Quality of Life in Uveal Melanoma Patients in Ireland: A Single-Centre Survey

Background: Uveal melanoma and its treatment can influence the physical and psychological well-being of patients in a way that differs from other cancers. Factors influencing quality of life (QOL) include visual impairment, changes in appearance, day-to-day functioning, ocular discomfort, and worry regarding disease recurrence. Objective: We aimed to study both general and disease-specific QOL in uveal melanoma patients in Ireland and compare QOL between a plaque radiotherapy group and an enucleation treatment group. This information was sought to enhance our understanding of QOL issues for uveal melanoma patients, in the context of improving care and providing appropriate psychosocial support. Method: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OPT30 were completed by patients with uveal melanoma treated by enucleation or brachytherapy. Results: 138 of 206 patients completed the questionnaires. There was no significant difference in QOL scores between treatment groups. Thirty-two percent of patients reported concerns about tumour recurrence elsewhere in the body. The brachytherapy group had a significantly higher “role functioning” score (p = 0.030). Enucleation patients were more likely to have problems with appearance (p < 0.0005). Younger patients (12–54 years of age) were more likely to report headaches (p < 0.0005) and problems with reading (p = 0.042), and they had a lower cognitive functioning score (p = 0.003) than those aged ≥55 years. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in reported QOL between treatment groups. Our data identified a number of vulnerable patient subgroups. By anticipating which patients are more likely to suffer in terms of certain aspects of their QOL, we are better able to provide appropriate and timely psychosocial support.

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Current measures of distress may not account for what's most important in existential care interventions: Results of the outlook trial

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951520001170 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 648-657

Author(s):

Karen E. Steinhauser ◽

Karen M. Stechuchak ◽

Katherine Ramos ◽

Joseph Winger ◽

James A. Tulsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Early Stage ◽

Well Being ◽

Primary Analysis ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Spiritual Well Being ◽

Screening For Distress ◽

Secondary Outcomes ◽

Stage Renal Disease

AbstractObjectiveCompare the efficacy of two interventions addressing emotional and existential well-being in early life-limiting illness.MethodPrimary trial analysis (n = 135) included patients with advanced cancer, congestive heart failure, or end-stage renal disease; Arm 1 received the Outlook intervention, addressing issues of life completion and preparation, and Arm 2 received relaxation meditation (RM). Primary outcomes at five weeks (primary endpoint) and seven weeks (secondary): completion and preparation (QUAL-E); secondary outcomes: anxiety (POMS) quality of life (FACT-G) and spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp) subscales of faith, meaning, and peace.ResultsAverage age was 62; 56% were post-high school-educated, 54% were married, 52% white, 44% female, and 70% had a cancer diagnosis. At baseline, participants demonstrated low levels of anxiety (<5 on POMS subscale) and depression (<10 on CESD) relative to population norms. Results of the primary analysis revealed no significant differences in mean Preparation by treatment arm at five weeks (14.4 Outlook vs. 14.8 RM; between-group difference −0.4 [95% CI, −1.6, 0.8], p = 0.49) or seven weeks (15.2 vs.15.4; between-group difference −0.2 [95% CI, −1.5, 1.0], p = 0.73). There were also no significant differences in mean Life Completion by treatment arm between five weeks (26.6 Outlook vs. 26.3 RM; between-group difference 0.2 [95% CI, −1.2, 1.7], p = 0.76) or seven weeks (26.5 vs. 27.5; between-group difference −1.0 [95% CI, −2.7, 0.7], p = 0.23). Compared to RM, Outlook participants did not have significant differences over time in the secondary outcomes of overall quality of life, anxiety, depression, FACT-G subscales, and FACIT-Sp subscales.DiscussionIn early-stage life-limiting illness, Outlook did not demonstrate a significant difference in primary or secondary outcomes relative to RM. Results underscore the importance of pre-screening for distress. Qualitatively, Outlook participants were able to express suppressed emotions, place illness context, reflect on adaptations, and strengthen identity. Screening for distress and identifying specified measures of distress, beyond anxiety and depression, is essential in our ability to adequately assess the multi-dimensional mechanisms that decrease existential suffering.

