Perception of the Quality of Life of Tobacco Growers Exposed to Pesticides: Emphasis on Health, Hearing, and Working Conditions

Introduction Tobacco farming exposes workers to various health risks due to the high application of pesticides needed to control pests, weeds and fungal diseases that prevent the tobacco plant growth. Objective To analyze the perception of the quality of life of tobacco growers exposed to pesticides, with emphasis on general health, hearing, and working conditions. Method This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach with farmers from southern Brazil. Data were collected from November of 2012 to November of 2014. For data collection, we opted for the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire, and a questionnaire with closed questions about health, hearing and working conditions. We evaluated a total of 78 subjects; the study group, made up of 40 tobacco farmers exposed to pesticides, and a control group of 38 participants without occupational exposure to pesticides. Both groups are residents of the same municipality, and users of the federal public health system. Results The results showed that tobacco growers had lower quality of life scores compared with the control group. Significant differences were observed in the areas of pain and general health. There were correlations between physical elements and chronic diseases; hearing complaints and a lack of personal protective equipment use, occupation and hearing complaints, as well as general health and hearing complaints. Conclusion Tobacco farming is a risky activity for general and hearing health, and it can impact the quality of life of those working in this field.

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Stigma and quality of life for patients with facial dystonia: a cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1184753/v1 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

MING YI ◽

Jing LI ◽

Gang LIU ◽

Weixi ZHANG ◽

Ying WANG ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Hamilton Depression Scale ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Facial Dystonia

Abstract Background Facial appearance and expressions influence social interaction. However, few studies have reported on the stigma associated with spasms from facial dystonia. This study investigated the stigma and quality of life for these patients. Methods This cross-sectional study included 90 patients with facial dystonia (hemifacial spasm [HFS], blepharospasm [BSP], and blepharospasm-oromandibular dystonia [BOD]; 30 patients per group) and 30 individuals without dystonia (control group) from October 2019 to November 2020. All participants underwent stigma, quality of life, and mental health evaluations using seven questions related to stigma, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the 14-item version of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and the 24-item version of the Hamilton Depression Scale. Results Nineteen patients (21.11%) felt stigmatized. Patients with BPS and HFS had more difficulty finding a job and were more susceptible to discrimination than healthy individuals. The role-physical and social function scores were significantly lower in the dystonia groups than in the control group. The vitality score of the BPS group and the mental health scores in the BPS and BOD groups were significantly less than those of the control group. The HAMA scores in the BPS and BOD groups were significantly higher than in the control group. Regression analysis demonstrated that the disease course influenced depression. Conclusion Enacted stigma from a negative public attitude may be the main factor triggering stigma in patients with facial dystonia, with detrimental effects on psychosocial outcomes, including social rights, quality of life, and mood.

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Impact of covid-19 on quality of life in COVID recovered patients: A cross-sectional survey

The Journal of Community Health Management ◽

10.18231/j.jchm.2021.035 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 153-155

Author(s):

Jigna Chaudhary ◽

Sarfraznawaz F Shah

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

General Health ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Systemic Effect ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Exclusion Criterion ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

COVID-19 pandemic has affected India to a great extent. Till date total of 3.30 crore peoples has been cured and discharged and 44.6 lakh are died due to covid -19 in India. COVID-19 has a long-term systemic effect on lungs, liver, spleen, anxiety and depression and persistence of inflammatory response even after getting cured or COVID negative. Which may affect quality of life. So, there is a need to evaluate quality of life in post COVID patients.A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 100 COVID-19 recovered Participants. Participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criterion. Basic assessment of symptom history, medical history and hospitalisation was done by investigator. A quality of life was evaluated using short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft excel-2019.A total of 100 participants 61% were male and 39% were female participants. We found that general health component was greatly affected with 68.50%. Following general health emotional well-being (69.68%), social functioning (68.14), pain (64.38%), limitation due to emotional problems (64.19%), energy/fatigue (63.3%), limitation due to physical health (59.61) and physical functioning (48.27%) were affected.We found that there was mild – moderate affection in quality of life in covid recovered subjects. There was more affection in quality of life in participants with other comorbidities. We also found that there were persistence of breathlessness and fatigue after recovery.

