Childhood Traumatic Experiences and Coping Strategies: Correlations With Quality of Life

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S210-S210
Author(s):  
G. Serafini ◽  
C. Conigliaro ◽  
F. Pittaluga ◽  
M. Pompili ◽  
P. Girardi ◽  
...  

IntroductionIndividuals with a history of childhood traumatic experiences may exert maladaptive coping strategies and impaired adult quality of life.ObjectivesThe present study explored the association between childhood traumatic experiences, coping strategies, and quality of life.AimsWe aimed to evaluate whether childhood traumatic experiences or specific coping strategies may significantly predict quality of life.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study including 276 patients (19.9% men, 81.1% women; mean age: 48.1 years, SD: 16.9), of which most with major affective disorders, who were recruited at the psychiatric unit of the university of Genoa (Italy). All participants were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Cope), and Short Form 12 Health Survey version 2 (SF-12).ResultsSubjects with a history of emotional abuse were more likely to have an earlier age of onset of their psychiatric conditions, an earlier age of their first treatment/hospitalization, higher recurrent episodes and days of hospitalization, longer illness duration and non-psychiatric treatments at intake when compared with those who did not present any history of abuse. Based on regression analyses, only positive reinterpretation and growth, focus on and venting of emotions, and substance abuse, but not childhood traumatic experiences, resulted positive predictors of physical quality of life. Moreover, focus on and venting of emotions was able to predict mental quality of life.ConclusionsWhile traumatic experiences did not predict quality of life, specific coping strategies were significant predictors of quality of life. Further studies are requested to test these preliminary results.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Siegel ◽  
Nicole Unger ◽  
Christine Streetz-van der Werf ◽  
Wolfram Karges ◽  
Katharina Schilbach ◽  
...  

IntroductionLittle is known about psychological reasons associated with adherence to growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy (GHRx) in adults. As in other chronic diseases, medication-related beliefs, coping strategies and disease impact on quality of life (QoL) might play an important role. We thus explored these psychological factors in relation to adherence in patients with GH deficiency (GHD) in order to find leverage points for the improvement of adherence.Patients and MethodsCross-sectional analysis including 107 adult GHD patients on GHRx who completed self-assessment inventories on health-related QoL (Short-Form SF-36), coping style (Freiburg questionnaire on coping with illness, FKV-LIS) and medication beliefs (Beliefs about Medicine questionnaire, BMQ). Results were correlated to general and GH-specific adherence to medication.ResultsIn the BMQ, 92.5% of the patients (n=99) reported a strong belief in the need for their medication, which correlated significantly with general adherence (rs = 0.325). Active coping was significantly related to general (rs = 0.307) and GH-specific adherence (rs = 0.226). Better mental QoL (rs = 0.210) but worse physical QoL (rs = -0.198; all p < 0.05) were related to higher GH-specific adherence. Older age was associated with a higher degree of active coping, a higher belief in the necessity of medication and worse physical QoL.ConclusionWe provide preliminary data that most GHD patients on GHRx are strongly convinced of their need for medication and that adherence to GHRx is influenced by coping strategies and QoL. Patients with impaired psychological QoL are less able to translate their convictions into good adherence, a phenomenon to be addressed in future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 205521732199604
Author(s):  
Sabina David Ruban ◽  
Claudia Christina Hilt ◽  
Thor Petersen

Background Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease leading to reduced quality of life. Objectives To investigate whether motor and cognitive fatigue impact differently on aspects of quality of life among patients with multiple sclerosis, independently from bodily disability. Methods 79 patients with multiple sclerosis from Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark were included in an observational, cross-sectional study. Each subject completed two separate questionnaires regarding fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) and one regarding quality of life (Short Form 36). Disability was measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-scores obtained from patient records. Results All fatigue scores were significantly correlated to all areas of quality of life (p < 0,05). This remained significant after adjustment for age, disease duration and EDSS-score. When looking at each type of fatigue separately, cognitive fatigue correlated mainly with mental health aspects of quality of life and motor fatigue with physical health areas of quality of life. Conclusion Increased motor and cognitive fatigue lead to a differential reduction in physical and mental quality of life, independently of bodily disability. This underlines the importance of proper assessment and treatment of fatigue among patients with multiple sclerosis.


