scholarly journals Functional health and symptoms in Spain before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Lehmann ◽  
Bernhard Holzner ◽  
Johannes M. Giesinger ◽  
Andrew Bottomley ◽  
Shaad Ansari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on wellbeing and health has so far been studied using mostly cross-sectional designs. To place recent findings into context, we compared symptoms and functional health status in two independent samples assessed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Participants were recruited via an online panel using quota sampling. We assessed symptoms, functional health, and global quality of life with the EORTC QLQ-C30 in two general population samples in Spain (collected in July 2019 and April 2020). We also assessed several COVID-19 related variables, such as adherence to social distancing. Results Data from N = 1010 participants before the pandemic (mean age 47.1 years, 50.5% female) were compared with data from N = 504 participants during the pandemic (mean age 47.1 years, 50.8% female). Participants during the pandemic (vs. before the pandemic) reported lower role functioning and emotional functioning, as well as less symptom burden. A lower degree of social distancing was associated with better functional health and lower symptom burden. Conclusion Our findings indicate an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on functional health and symptom burden in the Spanish general population. The comparison of before and during the pandemic can be used to benchmark results raised only during the pandemic.

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanja Ledinski Ficko ◽  
Vlatko Pejsa ◽  
Vesna Zadnik

Abstract Background The impact of disease and treatment on the patient’s overall well-being and functioning is a topic of growing interest in clinical research and practice. The aim of this study is to obtain reference data on quality of life of Croatian general population. Further, we aim to assess the impact of the disease and its primary systemic treatment on their health related quality of life (HrQoL) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Patients and methods Participants for the first part of the study were randomly selected from adult Croatian population. In the clinical part of the study MM patients were included as prospectively diagnosed within two years in two major Croatian haematological centres. The EORTC QLQ-C30 in both trials and QLQ-MY20 in MM patients only were applied for HrQoL assessment. Results Gender, age and place of residence have great impact on quality of life scores in Croatian population. The MM patients at the time of diagnosis have lower QLQ-C30 scores for global quality of life, functional and symptom scale scores, as well as single items. The type of disease followed by the choice of therapy options are important HrQoL determinants. Conclusions The norm values available now for Croatian population will help to interpret HrQoL for clinicians and aid in planning cancer care interventions. This study identified treatment effect consistent with those from other observational studies and provided new data on HrQoL across two different treatment choices for MM patients.


2007 ◽  
Vol 122 (9) ◽  
pp. 967-971
Author(s):  
F C Van Wyk ◽  
F Vaz ◽  
M Harries ◽  
J Weighill

AbstractIntroduction:Several studies have implied that patients' quality of life stabilises six months after undergoing total laryngectomy. However, these studies may well have overlooked persistent short term variations in patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of seasonal change (i.e. summervswinter) on the quality of life of patients following total laryngectomy.Methods:A prospective, cross-sectional study of recurrence-free laryngectomy patients was performed, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (version three) QLQ-C30 questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30), during January 2004 (i.e. winter), August 2004 (summer) and January 2005 (winter).Results:Thirty-six patients were entered into the study. The response rate was 70.3 per cent. Patient's time elapsed since surgery varied from six months to 12 years. In all questionnaire domains, responses seemed remarkably consistent over time.Conclusion:No statistically significant differences were found between summer and winter scores in all the domains analysed by the EORTC QLQ-C30.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 540-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lene Kongsgaard Nielsen ◽  
Mary Jarden ◽  
Christen Lykkegaard Andersen ◽  
Henrik Frederiksen ◽  
Niels Abildgaard

