Positive and negative meanings are simultaneously ascribed to colorectal cancer: Relationship to quality of life and psychosocial adjustment

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Aguirre Camacho ◽  
Sheila N. Garland ◽  
Celestina Martopullo ◽  
Guy Pelletier
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Psychosocial Adjustment ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Positive Meaning

AbstractObjective:Experiencing cancer can give rise to existential concerns causing great distress, and consequently drive individuals to make sense of what cancer may mean to their lives. To date, meaning-based research in the context of cancer has largely focused on one possible outcome of this process, the emergence of positive meanings (e.g. post-traumatic growth). However, negative meanings may also be ascribed to cancer, simultaneously with positive meanings. This study focused on the nature of the co-existence of positive and negative meanings in a sample of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find out whether negative meaning had an impact on quality of life and psychosocial adjustment above and beyond positive meaning.Methods:Participants were given questionnaires measuring meaning-made, quality of life, and psychological distress. Semi structured interviews were conducted with a subgroup from the original sample.Results:Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that negative meaning-made (i.e. helplessness) was a significant predictor of poor quality of life and increased levels of depression/anxiety above and beyond positive meaning-made (i.e. life meaningfulness, acceptance, and perceived benefits). Correlational analyses and interview data revealed that negative meaning-made was mainly associated with physical and functional disability, while positive meaning-made was mostly related to emotional and psychological well-being.Significance of results:Meanings of varying valence may simultaneously be ascribed to cancer as it impacts different life dimensions, and they may independently influence quality of life and psychosocial adjustment. The presence of positive meaning was not enough to prevent the detrimental effects of negative meaning on psychosocial adjustment and quality of life among individuals taking part in this study. Future attention to negative meaning is warranted, as it may be at least as important as positive meaning in predicting psychosocial adjustment and quality of life following a cancer diagnosis.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life among 13–14 year old adolescents with overweight - a mixed methods approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Turid Kristin Bigum Sundar ◽  
Kirsti Riiser ◽  
Milada Småstuen ◽  
Randi Opheim ◽  
Knut Løndal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Abstract BackgroundOverweight and obesity are public concerns with risk of adverse health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is lower in adolescents than children in general. An increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with a decrease in HRQoL. The purpose of this study was to measure and explore the HRQoL among adolescents with overweight or obesity who had participated in an intervention study with the aim of increasing PA, reducing BMI and promoting HRQoL.Methods Mixed methods, with a convergent design, were used to investigate how different methodological approaches could expand our understanding of the adolescents’ HRQoL. Quantitative post-intervention data on HRQoL were collected among the 84 intervention participants, aged 13–14 years, using the KIDSCREEN 52 questionnaire. The data were compared with a Norwegian reference population of 244 individuals, and analysed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adolescents from the intervention. A directed approach to content analysis was adopted, using the ten sub-scales from KIDSCREEN 52.ResultsHRQoL in the intervention sample was significantly reduced on the sub-scale of physical well-being compared to the reference population. The reference population scored significantly lower than the intervention sample on the sub-scale of parent relation and home life. No significant differences were found on the other sub-scales. The qualitative data supported the quantitative findings on the sub-scale of physical well-being, but showed that perceptions of fitness, energy level or health could vary. Regarding parent relations, the interviewees extended this to include relationships to other family members as equally important. Most of the interviewees expressed a negative view of their bodies, but not their clothing or accessories. This may explain why no statistically significant differences were found on these aspects in the results from the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. ConclusionThe use of the KIDSCREEN 52 instrument gave important indications about the adolescents’ HRQoL. Combining methods enabled a comprehensive approach to research on HRQoL, indicating better ways of providing help. More research using the benefits of mixed methods approaches is needed to further elucidate these findings.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the quality of life of elderly caregivers of other elderly persons

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Letícia Decimo Flesch ◽  
Samila Sathler Tavares Batistoni ◽  
Anita Liberalesso Neri ◽  
Meire Cachioni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Selection Of Variables ◽  
Elderly Caregivers

Abstract Objective : To evaluate the association between the double vulnerability of being elderly and a caregiver and quality of life assessed by Control, Autonomy, Self-realization and Pleasure factors (CASP-19). Method : 148 elderly caregivers participated in the present study. They were selected for convenience from Brazilian public and private health services - a sample from the study “The Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Persons Caring for Other Elderly Persons in a Family Context”. The variables: caregiver’s state of health, care demands, perception of burden, self-rated health, and quality of life were selected. Descriptive analyses, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of multivariate hierarchical logistics were carried out, with theStepwisecriteria applied for selection of variables. Results : The hierarchical multivariate analyses found that number of symptoms and total burden were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. Elderly persons with three or more symptoms and those with a high burden level were at a higher risk of poor quality of life. The variables number of diseases, burden, and self-rated health compared with the past, were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. Conclusion : It can be concluded that for the elderly caregiver, physical aspects (signs and symptoms, chronic diseases and a perception of health deterioration) combined with burden are the aspects that most influence quality of life.

Quality-of-life measurements in patients receiving radiation therapy for colorectal malignancies as compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies.

