, FAI was only associated with the hirsutism domain (Beta = 0.94, P-value = 0.001) of the MPCOSQ. FAI was also associated with the weight domain (Beta = 0.63 P-value = 0.005) of MPCOSQ. However, AMH was not associated with the overall mean MPCOSQ score or with any of its domains.Conclusion: FAI but not AMH was associated with QoL in women with PCOS, and this effect was mediated by BMI.

Vaginal stenosis in women with cervical or endometrial cancer after pelvic radiotherapy: a cross-sectional study of vaginal measurements, risk for sexual dysfunction and quality of life.

Radiotherapy (RT) for cervical (CC) and endometrial cancer (EC) is known to lead to vaginal stenosis (VS), but the comparison between vaginal anatomical measurements and the risk of sexual dysfunction presents a wide variety of results among the literature. Thus, we sought to assess the prevalence of VS, vaginal measurements, sexual dysfunction and QOL in women with CC and EC submitted to pelvic RT with or without previous surgery. Cross-sectional study that included 61 women with CC and 69 with EC. VS was classified by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects version 5.0 (CTCAE v5.0), sexual function by the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and QOL by the validated World Health Organization questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Acrylic cylinders were used for vaginal measurements. Uni-/multivariate analyses to address factors associated with VC in both groups were performed. The prevalence of VS was 79% and 67% within patients with CC and EC, respectively. Vagina length was decreased in both groups without statistical difference (7.2 ± 1.7 vs. 6.6 ± 1.8;p = 0.072). Vaginal diameter was significantly higher (p = 0.047) in women with EC (25.4 ± 6.3) than in those with CC (23.1 ± 5.7). Sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent for both CC and EC (88% vs. 91%; p = 0.598). There was no difference in all WHOQOL-BREF domains between women with CC and EC. VS is highly prevalent in CC and EC patients, with vaginal length decreased in both groups but with a higher vaginal diameter in those with EC. Nevertheless, sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in both groups.

Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in a Sample of Italian Women with a Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia: The Role of Attachment Styles.

Background Women with fibromyalgia (FM) commonly suffer from depression, pervasive fatigue, and pain. The attachment style has been hypothesized to be an important factor for understanding the experience of these symptoms. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study is aimed at investigating the effect of attachment styles in women with a diagnosis of FM on depressive symptoms and quality of life. Method Participants were 453 Italian women with a physician's diagnosis of FM with a mean age of 47 years (SD = 10.9). To assess attachment styles, quality of life, and depressive symptoms, women responded, respectively, to the Relationship Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Beck Depression Inventory II. Results Our results showed that the incidence of depressive symptoms was elevated, with 59% of women reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Also, the statistical analyses showed that both preoccupied and avoidant/dismissing attachments were related with depression symptoms and low perception of QoL. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that, when evaluating the impact of FM on the QoL of women, it is important to consider the complexity of the variables that are at play. Insecure attachment styles and depressive symptoms seem to increase the likelihood of the psycho-social-somatic malaise in FM women.