2008 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 252-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maristela Bohlke ◽  
Diego Leite Nunes ◽  
Stela Scaglioni Marini ◽  
Cleison Kitamura ◽  
Marcia Andrade ◽  
...  

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Quality of life (QoL) is considered important as an outcome measurement, especially for long-term diseases such as chronic renal failure. The present study searched for predictors of QoL in a sample of patients undergoing dialysis in southern Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study developed in three southern Brazilian dialysis facilities. METHODS: Health-related QoL of patients on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis was measured using the generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. The results were correlated with sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory variables. The analysis was adjusted through multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were assessed: 94 on hemodialysis and 46 on peritoneal dialysis. The mean age was 54.2 ± 15.4 years, 48% were men and 76% were white. The predictors of higher (better) physical component summary in SF-36 were: younger age (β-0.16; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.27 to -0.05), shorter time on dialysis (β-0.06; 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.02) and lower Khan comorbidity-age index (β 5.16; 95% CI: 1.7-8.6). The predictors of higher mental component summary were: being employed (β 8.4; 95% CI: 1.7-15.1), being married or having a marriage-like relationship (β 4.56; 95% CI: 0.9-8.2), being on peritoneal dialysis (β 4.9; 95% CI: 0.9-8.8) and not having high blood pressure (β 3.9; 95% CI: 0.3-7.6). CONCLUSIONS: Age, comorbidity and length of time on dialysis were the main predictors of physical QoL, whereas socioeconomic issues especially determined mental QoL.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 1113
Author(s):  
Madalina Timircan ◽  
Felix Bratosin ◽  
Iulia Vidican ◽  
Oana Suciu ◽  
Mirela Turaiche ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: As maternal deaths associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection remain at several times greater than the general population, significant factors that might contribute to the higher mortality and morbidity rate are the psychological impact of the disease and pregnancy itself. Therefore, the current study’s main objective was to assess how pregnant women react and cope with the stress of COVID-19 disease and how it influences their overall health and quality of life in healthcare facilities. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 304 pregnant women who successfully completed standardized forms to assess our topics of interest, comprising of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Short Form Health Survey-12, the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory scale, the CORE-Outcome Measure Questionnaire, and the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective questionnaire. Results: Unemployed, pregnant women living in poverty in the rural areas had higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rates during pregnancy. They faced higher anxiety levels and depression rates, with associated increased physical burden and exhaustion. However, these findings are not influenced by hospital care since it remained unchanged among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 maternity units, excepting significantly lower technical competence scores of COVID-19 facilities. Conclusions: As the pandemic’s consequences emerge and additional outbreaks occur, care must prioritize the additional physical burden experienced by pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19, as well as psychological, emotional, and mental health support.


Author(s):  
Arjola Bano ◽  
Nicolas Rodondi ◽  
Jürg H. Beer ◽  
Giorgio Moschovitis ◽  
Richard Kobza ◽  
...  

Background Diabetes is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it remains unclear whether individual AF phenotype and related comorbidities differ between patients who have AF with and without diabetes. This study investigated the association of diabetes with AF phenotype and cardiac and neurological comorbidities in patients with documented AF. Methods and Results Participants in the multicenter Swiss‐AF (Swiss Atrial Fibrillation) study with data on diabetes and AF phenotype were eligible. Primary outcomes were parameters of AF phenotype, including AF type, AF symptoms, and quality of life (assessed by the European Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions Questionnaire [EQ‐5D]). Secondary outcomes were cardiac (ie, history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure) and neurological (ie, history of stroke and cognitive impairment) comorbidities. The cross‐sectional association of diabetes with these outcomes was assessed using logistic and linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. We included 2411 patients with AF (27.4% women; median age, 73.6 years). Diabetes was not associated with nonparoxysmal AF (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.81–1.27). Patients with diabetes less often perceived AF symptoms (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59–0.92) but had worse quality of life (β=−4.54; 95% CI, −6.40 to −2.68) than those without diabetes. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have cardiac (hypertension [OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.19–4.22], myocardial infarction [OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.18–2.03], heart failure [OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.57–2.51]) and neurological (stroke [OR, 1.39, 95% CI, 1.03–1.87], cognitive impairment [OR, 1.75, 95% CI, 1.39–2.21]) comorbidities. Conclusions Patients who have AF with diabetes less often perceive AF symptoms but have worse quality of life and more cardiac and neurological comorbidities than those without diabetes. This raises the question of whether patients with diabetes should be systematically screened for silent AF. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifier: NCT02105844.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Cyanna Joseph D'souza ◽  
Santhakumar Haripriya ◽  
Harish Sreekantan Krishna

