scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life and Well-Being in Morocco

Author(s):  
Zouhour Samlani ◽  
Yassine Lemfadli ◽  
Adil Ait Errami ◽  
Sofia Oubaha ◽  
Khadija Krati

Introduction:The majority of epidemiological reports focus on confirmed cases of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to assess the health and well-being of adults not infected with Covid-19 after two months of quarantine in Morocco.Materials and methods:Two months after the declaration of quarantine in Morocco following the Covid-19 epidemic, we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study of 279 Moroccan citizens. We used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) as a determinant of quality of life, which is based on eight dimensions of health. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire distributed online. The participants also indicated their socio-demographic data, their knowledge and practices regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and whether they had chronic health problems.Results:The quality of life of all participants was moderately disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic with a mental health score (MCS) of 34.49 (± 6.44) and a physical health score (PCS) of 36.10 (± 5.82). Participants with chronic diseases scored lower with 29.28 (± 1.23) in mental health (MCS) and 32.51 (± 7.14) in physical health (PCS). The seriousness of COVID-19 has an impact on the quality of life and health well-being of people and this impact is more marked in patients with chronic health problems.Conclusion: Our results confirm the need to pay attention to the health of people who have not been infected with the virus. Our results also point out that uninfected people with chronic illnesses may be more likely to have well-being problems due to quarantine restrictions.

Author(s):  
Zouhour Samlani ◽  
Yassine Lemfadli ◽  
Adil Ait Errami ◽  
Sofia Oubaha ◽  
Khadija Krati

Introduction: The majority of epidemiological reports focus on confirmed cases of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to assess the health and well-being of adults not infected with Covid-19 after two months of quarantine in Morocco. Materials and methods: Two months after the declaration of quarantine in Morocco following the Covid-19 epidemic, we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study of 279 Moroccan citizens. We used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) as a determinant of quality of life, which is based on eight dimensions of health. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire distributed online. The participants also indicated their socio-demographic data, their knowledge and practices regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and whether they had chronic health problems. Results: The quality of life of all participants was moderately disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic with a mental health score (MCS) of 34.49 (± 6.44) and a physical health score (PCS) of 36.10 (± 5.82). Participants with chronic diseases scored lower with 29.28 (± 1.23) in mental health (MCS) and 32.51 (± 7.14) in physical health (PCS). The seriousness of COVID-19 has an impact on the quality of life and health well-being of people and this impact is more marked in people with chronic health problems. Conclusion: Our results confirm the need to pay attention to the health of people who have not been infected with the virus. Our results also point out that uninfected people with chronic illnesses may be more likely to have well-being problems due to quarantine restrictions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E. Hempel ◽  
Joanne E. Taylor ◽  
Martin J. Connolly ◽  
Fiona M. Alpass ◽  
Christine V. Stephens

ABSTRACTBackground:Driving anxiety can range from driving reluctance to driving phobia, and 20% of young older adults experience mild driving anxiety, whereas 6% report moderate to severe driving anxiety. However, we do not know what impact driving anxiety has on health and well-being, especially among older drivers. This is problematic because there is a growing proportion of older adult drivers and a potential for driving anxiety to result in premature driving cessation that can impact on health and mortality. The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of driving anxiety on young older adults’ health and well-being.Method:Data were taken from a longitudinal study of health and aging that included 2,473 young older adults aged 55–70 years. The outcome measures were mental and physical health (SF-12) and quality of life (WHOQOL-8).Results:Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that driving anxiety was associated with poorer mental health, physical health, and quality of life, over and above the effect of socio-demographic variables. Sex moderated the effect of driving anxiety on mental health and quality of life in that, as driving anxiety increased, men and women were more likely to have lower mental health and quality of life, but women were more likely to have higher scores compared to men.Conclusion:Further research is needed to investigate whether driving anxiety contributes to premature driving cessation. If so, self-regulation of driving and treating driving anxiety could be important in preventing or reducing the declines in health and quality of life associated with driving cessation for older adults affected by driving anxiety.