Abstract Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) patients report more symptoms and more severe symptoms than patients with other hematological malignancies, resulting in reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Because survival is improving in MM patients there is an increased need for focus on HRQoL. The aim of this review was to interpret published longitudinal studies in MM patients according to a difference in HRQoL score, which is perceived as beneficial to the patient. Such criteria for minimal important differences (MID) in HRQoL score has been explored by Kvam et al (Eur J Haematol 2010, 84:345-53) and has been defined by a concensus expert panel (Cocks et al, Eur J Cancer 2012, 48:1713-21). Methods: A literature search was performed May 2016 in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Publications with longitudinal follow-up using the EORTC QLQ-C30 instrument for HRQoL measurement of physical functioning, global quality of life, fatigue or pain were included, and evaluation of mean change from baseline was carried out according to MID as defined by Kvam, and according to minimal, medium and large changes as defined by Cocks. Results: 11 first-line, 3 consolidation, 2 maintenance, 7 relapse studies, and one population-based study were included. In general, large and medium improvements were reported during first-line treatments. During consolidation with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, temporary large deteriorations were reported, but equalization occurred with even large improvements compared to baseline reportings. Deterioration or no beneficial change in global quality of life or fatigue are reported by the MM patients during relapse treatment. HRQoL data during maintenance therapy are sparse. For summary of results, see Figure 1. Conclusions: Guidelines for interpreting HRQoL changes with definitions of MID have been developed, but consensus is missing. Improvements in HRQoL are far more likely during first-line compared to relapse treatment regimens. The background of these findings should be in focus in future studies and HRQoL measurements should be part of maintenance studies in the future. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Naamala ◽  
Lars E. Eriksson ◽  
Jackson Orem ◽  
Gorrette K. Nalwadda ◽  
Zarina Nahar Kabir ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Self-reported measures play a crucial role in research, clinical practice and health assessment. Instruments used to assess self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) need validation to ensure that they measure what they are intended to, detect true changes over time and differentiate between subjects. A generic instrument measuring HRQoL adapted for use among people living with cancer in Uganda is lacking; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 in patients with cancer in Uganda. Methods Adult patients with various types of cancer (n = 385) cared for at the Uganda Cancer Institute answered the EORTC QLQ-C30 in Luganda or English language, the two most spoken languages in the country. The two language versions were evaluated with regard to data quality (floor and ceiling effects and missing responses), reliability (internal consistency) and validity (construct, known-group and criterion). Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Mean scores were compared between groups differing in disease stage to assess known-group validity. Criterion validity was examined according to associations between two QLQ-C30 subscales (Global quality of life and Physical function) and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Results Floor and ceiling effects were observed for several scales in the Luganda and English versions. All EORTC scales with the exception of Cognitive function (Luganda α = 0.66, English α = 0.50) had acceptable Cronbach’s alpha values (0.79–0.96). The CFA yielded good fit indices for both versions (RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.05 and CFI = 0.93). Known-group validity was demonstrated with statistically significant better HRQoL reported by patients with disease stages I–II compared to those in stages III–IV. Criterion validity was supported by positive correlations between KPS and the subscales Physical function (Luganda r = 0.75, English r = 0.76) and Global quality of life (Luganda r = 0.59, English r = 0.72). Conclusion The Luganda and English versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 appear to be valid and reliable measures and can be recommended for use in clinical research to assess HRQoL in adult Ugandans with cancer. However, the cognitive scale did not reach acceptable internal consistency and needs further evaluation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Naamala Mayanja ◽  
Lars E. Eriksson ◽  
Jackson Orem ◽  
Gorrette Kayondo Nalwadda ◽  
Zarina Nahar Kabir ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Self-reported measures play a crucial role in research, clinical practice and health assessment. Instruments used to assess self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) need validation to ensure that they measure what they are intended to, detect true changes over time and differentiate between subjects. A generic instrument measuring HRQoL adapted for use among people living with cancer in Uganda is lacking; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 when used in a Ugandan context. Methods Adult patients with various types of cancer (N=385) cared for at the Uganda Cancer Institute answered the Luganda or English version of the EORTC QLQ-C30. The two language versions were evaluated with regard to data quality (floor and ceiling effects and missing responses), reliability (internal consistency) and validity (construct, known-group and criterion). Construct validity was examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Mean scores were compared between groups differing in disease stage to assess known-group validity. Criterion validity was examined according to associations between two QLQ-C30 subscales (Global quality of life and Physical function) and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS).Results Floor and ceiling effects were observed for several scales in the Luganda and English versions. All EORTC scales with the exception of Cognitive function (Luganda α=0.66, English α=0.50) had acceptable Cronbach’s alpha values (0.79–0.96). The CFA yielded good fit indices for both versions (RMSEA=0.076–0.081, SRMR=0.048 and CFI=0.928–0.932). Known-group validity was demonstrated with statistically significant better HRQoL reported by patients with disease stages I–II compared to those in stages III–IV. The Global quality of life and the Physical function scales correlated positively to KPS (r=0.65 and r=0.75), indicating criterion validity. Conclusion The Luganda and English versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 appear to be valid and reliable measures and can be recommended for use in clinical research to assess HRQoL in adult Ugandans with cancer. However, the cognitive scale did not reach acceptable internal consistency and needs further evaluation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL


BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yacir El Alami ◽  
Hajar Essangri ◽  
Mohammed Anass Majbar ◽  
Saber Boutayeb ◽  
Said Benamr ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Health-related quality of life is mainly impacted by colorectal cancer which justified the major importance addressed to the development and validation of assessment questionnaires. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Moroccan Arabic Dialectal version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Moroccan version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 on colorectal cancer patients from the National Oncology Institute of Rabat, in the period from February 2015 to June 2017. The QLQ-C30 was administered to 120 patients. Statistical analysis included reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity as well as known-groups comparisons. Results In total, 120 patients with colorectal cancer were included in the study with 38 (32%) patients diagnosed with colon cancers. Eighty-two patients (68%) had rectal cancer, among which 29 (24%) patients with a stoma. The mean age of diagnosis was 54 years (+/− 13.3). The reliability and validity of the Arabic dialectal Moroccan version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 were satisfactory. [Cronbach’s alpha (α =0.74)]. All items accomplished the criteria for convergent and discriminant validity except for question number 5, which did not complete the minimum required correlation with its own scale (physical functioning). Patients with rectal cancer presented with bad Global health status and quality of life (GHS/QOL), emotional functioning as well as higher fatigue symptoms compared to patients with colon cancer. The difference between patients with and without stoma was significant for diarrhea and financial difficulty. Conclusions The Moroccan Arabic Dialectal version of the QLQ-C30 is a valid and reliable measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with colorectal cancer.


Author(s):  
Albert Tuca Rodríguez ◽  
Miguel Núñez Viejo ◽  
Pablo Maradey ◽  
Jaume Canal-Sotelo ◽  
Plácido Guardia Mancilla ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of individualized management of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) on quality of life (QoL) of patients with advanced cancer in clinical practice. Methods A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in patients with advanced cancer that were assisted by palliative care units. QoL was assessed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire at baseline (V0) and after 28 days (V28) of individualized BTcP therapy. Data on background pain, BTcP, comorbidities, and frailty were also recorded. Results Ninety-three patients completed the study. Intensity, duration, and number of BTcP episodes were reduced (p < 0.001) at V28 with individualized therapy. Transmucosal fentanyl was used in 93.8% of patients, mainly by sublingual route. Fentanyl titration was initiated at low doses (78.3% of patients received doses of 67 μg, 100 μg, or 133 μg) according to physician evaluation. At V28, mean perception of global health status had increased from 31.1 to 53.1 (p < 0.001). All scales of EORTC QLQ-C30 significantly improved (p < 0.001) except physical functioning, diarrhea, and financial difficulties. Pain scale improved from 73.6 ± 22.6 to 35.7 ± 22.3 (p < 0.001). Moreover, 85.9% of patients reported pain improvement. Probability of no ≥ 25% improvement in QoL was significantly higher in patients ≥ 65 years old (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.001–1.079) and patients hospitalized at baseline (OR 4.126; 95% CI 1.227–13.873). Conclusion Individualized BTcP therapy improved QoL of patients with advanced cancer. Transmucosal fentanyl at low doses was the most used drug. Trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT02840500) on July 19, 2016.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3826
Author(s):  
Oumar Billa ◽  
Franck Bonnetain ◽  
Jérôme Chamois ◽  
Angeline Ligey ◽  
Valérie Ganansia ◽  
...  

