scholarly journals Living with a Brain AVM: A Quality of Life Assessment

Author(s):  
Péter Orosz ◽  
Ágnes Vadász ◽  
Dániel Sándor Veres ◽  
Zsolt Berentei ◽  
István Gubucz ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground and purpose: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are uncommon vascular lesions with the risk of hemorrhage, epileptic seizures, neurological deficits, and headache. Comparing the risks of the natural history and that of preventive treatment, a recent study has found observation more beneficial than treatment for unruptured AVMs. This study, however, did not consider the long-term impact of carrying a brain AVM on everyday activities. In this study we analyzed the Quality Of Life (QOL) of patients with untreated AVMs, a measure increasingly used in clinical trials to asses this kind of impact.Methods: We enrolled 36 patients with unruptured, untreated brain AVM from our hospital database and measured their QOL retrospectively using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. As a control group we used the results of the Research Report, a nationwide study based on the quality of life of 5534 healthy Hungarians in 2002. Due to the low number of cases, statistical analysis could not be made.Results: Headache proved to be the most common AVM-related sign in our cohort (40%, n = 17), with a female predominance; neurological deficit was detected in 33% (n = 14), while epileptic seizures occurred in 26% (n = 11), more commonly affecting male subjects. Anxiety and discomfort seemed to be the most prevalent influencing factors on QOL, especially in the youngest age group (18–34 years). Female subjects showed a greater dependence than men in all age groups, though males had a more significant impairment in their usual activities. Older patients were affected more significantly in their self-care and usual activities compared with the younger population.Conclusions: Untreated AVMs have a significant negative impact on patients carrying unruptured brain AVMs, as proved by QOL assessment. Beside neurological deficits, this impact should also be considered in the therapeutic decision.

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S603-S603
Author(s):  
J. Cabral ◽  
C. Barreto Carvalho ◽  
P. Castilho Freitas ◽  
C. Pato

IntroductionIntervention with informal caregivers (IC) of psychiatric patients is internationally recognized as relevant and a priority. However, the existing responses in this area are still insufficient, especially regarding caregivers of individuals with mood disorders (MD). Mindfulness and compassion focused therapy have proven to be an effective approach in stress reduction and in improving emotional and social well-being of caregivers of patients with other conditions. However, no studies testing these new approaches in IC of patients with MD have been carried out. The objective of this work is to present a research project that aims to develop, implement and empirically test the effectiveness of an innovative group program to help informal caregivers of individuals with mood disorders to cope with the negative impact of the disease and reduce caregiver burdens.MethodsThe design of this experimental study to test the program's efficacy is a non-randomised controlled trial (nrct) with 12 months follow-up, with a mixed assessment methodology (quantitative and qualitative analysis). A sample of 60 informal caregivers of individuals with chronic MD will be constituted (n = 30 Control group; n= 30 Experimental group).ResultsWe expect the program to promote significant changes in participants in terms of several emotional variables (eg: burden, stress, resilience, compassion and quality of life).ConclusionsFurther efforts to continue studying the impact of interventions in caregivers should be carried out, as a way to improve the quality of life of caregivers and their ability to provide informal care to MD patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1 (254)) ◽  
pp. 91-102
Author(s):  
Siranush А. Mkrtchyan ◽  
Razmik А. Dunamalyan ◽  
Lilit E. Gukasyan ◽  
Marine A. Mardiyan

The developmental and behavioral disabilities remain high in children and in adults who were born preterm. In this case assessment of quality of life and development of preterm infants can be very informative and interesting. This is a prospective longitudinal (at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) study of preterm birth and term control infants selected from pediatric polyclinics of Yerevan. The quality of life (QL) measures were done with QUALIN questionnaire and the developmental measures with Battelle Developmental Inventory. A total of 71 preterm and 105 term control infants underwent study. Among 71 preterm birth infants, who selected on the study at 3 months, 40 infant's score on the BDI was <–1 SD and 1 infants' score on the BDI was <–2 SD. However, at the age of 12 months 32 of these same children showed a BDI score >85. Parents and pediatricians reported worse QL for of preterm infants compared with control group. At same time parents of preterm infants reported better QL for their children compared with pediatricians. The lowest QL and developmental scores among preterm children were detected at 3 months. Improvement of QL and developmental score was observed in the next age groups.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s253-s254
Author(s):  
M. Holubova ◽  
J. Prasko ◽  
K. Latalova ◽  
M. Ociskova ◽  
A. Grambal ◽  
...  

