scholarly journals Clinical Holistic Medicine: A Pilot Study on HIV and Quality of Life and a Suggested Cure for HIV and AIDS

2004 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 264-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ventegodt ◽  
Trine Flensborg-Madsen ◽  
Niels Jørgen Andersen ◽  
Mohammed Morad ◽  
Joav Merrick
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Holistic Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ethical Attitude ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Higher Consciousness

This study was undertaken to examine the association between the immunological impact of HIV (measured by CD4 count) and global self-assessed quality of life (QOL) (measured with QOL1) for people suffering from HIV, to see if the connection was large and statistically strong enough to support our hypothesis of a strong QOL-immunological connection through the nonspecific, nonreceptor-mediated immune system, and thus to give a rationale for a holistic cure for HIV. This cross-sectional population study in Uganda included 20 HIV infected persons with no symptoms of AIDS and a CD4 count above 200 mill./liter. The main outcome measures were CD4 count, global QOL measured with the validated questionnaire QOL1, translated to Luganda and translated back to English. We found a large, clinically significant correlation between the number of T-helper cells (CD4) and global self-assessed quality of life (QOL1) (r = 0.57, p = 0.021), when controlled for age, gender, and years of infection. Together with other studies and holistic medicine theory, the results have given rationale for a holistic cure for HIV. We suggest, based on our findings and theoretical considerations, that HIV patients who improve their global QOL, also will improve their CD4 counts. Using the technique of holistic medicine based on the life mission theory and the holistic process theory of healing, we hypothesize that the improvement of QOL can have sufficient biological effect on the CD4, which could avoid or postpone the development of AIDS. A holistic HIV/AIDS cure improving the QOL draws on hidden resources in the person and is thus affordable for everybody. Improving global QOL also means a higher consciousness and a more ethical attitude, making it more difficult for the HIV-infected person to pass on the infection.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP OF BASIC CLINICAL STATUS WITH THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HIV AND AIDS PATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Lilis Masyfufah ◽  
Erwin Astha Triyono
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Immune Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The success of individual antiretroviral drug (ARV) treatment in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was determined by conducting a routine evaluation of the patients’ Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) count. The indicators used to measure the success of the HIV and AIDS treatment were mortality, mobility, and quality of life (QoL). Purpose: The purpose of this research was to analyze the relationship between clinical status (smoking status, duration of ARV therapy, the CD4 count, and body mass index [BMI]) and the QoL of patients with HIV and AIDS who were stable during treatment. Methods: This type of research was quantitative analytical research with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, from September to November 2017. The study population was patients with HIV and AIDS in Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. The research sample was taken by purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria being patients with HIV and AIDS who had been treated for ≥6 months with adherence ≥95% and who came directly to the hospital. Results: The majority of respondents were female (53.36%), junior/senior high school graduates (66.67%), married (62.22%), non-smoking (75.56%), had undergone ARV therapy for ±10 years (77.78%), and had a QoL in the adequate category (62.22%). The basic clinical status with a significant relationship with the respondents’ QoL were the CD4 count (p = 0.00) and BMI (p = 0.00). Conclusion: There was a relationship of the CD4 count and BMI with the QoL of the patients with HIV and AIDS.

scholarly journals A study on prevalence and effects of allergic rhinitis and asthma on quality of life among secondary school’s student in Kinta District, Perak

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (SPL1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soe AK ◽  
Aizat AF ◽  
Bellahcene MA ◽  
Atiqah N ◽  
Husna N
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma (BA) are common inflammatory chronic respiratory diseases, and they are significant public health challenges on a global scale. The prevalence of these diseases are on the rise in all regions of the world, affecting all ages but more commonly among children and adolescences. Both AR and BA affect patients to a different extent with variable restrictions in the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the patient's life. They may be seen as two presentations of the same disease by sharing common epidemiologic, histologic, physiologic, and immunopathologic linkages. To determine the prevalence and impact of allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis with asthma on quality of life among secondary school students in Kinta District, Perak. A cross-sectional study was done among secondary school students from randomly selected three schools in Kinta District, Ipoh, Perak. A well-vetted and validated questionnaire was used to collect the data, and statistical analysis was done to determine the prevalence and impact of AR, BA, or both. A total of 250 secondary school students were involved in this study. Malays were the majority among the participants. The prevalence of AR alone, BA alone, and disease co-occurance were 27.2%, 9.2%, and 8%, respectively. Nearly 20% of the participants were troublesome but low scale in terms of quality of life followed by disturbed sleep, restricted participation in school, and daily activities. Only 6% of the participants experienced sleep disturbance due to asthma, but daily anti-asthmatic medication was essential in only 1.2%. This study showed that although a relatively high prevalence of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. There was no significant low quality of life among sufferers.  