Background/aims Menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms in women and, in turn, influence their quality of life. Many women no longer prefer hormone replacement therapy because of its potential adverse effects. Hence, it is crucial to establish alternate interventions to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between quality of life and level of physical activity in menopausal women. Methods A total of 260 postmenopausal women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The Menopause Rating Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form were used to assess quality of life and physical activity respectively. Results Women with higher levels of physical activity had fewer total menopausal, somato-vegetative and psychological symptoms (P<0.001); no differences were found in vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. Conclusions Women with low physical activity levels presented with greater menopausal symptoms. Regular physical activity can be recommended to alleviate symptoms following menopause, thereby improving quality of life.


Author(s):  
Fumiaki Nakamura ◽  
Kunihiro Nishimura ◽  
Misa Takegami ◽  
Yoshihiro Miyamoto ◽  
Koji Iihara

Objective: Approximately 40% of stroke physicians in Japan are in a state of burnout. The quality of life (QOL) of physicians working in stroke care is unclear. We aimed to compare health-related QOL (HRQOL) between physicians working in stroke care and the general population, and to evaluate personal and professional characteristics associated with HRQOL of physicians working in stroke care. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting and Participants: All board-certified members of the Japanese Neurosurgical Society and the Societas Neurologica Japonica working in Japan. Main outcome measure: Scores of HRQOL (physical and mental) as assessed by the Short-Form 8 (SF-8). Statistical analysis: We compared scores of physician’s HRQOL with standard values of the general population. Factors associated with HRQOL were identified by multivariable regression analysis with stepwise variable selection. Results: Of 11,211 stroke physicians who received the survey, 2279 (20.3%) completed the surveys. The mean physical QOL score was 49.4 points (95% CI: 49.1 to 49.7), which was similar to the population norm. However, the mean mental QOL score was below the population norm (46.1 points [95% CI: 45.7 to 46.4]), and 20.8% (475/2279) of stroke physicians had a score lower than one standard deviation below the population norm. The physical QOL score was lower in women than in men (coefficient = –1.66 [95% CI: –2.82 to –0.50]). An increase in nights on call per week was associated with a lower physical QOL (each additional 1 time per week = –0.39 [–0.53 to –0.25]), and an increase in mean sleep time was associated with a higher physical QOL score (each additional 1 hour = 0.87 [0.55 to 1.20]). Physicians who worked more than 40 hours per week had a lower mean mental QOL score than those who worked less than 40 hours per week (each additional 10 hour = –0.40 [–0.57 to –0.24]). A higher salary was associated with a higher mental QOL score (lower than $100 000 = reference; $100 000-149 000 = 0.08 [–1.10 to 1.27]; $150 000-199 000 = 0.68 [–0.61 to 1.97]; $200 000 or more = 1.90 [0.46 to 3.34]), and an increase of 1 day off per week was associated with an increase in mental QOL score (each additional 1 day = 0.88 [0.24 to 1.52]). Limitation: This study was based on a cross-sectional design and was thus unable to determine the causal effects of factors. Conclusion: Mental QOL scores of stroke physicians are significantly lower than those of the population norm. Work hours, salary, and numbers of days off are associated with the mental QOL score.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nipaporn Butsing ◽  
Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul ◽  
Disya Ratanakorn ◽  
Nawarat Suwannapong ◽  
Kanitta Bundhamcharoen

