Quality of Life and Pain in Patients with Acute Cholecystitis

Background: Acute cholecystitis carries a higher risk of subsequent gallstone related events than symptomatic, non-complicated disease. However, it is largely unknown to what extent non-operative treatment will affect the patient's well-being as no trial has studied the possible consequences on pain and quality of life. Our aim was to study in a randomized trial how observational treatment (watchful waiting) compared to cholecystectomy. Methods: Sixty-four patients with acute cholecystitis were randomized to observation or cholecystectomy. All gallstone related events were registered and patients answered questionnaires on quality of life (PGWB and NHP) and pain (Pain score and VAPS) at randomization and at 6, 12 and 60 months later. Results: Patients were followed-up for a median of 67 months. Ten of 33 patients (30 %, 95 % CI 15 %−46 %) patients randomized to observation and 27 of 31 (87 %, 95 % CI 75 %−99 %) of patients randomized to operation had a cholecystectomy. Twelve of 33 (36 %, 95 % CI 20 %−53 %) patients in the observation group had a gallstone related event compared to 6 of 31 (19 %, 95 % CI 5%−33 %) patients in the operation group, but the difference was not significant. When patients were grouped according to randomization or actual operative outcome (+/− cholecystectomy), we did not find any significant differences in pain or quality of life measurements. Conclusion: Although conservative treatment of AC carried a certain but not significantly increased risk of subsequent gallstone related events, this did not influence the symptomatic outcome as assessed by quality of life and pain measurements. Thus, we argue that conservative (non-operative) treatment and observation of AC is an acceptable option and should at least be considered in elderly and frail patients.

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The influence of overweight on the quality of life of health workers

Medicinski pregled ◽

10.2298/mpns0902074r ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 62 (1-2) ◽

pp. 74-78

Author(s):

Natasa Rancic ◽

Maja Nikolic ◽

Zorana Deljanin ◽

Branislav Petrovic ◽

Biljana Kocic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Health Workers ◽

Well Being ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Average Value ◽

Weak Positive Correlation ◽

The Difference ◽

The City

Introduction. The number of people who are considered to be either overweight or obese continues to increase, worldwide. The aim of the paper was to determine the influence of overweight on the quality of life of health workers. Material and methods. The study of prevalence was used. We observed 108 health workers both men and women from the Institute for Public Health in the City of Nis. The questionnaire Obesity Related Well-Being 97 (ORWELL97) was applied in all health workers. Results. A hundred and five health workers filled in the ORWELL97 questionnaire. There were 40% of men and 60% of women; 72% of them were married and 28% of them were single; 68% were from the urban area and 32% were from the rural area. The average age was 29.5 (SD=3.2) and the average value of BMI was 25.4 (SD=4,0). There were 54 (48.6%) health workers having normal weight and there were 51(5.4%) who were considered overweight. No one was obese among them. The difference between the average sum of scores in the group of health workers who had normal weight and the group of health workers who were overweight was not statistically significant (t=1.1 i p<0.05). Nor was the difference statistically significant for the average sum of scores of subquestion O (t=3.6 and p<0.05), and subquestion R (t=2.9 and p<0.05). BMI showed a weak positive correlation with both occurrence and relevance of symptoms. A weak positive correlation of BMI was found with average sum of scores in the first, second and third groups of questions in ORWELL 97 questionnaire. Conclusion. According to the presented results, health workers who were overweight did not have lower quality of life than health workers who had normal weight.

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Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients Diagnosed with Indolent Lymphoma.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.5524.5524 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 5524-5524

Author(s):

