World Health Organization Quality Of Life Research Articles

An assessment of quality of life in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract Background and aim Assessment of quality of life in ESRD patients. The quality of life of the patients may be greatly reduced because it necessitates lifelong treatment in the form of renal replacement therapy or hemodialysis. Therefore, the main goal of the study is to evaluate the QOL (quality of life) of patients receiving hemodialysis using WHO QOL criteria. Methods At the Dr. B. R. AMCH dialysis unit, a cross-sectional descriptive study involving (n = 134) patients (of whom n = 34 gave negative consent) was carried out over the course of 3 years, from September 10, 2018, to September 10, 2021. Conclusion WHO QOL is a trustworthy tool for assessing QOL in ESRD patients. The research indicates that the progression of the illness has a negative impact on both mental and physical health, as well as causing financial strain and strained relationships with others.

Quality of life and spiritual needs of patients diagnosed with cancer in a tertiary hospital in southwestern Nigeria

ObjectiveIn Africa, cancer is considered a death sentence. Its impact can be debilitating for the patient and those who care for them. This study therefore assessed the spiritual needs and Quality of life of Cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. We systematically recruited 302 cancer patients who visited the cancer registry and outpatient departments. A standardized and validated Spiritual needs questionnaire (SpNQ) and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQL) were used to collect data. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 23 with a significance level set at p < 0.05. ResultsThe preponderance cancer among respondents was breast cancer 146 (48.4%) followed by prostate cancer 41 (13.6%). Most of the respondents admitted having “strong” spiritual needs. Categorization of the spiritual need score was below average in 20% of the respondents which indicated those with low spiritual needs and the majority 241 (79.8%) of the patients had high spiritual needs. Most respondents had poor quality of life in all four domains. The spiritual care needs of respondents were significantly associated with the quality of life of the respondents particularly in the psychological domain (p = 0.040) and social domain (p = 0.005). ConclusionThis study revealed high spiritual needs and poor quality of life among cancer patients. Healthcare practitioners should provide for the spiritual needs of cancer patients to enhance their quality of life.

The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Families Using Insulin Infusion Pumps

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the quality of life (QOL) of children with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and their families, specifically focusing on the effects of insulin infusion pumps. We also aimed to identify changes in both children's and parents' QOL during the pandemic period. Methods: This study utilized the KINDL (KINDer Lebensqualitätsfragebogen: Children’s QOL) questionnaire for the children, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF Turkish Version (TR) (WHO-QOL-BREF-TR) scale for their parents. Data were collected using Google Forms, with assessments performed before and during the pandemic. Results: The study included 61 participants, 38 of whom were female (62.3%), with a mean age of 12.7±2.9 years and a mean diabetes duration of 6.4±2.5 years. Pre-pandemic KINDL scores for "emotional health" and "school" were significantly higher than those during the pandemic (p=0.022 and p=0.002, respectively). Surprisingly, HbA1c levels improved during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic values (p

Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Celastrus paniculatus (Jyotishmati) capsule versus sertraline capsule in the management of Chittodvega (generalized anxiety disorder): protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Chittodvega) is one among many types of mental disorders explained in Ayurveda. It can be defined as a Chitta (mind) + Udvega (anxiety)= Chittodvega- Anxious status of a mind. Celastrus paniculatus also known as Jyotishmati stimulates and improves the digestive fire and metabolism at a cellular level (Jatharagni and Majja dhatwagni). It can be correlated to GAD. GAD is characterized by feelings of threat, restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and tension, and symptoms such as palpitations, dry mouth, and sweating. It affects women more frequently than men and prevalence rates are high in midlife (prevalence in females over age 35: 10%) and older subjects. In modern medicine the first-line psychological and pharmaceutical treatments are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (SNRIs). Aim and objectives To evaluate the comparative efficacy of Jyotishmati versus sertraline in the management of Chittodvega. Methods In this randomized active controlled double blind equivalence trial a total of 70 patients will be enrolled and divided into two equal groups. Patients between 20–50 years age of either gender having symptoms of Chittodvega and a Hamilton anxiety rating (HAM-A) scale score less than 24 (i.e., mild to moderate) will be selected for the study. In Group A, sertraline capsules 25 mg for first 7 days and then dose increased to 50 mg at bedtime for next 53 days and in Group B Jyotishmati Capsules 500 mg will be given twice a day after food with water for 60 days. Result and observation The patients will be assessed on the HAM-A scale, serum cortisol and WHO Quality of Life on day 0, 30, 60 and 90 and data will be analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables to evaluate whether treatments are equivalent. Trial registration CTRI No. REF/2023/07/069880 Date – 15/09/2023

PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH SLEEP COMPLAINTS IN A SECONDARY CARE HEALTH INSTITUTION IN THE CITY OF CAMPINAS, SÃO PAULO STATE

Objective: We report data of the profile of patients who sought our outpatient clinic for sleep disorders of the Faculty of Medicine of São Leopoldo Mandic Medical School, during the Week of Sleep, that took place in March, 2022. Methods: All participants responded to a form designed by the researcher, as well as to commonly used questionnaires in Sleep Research, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the STOP-BANG questionnaire for screening of apnea, and the WHO Quality of Life abbreviated questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: 30 patients were evaluated, mean age 51.8 (± 14), 63% women. Main complaints were insomnia (63%), snore/apnea (23%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (10%). ESS scores were significantly higher among men, daytime nappers and alarm clock users. ISI scores were importantly associated with those who woke 2 or more times per night, while physically active, non-obese, normotensive people and those with Modified Mallampatti (MM) classes I and II scored significantly less in STOP-BANG. Obese, MM classes III-IV and people with abnormal cervical and abdominal circumferences performed markedly worse in Domain 1, while women, older people and alarm clock users went worse in Domain 4 of WHOQOL-BREF. Discussion: One or more sleep disturbances were detected in all seekers of Sleep Care, emphasizing the importance of these types of action.

Quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia and epilepsy attending an outpatient clinic in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka

Background: Schizophrenia and epilepsy are chronic relapsing disorders, that share common disadvantages that affects QOL.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 68 patients with schizophrenia and 68 patients with epilepsy, presenting to psychiatry and neurology clinics of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital (CSTH). The validated Sinhala and Tamil version of the WHO QOL 100 was used to assess the QOL.Results: Schizophrenia group had poorer QOL in physical (p&lt;0.05), social (p&lt;0.01), independence (p&lt;0.05) and environmental (p&lt;0.05) domains, compared to epilepsy. Longer duration of illness (&gt; 5 years) was associated with poorer QOL in the independence (p&lt;0.05) and social domains (p&lt;0.05) and longer duration of untreated illness was associated with lower QOL in the physical (p&lt;0.01) and social domains (p&lt;0.01) in schizophrenia group.Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia had poorer QOL compared to patients with epilepsy. Longer duration of untreated illness was associated with poorer QOL in both groups.

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.

Quality of Life and Depression in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Premenstrual Syndrome Among College Students

The symptoms before a woman’s period, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) involve physical and emotional aspects. PMS and PMDD differ in symptom severity. Thus, the psychological effects are considerable and affect the individual’s physical state. The present study aims to investigate the quality of life and depression among college students with PMS and PMDD. Forty clinically diagnosed females with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and 40 females with Premenstrual syndromes were sampled through purposive sampling method, the age range of 16 to 21 (Mean age 18.37, SD 1.63) years from Kapurthala, Punjab. WHO Quality of Life -BREF Hindi and Beck Depression Inventory-II were individually administered to both groups. The statistical analysis of descriptive and t-tests revealed that premenstrual dysphoric disorder exhibits a significantly low level of quality of life as compared to premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder revealed significantly higher levels of depression as compared to premenstrual syndrome. The significant finding of the study is that adolescents with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder suffer from poor quality of life and Well-being. Study supporting female adolescents, especially those with severe Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, can enhance their quality of life and well-being through counseling, education, and lifestyle changes.

Running toward substance use recovery: Does delay discounting mediate the relationship between physical activity and quality of life?

BackgroundRecovery from substance use disorders is multifactorial with psychosocial functioning, such as quality of life (QOL), playing a particularly important role. Delay discounting, the degree to which individuals devaluate a reinforcer as a function of the delay to its receipt, is associated with QOL. Moreover, evidence shows that physical activity may decrease delay discounting rates. The present study aims to examine associations among physical activity, delay discounting, and QOL, and investigate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domains. MethodsData was collected from the International Quit & Recovery Registry (IQRR), and comprised of 267 participants (67% women) who reported being in recovery from substance use disorders. Participants completed the Health Behaviors Questionnaire (physical activity was measured using the fitness domain), a delay discounting minute task (higher delay discounting rates indicate a preference for smaller, sooner rewards), the World Health Organization QOL questionnaire, as well as demographics and substance use disorders-related questions. Multivariate linear regression was used to test associations between physical activity with delay discounting, and physical activity with each QOL domain. Mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mediating role of delay discounting in the relationship between physical activity and QOL domain. ResultsHigher levels of physical activity were associated with greater valuation of the future (lower delay discounting rates; p < .001) and higher levels of physical (p < .001), and environmental (p = .001) QOL. Delay discounting mediated the relationship between physical activity and physical (p = .004), and environmental (p < .001) QOL. ConclusionPhysical activity can be an important tool in the treatment and recovery of substance use disorders, as it is associated with future-oriented choices, which in turn contributes to improving the QOL of those individuals.