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 587-587
Author(s):  
B. T. Samuelson ◽  
E. K. Fromme ◽  
J. Waller ◽  
C. R. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Colorectal Disease ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Primary Malignancy ◽  
Gastrointestinal Malignancies ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients

587 Background: Therapy for GI malignancies has long been known to have a marked impact on quality of life, yet this relationship remains poorly understood. Methods: A retrospective, IRB-approved chart review was performed of 722 patients receiving RT for any cancer diagnosis between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2008. Subjects completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) questionnaire before and after RT. Pre- and immediately post-RT course scores were compared using student t-tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (5 comparisons, alpha =.01). Results: 722 of 1369 (52.7%) possible patients participated in the database. Complete pre and post RT spirituality data were available for 73 (64.6%) patients with GI malignancies. Average age was 62 years, 58 (79%) were male and 52 (71%) received definitive treatment. 27 (37%) had esophageal or gastric cancer, 22 (30%) had colorectal cancer and 24 (33%) had other GI malignancies such as pancreatic or hepatobiliary. Colorectal cancer patients fared better in overall QOL as compared to esophageal and gastric patients, pancreatic and hepatobiliary patients and patients with GI malignancies as a whole, and were the only group in which decline in overall QOL as measured by the FACT-G (77.22 to 73.08, p=0.216) did not reach or approach significance. This appeared to be largely driven by differences in physical and especially functional well-being, in which colorectal patients demonstrated the smallest decline (16.14 to 15.59, p=0.466) of any group. Colorectal patients did, however, demonstrate a larger decline in physical well-being (22.35 to 18.05, p=0.010) and overall QOL than did all-comers with any primary malignancy (22.1 to 19.4, p<.001) and (81.3 to 78.9, p<.001) respectively. Conclusions: Physical and functional well-being, as well as overall quality of life are known to decline in patients with GI malignancies. Patients with colorectal disease appear to fare better than those with esophageal, stomach, pancreatic or hepatobiliary malignancies by these measures. Additional investigations are warranted to further define these differences. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Post-stroke quality of life and depression

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 219-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystyna Jaracz ◽  
Jan Jaracz ◽  
Wojciech Kozubski ◽  
Janusz K Rybakowski
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Physical Dependence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Polish Version ◽  
Quality Of Life Index

Background:Studies on the determinants of the quality of life (QOL) after stroke bring differing results depending on the applied concept of QOL. This may lead to confusion about the contribution of various factors to the post-stroke QOL.Objective:The aim of the study was: (i) to investigate functional and psychological QOL in the individuals after the first ischemic stroke; (ii) to identify the most important correlates of QOL; and (iii) to examine the significance of depression among the other possible predictors of QOL.Methods:A hospital-based sample of 72 stroke patients was followed up to 6 months after stroke onset. QOL was assessed using the Polish version of the Quality of Life Index and the Sickness Impact Profile. A multiple regression procedure was performed to examine relationships between QOL and the study variables.Results:In spite of good recovery, the psychological and functional QOL of the examined patients was impaired, although the negative impact of stroke was greater on the objective QOL than on the subjective QOL. Stroke-related impairment, depression, functional disability and marital status predicted 80% of the variance in the functional QOL. Emotional support, depression and functional disability explained 38% of the variance in psychological well-being.Conclusions:Depression and physical disability were the most important predictors of QOL after stroke since their impact on QOL was more robust in comparison to the remaining variables. For improving QOL, a comprehensive care for patients aimed at reducing physical dependence and ameliorating depressive symptoms could be recommended.

scholarly journals Depressive symptoms and perception of quality of life in Parkinson's disease

2009 ◽  
Vol 67 (2a) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Scalzo ◽  
Arthur Kummer ◽  
Francisco Cardoso ◽  
Antonio Lucio Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Perception Of Quality ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND: Depression has been proposed as a major contributor to poor quality of life (QoL) in Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between depressive symptoms and QoL in subjects with PD. METHOD: Beck Depression Inventary (BDI) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms and Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39) to assess the perception of the QoL. RESULTS: Thirty seven patients (19 male/ 18 female) with a typical onset PD and mean disease duration of 7.7 years were studied. Higher scores on BDI correlated with poorer perception of the QoL. This association occurred at the expense of the following PDQ39 domains: mobility, activities of daily living, social support, cognition and emotional well-being dimensions. PD severity also correlated with QoL. CONCLUSION: Our study corroborates the assumption that depressive symptoms contributed significantly to QoL in PD.

scholarly journals Baseline Quality of Life Factors Predict Long Term Survival after Elective Resection for Colorectal Cancer

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhiram Sharma ◽  
Leslie G. Walker ◽  
John R. T. Monson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Elective Resection ◽  
Long Term Survival

Background. Studies have shown an association between baseline quality of life (Qol) and survival in advanced cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate their predictive value in long term survival after elective colorectal cancer resection.Methods. A consecutive series of patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery for nonmetastatic disease were recruited in 2003/04. Patients completed standardized quality of life questionnaires (HADS, FACTC, MRS, and PANAS) prior to and 6 weeks after surgery. Univariate (log-rank test) and multivariate analyses (Cox proportional hazards) were performed to predict long term survival.Results. Ninety-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-five (67%) were male and the median age of the group was 70 years. Forty-six (47.5%) patients had died and the mean survival was 1,741 days (median 2159, range 9–2923 days). Preoperative mood rating scale and functional assessment of cancer therapy-colorectal FACT C emotional well-being and postoperative FACT C additional concerns were independent predictors of long term survival.Conclusion. Incorporating psychosocial measures in preoperative assessment of cancer patients could help to identify patients who require assessment with a view to implementing psychosocial interventions. These active interventions to maximize mood and well-being should form an integral part of multidisciplinary treatment in these patients.

scholarly journals Comorbidities are associated with poorer quality of life and functioning and worse symptoms in the 5 years following colorectal cancer surgery: Results from the ColoREctal Well-being (CREW) cohort study

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 2427-2435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Cummings ◽  
Chloe Grimmett ◽  
Lynn Calman ◽  
Mubarak Patel ◽  
Natalia Vadimovna Permyakova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cancer Surgery ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document