Susan D. Mathias ◽

Tricia A. Cimms ◽

Hilary H. Colwell ◽

Carolina M. Reyes ◽

Deborah P. Lubeck

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Active Treatment ◽

Watchful Waiting ◽

Previous Treatment ◽

Well Being ◽

Indolent Lymphoma ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Abstract Background Numerous treatment options are available for patients with indolent lymphoma (IL), including active treatment and active observation without initiation of therapy, watchful waiting; each is associated with unique, longer term therapeutic and health-related quality of life (HRQL) consequences. We sought to identify key HRQL domains of importance to patients with indolent lymphoma and whether HRQL varies by treatment. Methods Five focus groups (n=33), supplemented by in-depth one-on-one telephone interviews (n=19) were conducted with IL patients across the US. Patients completed a questionnaire composed of five standard validated instruments related to physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being (FACT-G), additional concerns (FACT-Lym), physical appearance, psychosocial adaptation to illness (PAIS), and mental health (MHI-5). Questionnaire domains were scored on a 0–100 scale where higher scores indicate better functioning. Results A total of 52 IL patients (65% female; mean age 53 years) completed the questionnaire. Participants belonged to one of the following treatment categories: Active Treatment (n=18), Previous Treatment (n=25) and Watchful Waiting (n=9). Similarities in FACT scores were found between the Previous Treatment and Watchful Waiting groups. The Watchful Waiting group scored the lowest on both the MHI-5 and the PAIS. Differences were found in Physical Well-Being between the Active Treatment and Previous Treatment groups (67.06 vs. 81.10, respectively, p=0.029). Differences were observed for the PAIS between the Active Treatment and Watchful Waiting groups (83.82 vs. 65.63, respectively, p=0.021) and between the Previous Treatment and Watchful Waiting groups (85.00 vs. 65.63, respectively, p=0.010). Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest that differences were observed between patients on active treatment, those who have previously been treated and patients who have never been treated, watchful waiting. Further elucidation of these issues is needed to facilitate HRQL evaluation in future studies and more importantly better inform patients and providers of treatment decisions. Table 1. Mean (Standard Deviation) HRQL Scores of all Patients and by Treatment Categories Domains All Patients (N=52) Active Treatment (N=18) Previous Treatment (N=25) Watchful Waiting (N=9) FACT-G 73.01 (15.56) 67.41 (15.82) 76.21 (14.12) 75.67 (17.30) FACT-Lym 71.35 (15.25) 67.63 (16.09) 73.11 (12.39) 75.02 (18.58) Physical Appearance 76.85 (29.36) 65.00 (31.62) 82.69 (27.74) 87.50 (25.00) PAIS 81.50 (18.77) 83.82 (16.40) 85.00 (18.40) 65.63 (18.60) MHI-5 69.08 (18.00) 69.33 (15.22) 71.36 (18.46) 62.22 (21.92)

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Impact of pediatric hypophosphatasia on behavioral health and quality of life

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases ◽

10.1186/s13023-021-01722-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth I. Pierpont ◽

Jill H. Simmons ◽

Katherine J. Spurlock ◽

Ryan Shanley ◽

Kyriakie M. Sarafoglou

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Behavioral Health ◽

Genetic Disorder ◽

Well Being ◽

Asfotase Alfa ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Clinical Records

Abstract Background Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene encoding tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. It is characterized by defective bone mineralization associated with low alkaline phosphatase activity. Clinical features of pediatric HPP are highly variable, and can include premature loss of teeth, musculoskeletal problems, and impaired mobility. The effects of pediatric HPP on sleep, mood, regulation of attention and behavior, and other aspects of behavioral health have not been comprehensively studied. Methods Parents of 30 children with HPP (14 females, 16 males) between the ages of 3 and 16 years (mean age = 8.0 years) enrolled in this cross-sectional survey-based study. Molecular genetic and biochemical testing as well as clinical records were reviewed to verify diagnosis of HPP. The cohort included 15 patients with a more clinically severe presentation of HPP who had received treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (asfotase alfa) and 15 children with less severe HPP who were treatment-naïve. Parents provided information regarding psychopathological comorbidity, emotional and behavioral well-being, and quality of life. Results Clinically significant behavioral health challenges were evident in 67% of children with HPP. The most common behavioral findings included sleep disturbance and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), each of which were observed ≥ 50% of individuals. Sleep disturbance, pain interference, poor behavioral regulation, and mood/anxiety symptoms were associated with reduced physical and psychosocial quality of life. Behavioral concerns were evident among children with HPP receiving asfotase alfa treatment as well as among children with clinically less severe disease who had not initiated therapy. Although most children in the cohort (77%) had age-typical development of adaptive skills, emotional and behavioral challenges were associated with weaker adaptive function. Conclusions Children with HPP are at increased risk for ADHD symptoms and other behavioral health challenges. There is likely an under-recognition of these findings in clinical practice.

