World Health Organization Quality Of Life Research Articles

Quality of life of college students: The effects of state anxiety and academic stress with self-control as a mediator

College education is expected to equip students with various types of knowledge. In reality, however, the learning process is not always easy. Problems can occur and affect students' quality of life. This study aims to examine the effect of state anxiety and academic stress on the quality of life through the mediation of student self-control. A quantitative method was used involving a sample of 400 students from 24 provinces in Indonesia. The measuring instruments employed were the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), The State Anxiety Scale, the Academic Stress Scale, and the Brief Self-Control Scale. Path analysis was conducted using R software. It was found that self-control partially mediates the effect of state anxiety on the quality of life. State anxiety has a direct effect, with a standardized coefficient of -.351 (p .01), and an indirect one, with a standardized coefficient of -.150 (p .01) on reducing the quality of life through the mediation of self-control. Academic stress has no indirect effect on the quality of life through the mediation of self-control with a standardized coefficient of -.000 (p = .990, p .05). However, it was found to play a direct role in reducing the quality of life, with a standardized coefficient of -.207 (p .01). The findings indicate the multi-dynamic impacts of state anxiety and academic stress toward the quality of life of students. Therefore, the development of anxiety and stress-management skills in students need to be addressed in the higher education management system in order to maintain the quality of life of students.

Association between food insecurity and quality of life among older adults (60+) in six low and middle-income countries

Food insecurity is a key social determinant of health and nutrition. However, very few studies have examined the association of food insecurity and quality of life outcomes among older adults in low and middle-income settings. In this study, we examine the association of food insecurity with self-rated poor quality of life, low life satisfaction, and WHO quality of life (WHOQol). Nationally representative data from WHO's Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) consisting of 20,026 older adults were analyzed. The association of food insecurity with self-rated poor quality of life and low life satisfaction was assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multivariate linear regression models examine the association between food insecurity and WHOQol score. Pooled data analysis of six countries showed older adults with severe food insecurity were two times more likely to report poor quality of life (OR = 2.49, CI 2.10, 2.96; p < 0.001) and low life satisfaction (OR = 2.36, CI 1.94, 2.87; p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, older adults with severe food insecurity had 3.60 (CI-4.25, −2.95; p < 0.001) points lower WHO-QoL score than those who are food secure. These results show that the association of food insecurity is statistically significant with all three outcomes of quality of life in all six countries adjusting for sociodemographic and health measures. Public health and social security interventions are important to prevent food insecurity to promote overall wellbeing of the growing older population in low and middle-income countries.

Data-based analysis of psychological and emotional changes in breast cancer patients at different ages before and after surgery

ABSTRACT To analyze psychological and emotional changes in breast cancer patients at different ages before and after surgery based on data. The clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer in our hospital from December 2019 to December 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis. The patients’ psychological and emotional changes before and after surgery were evaluated with the mental health symptom self-rating scale, and patients’ quality of life was assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF. On a whole, no significant differences in the patients’ scores on somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, dreadness and others before and after surgery were observed (P > 0.05), while their scores on obsessive-compulsive symptom, depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation and psychopathy as well as the total scores were significantly different (P < 0.05); before and after surgery, patients’ psychological scores were not significantly different among the five groups (P > 0.05), but various WHOQOL-BREF scores were significantly different (P < 0.05). Surgical treatment has little impact on the psychological mood of breast cancer patients, obvious difference in quality of life is presented among patients at different ages before and after surgery, and therefore targeted clinical intervention should be given.

Quality of life among geriatric population residing in Bhavnagar city, Gujarat, Western India.

All of the health status, lifestyle, satisfaction, mental state, or well-being, all facets of health status together reflect the multidimensional nature of quality of life (QOL) in an individual. Our objective is to assess quality of life and factors affecting quality of life. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 260 subjects (aged ≥ 60 years) residing in 13 wards of Bhavnagar city during September 2019-2020 after taking permission from ethics committee (no. 892) using the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF-25 (WHO QOL BREF-25) scale. We assessed psychiatric morbidity using General Health Questionnaire-12 scale. Independent t-test was performed to find out factors associated with quality of life. Among 260 subjects, 36% were males. Study found highest score in psychological domain and lowest score in physical domain of WHO QOL BREF-25 scale. Physical health was better among Muslims, geriatrics <75 year of age, not addicted abusive substance and no co-morbid condition, whereas geriatrics belonged to upper socio-economic status and normal as per General Health Questionnaire-12 scale had better social relationship. Environmental domain score was significantly better among males and geriatric without co-morbidity. These findings highlight the importance of active ageing interventions in order to improve the quality of life.

