scholarly journals Measurement of Quality of Life IV. Use of the SEQOL, QOL5, QOL1, and Other Global and Generic Questionnaires

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 992-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soren Ventegodt ◽  
Joav Merrick ◽  
Niels Jorgen Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Causal Relation ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Scientific Instrument ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Global Quality Of Life ◽  
The Individual

Quality-of-life (QOL) rating scales can be used to measure and describe the quality of life of a specific population or patient group. Many decisions can be taken and policies implemented when we know more about a group or population. The global quality-of-life concept may help in expressing the objective of the initiatives taken to benefit specific groups. The objective may be that we hope the efforts will increase their quality of life by a certain percentage. This explicit expectation will force the decision makers to stand by their noble intentions. They are obliged to evaluate their efforts and will have to learn something from it.A questionnaire thus constitutes a useful scientific instrument, as databases based on comprehensive and thorough questionnaire surveys that seek to encompass all aspects of life can provide valuable and precise information. The value of such a database depends on the correct use of the questionnaires and this paper examines some examples of how quality-of-life rating scales can be used.We identified at least ten ways to use the quality-of-life questionnaire: describing the quality of life of a population or patient group; formulating an objective for support, treatment, or care; screening or identifying individuals who need treatment; evaluating treatment and care; facilitating communication between physician and patients; involving the patient in the decision-making process; allocating resources; investigating the causal relation between the quality of life and ill health in prospective studies; creating an awareness of the quality of life and health promotion; and helping the practitioner to accumulate knowledge.Enhancing the quality of life is therefore a determining factor in the process of increasing awareness and responsible conduct in relation to the environment, natural resources, the working environment, and the structure of society. Putting the quality of life on the agenda inherently has a constructive and positive effect on the life and functioning of the individual and society.

Cathartic Effect of Suicide Attempts Not Limited to Depression

Crisis ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Sarfati ◽  
Blandine Bouchaud ◽  
Marie-Christine Hardy-Baylé
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Short Term

Summary: The cathartic effect of suicide is traditionally defined as the existence of a rapid, significant, and spontaneous decrease in the depressive symptoms of suicide attempters after the act. This study was designed to investigate short-term variations, following a suicide attempt by self-poisoning, of a number of other variables identified as suicidal risk factors: hopelessness, impulsivity, personality traits, and quality of life. Patients hospitalized less than 24 hours after a deliberate (moderate) overdose were presented with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression and Impulsivity Rating Scales, Hopelessness scale, MMPI and World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire (abbreviated versions). They were also asked to complete the same scales and questionnaires 8 days after discharge. The study involved 39 patients, the average interval between initial and follow-up assessment being 13.5 days. All the scores improved significantly, with the exception of quality of life and three out of the eight personality traits. This finding emphasizes the fact that improvement is not limited to depressive symptoms and enables us to identify the relative importance of each studied variable as a risk factor for attempted suicide. The limitations of the study are discussed as well as in particular the nongeneralizability of the sample and setting.

scholarly journals Quality of Life and Philosophy of Life Determines Physical and Mental Health: Status Over Research Findings From The Quality of Life Research Center, Copenhagen, 1991-2007

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1743-1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ventegodt ◽  
Isack Kandel ◽  
Joav Merrick
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Good Life ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Social Indicators ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Global Quality Of Life ◽  
The Individual

Quality of life (QOL) has over the past decade become an important part of health science and also increased public awareness. It has become increasingly apparent that illness is closely related to the individual perception of a good life, and therefore the exploration of indicators related to quality of life appears to be of broad importance for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Identifying, which factors constitute a good life may reveal an understanding about what areas in life should be encouraged, in order to enhance the global quality of life, health, and ability. In this paper we present results from studies initiated in 1989 to examine quality of life in relation to disease. The purpose of this presentation was to assemble the results from the study carried out in the years between 1993 and 1997, examining a total of 11.500 Danes, to show the association between quality of life and a wide series of social indicators.

scholarly journals The Effects of the Working Environment of Firefighters on the Quality of Life

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Hee-Chul Choi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Fire Fighting ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Monetary Rewards ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Individual

This study aimed to contribute to the preparation of an action plan for the improvement of the quality of life of firefighters at the individual level by examining how the working environment as perceived by firefighters affects their quality of life. To this end, this study conducted a survey that used purposive sampling targeting 201 fire-fighting officers in Incheon. The survey results showed that of the sub-variables of the working environment of firefighters, monetary rewards, challenges, and promotion had a significant influence on the quality of life. Based on the results, this study suggested various action plans that can support the working environment and improve the quality of life of firefighters.

