scholarly journals Elevated Transferrin Saturation, Health-Related Quality Of Life and Telomere Length

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 425-425
Author(s):  
Arch G. Mainous ◽  
Robert U. Wright ◽  
Mary M. Hulihan ◽  
Waleed O. Twal ◽  
Christine E. McLaren ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia, cancer, and death has been found among individuals with elevated transferrin saturation (TS). Although TS has been linked to specific diseases, little research has focused on the relationship between elevated TS and current health status. Purpose This study examined the relationship between elevated TS and measures of health status (telomere length and patient-reported health-related quality of life) to assess whether elevated TS is associated with negative patient outcomes beyond increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Methods We conducted an analysis of the Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening (HEIRS) Study supplemented with assays for leukocyte telomere length in adults (>25 years old). The HEIRS Study identified individuals through a multiethnic, multicenter sample of 101,168 US and Canadian adults. Screening was done with serum biochemical tests of iron status and hemochromatosis (HFE) gene mutation testing. Our sample was comprised of HEIRS subjects with responses on health-related quality of life (general health (GH) and mental health (MH) subscales of the SF-36 Health Survey), and known leukocyte telomere length (n=669). Leukocyte telomere length was assessed through a quantitative PCR-based technique (qPCR). Unadjusted mean values of the general health status subscale, the mental health status subscale and telomere length were compared between groups with elevated TS (>45% for women and >50% for men) versus non-elevated TS (<45% for women and <50% for men) using t-tests. Comparisons also were made between mean values for the general and mental health status subscales and telomere length for the group with TS >60% versus with non-elevated TS (<45% for women and <50% for men). For each of the quantitative outcomes of GH, MH, and telomere length, separate general linear regression models were formed with TS elevation as a dichotomous predictor, controlled for demographic characteristics as well as health conditions associated with iron overload. Results Among individuals with elevated TS (>45% for women and >50% for men), who also had a usual source of care, only 5.2% reported ever being told by a doctor that they had an elevated iron condition. Mean values for GH and MH, and telomere length were significantly lower in those with elevated TS (Table 1; p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively), indicating worse general and mental health and shorter telomere length. In a fully adjusted model, elevated TS versus non-elevated TS was associated with worse general health status, mental health status and shorter telomere length. GH and MH status scores were progressively lower in individuals with increasing levels of TS (e.g., TS >60%) versus non-elevated TS. Conclusions Increased surveillance of elevated TS may be in order as elevated TS is associated with decreased health status and very few patients with elevated TS are aware of their condition. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (11) ◽  
pp. 1185-1193

Background: The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients oftentimes suffer from both physical and psychosocial challenges that may lead to low health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, limited research has been done in this area. Objective: To examined mental health status and HRQoL among SLE patients in Thailand. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted at the rheumatology clinic of four major hospitals in Thailand. The paper-based questionnaire consisted of demographic, health history such as depression, anxiety, stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE), and the disease-specific Lupus Quality of Life scale (LupusQoL). Depending on the variable’s level of measurement such as categorical or continuous, Spearman’s Rho or Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationships among the variables. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify the predictors of LupusQoL. Results: Among the 387 participants, many might have experienced depression, anxiety, and stress (30%, 51%, and 29%, respectively). Self-esteem among the participants was good (31.8 out of 40). All eight domains of LupusQoL were affected with intimate relationship domain being impacted the most. The overall LupusQoL was significantly associated with the number of prescribed medications (r=–0.23), depression (r=–0.70), anxiety (r=–0.58), stress (r=–0.67), and self-esteem (r=0.59), p<0.001. Significant predictors of the overall LupusQoL were mental health status (depression, anxiety, and stress) and self-esteem, F (3, 81)=43.10, p<0.001, adjusted R²=0.60. Conclusion: SLE patients should be holistically assessed in both physical and psychological aspects. In addition to proper medical treatments, healthcare providers should use a multidisciplinary team approach to resolve the patients’ psychosocial issues, which in turn, may increase the patients’ quality of life. Self-care education may be necessary to help the patients manage the condition and decrease the number of medications. Keywords: Mental health, Quality of life, SLE, Thailand


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233372142097983
Author(s):  
Caress A. Dean

Objective: Studies show perceived health-related quality of life (HRQL) is associated with cardiovascular health (CVH) status; however, there is a limited understanding of underlying determinants of the CVH and HRQL of adults ≥50 years. Therefore, this study’s objective was to examine social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with Michigan residents ≥50 years HRQL measures and CVH status. Methods: Michigan-level data was extracted from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to complete the study’s objective. The data were weighted to obtain state-level estimates. Multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses identified SDOH significantly associated with Michiganders ≥50 years CVH status and HRQL measures. Results: The sample consisted of 10,889 participants. Compared to residents with a moderate CVH and mental health status, residents who reported unable to visit a doctor due to costs were two times more likely than those who were able to visit a provider to have a non-ideal CVH and mental health status (OR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.39–5.07). Discussion: SDOH were significantly associated with non-ideal CVH and HRQL measures. Interventions that seek to address the CVH and perceive HRQL of residents ≥50 years should also address their underlying SDOH. Research should be performed to determine the generalizability of these findings.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2656
Author(s):  
Dinh N. Vu ◽  
Dung T. Phan ◽  
Hoang C. Nguyen ◽  
Lan T. H. Le ◽  
Huu C. Nguyen ◽  
...  

Background: We aimed to examine the impacts of digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) and healthy eating behaviors (HES) on fear of COVID-19, changes in mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among front-line healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: An online survey was conducted at 15 hospitals and health centers from 6–19 April 2020. Data of 2299 front-line HCWs were analyzed—including socio-demographics, symptoms like COVID-19, health literacy, eHealth literacy, DDL, HES, fear of COVID-19, changes in mental health, and HRQoL. Regression models were used to examine the associations. Results: HCWs with higher scores of DDL and HES had lower scores of FCoV-19S (regression coefficient, B, −0.04; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, −0.07, −0.02; p = 0.001; and B, −0.10; 95% CI, −0.15, −0.06; p < 0.001); had a higher likelihood of stable or better mental health status (odds ratio, OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.05; p = 0.029; and OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.07; p = 0.043); and HRQoL (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.03; p = 0.006; and OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.06; p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: DDL and HES were found as independent predictors of fear of COVID−19, changes in mental health status, and HRQoL in front-line HCWs. Improving DDL and HES should be considered as a strategic approach for hospitals and healthcare systems.


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