scholarly journals Bereaved parents’ quality of life: resilience and professional support

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002840
Author(s):  
Omid Rasouli ◽  
Hilde Kristin Vegsund ◽  
Alexandra Eilegård Wallin ◽  
Odin Hjemdal ◽  
Trude Reinfjell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bereaved Parents ◽  
Perception Of Self

ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) among cancer-bereaved parents with a control group and explore how resilience and support from healthcare professionals associated with QoL of parents 2–8 years after the loss of a child to cancer.MethodsThis nationwide, cross-sectional survey was administered among parents (n=161) who lost their child to cancer between 2009 and 2014, compared with a matched control parent group (n=77). A study-specific questionnaire, Resilience Scale for Adults (six factors: ‘Perception of self’, ‘Planned future’, ‘Social competence’, ‘Structured style’, ‘Family cohesion’ and ‘Social resources’), and a single-item measure of parents’ QoL were included for the study.ResultsThere was a lower QoL in both bereaved parents (mean=5.1) compared with the control parents (mean=5.8) (p<0.001). Two resilience factors, ‘Perception of self’ (OR=1.8, p=0.004) and ‘Planned future’ (OR=2.05, p<0.001), and given sufficient information during the child’s last month (OR=2.63, p=0.003) were positively associated with long-term QoL in cancer-bereaved parents.ConclusionThe findings indicate lower QoL among both fathers and mothers 2–8 years after losing a child to cancer. The study also highlights the positive role of resilience and the importance of informational support on long-term QoL in cancer-bereaved parents. Bereavement support should be tailored for supporting individual needs.

scholarly journals Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Chronic Heroin-Dependent Individuals on Methadone Maintenance Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Llanes ◽  
Ana Álvarez ◽  
M. Pastor ◽  
M. Garzón ◽  
Nerea González-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Methadone Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Methadone Maintenance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Interviews

This study examined whether methadone (hereinafter referred to as MTD) maintenance treatment (MMT) is correlated with sexual dysfunction (SD) in heroin-dependent men. This was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and if there is a relationship between duration and dose among men on MMT and its impact on the quality of life. The study combined a retrospective and a cross-sectional survey based on the Kinsey Scale, TECVASP, and PRSexDQ-SALSEX clinical interviews of 85 patients who are currently engaged in MMT. Sexual dysfunction in all five PRSexDQ-SALSEX domains (lack of libido, delay in orgasm, inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and tolerance or acceptance of changes in sexual function) was associated with dose and long-term use of heroin. All dimensions of SD were affected by the MTD intake. From the analysis of our sample, we may conclude that dose of MTD and overall score of SD were directly associated. However, no evidence was found to prove that treatment duration and severity of SD were linked. It is notable that only one tenth of the patients spontaneously reported their symptoms of the sexual sphere, but up to a third considered leaving the MMT for this reason.

Repatriation for diseases or non-battle injuries (DNBI): long-term impact on quality of life

2019 ◽  
Vol 166 (E) ◽  
pp. e13-e16
Author(s):  
Eelco Huizinga ◽  
F J Idenburg ◽  
T T C F van Dongen ◽  
R Hoencamp
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Battle Injuries

IntroductionThroughout history, diseases and non-battle injuries (DNBI) have threatened deployed forces more than battlefield injuries. During the Dutch involvement in Afghanistan, the amount of DNBI that needed medical evacuation out of theatre (60%) exceeded the number of battle injuries (40%). The aim of this study is to explore the long-term quality of life (QoL) of Dutch service members that acquired a DNBI, warranting repatriation during their deployment to Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014.MethodsObservational cross-sectional cohort study in a selected group of Dutch service members who deployed to Afghanistan 2003–2014 and were repatriated due to DNBI. Using the 36-item Short Form, EuroQol-6D, Symptom Checklist 90 and Post Deployment Reintegration Scale questionnaires, their outcomes were compared with a control group of deployed service members who did not sustain injuries or illnesses.ResultsGroups were comparable in age, rank, number of deployments and social status. There were significant differences found in terms of physical functioning, pain and health perspective. No differences were seen in emotional or psychological outcomes.ConclusionThe amount of military service members who contract a DNBI is significant and imposes a burden on the capacity of the medical support, readiness of deployed units and sustainability of ongoing operations. However, regarding QoL, being forced to leave their units and to be repatriated to their home country due to a DNBI seems to have no significant impact on reported psychological symptoms of distress and reintegration experiences. Future research should focus on more in-depth registration of illnesses and not combat related diseases and injuries and even longer-term outcomes.

Cross-sectional survey of long-term quality of life after radical perineal prostatectomy

Urology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin K. Yang ◽  
Alfonso Crisci ◽  
Matthew D. Young ◽  
Ari D. Silverstein ◽  
Bercedis L. Peterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perineal Prostatectomy

Self-perceived recovery and quality of life in elderly patients surviving ICU-admission for abdominal sepsis

2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662110524
Author(s):  
Anne C.M. Cuijpers ◽  
Marielle M.E. Coolsen ◽  
Ronny M. Schnabel ◽  
Tim Lubbers ◽  
Iwan C.C. van der Horst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Abdominal Sepsis ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Icu Admission

