The use of a direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system in a rural community in South Africa: A pilot study and lessons for future research

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liezel Ennion ◽  
Anton Johannesson ◽  
Anthea Rhoda

Background: Challenges exist with the provision of appropriate mobility assistive devices in rural areas. The use of the direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system is a possible solution to these challenges. Objectives: The objective of this study was to test and explore the clients’ perspectives with the application of this device. Study design: Within a mixed-methods approach, a longitudinal sequential explanatory design was applied. Methods: The Orthotic and Prosthetic User’s Survey was administered to explore the use of the direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system in terms of function, health-related quality of life and client satisfaction. A conveniently selected sample of 21 individuals who suffered a unilateral trans-tibial amputation was included. Data were collected at 1, 3 and 6 months post fitting, and two focus group discussions were also administered. Results: Of the 21 participants recruited, 11 returned for follow up. Although participants reported favourably about the prosthesis, their scores were generally worse than the norms with regard to function and quality of life. Participants highlighted the need for improvement in the cosmetic appearance of the prosthesis. Conclusion: The direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system could be considered as an alternative technique of socket manufacturing for individuals living in rural areas due to the shorter manufacture time and promising initial results, but further research on this topic with a bigger sample is recommended. Clinical relevance The direct manufacturing prosthetic socket system may be considered as an alternative to the traditional prosthetic socket manufacturing technique used in South Africa. As this device requires only one visit and therefore decreased travel by the patients to the hospitals, it could be applicable to more amputees who cannot return to hospital post discharge.

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 925-939
Author(s):  
Hui Wu ◽  
Huijun Li ◽  
Haibin Li ◽  
Yu Ding ◽  
Chongjian Wang ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Marina M. Schoemaker ◽  
Suzanne Houwen

Abstract Purpose of Review (1) To give an overview of what is currently known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in three common and co-occurring developmental disorders: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and (2) to provide directions for future research. Recent Findings HRQoL is compromised in all three developmental disorders, affecting various domains of HRQoL. However, some domains are more affected than others depending on the nature of the core deficits of the disorder. Overall, parents’ rate HRQoL of their children lower than the children themselves. Children with ASD and ADHD with co-occurring disorders have lower HRQoL compared to those with singular disorders. Future studies in DCD are needed to investigate the effect of co-occurring disorder in this population. Summary Children with developmental disorders have lower HRQoL than typically developing children. Future research should focus on the effects of co-occurring disorders on HRQoL and on protective factors that may increase HRQoL. HRQoL should be a part of clinical assessment, as it reveals the areas in life children are struggling with that could be targeted during intervention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Chanlongbutra ◽  
Gopal K. Singh ◽  
Curt D. Mueller

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with increased odds of high‐risk behaviors and adverse health outcomes. This study examined whether ACE exposure among individuals living in rural areas of the United States is associated with adult activity limitations, self‐reported general poor health status, chronic diseases, and poor mental health. Data from the 2011 and 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (N=79,810) from nine states were used to calculate the prevalence of ACEs in rural and urban areas. ACE scores were determined by summing 11 survey items. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between ACE scores and health outcomes, including self‐reported general health status, chronic diseases, and health‐related quality of life. Approximately 55.4% of rural respondents aged ≥18 years reported at least one ACE and 14.7% reported experiencing ≥4 ACEs in their childhood, compared to 59.5% of urban residents who reported at least one ACE and 15.5% reporting ≥4 ACEs. After adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, compared to rural respondents who never reported an ACE, rural respondents who experienced ≥1 ACEs had increased odds of reporting fair/poor general health, activity limitations, and heart disease, which is consistent with previous studies. The odds of experiencing a heart attack were higher for rural residents reporting 2 and ≥4 ACEs; the odds of diabetes were higher for those with 3 ACEs; and the odds of ever having asthma or poor mental health was higher for those with ≥3 ACEs. Although individuals in rural areas are less likely to experience ACEs, over half of rural respondents reported experiencing an ACE in childhood. Programs aimed at preventing ACEs, including child maltreatment, can benefit rural areas by reducing adult morbidity and increasing quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 81-89
Author(s):  
Tran Quynh Anh ◽  
Pham Thi Thu Trang ◽  
Do Vu Minh Ha