2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-164
Author(s):  
Branka Gvozdic ◽  
Dragica Milenkovic-Petronic ◽  
Nebojsa Ladjevic ◽  
Aleksandar Vuksanovic ◽  
Otas Durutovic

Background/Aim. Urolithiasis is one of the most common urological illnesses with a continual rise in incidence and prevalence in the population. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial; hence, its consequences are serious problems that can significantly impact the quality of life of patients. In the last years, operational modes of urolithiasis treatment had undergone evolution changes towards minimally invasive treatment techniques aimed at improving its efficacy and patients' life quality. The aim of the study was to examine and evaluate the quality of life of the patients with urolithiasis depending on the applied treatment method. Methods. This research was designed as a panel study ? a combination of a cross-sectional and cohort study. The sample included patients with urolithiasis treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopic lithotripsy (Lithoclast). The research was carried during one year period and 100 respondents met the inclusion criteria. They were divided into two equal groups considering the applied method of the stone disintegration: the Lithoclast group (URSL) and the ESWL group. The instrument used for measuring the quality of life was Short Form (SF) 36 questionnaire. It was administrated to the patients immediately before the operation and one month after the operation. Results. The statistical analysis of the scores obtained preoperationally on the SF 36 questionnaire revealed the decrease in the quality of life of patients with urolithiasis in almost all dimensions of life. The statistically relevant difference in preoperative SF scores between the two groups of patients was not established except in the domain of the role of physical health and the domain of mental health. In the domain of the role of physical health, the Lithoclast group had a statistically significant higher score than the ESWL group, but in the domain of mental health, the ESWL group had a statistically significant higher score than the Lithoclast group. The postoperative statistical analysis of SF questionnaire and the examination of the impact of the treatment mode on the quality of life showed that the use of the Lithoclast method resulted in the much higher, statistically significant score at SF36 questionnaires regarding several life dimensions than the ESWL method. The application of the ESWL method even resulted in the decrease in the postoperational score for some life dimensions. Conclusion. The assessment of the quality of life is an adequate tool for the evaluation of treatment modes in the clinical practice. By using the SF 36 questionnaire in this study, we established that the ureteroscopic lithotripsy (the Lithoclast method) is a method that postoperatively results in much higher and statistically significant improvement of the quality of life of patients with urolithiasis in several health domains than the ESWL method.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Hood ◽  
Hanne Stotesbury ◽  
Jennifer Murphy ◽  
Melanie Kölbel ◽  
April Slee ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Behavioral mitigation strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in sweeping lifestyle changes, with short and long-term psychological, well-being, and quality of life implications. The Attitudes About COVID-19 and Health (ATTACH) study focuses on understanding attitudes and beliefs whilst considering the impact on mental and physical health and the influence of broader demographic and geographic factors on attitudes, beliefs, and mental health burden. OBJECTIVE In this assessment of our first wave of data collection, we provide baseline cohort descriptives of ATTACH study participants in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), and Mexico. Additionally, we assess responses to daily poll questions related to COVID-19 and conduct a cross-sectional analysis of baseline assessments collected in the UK between June 26 and October 31, 2020. METHODS The ATTACH study uses smartphone-app technology and online survey data collection. Participants completed poll questions twice daily related to COVID-19 and a monthly survey assessing mental health, social isolation, physical health, and quality of life. Poll question responses were graphed using 95% Clopper-Pearson (exact) tests with 95% confidence intervals. Pearson correlations, hierarchical linear regression analyses, and generalized linear models assessed relationships, predictors of self-reported outcomes, and group differences, respectively. RESULTS By October 31, 2020, 1405, 80, and 90 participants had consented to participate in the UK, USA, and Mexico, respectively. Descriptive data for the UK daily poll questions indicated that participants were generally following social distancing measures, but worry and negative impacts on families increased as the pandemic progressed. Although participants generally reported feeling that the reasons for current measures had been made clear, there was low trust that the government was doing everything in its power to meet public needs. In the UK, 1282 participants also completed a monthly survey (95% white, 72% female, 21% key or essential workers). Nineteen percent of UK participants reported a pre-existing mental health disorder, 31% reported a pre-existing chronic medical illness, and 35% were over 65. Fifty-seven percent of participants reported being more sedentary since the pandemic began, and 41% reported reduced access to medical care. Those with poorer mental health outcomes lived in more deprived neighborhoods, in larger households (ps < .05), had more pre-existing mental health disorders and medical conditions, and were younger than 65 years (all ps < .001). CONCLUSIONS Communities who have been exposed to additional harm during the COVID-19 pandemic were experiencing worse mental outcomes. Factors including having a medical condition, or living in a deprived neighborhood or larger household were associated with heightened risk. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the link between COVID-19 exposure, mental health, and sociodemographic and residential characteristics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Nouri ◽  
Awat Feizi ◽  
Hamidreza Roohafza ◽  
Masoumeh Sadeghi ◽  
Nizal Sarrafzadegan

