Research interrupted: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multiple sclerosis research in the field of rehabilitation and quality of life

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has likely had a negative impact on rehabilitation and quality of life (QoL) research in multiple sclerosis (MS). Method We explored perceived barriers to research among 87 researchers, representing 18 countries, both prior to and since COVID-19. Results A Wilcoxon signed-rank test found that significantly more researchers reported experiencing barriers to research since the onset of the pandemic compared to pre-COVID-19 (p < .001), with 78% of respondents reporting at least some barriers since COVID-19. The most commonly-cited barriers related to participant access (n = 38) and interruptions/delays to projects (n = 19). Although no gender differences were found in the number of barriers reported, female respondents were more likely to cite time or competing demands as barriers to research. Females were also more likely to perceive being negatively impacted by the pandemic compared to other genders (p = .007). Conclusions Implications for the future landscape of rehabilitation research in MS are discussed.

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A Large Randomized Trial: Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Breast Cancer (BC) Survivors on Salivary Cortisol and IL-6

Biological Research For Nursing ◽

10.1177/1099800418789777 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 39-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Cecile A. Lengacher ◽

Richard R. Reich ◽

Carly L. Paterson ◽

Melissa Shelton ◽

Steve Shivers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Salivary Cortisol ◽

Rank Test ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) often experience psychological and physiological symptoms after cancer treatment. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a complementary and alternative therapy, has reduced subjective measures of stress, anxiety, and fatigue among BCS. Little is known, however, about how MBSR affects objective markers of stress, specifically the stress hormone cortisol and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). In the present study, BCS ( N = 322) were randomly assigned to a 6-week MBSR program for BC or usual-care control. Measurements of cortisol, IL-6, symptoms, and quality of life were obtained at orientation and 6 weeks. Cortisol and IL-6 were also measured prior to and after the MBSR(BC) class Weeks 1 and 6. The mean age of participants was 56.6 years and 69.4% were White non-Hispanic. Most had Stage I (33.8%) or II (35.7%) BC, and 35.7% had received chemotherapy and radiation. Cortisol levels were reduced immediately following MBSR(BC) class compared to before the class Weeks 1 and 6 (Wilcoxon-signed rank test; p < .01, d = .52–.56). IL-6 was significantly reduced from pre- to postclass at Week 6 (Wilcoxon-signed rank test; p < .01, d = .21). No differences were observed between the MBSR(BC) and control groups from baseline to Week 6 using linear mixed models. Significant relationships with small effect sizes were observed between IL-6 and both symptoms and quality of life in both groups. Results support the use of MBSR(BC) to reduce salivary cortisol and IL-6 levels in the short term in BCS.

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Pengaruh Program Empathic Caring Consultation terhadap Professional Quality of Life Pada Psikolog

Jurnal Intervensi Psikologi (JIP) ◽

10.20885/intervensipsikologi.vol12.iss2.art3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 97-106

Author(s):

Anya Asbar ◽

Maya Khairani ◽

Marty Mawarpury

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Rank Test ◽

Professional Quality Of Life ◽

Professional Quality ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Before And After ◽

Post Test ◽

Signed Rank Test

This study aims to determine the effect of the Empathic Caring Consultation (ECC) program on Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) in psychologists. This study involved seven psychologists. The research sample was taken using purposive sampling method. The research method used was one group pretest-post test design. ProQOL is measured using the Professional Quality of Life Version V scale, while the implementation of ECC training refers to the concept of Prawitasari. Analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a significant value (p) = 0.340 (BO); 0.932 (STS); 0.496 (CS) (p> 0.05). The results of the study showed that there was no effect of the ECC program on ProQOL on psychologists. This is because there are several variations of the three ProQOL components before and after treatment.

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Parent-assessed quality of life among adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment: a 12-month follow-up

Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1590/2177-6709.20.5.094-100.oar ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 94-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lucas Guimarães Abreu ◽

Camilo Aquino Melgaço ◽

Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimaraes Abreu ◽

Elizabeth Maria Bastos Lages ◽

Saul Martins Paiva

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Orthodontic Treatment ◽

Well Being ◽

Rank Test ◽

Brazilian Version ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

Fixed Appliances ◽

Parents And Caregivers

Objective: To assess parents' and caregivers' view of the first twelve months of adolescents' orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and to assess the evaluative properties of the Brazilian version of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ) in the orthodontic setting.Methods:Data from a sample of 96 parents and caregivers of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances were collected by means of P-CPQ. Assessments were performed before banding and bracket bonding (T1) and 12 months after placement of fixed appliances (T2). Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the overall P-CPQ score and Bonferroni correction for P-CPQ subscales. The evaluative properties of the P-CPQ were assessed through responsiveness calculation and the minimally clinical important difference (MCID).Results: Among the 96 participants, 76 were mothers of patients, 16 were fathers, and four were other family members. Adolescents' mean age was 11.49 ± 0.50 years. Most families earned equal to or less than three times the Brazilian monthly minimum wage. There was significant improvement in the emotional and social well-being subscales (p< 0.001), which contributed to improve patient's overall quality of life (p< 0.001). Reductions in scores were associated with clinically meaningful moderate changes in the overall score as well as in the emotional and social well-being subscales. The MCID was 6.16 for the P-CPQ overall score.Conclusion:Parents and caregivers reported significant improvement in the quality of life of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