Introduction Concern for loss of physical performance and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) may raise doubts regarding the meaningfulness of an Intensive Care (ICU) admission in elderly patients. We evaluated self-perceived long-term recovery and satisfaction in elderly surviving an abdominal sepsis related ICU-admission and related this to objective measures of HRQoL. Methods A cross-sectional survey study was performed in all ICU-survivors with age ≥70 admitted with abdominal sepsis. HRQoL, frailty and self-perceived long-term recovery were measured using the EQ-5D-3L, Groningen Frailty Indicator, and a self-developed questionnaire, respectively. Results Of 144 patients admitted, 48 were alive at follow up (2.42 [0.92; 3.83] years), and 29 (60%) returned the survey. Eleven patients out of 29 (38%) recovered to baseline functioning, and reported higher HRQoL compared to unrecovered patients (0.861 [0.807; 1.000] and 0.753 [0.499; 0.779] respectively, p=0.005). Of the unrecovered patients, 53% were satisfied with their functioning, and 94% were willing to return to ICU. Conclusions Mortality in elderly patients with abdominal sepsis is high and ICU-admission should be weighed carefully. However, despite substantial functional decline in survivors, it does not necessarily cause self-perceived unsatisfactory functioning, poor HRQoL and unwillingness to receive life-sustaining therapy again. Caution is advised to use an anticipated loss of functioning as an argument to deny an ICU-admission.

scholarly journals Impaired quality of life in patients in long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome of both adrenal and pituitary origin: a remaining effect of long-standing hypercortisolism?

2012 ◽  
Vol 167 (5) ◽  
pp. 687-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A E M Wagenmakers ◽  
R T Netea-Maier ◽  
J B Prins ◽  
T Dekkers ◽  
M den Heijer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Impaired Quality

Objective The determinants that cause impaired quality of life (QOL) in patients in long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are unknown. The aim of this study was to get more insight into the patient and disease characteristics related to impaired QOL in these patients. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods The QOL of 123 patients in remission of CS (age 52.2±12.0 years, 106 women, duration of remission 13.3±10.4 years, 80% pituitary CS), assessed with seven validated questionnaires, was compared with the QOL of an age- and sex-matched control group (n=105). To investigate the influence of the aetiology of CS on QOL, patients in remission of pituitary and adrenal CS were compared. Furthermore, the influence of hormonal deficiencies, treatment strategy, duration of remission, gender and age on QOL was investigated. Results QOL in the total patient group and each patient subgroup was significantly worse on practically all dimensions of questionnaires compared with the control group (P<0.05), except for patients in remission of pituitary CS without hormonal deficiencies who had an impaired QOL on 50% of the QOL dimensions. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in QOL between different patient groups, especially no difference between patients in remission of adrenal and pituitary CS. Female gender and a shorter duration of remission had a negative influence on QOL in the patient group. Conclusions QOL remains impaired in patients in long-term remission of CS regardless of aetiology, presence of hormonal deficiencies and treatment strategies. More research is needed to establish the causes.

Effectiveness of mobile applications on healthy lifestyles aimed at diabetic patients: review of systematic reviews. (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Jesús Represas Carrera Sr ◽  
Ángel Alfredo Martínez Ques Sr ◽  
Ana Clavería Fontán Sr
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Major Public Health Problem

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is currently a major public health problem worldwide. It is traditionally approached in a clinical inpatient relationship between the patient and the healthcare professional. However, the rise of new technologies, particularly mobile applications, is revolutionizing the traditional healthcare model through the introduction of telehealthcare. OBJECTIVE (1) To assess the effects of mobile applications for improving healthy lifestyles on the quality of life and metabolic control of diabetes mellitus in adult patients. (2) To describe the characteristics of the mobile applications used, identify the healthy lifestyles they target, and describe any adverse effects their use may have. METHODS Review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Joanna Briggs Institute. We included studies that used any mobile application aimed at helping patients improve self-management of diabetes mellitus by focusing on healthy lifestyles. Studies needed to include a control group receiving regular care without the use of mobile devices. In May 2018, a search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS, PsychINFO, Cinahl and Science Direct, updated in May 2019. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Amstar-2 tool. RESULTS Seven systematic reviews of 798 articles were initially selected for analysis. The interventions had a duration of between 1 and 12 months. Mobile applications focused singly or simultaneously on different lifestyles aspects (diet, physical exercise, motivation, blood glucose levels, etc.). There are significant changes in HbA1c values, body weight and BMI, although in others, such as lipid profile, quality of life, or blood pressure, there is no clear improvement. CONCLUSIONS There is clear evidence that the use of mobile applications improves glycemic control in diabetic patients in the short term. There is a lack of evidence in its long-term benefits. It is thus necessary to carry out further studies to learn about the long-term effectiveness of mobile applications aimed at promoting the healthy lifestyles of diabetic patients. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO Register: CRD42019133685

scholarly journals Affective Temperaments and Illness Severity in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Mario Luciano ◽  
Luca Steardo ◽  
Gaia Sampogna ◽  
Vito Caivano ◽  
Carmen Ciampi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Affective Temperaments

Background and objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most burdensome psychiatric illnesses, being associated with a negative long-term outcome and the highest suicide rate. Although affective temperaments can impact on BD long-term outcome, their role remains poorly investigated. The aims of the present study are to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with BD more frequently associated with the different affective temperaments and to assess the relation between affective temperaments and severity of clinical picture in a sample of patients with BD. Materials and Methods: A total of 199 patients have been recruited in the outpatients units of two university sites. Patients’ psychiatric symptoms, affective temperaments, and quality of life were investigated through validated assessment instruments. Results: Predominant cyclothymic and irritable temperaments are associated to higher number of relapses, poorer quality of life, higher rates of aggressive behaviors, and suicide attempts. Conversely, the predominant hyperthymic disposition was a protective factor for several outcome measures, including relapse rate, severity of anxiety, depressive and manic symptoms, suicidality, and earlier age at onset. One limitationo of the present study is that the recruitment took place in two university sites; therefore, our findings cannot be fully generalized to the whole community of BD patients. Other limitations are the lack of a control group and the cross-sectional design of the study. Conclusions: The early identification of affective temperaments can help clinicians to identify those BD patients who are more likely to show a poor long-term outcome. An early screening of affective temperaments can be useful to develop targeted integrated pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.

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