Quality of Life of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Cetuximab, Fluorouracil, Cisplatin Comparing to Cetuximab, Fluorouracil, Cisplatin and Docetaxel within the CEFCID Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Goerling ◽  
Thomas Gauler ◽  
Andreas Dietz ◽  
Viktor Grünwald ◽  
Stephan Knipping ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Global Quality Of Life ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: CeFCiD was a multicenter phase II study comparing the efficacy of cetuximab, 5-flourouracil, cisplatin with the same regimen adding docetaxel in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer. The primary analysis trial did not demonstrate survival benefit from therapy intensification in first-line recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The current analysis of the trial assessed the impact of treatment on quality of life (QoL). Methods: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire QLQ-C30 and the tumor specific module for head and neck cancer (QLQ-H&N35) were used to assess QoL at baseline (visit 1), after 2 (visit 3), 4 (visit 5), and 6 (visit 7) cycles of chemotherapy. Results: Of 180 patients included in this study, 86 patients (47.8%) completed the questionnaires at baseline. Considering selected scores over treatment time, there was no difference in global quality of life, dyspnea, swallowing and speech between the treatment arms in the course. For fatigue a significant increase from baseline to visit 3 (p=0.02), visit 5 (p=0.002), and to visit 7 (p=0.003) was observed for patients receiving docetaxel (D), cisplatin or carboplatin (P), 5-FU (F) and cetuximab (C). At the end of chemotherapy the manifestation of fatigue was similar compared in the two treatment arms. Discussion/Conclusion: Therapy intensification not adversely affect selected scores of QoL of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN. Nevertheless, fatigue seems to be pronounced in patients treated with docetaxel.

Phase II Trial of Weekly Irinotecan Plus Cisplatin in Advanced Esophageal Cancer

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3270-3275 ◽  
Author(s):  
David H. Ilson ◽  
Leonard Saltz ◽  
Peter Enzinger ◽  
Ying Huang ◽  
Alice Kornblith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Squamous Carcinoma ◽  
Similar Response ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Actuarial Survival ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Global Quality Of Life

PURPOSE: To evaluate the response, toxicity, survival, and quality of life in patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal cancer treated with weekly irinotecan and cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with metastatic or unresectable esophageal adenocarcinoma (23 patients) or squamous cell carcinoma (12 patients) were treated. No prior chemotherapy was allowed. The majority of patients had metastatic and bidimensionally measurable disease (34 patients each [97%]). Patients were treated with cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and irinotecan 65 mg/m2, repeated weekly for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest period. Treatment was recycled every 6 weeks. Degree of dysphagia relief was monitored, and quality of life was measured prospectively using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C-30 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General instruments. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were assessable for response and toxicity. Major objective responses were observed in 20 patients (57%; 95% confidence interval, 41% to 73%), including two complete responses (6%). Similar response rates were observed for adenocarcinoma (12 of 23 patients; 52%) and squamous carcinoma (eight of 12 patients; 66%). The median duration of response was 4.2 months (range, 1 to 8.8+ months). Median actuarial survival was 14.6 months (range, 1 to 15.2+ months). In 20 patients with dysphagia assessable at baseline, 18 (90%) noted either improvement or resolution of dysphagia on chemotherapy. Global quality of life improved in responding patients, primarily because of improvements in pain, emotional state, and relationships with family and friends. Toxicity was relatively mild and included only three patients (9%) with grade 4 neutropenia and four (11%) with grade 3 diarrhea. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION: The combination of weekly cisplatin plus irinotecan had significant activity in metastatic esophageal carcinoma and resulted in significant relief of dysphagia. The regimen was well tolerated, with acceptable myelosuppression and rare treatment-related diarrhea. Further evaluation of the combination of weekly irinotecan and cisplatin, including the addition of other agents to this regimen, is indicated.