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Evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients with Kashin-Beck disease using a new questionnaire：A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1111411/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhankui Jin ◽

Zhengming Sun ◽

Xueyuan Wu ◽

Ming Chen ◽

Bo Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

General Health ◽

Influencing Factor ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Beck Disease

Abstract Objective: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic deformable bone and joint disease, which seriously affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients. We tried to conduct a cross-sectional study of the QOL of KBD patients by a new KBD quality of life (KBDQOL) questionnaire.Methods: 252 KBD patients came from Northwest China, and 260 healthy people living in the same area as KBD patients served as the control group. KBDQOL questionnaire was used to evaluate the QOL of all objects.Results: The average score of physical functions, activity limitations, support of society, mental health and general health of KBD patients was significantly lower than that in control group. There was no statistical difference in economics between KBD patients and control group. The univariate analysis showed that age, height, weight status, education level and grade of KBD had a statistically significant effect on KBDQOL score. The results of multivariate analysis showed that grade of KBD was the influencing factor of physical function score; sex, age, height, grade of KBD and duration of symptoms were the influencing factors of activity restriction score; grade of KBD was the influencing factor of economic score, age and grade of KBD were influencing factors of general health.Conclusions: The QOL of patients with KBD was significantly lower than that of healthy people living in the same place. The KBDQOL questionnaire may be a promising tool for assessing the QOL of KBD patients.

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Quality of life in multiple sclerosis: The differential impact of motor and cognitive fatigue

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational and Clinical ◽

10.1177/2055217321996040 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 205521732199604

Author(s):

Sabina David Ruban ◽

Claudia Christina Hilt ◽

Thor Petersen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Cognitive Fatigue ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Scale ◽

Assessment And Treatment

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.

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Dry Eye Syndrome-Related Quality of Life in Glaucoma Patients

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/112067210901900409 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 572-579 ◽

Cited By ~ 78

Author(s):

Gemma Caterina Maria Rossi ◽

Carmine Tinelli ◽

Gian Maria Pasinetti ◽

Giovanni Milano ◽

Paolo Emilio Bianchi

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Dry Eye ◽

Ocular Surface ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dry Eye Syndrome ◽

Control Group ◽

Ocular Surface Disease Index ◽

Symptom Scale ◽

Cross Sectional

Purpose To verify the presence of dry eye syndrome (DES) in treated patients with glaucoma and to analyze DES's impact on the patients' quality of life (QOL) versus the control group. Methods In this observational cross-sectional study, 61 patients were enrolled at a clinical practice. Patients were divided into three groups by number of glaucoma drops instilled per day (G1=1 drop/day, G2=2 drops/day, G3=3 drops/day). A control group of 20 subjects was also selected (G0). All subjects were submitted to a complete ocular examination (including tear function and ocular surface status) and completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS) questionnaire, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). DES was defined as presence of punctate keratitis and decreased break-up time. Statistical analysis was performed applying the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests (to compare median values between groups) as well as the χ2 and Fisher test (to verify significant differences). Results A total of 40% of G3 and 39% of G2 patients presented DES versus 11% of G1 and 5% of G0 (p=0.01). QOL was significantly influenced and altered (NEI-VFQ 25 total mean and GSS total mean and symptoms average: p=0.0085, p=0.006, and p=0.03, respectively). OSDI pointed out differences by group: 26% of G2 and 15% of G3 presented moderate OSDI and 15% of G3 and 8.7% of G2 severe OSDI (p>0.05). Conclusions Patients with topically treated glaucoma present DES more often than a similar control group (p=0.01). The presence of DES negatively influences the patient's QOL. The patients with glaucoma's ocular surface status should be evaluated regularly to ensure the timely detection and treatment of pathologic signs on the ocular surface.

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Predictors of quality of life among patients on dialysis in southern Brazil

Sao Paulo Medical Journal ◽

10.1590/s1516-31802008000500002 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 126 (5) ◽

pp. 252-256 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Maristela Bohlke ◽

Diego Leite Nunes ◽

Stela Scaglioni Marini ◽

Cleison Kitamura ◽

Marcia Andrade ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Peritoneal Dialysis ◽

Short Form ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Dialysis Facilities

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.

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Social support, functional outcome and quality of life among stroke survivors in an urban area

Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology ◽

10.1017/prp.2019.2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Nipaporn Butsing ◽

Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul ◽

Disya Ratanakorn ◽

Nawarat Suwannapong ◽

Kanitta Bundhamcharoen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Support ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Linear Regression Method ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean

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.