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Beyond vision loss: the independent impact of diabetic retinopathy on vision-related quality of life in a Chinese Singaporean population

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313082 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 103 (9) ◽

pp. 1314-1319 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eva K Fenwick ◽

Ryan E K Man ◽

Alfred Tau Liang Gan ◽

Neelam Kumari ◽

Charlene Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Well Being ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Related Quality ◽

The Impact

Background/aimsTo assess the independent impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) on three domains of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in a Chinese Singapore population.MethodsThe Singapore Chinese Eye Study (n=3353; 2009–2011) was a population-based, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. The study population included 292 adults with diabetes, with and without DR. DR (better eye) was categorised as presence and absence of any DR; severity of DR (no vision-threatening DR (VTDR); severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR); PDR and/or clinically significant macular oedema and VTDR). Our main outcome was VRQoL which was measured using Rasch-calibrated scores from the ‘Reading’, ‘Mobility’ and ‘Emotional’ domains of the Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire. The relationship between DR and VRQoL was assessed using multiple linear regression models.ResultsOf the 292 individuals (mean age 61.35 ± 9.66 years; 55.8% male), 201 (68.8%), 49 (16.8%), 20 (6.8%), 22 (7.5%) and 27 (9.2%) had no DR, minimal-mild NPDR, moderate-severe NPDR, PDR and VTDR, respectively. Any DR and VTDR were independently associated with 6% and 12% worse Reading scores and 7% and 18% poorer Emotional well-being, respectively, compared with those without DR. These associations persisted after separate adjustment for visual impairment and presenting visual acuity. No significant difference was found in the Mobility domain between persons with and without DR.ConclusionsWe documented that DR, particularly VTDR, was independently associated with restrictions in Reading and Emotional well-being. Understanding factors underlying the detrimental DR-VRQoL relationship may optimise rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with DR.

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Occupational Stress, Psychological Well being and Quality of Life among Indian Army Personnel

Defence Life Science Journal ◽

10.14429/dlsj.5.15427 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 211-216

Author(s):

Dolly Bansal ◽

Vijendra Nath Pathak ◽

J. Pradhan ◽

Anu Chaudhary

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Occupational Stress ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Well Being ◽

Stress Index ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Army Personnel

The study aims to highlight the occupation level on occupational stress, psychological well-being, and quality of life of Indian Army Personnel. The study was conducted on one hundred fifty Indian male Army Personnel of different rank belonging to 25 years to 45 years of age group. The cross-sectional design was used. The sample was selected through the purposive sampling technique. The tools measures like the Occupational Stress Index, Psychological Well-Being Scale and WHO Quality of Life-BREF Hindi was individually administered. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. One way Analysis of Variance results revealed that there is a significant difference in occupational levels on occupational stress, psychological well-being, and quality of life among Indian Army personnel. Pearson product-moment correlations coefficient showed a significant negative relationship between occupational stress with psychological well-being and quality of life and showed a significant positive relationship between psychological well-being and quality of life among Indian Army Personnel.

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Quality of life in an adolescent orthodontic population: Invisalign versus fixed appliances

The Angle Orthodontist ◽

10.2319/062820-592.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Richa Sharma ◽

Robert Drummond ◽

William Wiltshire ◽

Robert Schroth ◽

Milos Lekic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Short Form ◽

Health Impact ◽

Fixed Appliance ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Orthodontic Patients ◽

Fixed Appliances ◽

Domain Scores

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate adolescent orthodontic patient experiences and quality of life with fixed appliances compared to Invisalign. Materials and Methods Adolescent patients in active treatment with Invisalign or fixed appliances for a minimum of 6 months were provided with the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form 19 questionnaire, along with additional items of interest that were assessed separately. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare responses (P < .05), and unpaired t-tests (P < .05) were used to test for differences in mean satisfaction, quality of life, and domain scores. Results In total, 74 patients (37 in each treatment group) participated. Overall, no significant differences were noted in the mean quality of life, satisfaction, or domain scores between the two groups. A significant difference was noted in the time taken to adjust to appliances, with the Invisalign group demonstrating faster adaptation. Additionally, the fixed appliance group was 3.8 times more likely to report missing school because of their appliance (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 12.5) and 2.7 times more likely to report having difficulty eating certain foods (95% CI: 1.1, 7.1). When the sample of females between the ages of 14 and 18 was analyzed, the Invisalign group reported feeling attractive more often than the fixed appliance group. Conclusions Both treatment groups were generally very satisfied with their treatment modality. The overall quality of life of adolescent orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with fixed appliances and Invisalign for a minimum of 6 months was similar.