Effects on Quality of Life of Combined Trastuzumab and Chemotherapy in Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 3106-3113 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Osoba ◽  
Dennis J. Slamon ◽  
Michael Burchmore ◽  
Maureen Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Global Quality Of Life

PURPOSE: The study was designed to compare the effects of treatment with a combination of trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA) and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with HER-2/neu overexpressing, metastatic breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 400 patients, not previously treated for metastatic disease and randomized to receive either trastuzumab plus chemotherapy (208 patients) or chemotherapy alone (192 patients), completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment Care Quality of Life Questionnaire at baseline and on at least one subsequent occasion at 8, 20, 32, 44, and 56 weeks. HRQL improvement or worsening was defined as a ≥ 10-point change (range, 0 to 100 points) in the scores of six preselected domains (global quality of life [QOL], physical, role, social, and emotional functioning, and fatigue). Stable HRQL was defined as a change of less than 10. A Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple testing. RESULTS: After completion of chemotherapy, patients treated with trastuzumab and chemotherapy reported significant improvement in fatigue (P < .05) as compared with their baseline scores. Higher proportions of patients receiving the combined therapy achieved improvement in global QOL (P < .05) than did patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Higher proportions of the combined therapy group also achieved improvement in physical and role functioning and in fatigue as compared with the chemotherapy group, but the differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in the proportions of patients in the two groups that reported worsening. CONCLUSION: Statistically significantly higher proportions of patients treated with a combination of trastuzumab and chemotherapy reported improved global QOL than did patients treated by chemotherapy alone.

scholarly journals A cognitive–existential intervention to improve existential and global quality of life in cancer patients: A pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 981-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Gagnon ◽  
Lise Fillion ◽  
Marie-Anik Robitaille ◽  
Michèle Girard ◽  
François Tardif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Usual Condition ◽  
Global Quality ◽  
Global Quality Of Life ◽  
The Individual

AbstractObjective:We developed a specific cognitive–existential intervention to improve existential distress in nonmetastatic cancer patients. The present study reports the feasibility of implementing and evaluating this intervention, which involved 12 weekly sessions in both individual and group formats, and explores the efficacy of the intervention on existential and global quality of life (QoL) measures.Method:Some 33 nonmetastatic cancer patients were randomized between the group intervention, the individual intervention, and the usual condition of care. Evaluation of the intervention on the existential and global QoL of patients was performed using the existential well-being subscale and the global scale of the McGill Quality of Life (MQoL) Questionnaire.Results:All participants agreed that their participation in the program helped them deal with their illness and their personal life. Some 88.9% of participants agreed that this program should be proposed for all cancer patients, and 94.5% agreed that this intervention helped them to reflect on the meaning of their life. At post-intervention, both existential and psychological QoL improved in the group intervention versus usual care (p = 0.086 and 0.077, respectively). At the three-month follow-up, global and psychological QoL improved in the individual intervention versus usual care (p = 0.056 and 0.047, respectively).Significance of results:This pilot study confirms the relevance of the intervention and the feasibility of the recruitment and randomization processes. The data strongly suggest a potential efficacy of the intervention for existential and global quality of life, which will have to be confirmed in a larger study.

scholarly journals Dynamics of quality of life main parameters in patients with spine tumors underwent surgical treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 44-54
Author(s):  
O. Yu. Shchelkova ◽  
A. K. Valiev ◽  
O. A. Obukhova ◽  
E. B. Usmanova ◽  
D. I. Sofronov
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Life Meaning ◽  
Medical Outcomes ◽  
Group Outcomes ◽  
The Individual

In this study we analyzed the quality of life in 62 patients (35.5 % of men and 64.5 % of women; mean age 55 years) who had tumor lesions in different parts of the spine and were treated in the Department of Vertebral Surgery, N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Ministry of Health of Russia. We assessed the association between the quality of life and psychological characteristics of patients – coping strategies and personal resources. We used a general questionnaire for assessing patients’ quality of life (The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Items Health Survey) and special questionnaires for cancer patients (Quality of Life Questionnaire – Core 30, QLQ-C30), patients with tumor lesions to the spine (Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire, SOSG OQ), and psychodiagnostic methods, such as Ways of Coping, Big Five, and Life-meaning Orientations. We have identified an association between the quality of life and all parameters of psychodiagnostic questionnaires, better quality of life correlated with more pronounced psychological characteristics reflecting the maturity of the individual (internality, activity, presence of meaningful goals, ability to seek social support, etc.). Lower personal maturity and poorer constructive coping strategies were associated with worse somatic symptoms and their impact on the quality of life.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Men With Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treated With Prednisone Alone or Mitoxantrone and Prednisone