IntroductionSelf-stigma is a maladaptive psychosocial phenomenon that can disturb self-image and quality of life in psychiatric outpatients and may lead to dysphoria, social isolation and reduced adherence to treatment.ObjectivesSelf-stigma and QoL could be reflected as important factors for patients, who suffer from schizophrenia spectrum disorders, their caregivers and mental health specialists. Focus on reducing the self-stigma in supportive and educational therapy could be an important factor in promoting a higher QoL.AimsCurrent research moved attention to the relationship between demographic data, the severity of symptoms, self-stigma and quality of life in schizophrenic outpatients compared to the QoL in healthy controls.MethodsPatients who met ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorder were recruited in the study. The Quality of Life Satisfaction and Enjoyment questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) and severity of the disorder measured by objective and subjective Clinical Global Impression severity scales (CGI) were assessed.ResultsOne hundred and nine psychotic patients and 91 healthy controls participated in the study. Compared to the control group, there was a lower QoL and a higher score of self-stigma in psychotic patients. We found the correlation between the self-stigma, duration of disorder and QoL. The level of self-stigma correlated positively with total symptom severity score and negatively with the QoL. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the objective severity and self-stigma score were significantly associated with the quality of life (Figure 2 and 3, Fig. 1).ConclusionsOur study suggests a negative impact of self-stigma level on the quality of life in patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e024376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Sturrock ◽  
Philip M Preshaw ◽  
Catherine Hayes ◽  
Scott Wilkes

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) on quality of life and to explore the attitudes and perceptions of patients towards the multidisciplinary approach to the prevention of the condition.DesignInterpretivist methodology using qualitative semistructured interviews.SettingPrimary care general medical practices and secondary care dental services in England.Participants23 patients; 6 with MRONJ, 13 prescribed bisphosphonates, 4 with osteoporosis not currently prescribed any medication.ResultsPatients felt that MRONJ had a significant negative impact on their quality of life and had poor knowledge of the preventive strategies recommended in the literature. Patients demonstrated positive attitudes towards a multidisciplinary approach to care; however, they perceived prescribers as having the key role in articulating risk. Four salient and inter-related themes emerged from the interviews: (1) perception of knowledge, indicating limited awareness of the condition, risk factors and preventive strategies; (2) quality of life, indicating the lived experiences of patients and the physical, psychological and social impacts of MRONJ; (3) interprofessional management, indicating a perceived organisational hierarchy, professional roles and responsibilities, prioritising aspects of care, articulation of risk and communication and (4) wider context, indicating demands on National Health Service resources and barriers to dental care.ConclusionsMRONJ has a significant detrimental impact on quality of life, yet appropriate preventative education is not apparent. Effective interprofessional patient education and prevention to mitigate against the risk of developing MRONJ is required.


2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-617
Author(s):  
Gordana Repic ◽  
Suncica Ivanovic ◽  
Cedomirka Stanojevic ◽  
Sanja Trgovcevic

Background/Aim. Colorectal cancer and its treatment can have a negative impact on the quality of life which has become an important outcome measure for cancer patients. The aim of this work was assessment of psychological and spiritual dimension of the quality of life in colostomy patients, regarding the gender and age. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Abdominal Surgery Polyclinic in the Clinical Canter of Vojvodina among colostomy patients operated between January 2010 and June 2011. The instrument used in this study was Quality of Life Questionnaire for a Patient with an Ostomy (QOL-O). Results. Majority of respondents were male (M:F = 50.7% : 49.3%). The age ranged between 36?86 years. Respondents did not report difficulties in adjustment to stoma, but their great difficulty was to look at it and the sense of depression and anxiety. The care of stoma was worse perceived by younger respondents (p = 0.014). Respondents were mostly satisfied with their memorizing ability and having the sense of control. The lowest score was found in sensing satisfaction or enjoyment in life. The age had a significant impact on positive aspects of psychological well-being (p < 0.05). Higher scores were found among younger age groups. The mean score of spiritual well-being (6.47 ? 3.01) was lower than the mean score of psychological well-being (7.76 ? 2.35). There were no statistically significant differences regarding gender (t = -0.738, df = 65, p = 0.463) or age (F = 1.307, p = 0.280). Conclusion. Psychological and spiritual well-being in colostomy patients appeared to be at satisfactory level, but it is necessary to provide tailor made support in order to prevent and resolve negative responses to stoma.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-195
Author(s):  
Šárka Vévodová ◽  
Filip Havelka ◽  
Jiří Vévoda ◽  
Bronislava Grygová

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by scaly patches affecting approximately 2-5% of the population. The disease has a negative impact on quality of life and, therefore, psoriatic patients often develop depression. Our work deals with quality of life and depression in psoriasis sufferrers and strives to determine the correlation between their quality of life and depression. Methods: The research took place in the University Hospital Olomouc in 2017 and used questionnaires WHOQOL-BREF and BDI-II. 50 patients with psoriasis were chosen randomly. To process the data we used Mann-Whitney test (the level of significance = 5%) and Spearman´s correlation coefficient (the level of significance = 1%). Results: The results proved that psoriasis has a significant impact on quality of life. The scores for the overall life quality as well as for individual domains were significantly lower in psoriatic patients than in the control group (p&lt;0.001). The degree of depression in patients with psoriasis showed statistically significant correlation in all domains of the quality of life. We proved negative correlation in the overall quality of life (rs =- 0.691**), physical condition (rs =-0.499**), social relations (rs =-0.546**), overall health (rs =-0.396**), and environment (rs =-0.386**). Conclusion: With regard to the ascertained negative correlation between psoriasis and depression and lower quality of life of the sufferers compared to the healthy population, it is essential for healthcare professionals to pay attention not only to somatic manifestations of the disease but also to the patients´ mental health.