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Nutrition and Healthy Aging: Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13124337 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 4337

Author(s):

Neri Maria Cristina ◽

d’Alba Lucia

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Elderly People ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽

The Body ◽

Fundamental Aspect ◽

Effective Prevention

Nutritional well-being is a fundamental aspect for the health, autonomy and, therefore, the quality of life of all people, but especially of the elderly. It is estimated that at least half of non-institutionalized elderly people need nutritional intervention to improve their health and that 85% have one or more chronic diseases that could improve with correct nutrition. Although prevalence estimates are highly variable, depending on the population considered and the tool used for its assessment, malnutrition in the elderly has been reported up to 50%. Older patients are particularly at risk of malnutrition, due to multiple etiopathogenetic factors which can lead to a reduction or utilization in the intake of nutrients, a progressive loss of functional autonomy with dependence on food, and psychological problems related to economic or social isolation, e.g., linked to poverty or loneliness. Changes in the aging gut involve the mechanical disintegration of food, gastrointestinal motor function, food transit, intestinal wall function, and chemical digestion of food. These alterations progressively lead to the reduced ability to supply the body with adequate levels of nutrients, with the consequent development of malnutrition. Furthermore, studies have shown that the quality of life is impaired both in gastrointestinal diseases, but especially in malnutrition. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of malnutrition in elderly people is necessary to promote the knowledge of age-related changes in appetite, food intake, homeostasis, and body composition in order to better develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to achieve healthy aging.

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RAISING OUR VOICES: THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2758 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S751-S752

Author(s):

Debra J Sheets ◽

Theresa A Allison

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

High School Students ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

The Body ◽

Social Intervention ◽

Social Connections ◽

People With Dementia

Abstract This interdisciplinary symposium focuses on the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir, a novel social intervention to address issues of stigma and social isolation among older adults with dementia and their caregivers. ViM is an intergenerational choir for community-dwelling older adults with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. Local high school students participated in the choir and added to the lively social interactions. Two professionally directed ViM choirs were fully implemented in 2018-2019 with a public performance in the Fall and Spring seasons. This symposium brings together multiple methodologies to investigate the effects of choir participation on cognition, social connections, stigma, and quality of life for the dyads. Results in the individual papers demonstrate the positive impact of choir participation on dyads (n=26) for measures that includecognition (MacDonald), well-being and quality of life (Sheets), and social connections (Smith). Taken as a whole, the papers indicate that this social intervention offers an effective non- pharmacological alternative approach for older adults with dementia. Choir participation has important and significant impacts on psycho-social well-being and quality of life. The body of evidence presented points to the importance of intergenerational programs that are dementia-friendly and that support meaningful participation by older adults with dementia in the broader community. Discussion focuses on implications for social policy with attention on the replication and sustainability of the program.

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Quality of Life in Romanian Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Survey Using an Interdisciplinary Healthcare Intervention

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8040382 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 382

Author(s):

Constanta Urzeală ◽

Aura Bota ◽

Silvia Teodorescu ◽

Mihaela Vlăiculescu ◽

Julien S Baker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Well Being ◽

Healthcare Intervention ◽

Type I ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Interdisciplinary Healthcare

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life in Romanian type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) children attending an early interdisciplinary healthcare intervention. Hypothesis: engaging T1DM children in leisure sports leads to a better quality of life. Methods: This research embeds a cross-sectional observational study, incorporating some clinical characteristics relevant for diabetes management. The Kidscreen 27 questionnaire was issued to 100 T1DM children aged between 7 and 17 years. Parents completed the questionnaire. All subjects received interdisciplinary healthcare in the previous year. Statistics were performed using SPSS, v20. The required sample size of 100 subjects was obtained with a confidence interval of 95% and a sampling error of 0.009. The tests were two-sided, with a type I error set at 0.05. Results: Subjects reached an increased level of physical well-being, psychological well-being, autonomy, parent relationships, peer and social support, and school inclusion. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between children who practice leisure activities and children who only participated in physical education (PE) classes, regarding their physical well-being (t = 2.123). ANOVA demonstrated significant differences between age groups regarding physical well-being. Conclusion: The interdisciplinary healthcare intervention increased the efficiency of T1DM management with positive effects on life quality.