Sociodemographic profile, clinical factors and quality of life of people living with HIV: basis for policy brief development

The objective of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic profile, clinical characteristics, and quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Angeles City, and to identify associations, differences, and effects among these variables. The study used a convergent parallel mixed methods research design with 315 PLWHA as respondents, and data was collected using a survey questionnaire that included the patients’ demographic profile, the standardized World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire, and secondary data for the patients’ clinical profile. The results showed that most of the respondents were male, aged 30-34, single, college graduates, working in the BPO industry, with a monthly income of Php15,000 or less, and identifying as homosexual. Clinically, most were in WHO clinical stage 1, had no comorbidities, had undetectable viral loads, and were receiving anti-retroviral therapy for 4-6 years with a lamivudine-tenofovir and efavirenz regimen. The study also found that overall quality of life of the respondents was relatively high, with significant factors affecting quality of life including BMI, marital status, occupation, monthly income, sexual orientation, drug regimen, and comorbidities. The study suggests implementing a 7-Point Policy to improve the quality of life of PLWHA in program design and cascade services. The findings of this study can be useful for policymakers and healthcare providers in improving the care and well-being of PLWHA in Angeles City.

The Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on Care Partners (P14-6.010)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To provide an overview of the care partner burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and explore how burden increases with disease progression using a systematic literature review. <h3>Background:</h3> The burden of informal caregiving of people with AD is often overlooked. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> A protocol was developed before searches in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were run in October 2021 via the Silvi.ai-platform. Eligible studies were published in English and provided data from 2010 or later. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts independently. A single reviewer conducted full-text analysis and data extraction, and a PRISMA overview was generated. Studies were quality-ranked using the Oxford quality grading scale. <h3>Results:</h3> Of 911 hits, 61 studies were relevant for data extraction. Most care partners were female. The majority of studies reported moderate-to-severe impact on care partners’ life (Zarit Burden Interview [ZBI] and the Maslach Burnout Inventory) and overall quality of life (QoL; WHO QoL Questionnaire); care partners exhibited higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety versus controls. Females had a significantly higher care partner burden versus males (Caregiver Burden Inventory [CBI]). The higher the number, frequency, and severity of symptoms affecting patients, the more intense care partner distress (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Distress Scale). Care partners of people with severe dementia due to AD reported the greatest care partner burden (short version ZBI and CBI). There was a clear correlation between hours of care giving and Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire score. The higher the score, the more hours of caregiving. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Caregiving to a person with AD is associated with emotional stress, depression, anxiety, low overall QoL, and impacted physical health. Female care partners are disproportionately affected versus males. The more severe the AD, the larger the burden. More research is required to illuminate the true health consequences for care partners of people with AD. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mrs. Hviid Hahn-Pedersen has stock in Novo Nordisk. Mr. Solís-Tarazona has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Novo Nordisk A/S. The institution of Prof. Holm-Larsen has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novo Nordisk.

Quality of Life During the First Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Two Earthquakes in Croatia.

In a cross-sectional study, we measured the impact of the first three COVID-19 pandemic waves and two earthquakes, occurring during the same period in Croatia, on the quality of life (QoL) of the general adult population. An online survey consisting of sociodemographic questions, questions related to COVID-19 and earthquake stressors, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)-BREF scale, Impact of Event Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire 4 was completed by 220 men and 898 women (mean age, 35.1 ± 12.3 years). In a series of regressions, we examined the association among five blocks of predictors and six dependent QoL variables, four domain scores, and two global scores. Both WHOQoL-BREF global and domain scores after the prolonged stress were significantly predicted by anxiety, depression, stress symptoms, and sociodemographic characteristics. COVID-19-related stressors predicted significantly physical and psychological health, social relationships, and environmental QoL, whereas earthquake-related stressors predicted health satisfaction, physical and psychological health, and environmental QoL.