scholarly journals Quality of Life in OCD: Differential Impact of Obsessions, Compulsions, and Depression Comorbidity

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Masellis ◽  
Neil A Rector ◽  
Margaret A Richter
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression Severity ◽  
Differential Impact ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Objective: An anxiety disorder severely affects the sufferer's quality of life (QOL), and this may be particularly true of those with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This study examines the differential impact of obsessions, compulsions, and depression comorbidity on the QOL of individuals with OCD. Method: Forty-three individuals diagnosed with OCD according to DSM-IV criteria and experiencing clinically significant obsessions and compulsions completed measures of QOL, obsessive–compulsive symptom severity, and depression severity. Results: Obsession severity was found to significantly predict patient QOL, whereas the severity of compulsive rituals did not impact on QOL ratings. Comorbid depression severity was the single greatest predictor of poor QOL, accounting for 54% of the variance. Conclusions: Given the importance of these symptoms, treatments that directly target obsessions and secondary depression symptoms in OCD are warranted. However, replication of these findings in a prospective cohort study is required, because although the the current study's cross-sectional design allows for the examination of the associations among obsessions, depression, and QOL, it cannot establish their temporal framework (that is, causal relations).

scholarly journals Prevalence of and associations with agitation in residents with dementia living in care homes: MARQUE cross-sectional study

BJPsych Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Livingston ◽  
Julie Barber ◽  
Louise Marston ◽  
Penny Rapaport ◽  
Deborah Livingston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Dementia Severity ◽  
Clinically Significant

BackgroundAgitation is reportedly the most common neuropsychiatric symptom in care home residents with dementia.AimsTo report, in a large care home survey, prevalence and determinants of agitation in residents with dementia.MethodWe interviewed staff from 86 care homes between 13 January 2014 and 12 November 2015 about residents with dementia with respect to agitation (Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)), quality of life (DEMQOL-proxy) and dementia severity (Clinical Dementia Rating). We also interviewed residents and their relatives. We used random effects models adjusted for resident age, gender, dementia severity and care home type with CMAI as a continuous score.ResultsOut of 3053 (86.2%) residents who had dementia, 1489 (52.7%) eligible residents participated. Fifteen per cent of residents with very mild dementia had clinically significant agitation compared with 33% with mild (odds ratios (ORs)=4.49 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.30) and 45% with moderate or severe dementia (OR=6.95 95% CI=3.63, 13.31 and OR=6.23 95% CI=3.25, 11.94, respectively). More agitation was associated with lower quality of life (regression coefficient (rc)=-0.53; 95% CI=-0.61, -0.46) but not with staffing or resident ratio (rc=0.03; 95% CI=-0.04, 0.11), level of residents' engagement in home activities (rc=3.21; 95% CI=-0.82, 7.21) or family visit numbers (rc=-0.03; 95% CI=-0.15, 0.08). It was correlated with antipsychotic use (rc=6.45; 95% CI=3.98, 8.91).ConclusionsCare home residents with dementia and agitation have lower quality of life. More staffing time and activities as currently provided are not associated with lower agitation levels. New approaches to develop staff skills in understanding and responding to the underlying reasons for individual resident's agitation require development and testing.

scholarly journals Predictors of quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda:  A cross sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Maniragaba ◽  
Betty Kwagala ◽  
Emmanuel Bizimungu ◽  
Stephen Ojiambo Wandera ◽  
James Ntozi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government

Background: Little is known about the quality of life of older persons (OPs) in Uganda in particular, and Africa in general. This study examined factors associated with quality of life of older persons in rural Uganda. Method: We performed a cross-sectional survey of 912 older persons from the four regions of Uganda. Data were analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate level where ordinal logistic regression was applied. Results: Older persons in northern (OR=0.39; CI=0.224-0.711) and western (OR=0.33; CI=0.185-0.594) regions had poor quality of life relative to those in central region. Those who were HIV positive had poor quality of life (OR=0.45; CI=0.220-0.928) compared to those who were HIV negative. In contrast, living in permanent houses predicted good quality of life (OR=2.04; CI=1.391-3.002). Older persons whose household assets were controlled by their spouses were associated with good quality of life (OR=2.06;CI=1.032-4.107) relative to those whose assets were controlled by their children. Conclusion: Interventions mitigating the HIV and AIDS related Quality of life should target older persons. The government of Uganda should consider improving housing conditions for older persons in rural areas.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Quality of Life of Adult Patients with Celiac Disease in Argentina: From Questionnaire Validation to Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7051
Author(s):  
Nicole Selleski ◽  
Renata Puppin Zandonadi ◽  
Laura B. Milde ◽  
Lenora Gandolfi ◽  
Riccardo Pratesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