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Gender and quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors with an ostomy

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.9525 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 9525-9525

Author(s):

R. S. Krouse ◽

L. J. Herrinton ◽

M. Grant ◽

C. S. Wendel ◽

S. B. Green ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Tumor Site ◽

Kaiser Permanente ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Men And Women ◽

The Difference

9525 Background: Intestinal stomas can pose significant challenges for colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Specifying common challenges and sub-group differences will further the development of tailored interventions to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for survivors with an ostomy. Methods: This matched cross-sectional study collected survey and medical records data from CRC survivors in three regions of Kaiser Permanente (Northern California, Northwest, and Hawaii). The survey instrument included the modified City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy (mCOH-QOL-Ostomy) and SF-36v2 questionnaires. Eligible colorectal cancer patients were at least five years beyond diagnosis. Two groups of CRC survivors were surveyed: those with a permanent ostomy (cases) and those that did not require an ostomy (controls). Survivors were matched on tumor site (rectum vs. colon), gender, age, and time since diagnosis. To identify differences in HRQOL associated with having an ostomy, outcomes were compared between the two groups using regression analysis with adjustment for tumor site (rectum vs. colon), age, comorbidity score, income, and work status. Results: Our response rate was 52 percent (675/1304). Cases and controls had similar demographic characteristics. Men and women showed significant differences in the relationship between ostomy and HRQOL and are reported separately. Based on the mCOH-QOL-Ostomy, both male and female cases had significantly worse social well-being compared to controls, while only female cases showed significantly worse overall HRQOL and psychological well-being. Based on the SF-36v2, statistically significant and clinically meaningful differences between female cases and controls were observed for scores on seven of the eight scales and on the standardized summary scores. For men, mental health was statistically significantly lower for cases than for controls, but the difference did not reach a meaningful level. Conclusions: CRC survivors with an ostomy experience multiple HRQOL challenges compared to persons who never had an ostomy, even five years beyond the diagnosis. Men and women report a different profile of challenges, suggesting the need for targeted or gender-specific interventions to improve HRQOL in this population. [Table: see text]

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Effects of high-velocity circuit resistance and treadmill training on cardiometabolic risk, blood markers, and quality of life in older adults

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2017-0807 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 43 (8) ◽

pp. 822-832 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kirk B. Roberson ◽

Melanie Potiaumpai ◽

Kayla Widdowson ◽

Ann-Marie Jaghab ◽

Sean Chowdhari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

High Velocity ◽

Well Being ◽

Treadmill Training ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Circuit Resistance

The presence of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) confers an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality and is associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although the effects of exercise on biomarkers, HRQoL, and future risk have been studied, no study has measured the effects on all three components. The present study compared the effects of steady-state, moderate-intensity treadmill training (TM) and high-velocity circuit resistance training (HVCRT) on biological markers, HRQoL, and overall CVD risk in adults with CMS and CVD risk factors. Thirty participants (22 females, 8 males) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HVCRT, TM, or control. Participants in the exercise groups attended training 3 days/week for a total of 12 weeks. Of the 30 participants who began the study, 24 (19 females, 5 males) were included in the final analysis. Primary outcome measures included CMS criteria, hemodynamic measures, Framingham Risk Score (FRS), and HRQoL. All variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. CMS z score significantly decreased for HVCRT (p = 0.03), while there were no significant changes for TM or control. FRS significantly decreased for HVCRT compared with TM (p = 0.03) and control (p = 0.03). Significant decreases in systolic (p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.01) for HVCRT accompanied significant increases from baseline in stroke volume (p = 0.03) and end-diastolic volume (p < 0.01). Systemic vascular resistance significantly decreased (p = 0.05) for HVCRT compared with control. Emotional well-being significantly improved following HVCRT and TM compared with control (p = 0.04; p = 0.03). HVCRT represents a novel training modality that improved factors in each of the 3 components assessed.