Somatic Symptom and Quality of Life of Married Women Residing Temporary Away from Husband

Mental health disorders are actually much more prevalent than is apparent on the surface. Such disorders do not contribute significantly to mortality; they have a serious bearing on the quality of life of the affected persons and their families. Serious conditions of mental disorder require hospitalization and treatment under trained supervision. The finding shows that quality of life of the women staying away from husband was assessed by using WHO Quality of life (BREF). Data in shows that the obtained mean and standard deviation of quality of life is highest in Domain 4. The mean and standard deviation score obtained for the domain 4 that is environmental domain was 19.56±2.13. This shows that quality of life of married women residing temporarily away from husband is highest in environmental domain. Lowest mean and standard deviation score obtained for domain 3 that is social relationship domain was 9.63±2.13 and that there exist a negative correlation (-0.273) between Somatic symptoms and Quality of life. This shows that women residing temporarily away from husband have manifest Somatic symptoms which decreases the quality of life.

The Impact of Hypothyroidism on the Quality of Life of Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Hypothyroidism is extremely commonand associated with far-reaching health consequences. The negative effects of hypothyroidism on patients' quality of life (QoL) are well-documented. It is said to be common in the countries of the Arabian Gulf, although it is often misdiagnosed and treated in an inconsistent manner. Hence, understanding how an illness like this affects a patient's life might help us enhance their QoL and get us closer to the healthcare transformation goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Methodology Thiscross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between June 2022 and February 2023. A convenience non-probability sampling method was used.The WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF questionnaire in Arabic was used to compile the data. Data were collected using a standardized form, refined using Google Forms, and then documented in an Excel spreadsheet. The descriptive statistics were shown as means and standard deviations (SD). To assess the numerical data, a t-test was used, while the chi-square test was employed to examine the relationshipbetween the qualitative factors. Results A total of 394 adultsfrom the general population with hypothyroidism were surveyed, including 105 men and 289 women. Of them, 151 (38.3%) patients had not sought therapy for their hypothyroidism, while 243 (61.7%)patients had. When asked about the QoL, a significant segment (37.6%) of patients reported that it was high, and29.7% reported being totally satisfied with their health. The WHOQOL-BREF domain scores revealed that environmental health had the highest value (24.04 ±4.62), followed by physical health (22.24 ±3.23), and then psychological health (18.08 ±2.82), and the lowest scores were reported for the rate of QoLand satisfaction with health (2.64 ±1.36 and 2.80 ±1.68), respectively. Each domain of the WHOQOL-BREF had its own set of variables that differed from one another in a statistically significant manner (p<0.001). Conclusions Based on our findings, we recommend expert physician monitoring and implementing educational programs as well as placing a greater emphasis on patients' QoL in the management of hypothyroidism.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental burden and quality of life in physicians: Results of an online survey.

In previous pan-/epidemics such as the SARS epidemic of 2002/2003, negative effects on the wellbeing and an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed in doctors due to social isolation and the threat they experienced. Therefore, it is feared that the COVID-19 pandemic will also have a negative impact on the mental health and quality of life of doctors. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of physicians. In particular, on the subjective anxiety and burden, depression and quality of life for the total sample and subsamples (work in COVID-19 units vs. no work in COVID-19 units). In an online survey, 107 physicians (23-42 years) were asked about their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to socio-demographic data, pandemic- and work-related data were also included. For example, infection control measures, deployment on COVID-19 wards and the subjective perceived threat posed by the pandemic. The physicians were asked to rate their perceived anxiety and stress, retrospectively, at 7 different points in time during the pandemic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to retrospectively assess symptoms of anxiety and depression before and after the onset of the pandemic. The quality of life of the participants after 2 years of the pandemic was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). Both subjective anxiety and burden showed wave-like patterns with higher scores in autumn, winter and spring. We observed significant differences between the seven measurement time points for anxiety [Chi2(6) = 197.05, p < 0.001] as well as for burden [Chi2(6) = 106.33, p < 0.001]. Symptoms of depression and anxiety increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (M = 14.16, SD = 7.83) compared to the pre-pandemic time [M = 7.31, SD = 5.14, t (106) = -10.67, p < 0.001]. Physicians who worked at COVID-19 units showed higher scores in quality of life related to social relationships (M = 70.39, SD = 17.69) than physicians not working at COVID-19 units [M = 61.44, SD = 24.55, t (90.14) = -2.145, p = 0.035]. The multi-factorial ANOVA showed that previous psychiatric illness (p < 0.001), greater difference in depression scores (p = 0.014), higher anxiety scores (p = 0.048) and less work experience (p = 0.032) led to lower quality of life. Hospitals should offer specific support, such as supervision, to prevent the development of longer-term psychiatric sequelae likely to lead to sick leave and high costs for the healthcare system. The study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS-ID: DRKS00028984).