AbstractSophisticated medical technologies can prolong a stroke patient’s life but not always their quality of life (QoL) due to poor functional outcomes. Social support can theoretically assist a patient’s adaptation to life after stroke and improve their QoL, but existing findings are inconclusive. This inconclusiveness is especially found in large cities where family and social bonding can be scarce. We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional study among 358 stroke patients to identify the effects of social support and functional outcome on QoL and its domains. The study took place in Bangkok, Thailand between July and December 2016. Data were collected by personal interview using a structured questionnaire that included the Short-Form WHO Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) and by review of medical records. A hierarchical linear regression method was used to analyze data. The mean age of stroke respondents was 66.0 years (SD 13.5 years), and half were male. The mean total QoL score for patients was 68.6 (SD 15.2). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis found emotional support significantly impacted QoL in every domain (ps < .05) when all included variables were controlled for. To improve the quality of life among stroke survivors, health personnel and family members should provide not only physical assistance but also psychological support.


2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-225
Author(s):  
Xiaopeng Guo ◽  
Kailu Wang ◽  
Siyue Yu ◽  
Lu Gao ◽  
Zihao Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Quality of life (QoL) continues to be impaired in acromegaly after treatment. Objective We conducted the first nationwide survey assessing QoL status among Chinese patients with treated acromegaly and explored correlations with clinical parameters, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Survey via Chinese Association of Patients with Acromegaly (CAPA) online platform. Patients Treated patients from CAPA. Main Outcome Measures QoL was assessed using acromegaly QoL questionnaire (AcroQoL), 5-level EuroQoL five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), and 12-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-12). Results Complete, valid questionnaires from 327 patients (mean age: 39.2 years, 61.5% females) at a mean of 10 years after treatment were included. Biochemical control was satisfied in 52.9% of these patients. The controlled patients had significantly better QoL than the uncontrolled patients in all AcroQoL dimensions, most SF-12 dimensions, and pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L. Patients with either controlled or uncontrolled acromegaly had significantly worse QoL than the age- and sex-adjusted population reference in most SF-12 dimensions except for physical functioning. More acromegaly-associated symptoms and comorbidities at follow-up were independent risk factors for decreased QoL across all questionnaires. Medical treatment, especially with somatostatin analogs (SSAs), and radiotherapy were predictors of worse QoL. Female patients had lower scores of physical-related QoL than male patients. Conclusions Our study suggests that biochemical control improved but did not normalize QoL in acromegaly. Numbers of symptoms and comorbidities at follow-up, sex, radiotherapy, and medical treatment with SSAs were factors determining QoL of patients with treated acromegaly.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
A J Varewijck ◽  
A J van der Lely ◽  
S J C M M Neggers ◽  
S W J Lamberts ◽  
L J Hofland ◽  
...  

The value of measuring IGF1 bioactivity in active acromegaly is unknown. Soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) level is elevated in active acromegaly and it has been suggested that S-Klotho can inhibit activation of the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R). A cross-sectional study was carried out in 15 patients with active acromegaly based on clinical presentation, unsuppressed GH during an oral glucose tolerance test, and elevated total IGF1 levels (>+2 s.d.). Total IGF1 was measured by immunoassay, IGF1 bioactivity by the IGF1R kinase receptor activation assay and S-Klotho by an ELISA. Quality of Life (QoL) was assessed by Acromegaly QoL (AcroQoL) Questionnaire and Short-Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Out of 15 patients, nine had IGF1 bioactivity values within the reference range. S-Klotho was higher in active acromegaly compared with controls. Age-adjusted S-Klotho was significantly related to IGF1 bioactivity (r=0.75, P=0.002) and to total IGF1 (r=0.62, P=0.02). IGF1 bioactivity and total IGF1 were inversely related to the physical component summary of the SF-36 (r=−0.78, P=0.002 vs r=−0.60, P=0.03). Moreover, IGF1 bioactivity, but not total IGF1, was significantly inversely related to the physical dimension of the AcroQoL Questionnaire (r=−0.60, P=0.02 vs r=−0.37, P=0.19). In contrast to total IGF1, IGF1 bioactivity was within the reference range in a considerable number of subjects with active acromegaly. Elevated S-Klotho levels may have reduced IGF1 bioactivity. Moreover, IGF1 bioactivity was more strongly related to physical measures of QoL than total IGF1, suggesting that IGF1 bioactivity may better reflect physical limitations perceived in active acromegaly.


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