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Aerobic Exercise in People with Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care ◽

10.7224/1537-2073.2012-037 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 138-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Chad Swank ◽

Mary Thompson ◽

Ann Medley

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Cardiovascular Fitness ◽

Rank Test ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

The Impact

The aims of this study were to explore the feasibility of structured aerobic exercise followed by a period of unstructured physical activity and determine the impact of such exercise on cognition, mood, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A convenience sample of 9 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS performed 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (upper- and lower-extremity ergometry and treadmill ambulation) twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by 3 months of unstructured physical activity. Eight participants completed the intervention and posttest; 6 returned for the 3-month follow-up. Cardiovascular fitness, cognition, mood (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory–II; BDI-II), and quality of life (measured with the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life–54; MSQOL-54) were assessed. Participants completed 27.9 minutes of exercise per session, with an 85.1% attendance rate. Evaluation using the Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed no deleterious effects and improved results on the BDI-II and MSQOL-54 mental subscale. Analysis of change scores using the one-sample t test revealed that the BDI-II and MSQOL-54 were changed from zero after structured exercise, but only the BDI-II maintained improvement after unstructured physical activity. Further analysis of BDI-II subscales revealed that improvement occurred only in the Somato-Affective subscale. In this study, program feasibility was demonstrated in several ways. There were no declines in cognitive function over the 5-month period. Despite unchanged cognitive function, participants may value the improved mood enough to continue both the structured and unstructured physical activity. The role of unstructured physical activity in concert with periodic structured exercise programs merits further investigation.

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Urinary Catheterization May Not Adversely Impact Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

ISRN Neurology ◽

10.1155/2014/167030 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Rebecca James ◽

Heidi E. Frasure ◽

Sangeeta T. Mahajan

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Foley Catheter ◽

Urinary Catheterization ◽

Urine Leakage ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

The Impact

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) healthcare providers (HCP) have undergone considerable educational efforts regarding the importance of evaluating and treating pelvic floor disorders, specifically, urinary dysfunction. However, limited data are available to determine the impact of catheterization on patient quality of life (QoL). Objectives. To describe the use of urinary catheterization among MS patients and determine the differences between those who report positive versus negative impact of this treatment on QoL. Methods. Patients were queried as part of the 2010 North American Research Committee On Multiple Sclerosis survey; topics included 1) urinary/bladder, bowel, or sexual problems; 2) current urine leakage; 3) current catheter use; 4) catheterizing and QoL. Results. Respondents with current urine leakage were 5143 (54.7%), of which 1201 reported current catheter use (12.8%). The types of catheters (intermittent self-catheterization and Foley catheter (indwelling and suprapubic)) did not differ significantly. Of the current catheter users, 304 (25.35%) respondents reported catheterization negatively impacting QoL, 629 (52.4%) reported a positive impact on QoL, and 223 (18.6%) reported neutral QoL. Conclusions. A large proportion of catheterized MS patients report negative or positive changes in QoL associated with urinary catheterization. Urinary catheterization does not appear to have a universally negative impact on patient QoL.

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A retrospective analysis with quality of life assessment of nasal surgery for nasal obstruction

International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20185292 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 5

Author(s):

Mehmet Fatih Karakus ◽

Suleyman Emre Karakurt ◽

Mustafa Colak

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Nasal Obstruction ◽

Life Assessment ◽

Rank Test ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Symptom Evaluation ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

The Difference ◽

Age Range

Background: Nasal obstruction is a common health problem that disrupts a person’s quality of life (QoL). The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (NOSE) is a QoL scale with questions specific to nasal obstruction symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate surgical success in patients who underwent nasal septal deviation surgery by using a NOSE assessment, thus determining the importance and efficacy of surgery in this group of patients.Methods: This study was conducted in between January 2016 and June 2017, including a total of 60 patients. The age range of the patients was 18–57 (mean, 34.4±9.9 years). The preoperative and postoperative scoring and surgeries were performed by the same investigator. The surgeries were septoplasty and radiofrequency applied to the inferior concha to overcome conchal hypertrophy. Preoperative mean scores were compared with postoperative second-month values. The importance of difference was evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Preoperative minimum, maximum and mean scores were 65.0, 100.0 and 83.4 (83.41±8.15), respectively. Postoperative minimum, maximum and mean scores were 10.0, 35.0 and 21.6 (21.66±8.06), respectively. The difference in mean scores was significant (Z=−6.778; p<0.001).Conclusions: The difficulty in evaluating patient satisfaction and postoperative success stems from differences in each surgeon’s approach and the comparison of preoperative and postoperative findings. This study, which was carried out by the same researcher for all steps, differs it from similar studies.