Plateletcrit is a Useful Marker in the Quality of Life Assessment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study from Erbil, Iraq.

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hematological indices and ratios have been reported to be related to the severity of illness, and thus could potentially be useful determinants of quality of life (QoL). To evaluate the association between hematological indices or ratios, which serve as biomarkers of disease activity, and the QoL of RA patients. This study was carried out in the Rizgary Teaching Hospital in the Kurdistan region of Iraq between December 01, 2021, and March 31, 2022. All female patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RA and aged ≥18 years were included. Data relating to the disease activity score (DAS-28), biochemical measurements of the profile, and hematological indices and ratios were assessed. The QoL of each patient was assessed using the Quality of Life-Rheumatoid Arthritis II (QoL-RA II) and the World Health Organization-Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) scales. A total of 81 participants were included, with a median disease duration of 9 years. The median values of the hematological indices were as follows: mean corpuscular volume, 80 fL; platelet count 282 × 103/mm3; mean platelet volume, 9.7 fL; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, 2.76; and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, 170.5. In six of the eight domains of the QoL-RA II scale, the median score was ≤5, indicating poor QoL. The transformed scores of WHOQOL-BREF domains were <50. Multivariate regression analysis showed significant inverse correlations between plateletcrit and the health domains. The area under the curve of the physical, psychological, and environmental domains was <0.5 at a cutoff value of plateletcrit of 0.25. In RA patients, hematological indices and ratios could serve as a QoL assessment tool, particularly plateletcrit, as higher plateletcrit (≥0.25) were found to negatively impact the physical health, psychological, and environmental domains.

Associations between Affiliate Stigma and Quality of Life among Caregivers of Individuals with Dementia

Introduction: The associations between affiliate stigma, caregiving burden, psychological distress, and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers of people living with dementia (PwD) have been demonstrated in the literature. However, there is a dearth of literature regarding how these factors could form a psychological mechanism. The present study proposed a theoretical model to portray the relationships between these factors. Methods: Utilizing convenience sampling and cross-sectional study design, 275 family caregivers (145 females [52.7%]; mean age = 52.71 years) were recruited from a general hospital from October 2013 to September 2014. Each participant completed the following instruments in a quiet room in the general hospital without disturbance: Caregiver Burden Inventory, World Health Organization QoL Questionnaire-Brief, Affiliate Stigma Scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory alongside the Taiwan Depression Questionnaire (assessing psychological distress). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed theoretical model. Results: Affiliate stigma (standardized coefficient [β] = −0.338; P = 0.011) and psychological distress (β = −0.538; P &lt; 0.001) were negatively associated with QoL, caregiving burden was positively associated with psychological distress (β = 0.818; P &lt; 0.001), and affiliate stigma was positively associated with caregiving burden (β = 0.793; P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, a significant mediated effect was observed between affiliate stigma and QoL via sequential mediators of caregiving burden and psychological distress (unstandardized coefficient = −1.17 and 95% confidence interval = −1.88, −0.46). Conclusion: Affiliate stigma, caregiving burden, and psychological distress are key factors contributing to low QoL among family caregivers of PwD. Health-care providers should design programs to help reduce affiliate stigma, caregiving burden, and psychological distress for family caregivers of PwD to facilitate their QoL.