Impact of an Early Goals of Care Discussion on Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life among Seriously Ill Patients Admitted to the Medical Wards – A Quality Improvement Project

Objectives: The objective of this study was to achieve integration of goals of care discussion (GOCD) as a routine part of assessment among seriously ill patients admitted to medical wards and assess its impact on patient satisfaction, caregiver satisfaction and quality of life (QOL). Materials and Methods: This was non-randomised before and after study – A quality improvement project involving three plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles each of 6 weeks duration. The study included a total of 60 patients and their caregivers admitted to the Internal Medicine Unit in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Junior residents from Internal Medicine were trained in conducting a GOCD through a face to face training session and through an online training program using capc.org modules. Through a process of three PDSA cycles, we introduced the documentation of GOCD as a routine part of the assessment of seriously ill patients and assessed its impact on QOL and patient satisfaction. Results: Following the introduction of GOCD, patient and caregiver satisfaction had a statistically significant improvement across the majority of the assessed domains, and there was an overall improvement in the mean World Health Organization QOL Brief Version QOL scores by 4.8% Conclusion: Among patients with serious illness, GOCD improved patient and caregiver satisfaction and QOL. Such conversations are essential to align the care delivery with patient preferences and help in providing patient-centred care.

Chronic Illness and Quality of Life 5 Years After Displacement Among Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Rohingya refugees, forcibly displaced from Myanmar, face challenges adapting to Bangladesh. Examining their quality of life (QOL) is vital to identifying nuanced factors associated with their well-being, informing targeted interventions for an improved QOL. To identify the QOL among Rohingya refugees 5 years after migration to Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on understanding the complex interplay between sociodemographic factors and chronic illnesses. A cross-sectional study involving resettled Rohingya adults was conducted between May 18 and July 7, 2021, approximately 5 years after their resettlement in Bangladesh. Of the participants, 500 individuals were healthy, whereas 558 individuals were undergoing treatment for at least 1 chronic disease. Data were analyzed from January to February 2024. The study assessed QOL using the short version of the World Health Organization's QOL Questionnaire, covering 4 domains: physical, psychological, social, and environmental. Scores were transformed to a maximum of 100. Tobit linear regression, adjusted for potential confounders, was employed for analysis. The study included a total of 1058 respondents, who were predominantly female (630 participants [59.5%]) and had a mean (SD) age of 42.5 (16.1) years. Despite being healthy, individuals without chronic illnesses had median QOL scores ranging from 44 to 56 out of 100, indicating a relatively poor QOL. A total of 260 participants (46.6%) with chronic diseases reported very poor or poor QOL, in contrast to 58 healthy individuals (11.6%) in the fifth year after displacement. Specifically, patients with cancer and those who had multimorbidity exhibited the lowest QOL scores across all domains, with significant reductions in the physical health (10.57 decrease; 95% CI, -12.97 to -8.17) and psychological domain scores (7.20 decrease; 95% CI, -9.71 to -5.93) according to Tobit regression analysis. This study found that chronic illnesses were associated with all domains of QOL among Rohingya refugees, particularly those with musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, and multimorbid conditions. This heightened vulnerability may contribute to poor QOL in this population. By uncovering these disparities, the study lays the groundwork for targeted interventions and policies aligned with the United Nations' goal of leaving no one behind in sustainable development efforts.

A 10-week multicomponent outdoor exercise program improves hemodynamic parameters and physical fitness in cardiovascular disease adult and elderly patients

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the effects of a 10-week multicomponent outdoor exercise program on hemodynamic, physical fitness and psychological variables in subjects with CVDs. Twenty participants (12 M and 8 F; age 68.5 ± 8.6 years; BMI 28.49 ± 4.98 kg/m2) suffering from CVDs participated in this randomized controlled study and were allocated into two groups: an experimental group (EG; 6 M, 5 F) who underwent a multicomponent training (i.e., cardiorespiratory, resistance, mobility and breathing exercises; 60’, 2d·wk-1), or a wait-list control group (CG; 6 M, 3 F) who did not engage in any PA. Hemodynamic parameters were assessed through resting heart rate (RHR) and peripheral blood pressure (P-SBP/P-DBP). Physical fitness was assessed via a 30″ chair stand test (30CST), timed up and go (TUG) test, handgrip strength (HGS) test, and 2’ step test (TMST). The health status and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with short form-12 (SF-12) and World Health Organization QoL (WHOQoL-bref), respectively. After the intervention, EG showed significant reduction in hemodynamic parameters (RHR p &lt; 0.001, ES = 0.98; P-SBP p &lt; 0.001, ES = 0.53; P-DBP: p &lt; 0.001, ES = 0.78), physical fitness (30CST p &lt; 0.001, ES = 0.92; TUG p = 0.001, ES = 0.67; TMST p &lt; 0.05, ES = 0.79) and physical component of SF-12 (PSC-12 p &lt; 0.05, ES = 0.42) compared to CG; no significant changes were observed in HGS, QoL and mental health component of the SF-12 (p &gt; 0.05). The findings showed significant improvements in hemodynamic parameters and physical fitness suggesting the effectiveness of the multicomponent outdoor exercise program in adults and elderly with stabilized CVDs.