The impact of routine assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on satisfaction with care and the HRQoL of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy was assessed. Patients with HNC were randomly assigned to two arms, with stratification on sex, cancer localization, and stage of the disease. In the intervention arm, the patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires first before randomization, then before each medical appointment during radiotherapy (7 weeks), and then every 3 months until 1 year and at 2 years thereafter. In the control arm, the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires were completed before randomization and at 1 year and 2 years thereafter. The primary endpoint was mean change in HRQoL at score at 2 years from baseline assessed by EQ VAS from the EuroQol questionnaire. The secondary endpoint was mean change in satisfaction with care at 2 years from baseline assessed by QLQ-SAT32. Two hundred patients with head and neck cancers were involved in this study (mean age, 58.83 years (range, 36.56–87.89)), of whom 100 were assigned to the intervention arm and 100 to the control arm. Patients in the intervention arm were reported to have a statistically significant increase in EQ VAS at 2 years (p < 0.0001) and exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (mean change at 2 years from baseline = 10.46). In the two arms, mean differences between arms were not statistically significant, but minimal clinically important differences in favor of the intervention arm were found for EQ VAS (mean change difference (MD) = 5.84), satisfaction with care, in particular waiting times (MD = 10.85) and satisfaction with accessibility (MD = 6.52). Routine assessment of HRQoL improves HRQoL and satisfaction with care for patients with HNC treated with radiotherapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 371.1-371
Author(s):  
A. Koltakova ◽  
A. Lila ◽  
L. P. Ananyeva ◽  
A. Fedenko

Background:Pts with cancer may have MD that can be caused by neoplastic/paraneoplastic disease, rheumatic diseases or be induced by anticancer drug treatment. There is no data about MD influence on the QoL of cancer patients. The EORTC QoL questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 is a valid questionnaire designed to assess different aspects (Global health (GH), Functional (FS) and symptoms (SS) scales) that define the QoL of cancer patients [1].Objectives:The objective of the study was to assess the impact of drug induced and other types of MD on the QoL of cancer patients that received anticancer drug treatment by using of EORTC QLQ-C30 v3.0.Methods:The sampling of 123 pts (M/F – 40/83; mean age 54.4±12.8) with breast (32,5%), gastrointestinal (17%), ovary (8%), lung (7%) and other cancer was observed by rheumatologist in the oncology outpatient clinic. All pts received anticancer drug treatment: chemotherapy (104 pts), target therapy (16 pts) checkpoint-inhibitors (14 pts), hormone therapy (13 pts) in different combinations. 102(82.9%) of 123pts had MD include arthritis (12 pts), synovitis (5 pts), arthralgia (66 pts), periarthritis (34 pts), osteodynia (13 pts). There were 58 pts (group 1; M/F – 14/44; mean age 52.5±12.2) with anticancer drug treatment induced MD and 44 pts (group 2; M/F – 16/27; mean age 57.6±13.5) with other type of MD include 26 pts with skeletal metastasis. The were 21 pts (group 3; M/F – 10/11; mean age 52.9±11.1) without MD. All pts fulfilled EORTC QLQ-C30 v3.0 (tab.1).Table 1.The median [Q1;Q3] of results of GH, SS and SS of EORTC QLQ-C30ScaleSubscaleGroup1Group2Group3GH58.3[50;58]58.3[41.7;83.3]50[50;66.7]FS*Physical functioning73.3[60;86.7]73.3[66.7;86.7]86.7[80;93]Role functioning66.7[66.7;100]83.3[50;100]100[83;100]Emotional functioning83.3[66.7;100]75[66.7;91.7]91.6[83.3;100]Social functioning83.3[66.7;100]83.3[50;100]100[83.3;100]SS*Pain33.3[0;50]16.7[0;33.3]0[0;16.7]*There are only the scores that had got a statistical difference between the groups.Kruskal-Wallis H and post-hoc (Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) pairwise comparisons) tests for data analysis were performed.Results:A Kruskal-Wallis H test has shown a statistically significant difference in physical (χ2(2)=7.54; p=0.023), role (χ2(2)=9.87; p=0.007), emotion (χ2(2)=7.69; p=0.021) functioning and pain (χ2(2)=8.44; p=0.015) scores between the different groups. A post-hoc test with DSCF pairwise comparisons of median has shown a statistically significant difference between 1 and 3 groups (W=3.904; p=0.016) for physical functioning, between 2 and 3 groups (W=3.35; p=0.004) for role functioning, between 2 and 3 groups (W=4.03; p=0.012) for emotional functioning, between 1 and 3 groups (W=-3.97; p=0.014) for pain scale.Conclusion:The study has shown that MD associated with anticancer drug treatment adversely affected the QoL of cancer patients received anticancer drug treatment by reducing a physical functioning and by increasing pain scores. Presence of other types of MD adversely affect the QoL by reducing emotional and role functioning.References:[1]Aaronson NK,et al.The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30: a quality-of-life instrument for use in international clinical trials in oncology. J Natl Cancer Inst.1993;85(5):365-376. doi:10.1093/jnci/85.5.365Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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