A Study on Assessment of Prescription Pattern and Quality of Life in Hypertensive Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract: Aim: The study aims to assess the prescription pattern and quality of life in hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study of a six- month duration was conducted. All the data were documented and analyzed based on a standard protocol and entered into Microsoft Excel. Quality of life was collected using World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOOQL)-BREF Questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done by IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics Version 28.0.0.0. Results: A total of 174 hypertensive patients consisting of 111 males and 63 females of age group 32-88 years were included in the study. The study showed Hypertension (HTN) was commonly affected in males. It was further clarified that Stage 2 HTN was the most prevalent one. The patients have been prescribed a total of 9 categories of anti-hypertensives in which the most commonly prescribed anti-hypertensives were diuretics (66.06%) and the least prescribed were alpha (α)- blockers (1.74%) and central sympatholytic (1.74%). Quality of Life (QOL) of hypertensive patients was carried out using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The comparison shows that a high mean score is seen in the psychological domain and a low mean score is seen in the social health domain. Conclusion: The study provides an overall layout regarding the prescription pattern and QOL in hypertensive patients. The patients were administered a total of 9 categories of anti- hypertensives. From the study, it was concluded that diuretics were the most prescribed anti- hypertensive drug. The average QOL in hypertensive patients were observed more in the psychological health domain (46.19). Keywords: Hypertension, Quality of life, Prescription pattern, WHOQOL questionnaires, IBM SPSS software.

Polypharmacy and health related quality of life among older adults on antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) chronicity in the midst of old age multiplies the risk for chronic non communicable diseases. The old are predisposed to drug-drug interactions, overlapping toxicities and impairment of the quality of life (QoL) due to age-related physiological changes. We investigated polypharmacy, QoL and associated factors among older HIV-infected adults at Muhimbili National hospitals in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.MethodsA hospital-based cross sectional study enrolled adults aged 50 years or older who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥ 6 months. Participants’ Information including the number and type of medications used in the previous one week were recorded. Polypharmacy was defined as concurrent use of five or more non-HIV medications. A World Health Organization QoL questionnaire for people living with HIV on ART (WHOQoL HIV BREF) was used to assess QoL. A score of ≤ 50 meant poor QoLwhile > 50 meant good QoL. Polypharmacy and QoL are presented as proportions and compared using Chi-square test. Association between various factors and polypharmacy or QoL was assessed using modified Poisson regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 285 patients were enrolled. The mean (SD) age was 57(± 6.88) years. Females were the majority (62.5%), and 42.5% were married. Polypharmacy was seen in 52 (18.2%) of participants. Presence of co-morbidities was independently associated with polypharmacy (p < 0.001). The mean(SD) score QoL for the study participants was 67.37 ± 11.Poor QoL was seen in 40 (14%) participants.All domains’ mean score were above 50, however social domain had a relatively lowmean scoreof 68 (± 10.10). Having no formal or primary education was independently associated with poor QoL (p = 0.021).ConclusionThe prevalence of polypharmacy was modestly high and was linked to the presence of co-morbidities. No formal and/or primary education was associated with poor QoL, where by social domain of QoL was the most affected.

Evaluation of the quality of life in the university of third age students: a cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this paper was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and related factors in university of third age (U3A) students, as well as to compare the QoL between those who participated in education and those who did not. Two hundred seventy-one people aged 60 and over who are students at Ege U3A, were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data of participants were collected through a pre-prepared form. Data on the QoL of individuals were collected through the short form of the WHO QoL Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). A total of 271 participants were included in this study. 82.2% (n = 221) of the research group were women. In U3A, 65.3% (n = 177) of the individuals were former students. The highest value was found in the psychological and general health sub-parameter with 75.0%, and the lowest value in the social relations sub-parameters with 66.7%. The scores of sub-parameters of social environment were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001, respectively). The physical health scores of the former students were higher than those of the new students (p < 0.001). It was determined that the QoL of U3A students was higher among males, those with higher education levels, and those who were married, as well as that the QoL of the individuals participating in the U3A training was positive in the physical health sub-dimension. There is a need for future studies in which pre- and post-training evaluations will be conducted to determine the impact of the U3A training program.