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Quality of Life and Mental Health in Brazilian Women Treated for Invasive Carcinoma of the Cervix

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer ◽

10.1097/igc.0000000000000106 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 794-799

Author(s):

Gabriela A. Caixeta ◽

Emma E. C. Castro ◽

Agnaldo L. Silva-Filho ◽

Fernando M. Reis ◽

José R. Cunha-Melo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Life Events ◽

General Health ◽

Invasive Carcinoma ◽

Short Form ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Control Group ◽

History Of

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) and mental health (MH) of women surviving at least 2 years after treatment for invasive carcinoma of the cervix by radical hysterectomy (RH), chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, or by surgery followed by adjuvant therapy (RH + chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy). The QOL/MH of a control group of women with no history of malignancy was also assessed for comparison with the treated groups.MethodsThe levels of QOL and MH were assessed in 114 Brazilian women (57 patients with an average of 4 years since treatment completion and 57 control subjects). The 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, the Life Events Inventory, and a general survey for the assessment of sociodemographic data were applied to each participant of the study.ResultsNo differences were noted among the 3 treatment groups or between these and the control group concerning the levels of QOL (either physical or MH aspects), anxiety, general health, or life events. However, lower levels of anxiety were detected in cancer survivors when compared with the control group (P = 0.035).ConclusionsAfter at least 2 years, the QOL and the MH of Brazilian women treated for invasive carcinoma of the cervix were similar to those of women without malignancy and were not affected by the modality of treatment.

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Quality of life and stress in caregivers of drug-addicted people

Acta Paulista de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/s0103-21002012000900002 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 25 (spe2) ◽

pp. 7-12

Author(s):

Samira Reschetti Marcon ◽

Elizete Aparecida Rubira ◽

Mariano Martinez Espinosa ◽

Angélica Belasco ◽

Dulce Aparecida Barbosa

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Short Form ◽

Psychosocial Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Burden Scale ◽

Emotional Aspects

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality of life and presence of stress in caregivers of drug-addicted people. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at four Psychosocial Care Centers in Mato Grosso. Demographic and quality of life data were collected for 109 caregivers using the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-form, depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory) and stress of caregivers (Caregiver Burden Scale). RESULTS: Of 109 caregivers, 55.9% were mothers with a mean age of 47.66 years; 23.8% had depressive symptoms. The SF36 scores most compromised were emotional aspects, vitality, pain and mental health. Mean stress among caregivers was 2.24. A significant correlation in quality of life, depression and stress of caregivers was seen. CONCLUSION: Findings confirmed that quality of life is compromised and stress is high among caregivers, highlighting the need for providing emotional support.

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Impact of Orofacial Dysfunction on the Quality of Life of Adult Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1177/1055665618760897 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 55 (8) ◽

pp. 1138-1144 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Natalia Cristina Reinaldo Mariano ◽

Mariana Naomi Sano ◽

Victor Prado Curvêllo ◽

Ana Lúcia Pompéia Fraga de Almeida ◽

Karin Hermana Neppelenbroek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

General Health ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Short Form ◽

Control Group ◽

Craniofacial Anomalies ◽

Role Function ◽

Emotional Role

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of orofacial dysfunctions (ODs) and quality of life (QoL) in adults with and without a cleft lip and palate. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Craniofacial Center, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The study was composed of a sample of 120 patients: 60 adults in the cleft lip and palate group (CLPG) and 60 adults in the control group with no craniofacial anomalies. Each patient underwent an interview and clinical examination, using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, χ2, and the Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: There was a higher prevalence of OD in CLPG ( P < .001) on the NOT-S. The adults in the CLPG had higher QoL in the areas of general health ( P = .003), physical function ( P = .014), social function ( P < .001), and vitality ( P = .006). The CLPG had significant associations between higher OD and lower QoL for general health ( P = .004), emotional role function ( P = .028), and vitality ( P = .05). Conclusion: Orofacial dysfunctions were more prevalent in adults with a cleft, negatively impacting their QoL in general health, emotional role function, and vitality. However, adults with a cleft also had significantly higher QoL, reflecting possible resiliency when compared to adults without a cleft.

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