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The Impact of Surgical Posterior Nasal Nerve Cryoablation on Symptoms and Disease-Specific Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis

Ear Nose & Throat Journal ◽

10.1177/01455613211018576 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014556132110185

Author(s):

Farrukh R. Virani ◽

Machelle D. Wilson ◽

Angela M. Beliveau ◽

Amarbir S. Gill ◽

E. Bradley Strong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Nasal Symptom ◽

Rank Test ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Percentage Improvement ◽

Rhinitis Symptom ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

The Impact ◽

Disease Specific

Objective: Preliminary data have demonstrated long-term efficacy of posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation in reducing rhinitis symptoms for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). We sought to evaluate the impact of procedural cryoablation of the PNN on quality of life (QOL) in patients with AR and NAR. Methods: Adult patients undergoing PNN cryoablation for AR or NAR after appropriate medical therapy were included for analysis. Demographics, medical therapies, baseline rhinitis symptom (total nasal symptom score [TNSS]), and disease-specific QOL (mini-rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire [mini-RQLQ]) were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for significant changes in baseline test scores posttreatment. Absolute and relative improvement in outcomes was determined for each participant. Secondary outcomes were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 16.5 weeks. The TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores significantly improved after PNN cryoablation (median δs [interquartile range]: −4 [3] and −1.61 [1.08], respectively; both P = .0002). The minimal clinically important difference for the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was obtained in 92.9% of patients in each category. Relative mean percentage (%) improvement after PNN cryoablation in the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was 40.7% and 40.5% (standard deviation = 24.9 and 29.5, respectively), respectively, for all patients. Patients with NAR (n = 10) reported mean improvement of 41.3% (29.1) as measured by the TNSS and 49.6% (25.9) by mini-RQLQ. Patients with AR reported mean percentage improvement in TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores of 39.5% (12.1) and 24.6% (28.5), respectively. Patients who had been prescribed a nasal anticholinergic for management prior to PNN cryoablation had statistically significantly increased improvement in mini-RQLQ scores from pre- to post-procedure ( P = .0387). Conclusion: Surgical cryoablation of the PNN significantly improves both symptoms and disease-specific QOL in majority of patients with AR and NAR.

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Tick Size Implementation of Kompas 100 Index at Indonesia Stock Exchange

Binus Business Review ◽

10.21512/bbr.v7i3.1498 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 289

Author(s):

Agustini Hamid

Keyword(s):

Market Microstructure ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Stock Exchange ◽

Rank Test ◽

Return Volatility ◽

Tick Size ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

The Difference ◽

The Impact

Tick Mechanism was included in market microstructure. It studied the process which investors’ latent demands were ultimately translated into prices and volumes. This research reviewed the theoretical, empirical, and experimental literature on market microstructure relating to return, volatility, and liquidity after implementation of new tick size in Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The study took a sample of Kompas 100 index because it was represented all level of tick size at IDX. The data were analyzed using differences test with analysis tools e-views. Using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, there were not significance difference of volatility, return, and liquidity after the implementation of new tick size. The difference of implementation new tick size were contrary results that old tick size has a positive value to return and liquidity while it was negative for volatility. It means that increasing of liquidity and return have the impact to volatility. While the implementation of new tick size has the negative impact to return, liquidity, and volatility.

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Evaluasi Edukasi Personal Dalam Pemahaman, HBA1c dan Kualitas Hidup Pasien DM Tipe 2 di Sidoarjo

Jurnal Pharmascience ◽

10.20527/jps.v8i1.9720 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 132

Author(s):