Author(s):  
Saeid Sadeghian ◽  
Aliakbar Momen ◽  
Gholamreza Jelodar ◽  
Shahram Nasiri ◽  
Azin Khalafinia ◽  
...  

AbstractWe conducted a case–control study to determine the effects of migraine on quality of life (QOL) in children. Participants, aged between 6 and 18 years, were assigned to migraine (n = 70) and control (n = 70) groups. We used a translated version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 questionnaire. From the children's perspective, the overall QOL scores in all domains were lower in children with migraine. Children in the migraine group had significant lower scores in the social, emotional, and physical functioning (p-value < 0.05) than control group. Interestingly, a significant difference in the educational performance was not seen (p-value = 0.101). Relative to the parents' responses and children, the overall scores in all domains were lower in children with migraine. Statistically significant lower scores were found only in emotional and physical domains (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that migraine imposes a substantial negative impact on the different aspects of QOL in children.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Fabíola Bof de Andrade ◽  
Flavia Drumond Andrade

Objective: Assess the magnitude of the socioeconomic inequalities related to the impact of oral health on quality of life among adults and elderly individuals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with data from the most recent oral health survey from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The sample included data on 2288 individuals—1159 adults in the 35–44 age group and 1129 adults in the 65–74 age group. Socioeconomic inequalities in Oral Impacts on Daily Performance ratings were measured using two inequality measures: the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII). Results: The prevalence of negative impact of oral health on quality of life was 42.2% for the total sample, 44.9% among adults and 37.5% among elderly individuals. Significant absolute and relative income inequalities were found for the total sample (SII −27.8; RII 0.52) and both age groups (adults: SII −32.4; RII 0.49; elderly: SII −18.3; RI 0.63), meaning that individuals in the lowest income level had the highest prevalence of negative impacts. Regarding schooling, no significant differences were observed among the elderly. Conclusion: There were significant socioeconomic inequalities related to the negative impact of oral health-related quality of life in Brazil among both age groups.


Author(s):  
Mona Hassan ◽  
Noha Musa ◽  
Rehab Abdel Hai ◽  
Ashgan Fathy ◽  
Amany Ibrahim

AbstractBackground:Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious chronic illness that imposes significant morbidity and mortality with a major impact on the quality of life (QoL) that became a core issue in diabetes care. Understanding the effect of diabetes on QoL is important for day-to-day clinical management and also for public health policy initiatives aiming at improving health outcomes for those with diabetes. The objective of the study was to assess the QoL in adolescents with T1D and assess the applicability of the use of the “Quality of Life for Youth” questionnaire at the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Pediatric Unit (DEMPU) clinic.Methods:One hundred and fifty adolescents (82 males and 68 females) (10–18 years), with T1D of at least 1 years’ duration, completed the questionnaire that evaluated symptoms related to diabetes, treatment, activities, parent issues, worries about diabetes and health perception. Higher scores indicated a more negative impact of diabetes and poorer QoL.Results:Males showed a significantly better mean QoL score than females (p=0.004). Different age groups showed different QoL scores (p=0.047). Urban adolescents had a better QoL than rural counterparts (p=0.02). Adolescents with poor QoL had generally lower educational level (p=0.02). Better metabolic control was associated with a better QoL (p=0.01). However, duration of diabetes and body mass index (BMI) had no statistically significant effect on QoL.Conclusions:QoL had a variable significant association with certain socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetics (sex, residence, educational level as well as metabolic control).


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6821
Author(s):  
Andreea Gabriela Lazăr ◽  
Florin Valentin Leuciuc

All of the studies regarding movement have concluded that physical exercises (PEs) hold a very important part in improving people’s quality of life (QL). QL is comprised of several indicators influencing each other. One of these indicators is physical fitness (PF). PF is directly influenced by the degree of physical activity (PA) and it represents a precondition of being healthy physically, mentally and socially. The purpose of this research was to identify certain exercise programs which are meant to increase the PF of university students. In this regard, we introduced, in the physical education lessons of the experimental group, exercises from Pilates, Tae Bo, Stretching and Workout at Fitness Machines. Control group carried out typical activities of the ordinary Physical Education curriculum throughout the research. The PF components reported improvements in the values of the experimental group at the end of the research. There were significant improvements for balance (p = 0.009), speed of execution (p = 0.006), flexibility (p = 0.013), explosive strength (p = 0.001), static strength (p = 0.009), muscular endurance of the trunk (p = 0.0008), muscular endurance of the arms (p = 0.010) and agility (p = 0.0001). The results of our research support the idea of diversifying physical education lessons with students and orienting physical activities towards increasing their QL, because the improvement of QL for all age groups has become a major focus of modern society.


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