The psychometric properties of Indonesian version of WHO quality of life 100 in tuberculosis patients

The psychometric properties of Indonesian version of WHO quality of life 100 in tuberculosis patients

Effectiveness of psychoeducational intervention on quality of life among patients with affective disorders

An important psychological problem that has been connected to suicide, medical costs, fatalities, and morbidity is emotional distress. By contrasting the normal functioning of people with mental disorders in specialized medical settings, this paper seeks to bridge the gap. Living circumstances often deteriorate due to emotional factors, particularly during manic or hypomanic episodes. Methods: Our goal was to determine if a collective psychoeducational therapy might improve patients' quality of life (QOL). A total of 120 patients who met the inclusion requirements were chosen, and they were divided into control and experimental categories, respectively, with n = 60 each. Pre-testing was done on the control as well as the experimental populations using the WHO QoL Brief and sociodemographic data. In contrast to the control group, which got standard treatment, the group participating in the experiment underwent a seven-session, twice-weekly group psychoeducational therapy program over a period of three months. The follow-up evaluation was administered to both groups right away, six months after the intervention had concluded. With P significant at 0.05, data were analyzed using the two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) for one factor repetitions and the Bonferroni 't' test for post-hoc multiple comparisons. Results: We discovered a substantial variance between the control and experimental groups (P 0.001). Between the tests (baseline, immediately after, and six months later), a considerable change was seen (P 0.001). The group X test correlations showed a significant difference (P 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the research demonstrated that psychoeducation of BD patients may enhance their standard of living in spite of consuming medicine.

Bearing the burden: Podoconiosis and mental health-A three-way comparative cross-sectional study in Rwanda.

Podoconiosis is a non-infectious, neglected tropical disease caused by chronic barefoot contact with irritant volcanic soils. It typically presents with lower limb swelling, disfigurement, and chronic disability. Patients and their families experience stigma from their communities. Depression, anxiety, and emotional distress contribute to the total illness burden of podoconiosis. This study used a survey-based comparative cross-sectional quantitative study design involving podoconiosis patients, their family members, and unaffected neighbors. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21), the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHO-QOL Brief), and the Tekola clinical staging system were used to collect data. We surveyed 741 participants (33.1% patients, 33.3% family, 33.5% neighbors). Podoconiosis patients exhibited significantly elevated odds of severe depression (19.8x), anxiety (10.7x), and stress symptoms (13.5x) in comparison to unaffected neighbors. Family members of podoconiosis patients displayed 1.5x higher odds of experiencing severe anxiety symptoms compared to unaffected neighbors. Higher clinical stages of podoconiosis were associated with increased severity of depressive symptoms. Podoconiosis patients demonstrated lower median scores across all domains of the WHO QoL Brief in contrast to family members and unaffected neighbors. The burden of depression, anxiety, and stress on podoconiosis patients and their family members is high. Podoconiosis morbidity management programs need to encompass families of patients and integrate continuous mental health support within the broader framework of podoconiosis management.

Quality of life and work-life balance among Nurse Educators in the Schools of Nursing in Sri Lanka

Objective: The study aimed to assess the quality of life and work-life balance (WLB) among Nurse Educators in the Schools of Nursing in Sri Lanka. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 257 Nurse educators in all schools of Nursing in Sri Lanka. Data were collected by using validated and pretested self-administered questionnaires which include Socio-demographic details, a validated quality of life questionnaire (WHO QOL – BREF), and a Work Life Balance assessment scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The overall mean perceived QOL and health of the participants were 3.82 (±0.66) and 3.82 (±0.69) respectively. Participants obtained a high score for the social relationship domain (98.83/100) and a low score for the environmental domain (19.96/100) of the QOL. Findings of the work=life balance revealed an overall mean of 2.87 (SD=1.5) which indicates neither agree nor disagree with work-life interference with personal life and an overall mean of 2.53 (SD=0.96) which indicates neither agree nor disagree with personal life interference with work (PLIW). Conclusions: Nurse educators perceive a moderate level of personal life interference with work, but overall, they acknowledge work/personal life enhancement. These results highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of work-life balance among nurse educators.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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