Caring for an aging population is an emerging public health problem, and the quality of life (QoL) among the elderly is a significant concern. Our study aimed to describe the health - related quality of life (HRQoL) and factors associated with good HRQoL among the elderly in three communes of Hanam province in Vietnam. A cross - sectional design was used with a sample size of 479 participants aged 60 and above. HRQoL was measured using the SF - 36. Comparison of characteristics between those with high HRQoL and those with low HRQoL was done using Pearson chi - square tests. Results were reported using descriptive statistics and odds ratios with 95% CI (Confidence Interval). Many of the elderly had moderate HRQoL (41.3%), and elderly men were more likely to have higher QoL in terms of physical health and psychological health than elderly women. Our findings also indicated that some factors including older age, low educational level, those not living with their spouse, poor financial condition, having more than two health problems and possessing unhealthy drinking behaviors were significantly positive associated with HRQoL. Findings suggest interventions are needed to improve the quality of life among the elderly in rural areas of Vietnam.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 498-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olina Efthymiadou ◽  
Jean Mossman ◽  
Panos Kanavos

Objectives:Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data generated by generic, preference-based instruments (i.e., EQ-5D) are highly demanded in health policy decision making, because they allow for direct comparisons of HRQoL outcomes between disease areas. We aimed to quantify HRQoL outcomes in breast cancer (BC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), rare cancers (RC), and rare disease (RD) patients and understand the patterns that differentiate HRQoL outcomes between these disease areas, and more specifically between rare and more common disease population groups.Methods:An international, Web survey of patients measured HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), self-perceived health (EQ-5D-5L Visual Analogue Scale), and additional QoL dimensions, such as patient disability level.Results:We received 675 completed responses. Average utility loss was 53.5 percent, 32.5 percent, and 33.3 percent for RD, RA, and MS patients, respectively, in contrast to 18.6 percent for BC and RC patients. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) were observed between disease groups in all EQ-5D-5L domain outcomes, apart from that of “Anxiety/Depression.” Severe and/or extreme problems were reported in performing usual activities for RD and RC (34 percent and 13 percent of overall problems reported respectively), mobility for MS (18 percent), pain/discomfort for RA (13 percent), and anxiety/depression for BC (7 percent) patients.Conclusions:We demonstrated significant differences in the dimensions that drive HRQoL outcomes between rare and more common diseases and showcased that the same EQ-5D utility may reflect very different severities depending on the patient population under investigation. Future research should examine whether outcomes in other, critical HRQoL domains not included in generic measures also highlight significant differences across disease areas.


2017 ◽  
Vol 158 (35) ◽  
pp. 1363-1372
Author(s):  
Zsombor Zrubka

Abstract: Informal care is non-financed care outside the realm of formal healthcare, which represents an increasing challenge for aging societies. Informal care has frequently been neglected in health economic analyses, while in recent years its coverage has increased considerably in the international scientific literature. This review summarizes the methodology of the health-economic assessment of informal care, including the objective and subjective metrics of caregiver burden, its financial and non-financial valuation and practical applications, with special emphasis on the introduction of care-related quality of life instruments (e.g. Care Related Quality of Life – CarerQoL instrument). Care-related quality of life is a different entity from health-related quality of life, the two cannot be combined, so their joint evaluation requires multi-criteria decision analysis methods. Therefore, it is important to determine the societal preferences of care-related quality of life versus health-related quality of life, and map the relationship of care-related quality of life with time. The local validation of tools measuring care-related quality of life, its more widespread practical application and the analysis of its effect on decision making are also important part of the future research agenda. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(35): 1363–1372.


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