Khurin In Wahyuni ◽

Martina Kurnia Rohmah ◽

Herni Setyawati

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Blood Sugar ◽

Rank Test ◽

Signed Rank ◽

Before And After ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

Sugar Levels

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) merupakan salah satu penyakit degeneratif tertinggi ke-enam di dunia, dimana prevalensi diabetes semakin meningkat sejalan dengan perubahan gaya hidup masyarakat yang cenderung konsumtif dan minim aktifitas fisik. Diabetes Mellitus ditandai dengan kenaikan gula darah karena kelainan insulin, resistensi insulin atau bisa juga keduanya. Salah satu upaya untuk penanganan dan pencegahan timbulnya peningkatan DM tipe 2 adalah dengan pemberian edukasi menggunakan media booklet. Edukasi merupakan penyampaian pesan kesehatan kepada kelompok atau individu dengan tujuan memperoleh pemahaman dan peningkatan kualitas hidup yang ditandai dengan penurunan HBA1c yang lebih baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pemahaman, kualitas hidup dan perbedaan kadar gula darah sebelum dan sesudah pemberian edukasi dengan media booklet terhadap pasien DM tipe 2 di Sidoarjo. Rancangan penelitian yang digunakan adalah Random Control Trial Design. Penelitian ini dilakukan dari bulan Juni sampai Oktober 2020 dengan sampel 60 pasien. Pengukuran pemahaman menggunakan kuesioner DKQ Quessioner, perubahan perilaku menggunakan kuesioner DQOL sedangkan penetapan kadar HBA1c dengan alat tes gula darah. Hasil analisis kuantitatif dilakukan dengan menggunakan uji Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test dan uji Mann Whitney dimana terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara, pemahaman, kualitas hidup serta kadar gula darah HBA1c sebelum dan sesudah edukasi. Pada hasil uji Spearman’Rank’s kelompok intervensi diperoleh nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar 0,586 dengan signifikansi 0,001 untuk pemahaman dengan HBA1c, hasil pemahaman dengan kualitas hidup diperoleh korelasi dengan nilai 0,552 dan p= 0,002. Pada uji korelasi antara HBA1c dengan kualitas hidup diperoleh nilai -0,434, sedangkan signifikansi diperoleh p=0,017, Hal ini menunjukan hubungan antara variable didapat korelasi sedang. Berdasarkan penelitian ini maka dapat disimpulan bahwa terdapat efektivitas edukasi terhadap pemahaman, A1c dan kualitas hidup. Kata Kunci: Diabetes Mellitus, Edukasi, Pemahaman, Kualitas Hidup, Kadar HBA1C, Kualitas Hidup Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the sixth highest degenerative diseases in the world, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing in line with changes in people's lifestyles that tend to be consuming and minimal physical activity. DM is characterized by an increase in blood sugar due to insulin disorders, insulin resistance or both. One of the efforts to handle and prevent an increase in type 2 diabetes is trough education using booklet media. Education is the delivery of health messages to groups or individuals to gain understanding and improve the quality of life, marked by a better decrease in HBA1c. This study used a Random Control Trial Design. This study aims to determine the understanding, quality of life and differences in blood sugar levels before and after giving education with booklet media to type 2 DM patients in Sidoarjo. This study was conducted from June-October 2020 with a sample of 60 patients. Measurement of understanding using the DKQ Quessioner questionnaire, behavior change using the DQOL questionnaire while HBA1c levels using a blood sugar test kit. The results of quantitative analysis were carried out using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and the Mann Whitney test, from these results there were significant differences between, understanding, quality of life and blood sugar levels of HBA1c before and after education. While the results of the Spearman 'Ranks test for the intervention group obtained a correlation coefficient of -0.586 with a significance of 0.001 for understanding with HBA1c, the results of understanding with quality of life obtained a correlation with a value of 0.552 and p = 0.002. In the correlation test between HBA1c and quality of life, the value -0.434, while the significance was p = 0.017, and this shows the relationship between variables obtained moderate correlation. From this research, there is educational effectiveness on understanding, A1c and quality of life.

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COVID-19 Pandemic and Quality of Life among Romanian Athletes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4065

Author(s):

Germina-Alina Cosma ◽

Alina Chiracu ◽

Amalia Raluca Stepan ◽

Marian Alexandru Cosma ◽

Marian Costin Nanu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Trait Anxiety ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Quality Of Life Scale ◽

Life Scale ◽

Personality Item ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

The aim of this study was to analyze athletes’ quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved 249 athletes between 15 and 35 of age, M = 21.22, SD = 5.12. The sample was composed of eight Olympic Games medalists, three European medalists, 67 international medalists, and 63 national medalists. The instruments used were: (1) COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, (2) Athlete Quality of Life Scale, (3) Impact of Pandemic on Athletes Questionnaire, and (4) International Personality Item Pool (IPIP Anxiety, Depression, and Vulnerability Scales). The results indicate significant differences in COVID-19 anxiety depending on the sport practiced, F (9239) = 3.81, p < 0.01, showing that there were significant differences between sports. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic mediates the relationship between trait anxiety and the athletes’ quality of life. The percentage of mediation was 33.9%, and the indirect effect was −0.11, CI 95% (−0.18, −0.03), Z = −2.82, p < 0.01. Trait anxiety has an increasing effect on the intensity of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 0.23, CI 95% (.10, 0.35), Z = 3.56, p < 0.01, and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has a decreasing effect on quality of life, −0.47, CI 95% (−0.67, −0.27), Z = −4.62, p < 0.01. Gender and age did not moderate the relationship between the negative impact of COVID-19 and athletes’ quality of life. The results of the study highlighted the impact that social isolation and quarantine have on athletes’ affective well-being.

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