scholarly journals Seizure Freedom Reduces Illness Intrusiveness and Improves Quality of Life in Epilepsy

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Poochikian-Sarkissian ◽  
Souraya Sidani ◽  
Richard Wennberg ◽  
Gerald M. Devins
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Seizure Control ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Personal Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Illness Intrusiveness

Background:Chronic illnesses are associated with multiple stressors that compromise quality of life (QOL). Implicit in many of these stressors is the concept of illness intrusiveness: the disruption of lifestyles, activities, and interests due to the constraints imposed by chronic disease and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine illness intrusiveness and QOL in epilepsy in patients with different levels of seizure control.Methods:Cross-sectional data were obtained and compared between two groups of patients categorized by presence of seizures: seizure freedom or continued seizures (N=145). Standard instruments measured the following variables: illness intrusiveness, perceived personal control, subjective well-being, and disease specific QOL.Results:Illness intrusiveness varied inversely and significantly with seizure control. Complete seizure freedom, whether achieved by pharmacological or surgical treatment, was associated with the lowest levels of illness intrusiveness. Seizure freedom was also associated with increased perceived control, positive affect, self-esteem and QOL in epilepsy.Conclusions:The most robust benefits of decreased illness intrusiveness in epilepsy occur when treatment leads to complete seizure control. Therefore every effort should be made by health care providers to achieve seizure freedom to reduce illness intrusiveness and improve QOL in epilepsy.

Vision-Related Quality of Life and Its Sociodemographic Correlates Among Individuals With Visual Impairments

2021 ◽  
pp. 0145482X2110289
Author(s):  
Ansuman Panigrahi ◽  
G. Nageswar Rao ◽  
Amrita Kumari Konar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sociodemographic Correlates

Introduction: Visual impairment is an important public health concern worldwide that negatively affects quality of life (QOL). We aimed to assess the vision-related QOL and determine its sociodemographic correlates among individuals with visual impairments. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study during the years 2016–2017 among 201 individuals with visual impairments aged ≥ 40 years. After obtaining informed consent, we collected relevant information regarding sociodemographic characteristics using a pretested questionnaire and assessed vision-related QOL using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). An ophthalmologist conducted comprehensive ophthalmic examinations of all the eligible study participants. Results: The mean VFQ-25 composite score was 52.91 + 7.61. The subscale score was highest for color vision (72.39 + 21.71) and worst in the dependency subscale (31.43 + 25.2). Multivariable ordinal regression revealed that variables such as gender, place of residence, household overcrowding, dietary habits, practicing exercise or yoga, and type of eye disorder were significantly ( p< .05) associated with the QOL of individuals with visual impairments. Discussion: The QOL among individuals with visual impairments was poor in our study. Further research is needed to establish associations of various factors with the QOL. Implications for practitioners: Incorporating these determinants of vision-related QOL in the existing strategies could be useful for health care providers and social service providers in promoting the well-being of individuals with visual impairments.

scholarly journals CONTRACEPTIVE PREFERENCES AND IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 762-66
Author(s):  
Shehla Baqai ◽  
Asifa Siraj ◽  
Uzma Urooj ◽  
Nusrat Noor ◽  
Humaira Tariq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sample Size Calculation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Contraceptive Usage ◽  
Contraceptive Devices

Objective: To understand the contraceptive preferences of women of reproductive age group and to know from where they get the knowledge of it and how quality of life of contraceptive users and non-users is affected. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Gynecology and Obstetrics department, Pak-Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Sep 2017 to Aug 2018. Methodology: Pre-tested self-administered questionnaires were used to assess the usage of contraception, role of health care providers social/family influences, and print/broadcast media, to provide sample size calculation, ethics approval, knowledge and access to various contraceptive methods. The quality of life indicators used were anemia and feeling of general well-being. Results: A total of 1050 participated in the study. Out of those who have knowledge, only 497 (47.33%) practiced contraception and 530 (50.47%) not using it 23 (2.1%) were not clear about their views regarding contraceptive usage. Out of those who were using contraception, 161 (54.20%) women used barrier methods, 93 (18.71%) used intrauterine contraceptive devices, implanon 52 (10.46%), natural methods 61 (12.27%), oral/injectable 99 (19.91%) and male contraception was used by 31 (6.23%) couples. Anemia was less in contraceptive users 84 (17%) as compared to non-users 164 (31%). Conclusion: Family planning is the strongest tool which can improve the health of mother and children as well as it’s a development indicator for overall social and economic status of a society. By understanding its prevalence and factors influencing its usage, maternal and child health can be improved in near future.