Abstract Background and objectives A short form of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is a useful screening instrument for assessing mental health. Furthermore, Quality of life (QoL) is a critical treatment outcome in many clinical and health care research settings. This study aimed to reassess the dimensionality of GHQ-12 using Multidimensional Graded Response Model (MGRM) and evaluate how its extracted dimensions are associated with the QoL's domains. Methods Isfahan Cohort Study 2 (ICS2) is a population-based, ongoing prospective cohort study among adults aged 35 years and older who were free of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) at the beginning of the study in 2013. A total of 1316 participants, all living in urban and rural areas of Isfahan and Najafabad, Iran was completed the GHQ-12 and WHO QoL-brief version at baseline. Five competing MGRMs with different latent structures were specified for GHQ-12. Factor scores derived from the best fitted model were used to associate with various domains of QoL. Results: The Three-Dimensional model for GHQ-12 was the best-fitted model explaining the Social Function (SF), Self Confidence (SC), and Anxiety/Depression (A/D) as three correlated yet different latent dimensions of mental health. Our findings in full adjusted multivariate regression models showed that a one-SD increase in dimensions of SC and SF was associated with a 38- to 48%-SD and 27- to 38%-SD increase in the domains scores of QoL, respectively. Moreover, for each one‐SD increase in score of A/D dimension, the domains scores of QoL decreased by 29- to 40%-SD. The highest to the lowest standardized coefficients for all latent dimensions of mental health were respectively related to the psychological, physical health, social relationships, and environmental condition domains of QoL. Furthermore, SC, A/D, and SF dimensions of GHQ-12 showed the highest to the lowest degree of association with all domains of QoL. Conclusions Our findings confirm that the GHQ-12 as a multidimensional rather than unitary instrument measures distinct dimensions of mental health. Furthermore, all aspects of QoL changed when the intensity of latent dimensions of mental health increased. Moreover, the psychological domain of QoL is the most affected by all latent dimensions of mental health, followed by physical health, social relationships, and environmental condition domains. It seems that in an attempt to full recovery as assessed by improved QoL outcomes, treatment of clinical symptoms may not be sufficient. Identifying and differentiating the structures of mental health in each community as well as implementing intervention programs aimed at focusing on specific dimensions may help in the prevention of further deterioration of mental health and improved QoL in the community.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 593-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Foster ◽  
Graig M. Chow

Well-being research conducted in competitive athletics has been marred by the lack of a context-specific measurement instrument. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF) to create a sport-specific well-being instrument, the Sport Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (Sport MHC-SF), and test its initial psychometric properties. Participants were 287 collegiate athletes from a variety of sports. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) determined a three-factor structure of sport well-being, consisting of subjective, psychological, and social factors, as the model of best fit. Internal consistency reliabilities of the subscales exceeded .88. Moderate positive correlations were found between Sport MHC-SF subscales and quality of life indices, notably physical and emotional quality of life, demonstrating convergent validity. The Sport MHC-SF will facilitate empirical research by providing a more accurate and comprehensive measurement of well-being for an athletic population.


2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 436-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Penha Uchoa Sales ◽  
Maria Irenilza Oliveira ◽  
Isabela Melo Mattos ◽  
Cyntia Maria Sampaio Viana ◽  
Eanes Delgado Barros Pereira

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after twelve months of smoking cessation. METHODS: This was a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation program on the quality of life of 60 self-referred subjects, at a public hospital, during the period of August 2006 to December 2007. The program consisted of 2-h group sessions once a week during the first month and then every 15 days over six months, followed by monthly phone contacts for another six months. The treatment was based on behavior modification and the use of bupropion in combination with nicotinic replacement therapy. Abstinence was verified by exhaled CO measurements. Patient HRQoL was quantified using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Differences in quality of life scores between quitters and non-quitters at twelve months after the initial intervention were evaluated using analysis of covariance with baseline characteristics as covariates. RESULTS: Self-reported quality of life scores were significantly higher among the 40 quitters than among the 20 non-quitters. The following SF-36 domains were most affected: role-emotional (p = 0.008); general health (p = 0.006); vitality (p < 0.001); and mental health (p = 0.002). At twelve months after the smoking cessation intervention, the SF-36 mental component and physical component summary scores were higher among quitters than among non-quitters (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate that smoking abstinence is related to better HRQoL, especially in aspects of mental health.


2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-95
Author(s):  
Md Abdul Qader ◽  
AKM Abu Mottaleb ◽  
Naznin Akter Shetu ◽  
Raonokosh Salehin Khan ◽  
Tanjima Ahad Nisha ◽  
...  