This cross-sectional study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, validate, and apply a Celiac Disease Quality of Life (CD-QoL) questionnaire to a representative sample of Argentina’s celiac population. A previously developed and validated questionnaire (Celiac Disease Questionnaire: CDQ) was chosen as a tool for assessing the health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) of adult celiac patients in Argentina. Therefore, the study was performed in four stages: (a) translation and re-translation of the CDQ to Argentinian-Spanish language; (b) cultural adaptation and semantic evaluation; based on the Delphi method (c) validation of the CDQ by applying it to a representative sample of Argentinian celiac patients; (d) statistical analysis of the data. The result of stages (a) and (b) was a translated and culturally adapted an Argentinian-Spanish version of the CDQ, which was generated after reaching consensus between the corresponding four (phase a) and 10 (phase b) professionals involved in the different phases of this process. Among them, we can cite bilingual healthcare professionals with extensive experience in research and celiac disease, celiac patients, gastroenterologists, general practitioners, dieticians, and psychologists. The resulting CDQ proved to be an appropriate measuring tool to assess the HRQoL of Argentinian celiac patients confirmed by a good fit in the confirmatory factor validity analysis (RMSEA < 0.001 and χ2 = 267.325, df = 313, p = 0.971) and high values of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). A total of 191 participants accessed the questionnaire, and 171 individuals from 20 out of 23 Argentinian states completed the questionnaire. There was no correlation between higher educational level nor marital status with QoL. Individuals on a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) and those who do not take antidepressants showed higher QoL. Male gender also presented better HRQoL. There was no correlation between differences in HRQoL and age of the respondent, age at diagnosis, symptoms at diagnosis, or having other chronic diseases. However, a significantly higher score of HRQoL was reported among those individuals who disclosed having knowledge of CD related national regulations and benefits. This study highlights the importance of maintaining current public health regulations that support chronic disease patients, such as celiac patients.

Self-reported burden in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 51-51
Author(s):  
Abigail Pepin ◽  
Nima Aghdam ◽  
Colin Johnson ◽  
Malika Danner ◽  
Marilyn Ayoob ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Localized Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Over Time

51 Background: Retaining quality of life in patients treated with SBRT for prostate cancer remains paramount. As such, balancing the benefits of treatment against the effects of therapy on patients is essential. The quality of life is influenced by the disease and treatment related burden. The EORTC QLQ-ELD14 (ELD14) is a validated questionnaire that can assess burden. This study reports burden trends in patients with prostate cancer treated with SBRT. Methods: All patients with localized prostate cancer treated with SBRT at Georgetown University Hospital from 2007 to 2016 were eligible for inclusion in this cross-sectional cohort. The ELD14 questionnaire was used to assess self-reported patient quality of life at time points before and following treatment. Initially, 267 patients (Median age of 70) responded to the ELD14 questionnaire. Approximately 30% received ADT. The specific questions reviewed for this study were focused on burden of disease and treatment. The responses to these questions were grouped into three clinically relevant categories (not at all, a little and quite a bit to very much). Results: Number of patients reporting quite a bit or very much burden from prostate cancer declined over time from 13% prior to treatment to 8% at 36 months post-SBRT. This was highest at one month post-SBRT (15%) and resolved to baseline by 6 months. Treatment burden similarly decreased over time from 10% to 3%. Patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) experienced greater burden than others. At initial consult, 19% of patients on ADT reported quite a bit or very much burden from their illness. At one month post-SBRT, this had increased to 27% and subsequently decreased to 16% at 36 months. Of those not receiving ADT, 12% reported having quite a bit or very much burden from illness initially, 9% at one month and 6% at 36 months. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study suggests that the burden of clinically localized prostate and its treatment with SBRT improves over time. Increased burden was noted in patients receiving ADT. These findings can inform decision making in improving quality of life for patients with prostate cancer treated with SBRT.

scholarly journals Clinical Holistic Medicine (Mindful, Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Complemented with Bodywork) in the Treatment of Experienced Physical Illness and Chronic Pain

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 310-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ventegodt ◽  
Suzette Thegler ◽  
Tove Andreasen ◽  
Flemming Struve ◽  
Lars Enevoldsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Physical Illness ◽  
Holistic Medicine ◽  
Term Therapy ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Short Term Therapy