On the road again: Patient perspectives on commuting for palliative care

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Pesut ◽  
Carole A. Robinson ◽  
Joan L. Bottorff ◽  
Gillian Fyles ◽  
Sandra Broughton
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
On The Road

AbstractObjective:The aim of this research project was to gain an understanding of the experiences of rural cancer patients who commute to an urban cancer center for palliative care.Method:The study utilized a mixed method design. Fifteen individuals with a palliative designation participated in semi-structured interviews and filled out the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care Questionnaire.Results:Qualitative findings included three major themes: cultures of rural life and care, strategies for commuting, and the effects of commuting. Participants valued their rural lifestyles and gained significant support from their communities. Strategies included preparing for the trip with particular attention to pain management, making the most of time, and maintaining significant relationships. Establishing a routine helped to offset the anxiety of commuting. Commuting was costly but the quality of life and supportive relationships obtained through treatment were significant benefits. Questionnaire data suggested that participants were experiencing a number of problems but few indicated they desired more professional attention to those problems.Significance of Results:Rural lifestyles are often an important part of overall well-being and commuting for care is both costly and complex. Health care providers should assist individuals to weigh the relative contributions of staying in their rural locale versus commuting for care to their overall quality of life. Palliative-care individuals in this study indicated a number of ongoing problems but were not inclined to seek further assistance from health care providers in addressing those problems. Clinicians should actively inquire about problems and further research is needed to understand why patients are reluctant to seek help.

Survivorship Perspectives and Advocacy

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (32) ◽  
pp. 5154-5159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Hoffman ◽  
Ellen Stovall
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Personal Control ◽  
Survivorship Care Plans ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Moment

From the moment of diagnosis, a cancer survivor faces serious life-altering decisions. Survivors who are informed about their options and who feel they have personal control over decision making generally perceive a higher quality of life than those who feel less informed and less in control. Health care providers are in a unique position to define a survivor's cancer care and to guide a survivor through treatment and post-treatment care. By implementing survivorship care plans and directing their patients to survivorship resources, health care providers can advocate for survivors and teach them to be effective self-advocates.

scholarly journals Psychological risk factors that characterize the trajectories of quality of life after a physical trauma: a longitudinal study using latent class analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Visser ◽  
Brenda Leontine Den Oudsten ◽  
Taco Gosens ◽  
Paul Lodder ◽  
Jolanda De Vries
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physical Trauma

Abstract Background The course and corresponding characteristics of quality of life (QOL) domains in trauma population are unclear. Our aim was to identify longitudinal QOL trajectories and determine and predict the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics of trajectory membership in physical trauma patients using a biopsychosocial approach. Methods Patients completed a questionnaire set after inclusion, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. Trajectories were identified using repeated-measures latent class analysis. The trajectory characteristics were ranked using Cohen’s d effect size or phi coefficient. Results Altogether, 267 patients were included. The mean age was 54.1 (SD = 16.1), 62% were male, and the median injury severity score was 5.0 [2.0—9.0]. Four latent trajectories were found for psychological health and environment, five for physical health and social relationships, and seven trajectories were found for overall QOL and general health. The trajectories seemed to remain stable over time. For each QOL domain, the identified trajectories differed significantly in terms of anxiety, depressive symptoms, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, Neuroticism, trait anxiety, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness. Discussion Psychological factors characterized the trajectories during 12 months after trauma. Health care providers can use these findings to identify patients at risk for impaired QOL and offer patient-centered care to improve QOL.

scholarly journals Patient Suffering in Chronic Digestive Diseases: Will Primary Care-Specialist Collaboration With Effective Interactive Communication and Integrative Medicine in the Plan of Care Improve Quality of Life?