The regular gymnastics program on the quality of life for elderly people with hypertension

Background: The quality of life of the elderly may determine their well-being for the remainder of their lives. According to The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), quality of life is an elderly functional condition that encompasses physical health, namely daily activities. One of the primary health problems in the elderly is hypertension. The conventional management of hypertension may be carried out with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Non-pharmacological methods include improving lifestyle, one of which is by starting physical exercise regularly such as gymnastics for the elderly.Purpose: To determine the relationship the regular gymnastics program on the quality of life for elderly people with hypertensionMethod: Using the cross-sectional research method, the samples were taken randomly from the elderly population domiciled in the area of the East Curup Public Health Center totaling 87 elderly people who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were men and women aged ≥60 years and the elderly with hypertension based on the diagnosis established by the officials of the public health center. While the exclusion criterion was elderly in emergency situations.Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of respondents who gymnastics was lower than those who did not gymnastics.Conclusion: Elderly gymnastics is associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the elderly with hypertension, even though it is still higher than the target of hypertension management, and their quality of life.

Study of quality of life and depression in people living with HIV/AIDS in India.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and the severity of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and investigate its correlates. This was a cross-sectional study on 700 PLWHA in India. World Health Organization QOL HIV (WHOQOL HIV-BREF) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess QOL and depression in PLWHA, respectively. The study population was divided into five groups on the basis of Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count as follows: Group A [< 50 cells/μL], Group B [50-199 cells/μL], Group C [200-349 cells/μL], Group D [350-499 cells/μL], and Group E [>500 cells/μL]. The lowest mean scores were noted under Group A [< 50 cells/μL] in physical and psychological domains and the highest mean scores were noted under Group E [> 500 cells/μL] in physical and environment domains. PHQ9 scores negatively correlated with QOL domains and the correlation was statistically significant (p < 0.001) with the highest negative correlation was found in relation to the psychological domain (r = -0.739). The PHQ9 score in those who do not have opportunistic illnesses (7.23 ± 6.14) was lower in comparison to those who had opportunistic illnesses (9.81 ± 6.40) and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). We observed that there was almost a chronological increase in the individual QOL domain score and a decrease in the PHQ9 score with an increase in CD4 count. Our result supports the implementation of routine screening for depression in antiretroviral therapy centers and multidisciplinary interventions to improve outcomes among depressed PLWHA.

Exercise interventions for adults with cancer receiving radiation therapy alone.

Exercise interventions for adults with cancer receiving radiation therapy alone.

Initial Outcomes of the Safe and Sound Protocol on Patients with Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploratory Pilot Study.

Sensory impairments are common features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are associated with its social impairments. However, there is no established treatment for these impairments in adults with ASD. The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening program designed to improve social communication skills by reducing auditory hypersensitivity. We investigated the effectiveness of the SSP for adults with ASD. We administered the SSP to six participants with ASD aged 21-44 years old, and the effects were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2). Secondary outcomes were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), WHO Quality of Life 26 (WHOQOL-BREF), and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP). In this study, only the Social Awareness scale of the SRS-2 Family-Report showed a significant improvement after the intervention. In addition, it was significantly correlated with physical health of WHOQOL-BREF (r = -0.577, p = 0.012), state and trait anxiety of STAI (r = 0.576, p = 0.012; r = 0.708, p = 0.00009, respectively), and CES-D (r = 0.465, p = 0.05). In conclusion, the SSP has a partial effect on social impairments in adults with ASD, specifically on the Social Awareness subscale of the SRS-2.

Relationships Among Smartphone Use, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Chinese College Students.

This study aimed to investigate the correlations between smartphone use, physical activity, and quality of life (QOL) among Chinese college students. We enrolled 6323 students who were chosen from three Chinese universities. All participants completed the World Health Organization QOL Scale-Brief, Smartphone Addiction Index, and Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Smartphone addiction was negatively related to QOL (β = -1.375), whereas physical activity was positively related to QOL (β = .059). The presence of both smartphone addiction and insufficient physical activity decreased QOL scores when compared with the group with sufficient physical activity and non-smartphone addiction (β = -36.505). Physical activity and smartphone use are potentially modifiable risk factors for poor QOL in college students. Thus, interventions to decrease smartphone use and promote physical activity could be beneficial for improving QOL in this population.