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Evaluation of quality in social-work practice

Nordic Journal of Social Research ◽

10.7577/njsr.2062 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Björn Blom ◽

Stefan Morén

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Quality Of Service ◽

Social Work ◽

Manufacturing Industry ◽

Work Practice ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Work Practice ◽

Subjective Experiences ◽

The Difference

This theoretical article describes and discusses the concept of quality in relation to the evaluation of social-work practice. Of particular interest are the difference between quality of services and quality of life and the importance of balancing the stakeholders’ different interests in order to make a sound judgement of quality in social work possible. This article begins with presenting some basic perspectives on quality as well as the transference of the concept of quality from manufacturing industry to social-work practice. Thereafter the two main issues are discussed: the concepts of quality of service and of quality of life and the importance of balancing different stakeholders’ perspectives in the evaluation of quality in social-work practice. This article concludes that: 1) it is crucial to be aware of and to consider the distinction between quality of service and quality of life; 2) clients’ perspective on quality of life is an aspect of outcome that currently receives insufficient attention; 3) clients’ subjective experiences of welfare of well-being deserve greater attention for ethical as well as methodological reasons; and 4) judgement of quality in social work are inevitably dependent on different stakeholders’ perspectives.

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Work-based risk factors and quality of life in health care workers providing maternal and newborn care during the Sierra Leone Ebola epidemic: findings using the WHOQOL-BREF and HSE Management Standards Tool

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032929 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e032929

Author(s):

Susan Jones ◽

Sarah White ◽

Judith Ormrod ◽

Betty Sam ◽

Florence Bull ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Physical Health ◽

Sierra Leone ◽

Well Being ◽

Workplace Stress ◽

International Standards ◽

World Health ◽

Increased Risk

IntroductionBefore the 2014, Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, healthcare workers (HCWs) faced many challenges. Workload and personal risk of HCWs increased but their experiences of these have not been well explored. HCWs evaluation of their quality of life (QoL) and risk factors for developing work-based stress is important in helping to develop a strong and committed workforce in a resilient health system.MethodsCross-sectional study using World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Standards Tools in 13 Emergency Obstetric Care facilities to (1) understand the perceptions of HCWs regarding workplace risk factors for developing stress, (2) evaluate HCWs perceptions of QoL and links to risk factors for workplace stress and (3) assess changes in QoL and risk factors for stress after a stress management programme.Results222 completed the survey at baseline and 156 at follow-up. At baseline, QoL of HCWs was below international standards in all domains. There was a significant decrease in score for physical health and psychological well-being (mean decrease (95% CI); 2.3 (0.5–4.1) and 2.3 (0.4–4.1)). Lower cadres had significant decreases in scores for physical health and social relationships (13.0 (3.6–22.4) and 14.4 (2.6–26.2)). On HSE peer-support and role understanding scored highly (mean scores 4.0 and 3.7 on HSE), workplace demands were average or high-risk factors (mean score 3.0). There was a significant score reduction in the domains relationships and understanding of role (mean score reduction (95% CI) 0.16 (0.01–0.31) and 0.11 (0.01–0.21)), particularly among lower cadres (0.83 (0.3–1.4).ConclusionHCWs in low-resourced settings may have increased risk factors for developing workplace stress with low QoL indicators; further exploration of this is needed to support staff and develop their contribution to the development of resilient health systems.

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Health-Related Quality of Life and psychological distress of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Geneva

10.1101/2021.09.20.21263812 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Roxane Dumont ◽