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 989-993
Author(s):  
Andrew Thomas ◽  
Annie Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physician Visits ◽  
Digestive Diseases ◽  
Care Specialist

Acute and chronic digestive diseases are causing increased burden to patients and are increasing the United States health care spending. The purpose of this case report was to present how nonconfirmatory and conflicting diagnoses led to increased burden and suffering for a patient thus affecting quality of life. There were many physician visits and multiple tests performed on the patient. However, the primary care physician and specialists could not reach a confirmatory diagnosis. The treatment plans did not offer relief of symptoms, and the patient continues to experience digestive symptoms, enduring this burden for over 2 years. The central theme of this paper is to inform health care providers the importance of utilizing evidence-based primary care specialist collaboration models for better digestive disease outcomes. Consistent with patient’s experience, the authors propose to pilot/adopt the integrative health care approaches that are proven effective for treating digestive diseases.

scholarly journals Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Educational needs of health-care providers, patients, and caregivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 147997311985896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa Ramadurai ◽  
Stephanie Corder ◽  
Tara Churney ◽  
Bridget Graney ◽  
Andrea Harshman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Informational Needs ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Perceived Needs

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease associated with poor quality of life. Debilitating symptoms and the reality of shortened survival impact patients’ physical and emotional well-being and constrain the lives of patients’ caregivers. This study assessed the informational needs of medical providers who care for patients with IPF, IPF patients themselves, and their caregivers. Tailored surveys were sent electronically to providers, patients with IPF, and caregivers of patients with IPF collected on a rolling basis in March of 2017. Providers answered questions regarding their own informational needs and what information they believed patients needed. Patients and caregivers identified their own informational needs and the perceived needs for each other. About 2636 surveys were sent to providers, including 2041 to physicians, of whom 156 completed it. One hundred sixty patients and 29 caregivers responded to the survey via a link on a website. Eighty-six percent of providers described themselves as physicians who diagnose and treat IPF patients themselves. Providers ranked information on “making the diagnosis of IPF” as their top informational need. Patients and caregivers chose “disease progression/what to expect” as the most important informational need for themselves and for each other. Providers want to make a correct diagnosis when IPF is in the differential diagnosis. Patients and caregivers desire clarity around how IPF will behave over time and what their futures with IPF will look like. Resources for patients and their caregivers should include information on disease natural history in empathically worded, clear, and easily accessible formats.

How Are You Feeling? Who Wants To Know? Patients’ and Oncologists’ Preferences for Discussing Health-Related Quality-of-Life Issues

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 3295-3301 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.B. Detmar ◽  
N.K. Aaronson ◽  
L.D. V. Wever ◽  
M. Muller ◽  
J.H. Schornagel
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Psychosocial Issues ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

PURPOSE: This study investigated (1) the attitudes of cancer patients toward discussing health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) issues; (2) the association between such attitudes and patients’ characteristics; and (3) oncologists’ attitudes and self-reported behavior regarding these same issues. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventy-three patients receiving palliative chemotherapy and ten physicians were asked to complete a series of questionnaires. RESULTS: Almost all patients wanted to discuss their physical symptoms and physical functioning and were also willing to address their emotional functioning and daily activities. However, 25% of the patients were only willing to discuss these latter two issues at the initiative of their physician. Patients varied most in their willingness to discuss their family and social life, with 20% reporting no interest in discussing these issues at all. Female patients were more reluctant to discuss various HRQL issues than male patients. Older and less well-educated patients were more likely to prefer that their physician initiate discussion of HRQL issues. All physicians considered it to be primarily their task to discuss the physical aspects of their patients’ health, whereas four physicians indicated that discussion of psychosocial issues was a task to be shared with other health care providers. All physicians indicated that they generally defer to their patients in initiating discussion of psychosocial issues. CONCLUSION: Although both patients and oncologists seem willing to discuss a wide range of HRQL issues, communication regarding psychosocial issues may be hampered by competing expectations as to who should take the lead in initiating such discussions.

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