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1654-1654 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Osoba ◽  
Ian F. Tannock ◽  
D. Scott Ernst ◽  
Alan J. Neville
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Prostate Cancer ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Global Quality ◽  
Global Quality Of Life ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

PURPOSE: A combination of mitoxantrone plus prednisone is preferable to prednisone alone for reduction of pain in men with metastatic, hormone-resistant, prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of these treatments on health-related quality of life (HQL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men with metastatic prostate cancer (n = 161) were randomized to receive either daily prednisone alone or mitoxantrone (every 3 weeks) plus prednisone. Those who received prednisone alone could have mitoxantrone added after 6 weeks if there was no improvement in pain. HQL was assessed before treatment initiation and then every 3 weeks using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Quality of Life Module–Prostate 14 (QOLM-P14), a trial-specific module developed for this study. An intent-to-treat analysis was used to determine the mean duration of HQL improvement and differences in improvement duration between groups of patients. RESULTS: At 6 weeks, both groups showed improvement in several HQL domains, and only physicalfunctioning and pain were better in the mitoxantrone-plus-prednisone group than in the prednisone-alone group. After 6 weeks, patients taking prednisone showed no improvement in HQL scores, whereas those taking mitoxantrone plus prednisone showed significant improvements in global quality of life (P = .009), four functioning domains, and nine symptoms (.001 < P < .01), and the improvement (> 10 units on a scale of 0 to100) lasted longer than in the prednisone-alone group (.004 < P < .05). The addition of mitoxantrone to prednisone after failure of prednisone alone was associated with improvements in pain, pain impact, pain relief, insomnia, and global quality of life (.001 < P < .003). CONCLUSION: Treatment with mitoxantrone plus prednisone was associated with greater and longer-lasting improvement in several HQL domains and symptoms than treatment with prednisone alone.

scholarly journals Does Illness Perception Explain Quality of Life of Patients With Prostate Cancer?

Medicina ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Aušra Mickevičienė ◽  
Giedrius Vanagas ◽  
Mindaugas Jievaltas ◽  
Albertas Ulys
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
National Level ◽  
Illness Perception ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Global Quality Of Life ◽  
Emotional Representations

Background. It is licely that illness perceptions can explain variations in quality of life of patients with prostate cancer across different treatment methods and stages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if illness perception can explain variations in quality of life of patients with prostate cancer. Material and Methods. The cross-sectional national-level study was carried out. Quality of life was evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and the Visual Analogue Scale. Illness perceptions were measured by the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. Results. The response rate was 77.1% (N=501). The variation in global quality of life was explained (32.0%) by levels of emotional representation (β=–0.126; P=0.023) and consequences (β=–0.209; P<0.01); physical functioning (27.0%), by consequences (β=–0.203; P<0.01) and chemotherapy (β=–2.911; P=0.007); role functioning (37.0%), by emotional representations (β=–0.198; P<0.01), timeline cyclical (β=–0.209; P=0.014), and stage of the disease (β=–0.779; P=0.007); emotional functioning (43.0%), by emotional representations (β=–0.361; P<0.01) and education level (β=–0.566; P=0.025); cognitive functioning (34.0%), by educational level (β=0.714; P=0.005), emotional representations (β=–0.118; P=0.019), illness coherence (β=–0.167; P=0.030), consequences (β=–0.187; P=0.001), and hormonal therapy (β=–0.778; P=0.049); and social functioning (39.0%), by consequences (β=–0.320; P<0.01) and combined treatment (β=–1.492; P=0.016). Conclusions. Illness perceptions may be important while investigating quality of life in patients with prostate cancer. It may underlie quality-of-life differences in this group of patients and could inform decision makers about the importance of the provision of psychosocial services to patients with prostate cancer.

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