Viviane Richard ◽

Hélène Baysson ◽

Elsa Lorthe ◽

Giovanni Piumatti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

AbstractPurposeOur objective was to assess adolescent’s Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychological distress, from their own and their parents’ perspective, and to examine associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland.MethodsA random sample of adolescents, aged 14-17 years, and their families was invited to a serosurvey in November and December 2020. Adolescents’ HRQoL was evaluated using the validated adolescent-reported KIDSCREEN-10 and parent-reported KINDL® scales. Psychological distress was assessed with self-reported sadness and loneliness, and using the KINDL® emotional well-being scale. Risk factors for adolescents’ low HRQoL and psychological distress were identified using generalized estimating equations and both adolescents’ and their parents’ perceptions were compared.ResultsAmong 240 adolescents, 11% had a low HRQoL, 35% reported sadness and 23% reported loneliness. Based on parents’ perception, 12% of the adolescents had a low HRQoL and 16% a low emotional well-being. Being a girl (aOR=3.29; 95%CI: 1.64-6.57), increased time on social media (aOR=2.05; 95%CI: 1.08-3.88), parents’ average to poor mood (aOR=2.81; 95%CI: 1.21-6.56) and average to poor household financial situation (aOR=2.30; 95%CI: 1.00-5.29) were associated with an increased risk of sadness. Mismatches between adolescents’ and their parents’ perception of HRQoL were more likely for girls (aOR=2.88; 95%CI: 1.54-5.41) and in households with lower family well-being (aOR=0.91; 95%CI: 0.86-0.96).ConclusionA meaningful proportion of adolescents experienced low well-being during the second wave of COVID-19. Adolescents living in underprivileged or distressed families seemed particularly affected. Monitoring is necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of the pandemic on adolescents.Implications and ContributionThis study describes the psychological well-being of a population-based sample of adolescents in Geneva, Switzerland amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and identifies adolescents at risk of distress. This study provides further insight by comparing adolescents’ well-being as reported by themselves and their parents.

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Are Believers Happier than Atheists? Well-Being Measures in a Sample of Atheists and Believers in Puerto Rico

10.20944/preprints201807.0341.v1 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Juan Aníbal González-Rivera ◽

Adam Rosario-Rodríguez ◽

Eduardo Rodríguez-Ramos ◽

Idania Hernández-Gato ◽

Lourdes Torres-Báez

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Puerto Rico ◽

Latin America ◽

Well Being ◽

Social Awareness ◽

Average Difference ◽

The Difference ◽

Psychological Flourishing

Currently, there isn’t much written about the empirical psychological well-being of the atheist community in Puerto Rico and Latin America. The objective of the present study is to analyze if there are statistically significant differences in the levels of life satisfaction and psychological flourishing between believers of God and self-identified atheists. For this purpose, a sample of 821 participants (415 believers and 406 atheists) ranging from the ages of 19 to 85 years were selected. The results sustain that, there is a slight average difference regarding life satisfaction between these groups; however, the difference is not substantial to ensure that believers have a better quality of life and life satisfaction than atheists. At the same time, no statistically significant differences were found in the means of psychological flourishing. Both believers and atheists exhibit high levels of life satisfaction and psychological flourishing. This study provides empirical evidence to demystify certain traditional assumptions about the supremacy of religious beliefs over secular convictions. We hope that these findings create social awareness and could be used as a basis for future researches concerning the population of non-believers.

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Health-related quality of life and emotional well-being in patients with glioblastoma and their relatives

Journal of Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1007/s11060-020-03614-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 149 (2) ◽

pp. 347-356

Author(s):

Pernilla Ståhl ◽

Boglarka Fekete ◽

Ingela Henoch ◽

Anja Smits ◽

Asgeir S. Jakola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Mental Hrqol ◽

Multivariable Regression

Abstract Purpose The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with glioblastoma is known to be largely affected. Little is known about the HRQoL for relatives and the relationship between these two. To optimize family care, such issues need to be addressed early on, preferably from the time of diagnosis. This study aimed to describe and compare the HRQoL of patients with glioblastoma and their relatives before surgery. Methods A prospective cohort study including 89 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma and their relatives. HRQoL (Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) and emotional well-being (hospital anxiety and depression scale, HADS) were analysed with descriptive, comparative and multivariable regression analyses. Results Relatives scored worse for mental HRQoL (p < 0.001) and for symptoms of anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.022) compared to patients. The multivariable regression showed an increased risk of affected mental HRQoL in relatives of patients with poor functional status (WHO) (p = 0.01) and higher levels in symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.03), or when relatives had low physical HRQoL themselves (p = 0.01). There was increased risk of affected mental HRQoL in patients with comorbidities (p = 0.003), and when the respective relative showed higher levels in symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.005). Conclusion Relatives scored worse for mental HRQoL and emotional well-being than patients, suggesting that HRQoL in patients and relatives might be connected to symptoms of anxiety in the respective individual at disease onset. The results illustrate the need to screen HRQoL and emotional well-being in both patients and relatives from an early stage—before surgery.

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