Objectives: Assessment of health related quality of life (HRQOL) is an essential part of evaluation of end stage renal disease (ESRD) as we have conducted this study on haemodialysis patients to see the HRQOL and to asses and compare the parameters which influence physical and mental health. Materials and Methods: This was a single centre study on haemodialysis patients using Short Form 36 (SF-36) of Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL). All the eight domains of HRQOL were assessed individually as well as summary scores for mental health (MCS Mental composite summary) and physical health (PCS Physical composite summary) were also evaluated. The questionnaire was completed by patient themselves and the clinical data was extracted from the medical records with prior consent from the patient. Results and discussion: The study participants showed a female predominance of 66% with a lower PCS and MCS scores among female participants in comparison to their male counterparts. Overall summary scores showed a lower PCS (38.71±8.15) than MCS (42.79±11.6) which reflects better mental health than physical health in the study population. A multiple regression analysis showed, the presence of residual renal function (β= -0.421, p= 0.02), duration of dialysis (β= 0.405, p= 0.03) and haemoglobin less than 12g/dL (β= 0.379, p= 0.02) were significant predictors of MCS. Conclusion: HRQOL in haemodialysis patients are influenced by socio-demographic as well as clinical parameters. In our population, kidney disease affects physical health more than mental health and the reasons are multifactorial. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21(1) 2022 Page : 90-95


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaw Ampem Amoako ◽  
Nancy Ackam ◽  
John-Paul Omuojine ◽  
Michael Ntiamoah Oppong ◽  
Abena Gyawu Owusu-Ansah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Buruli ulcer disease (BUD) is a necrotic skin neglected tropical disease (NTD) that has both a mental and physical health impact on affected individuals. Although there is increasing evidence suggesting a strong association between neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and mental illness, there is a relative lack of information on BUD’s impact on the mental health and quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals in Ghana. This study is to assess the impact of BUD on mental health and quality of life of patients with active and past BUD infection, and their caregivers. Methods We conducted a case control study in 3 BUD endemic districts in Ghana between August and November 2019. Face-to-face structured questionnaire-based interviews were conducted on BUD patients with active and past infection, as well as caregivers of BUD patients using WHO Quality of Life scale, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, Buruli Ulcer Functional Limitation Score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale data tools. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study participants. Participant groups were compared using student t test and chi-square (χ2) or Fisher’s exact tests. Mean quality of life scores are reported with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Data was analysed using STATA statistical software. Results Our results show that BUD patients with active and past infection, along with their caregivers, face significant levels of distress and mental health sequelae compared to controls. Depression (P = 0.003) was more common in participants with active (27%) and past BU infection (17%), compared to controls (0%). Anxiety was found in 42% (11/26) and 20% (6/29) of participants with active and past BUD infection compared to 14% (5/36) of controls. Quality of life was also significantly diminished in active BUD infection, compared to controls. In the physical health domain, mean QoL scores were 54 ± 11.1 and 56 ± 11.0 (95% CI: 49.5‒58.5 and 52.2‒59.7) respectively for participants with active infection and controls. Similarly in the psychological domain, scores were lower for active infection than controls [57.1 ± 15.2 (95% CI: 50.9‒63.2) vs 64.7 ± 11.6 (95% CI: 60.8‒68.6)]. Participants with past infection had high QoL scores in both physical [61.3 ± 13.5 (95% CI: 56.1‒66.5)] and psychological health domains [68.4 ± 14.6 (95% CI: 62.7‒74.0)]. Conclusions BUD is associated with significant mental health distress and reduced quality of life in affected persons and their caregivers in Ghana. There is a need for integration of psychosocial interventions in the management of the disease. Graphic abstract


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-128
Author(s):  
Kirill Kosilov ◽  
Hiroki Amedzawa ◽  
Irina Kuzina ◽  
Vladimir Kuznetsov ◽  
Liliya Kosilova

Aim: The study of the impact of socio-economic, demographic factors and polymorbidity on the quality of life associated with health (HRQoL) in elderly people from Japan and Russia. Background: Factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly in both countries are poorly understood. Objective: Make a comparative analysis of factors affecting the quality of life of the elderly of both sexes in Japan and Russia. Methods: The age range in this study is 65-95 years old. For the study of HRQoL, a questionnaire Health Status Survey-Short Form 36v2 was used, including two main domains: physical and mental health. The level of polymorbidity was studied using CIRS-G. The linear regression model of the influence of variables upon HRQoL was calculated for SES, demographic characteristics, and morbidity. Results: Strong associations with HRQoL in the combined sample had a living together with relatives (r=6.94 (5.17-8.72) p<0,05), the incidence rate (r=8.50 (5.51-11.49), p<0.01) and the older age (r=5.39 (2.63-8.16), p<0,01.). The elderly inhabitants of Japan had a higher self-assessment for physical health in the age ranges 65-74 and over 85 years old (p<0.05), and a higher selfassessment of mental health at the age of 75-84 years old. Sixty-eight elderly Japanese and 48% Russians estimated their physical health as normal. Conclusion: The effect of living together, morbidity and age upon HRQoL is manifested equally strongly both among the inhabitants of Japan and among the Russians. The elderly Japanese estimate the state of physical and mental health as a whole higher than their Russian peers.


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