We investigated the treatment effect of psychodynamic short-term therapy complemented with bodywork on patients who presented with physical illness at the Research Clinic for Holistic Medicine in Copenhagen. Psychodynamic short-term therapy was complemented with bodywork (Marion Rosen) to help patients confront old emotional pain from childhood trauma(s). Patients were measured with a five-item quality of life and health questionnaire (QOL5), a one-item questionnaire of self-assessed quality of life (QOL1), and four questions on self-rated ability to love and to function sexually, socially, and at work (ability to sustain a full-time job). Most of the patients had chronic pain that could not be alleviated with drugs. Results showed that 31 patients with the experience of being severely physically ill (mostly from chronic pain), in spite of having consulted their own general practitioner, entered the study. The holistic approach and body therapy accelerated the therapy dramatically and no significant side effects were detected. After the intervention, 38.7% did not feel ill (1.73 < NNT < 4.58) (p = 0.05). Psychodynamic short-term therapy complemented with bodywork can help patients. When the patients responded to the therapy, the self-assessed mental health, relationship with partner, ability to work, self-assessed quality of life, relationships in general, measured QOL (with the validated questionnaire QOL5), and life's total state (mean of health, QOL and ability) were significantly improved, statistically and clinically. Most importantly, all aspects of life were improved simultaneously, due to induction of Antonovsky-salutogenesis. The patients received in average 20 sessions over 14 months at a cost of 1600 EURO. For the treatment responders, the treatment seemingly provided lasting benefits.

Understanding Dizzy Patients a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Attitudes toward Diagnosis, Providers, and Treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110220
Author(s):  
Whitney Chiao ◽  
Roseanne Krauter ◽  
Laura Kirk ◽  
Kristen Steenerson ◽  
Lauren Pasquesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Brain

Objective: To evaluate patients’ attitudes regarding their dizziness, provider capabilities, and receptiveness toward treatment. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Tertiary care vestibular clinic. Patients: Ages 18 years or older, fluent in English, and who presented with a chief complaint of dizziness or vertigo. Intervention(s): N/A. Main Outcomes Measure(s): Non-validated questionnaire surveying patients’ beliefs regarding the cause of their dizziness, likelihood of successful treatment, and openness to various treatment modalities Results: Patients were asked to complete an online non-validated survey regarding their dizziness prior to being evaluated in neurotology clinic. About 67 surveys were completed between January 2017 and September 2018. A majority of patients attributed their dizziness to their ears (n = 47, 70%), followed by the brain (n = 29, 43%). Most subjects chose “neither agree nor disagree” about whether their provider could identify the cause of their dizziness (27%). Most subjects also chose “neither agree nor disagree” that their dizziness would resolve with treatment (31%). These attitudes were not influenced by demographics, dizziness severity, anxiety, depression, or quality of life on multivariate ordinal regression modeling. Conclusions: Patients who experience dizziness have neutral attitudes with regards to believing that their provider will be able to identify the cause of their dizziness and whether their dizziness will resolve with treatment. These neutral attitudes are experienced by a plurality of patients and do not differ by demographic information, dizziness handicap, quality of life, depression, or anxiety.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Associated Factors and Psychological Determinants of Obesity among Adults in Selangor, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 868
Author(s):  
Sherina Mohd-Sidik ◽  
Rampal Lekhraj ◽  
Chai Nien Foo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
School Education ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Determinants ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity

Background: The pervasiveness of obesity is a growing concern in the world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity among a segment of the Malaysian population, as well as investigate associated factors and psychological determinants of obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was carried out in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 1380 Malaysian adults (≥18 years old) participated in a structured and validated questionnaire survey. TANITA body scale and SECA 206 body meter were used to measure the respondents’ weight and height, from which measurements of their body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Results: The overall prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) among adults in Selangor, Malaysia, was 18.6%. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of obesity were: being female (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.20–2.17]), aged between 30 to 39 years old (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.04–1.88]), being Indian (OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.13–2.12]), married (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.03–1.83]), and having only primary school education (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.17–2.78] or secondary school education (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.04–1.81]). In the multiple linear regression analysis (stepwise method), perceived stress (B = −0.107, p = 0.041), suicidal ideation (B = −2.423, p = 0.003), and quality of life in the physical health domain (B = −0.350, p = 0.003) inversely and significantly contributed to BMI among males. Among females, stressful life events contributed positively to BMI (B = 0.711, p < 0.001, whereas quality of life in the psychological domain had a negative effect (B = −0.478, p < 0.001) in this respect. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to integrate psychological approaches to enhance the effectiveness of obesity prevention strategies and weight-loss programs.

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