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The national comprehensive cancer network distress thermometer as a screening tool for the evaluation of quality of life in uveal melanoma patients

Acta Ophthalmologica ◽

10.1111/aos.14277 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 98 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Annemarie Klingenstein ◽

Christina Samel ◽

Aylin Garip‐Kuebler ◽

Christina Miller ◽

Raffael G. Liegl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

National Comprehensive Cancer Network ◽

Uveal Melanoma ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Distress Thermometer ◽

Melanoma Patients ◽

Cancer Network

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Is Telephysiotherapy an Option for Improved Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications ◽

10.1155/2014/903816 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Adesola C. Odole ◽

Oluwatobi D. Ojo

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Health ◽

Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽

Group Comparison ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Knee Oa ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Environment Domain ◽

Telephone Monitoring

This study investigated effect of a 6-week telephysiotherapy programme on quality of life (QoL) of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty patients with knee OA were randomly and equally assigned into two treatment groups: clinic group (CG) and telephysiotherapy group (TG). The CG received physiotherapist-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises in the clinic thrice weekly for 6 weeks while the TG received structured telephone monitoring with self-administered osteoarthritis-specific exercises for the same duration at home. Participants’ QoL was assessed using WHOQoL-Bref at baseline, second, fourth, and sixth week of intervention. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and independent Student’st-test. Within-group comparison showed significant improvements in physical health domain (P=0.00*for TG and CG) and psychological domain (P=0.02*for TG;P=0.00*for CG) of WHOQoL following six-week intervention. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in TG and CG’s social relationship and environment domains. Between-group comparison showed no significant differences (P>0.05) between CG and TG’s physical health, psychological, and social relationships domains of WHOQoL following 6-week intervention. However, there was significant difference in the environment domain (P<0.05). Telephysiotherapy using telephone medium improved QoL in patients with knee OA comparable to clinic based treatment.

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Impact of yoga on quality of life for young adult noncurative cancer patients: A pilot study.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2016.34.3_suppl.249 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 249-249 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Melanie Keats ◽

Hillary Woodside ◽

S. Nicole Culos-Reed

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Young Adult ◽

Side Effects ◽

Cancer Patient ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Well Being ◽

Body Awareness ◽

Hatha Yoga ◽

Significant Difference

249 Background: A growing body of evidence is emerging to suggest that the practice of yoga can improve disease and treatment-related side effects in the non-curative cancer patient by addressing their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Regrettably, the literature regarding the positive benefits of yoga for the young adult (YA) non-curative cancer patient is limited. Accordingly, the purpose of this ongoing exploratory study is to examine the feasibility and safety of a 7-week home/hospice based instructive Hatha yoga intervention (Yoga Thrive - available on DVD) in non-curative, YA cancer patients. Secondary outcomes include the examination of the efficacy of yoga in mitigating cancer and treatment-related side effects through ratings of self-reported quality of life (QOL). Methods: A single-arm, non-randomized, pre and post-test, pilot investigation of a 7-week instructive home/hospice-based Hatha yoga program is currently ongoing. Pre/post program data include measures of QOL, specific to palliative disease and spiritual domains as well as open-ended measures of perceived program value. Feasibility data (e.g., recruitment, adherence, safety) are also collected. Results: To date, four YA non-curative cancer patients have participated in the 7-week yoga program. Preliminary data show a significant difference in both functional well-being (p= .047, ηp2= 0.78) and spirituality (FACIT-Sp) scores (p= 0.04, ηp2= 0.77). Although not statistically significant, a large effect in physical well-being (ηp2= 0.38); general cancer outcomes (FACT-G) (ηp2= 0.42); and palliative specific scores (ηp2= 0.62) have also emerged. Early responses to the post-program exit questions suggest that participants find the program as an opportunity for self-care, separate from traditional cancer therapies. Subjective improvements in flexibility and mindfulness (e.g., body awareness, relaxation, and calmness) have also been reported. Additionally, participants have complemented the program for its ease and flexibility of use. Conclusions: Early findings of this study provide support for the feasibility and efficacy of a home/hospice-based yoga program for YA non-curative cancer patients.

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