scholarly journals Associations between Demographics and Quality of Life in Children in the First Year of Cancer Treatment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Raybin ◽  
Verna Hendricks-Ferguson ◽  
Paul Cook ◽  
Catherine Jankowski
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Symptom Distress ◽  
Older Age ◽  
First Year ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Biologic Marker

Symptom distress and decreased quality of life (QOL) among children with cancer are well documented. Research is emerging on the child’s voice in QOL-symptom reports, but existing QOL questionnaires are burdensome and objective biologic markers are lacking. We examined children’s symptoms and QOL from parent and child perspectives and compared the results to one biologic marker (body posture). A cross-sectional secondary analysis of prospective data from children receiving creative arts therapy explored potential associations among demographics with and between QOL measures (PedsQL, Faces Scale, posture). Children (n = 98) ranged in age from 3-17 years (M = 7.8) and were in the first year of cancer treatment. No significant associations were found among the child’s sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), or distance from hospital and total PedsQL. Older age was associated with worse total PedsQL, pain, nausea, worry, and posture (all ps < .05). Greater worry (β = 0.51) and worse posture (β = 0.41) were the QOL variables most strongly correlated with older age. Poorer posture was associated with worse child PedsQL (total score, nausea, treatment anxiety, cognitive) and parent PedsQL (pain, nausea). Worse scores on the Faces Scale, PedsQL, and posture were all correlated (rs = .21 - .39, all ps < .05). Interventions to improve QOL could target nausea, worry, and older patients. Accuracy and interpretation of symptom distress in children is problematic. The Faces Scale and posture may be suitable, readily obtained measures of QOL in pediatric oncology that hold promise.

scholarly journals Residual Corticosteroid Production in Autoimmune Addison Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (7) ◽  
pp. 2430-2441
Author(s):  
Åse Bjorvatn Sævik ◽  
Anna-Karin Åkerman ◽  
Paal Methlie ◽  
Marcus Quinkler ◽  
Anders Palmstrøm Jørgensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Plasma Renin ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Addison Disease ◽  
Serum Aldosterone ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass

Abstract Context Contrary to current dogma, growing evidence suggests that some patients with autoimmune Addison disease (AAD) produce corticosteroids even years after diagnosis. Objective To determine frequencies and clinical features of residual corticosteroid production in patients with AAD. Design Two-staged, cross-sectional clinical study in 17 centers (Norway, Sweden, and Germany). Residual glucocorticoid (GC) production was defined as quantifiable serum cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol and residual mineralocorticoid (MC) production as quantifiable serum aldosterone and corticosterone after &gt; 18 hours of medication fasting. Corticosteroids were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Clinical variables included frequency of adrenal crises and quality of life. Peak cortisol response was evaluated by a standard 250 µg cosyntropin test. Results Fifty-eight (30.2%) of 192 patients had residual GC production, more common in men (n = 33; P &lt; 0.002) and in shorter disease duration (median 6 [0-44] vs 13 [0-53] years; P &lt; 0.001). Residual MC production was found in 26 (13.5%) patients and associated with shorter disease duration (median 5.5 [0.5-26.0] vs 13 [0-53] years; P &lt; 0.004), lower fludrocortisone replacement dosage (median 0.075 [0.050-0.120] vs 0.100 [0.028-0.300] mg; P &lt; 0.005), and higher plasma renin concentration (median 179 [22-915] vs 47.5 [0.6-658.0] mU/L; P &lt; 0.001). There was no significant association between residual production and frequency of adrenal crises or quality of life. None had a normal cosyntropin response, but peak cortisol strongly correlated with unstimulated cortisol (r = 0.989; P &lt; 0.001) and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; r = –0.487; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion In established AAD, one-third of the patients still produce GCs even decades after diagnosis. Residual production is more common in men and in patients with shorter disease duration but is not associated with adrenal crises or quality of life.

scholarly journals A scoping review of palliative care outcome measures in interstitial lung disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (161) ◽  
pp. 210080
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Gersten ◽  
Amanda C. Moale ◽  
Bhavna Seth ◽  
Judith B. Vick ◽  
Hannah Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Social Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Outcome

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) confers a high mortality and symptom burden, substantially impacting quality of life. Studies evaluating palliative care in ILD are rapidly expanding. Uniform outcome measures are crucial to assessing the impact of palliative care in ILD. This scoping review evaluates existing outcome measures in general health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical health, mental health, social health and advance care planning (ACP) domains in patients with ILD. Articles in English with quantitative assessment of at least one measure of general HRQoL, physical health, mental health, social health or ACP in patients with ILD were included. Searches across three databases yielded 3488 non-duplicate articles. 23 met eligibility criteria and included three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or secondary analysis of an RCT (13%), three cross-sectional studies or secondary analysis of cross-sectional study (13%), one prospective study (4%) and 16 retrospective studies (70%). Among eligible articles, 25 distinct instruments were identified. Six studies assessed general HRQoL (26%), 16 assessed physical health (70%), 11 assessed mental health (48%), six assessed social health (26%) and 16 assessed ACP (70%). The ability to compare results across studies remains challenging given the heterogeneity in outcome measures. Future work is needed to develop core palliative care outcome measures in ILD.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 pandemic and first-year medical students’ academic motivation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidos K. Bolatov
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Abstract The study aimed to investigate the relationships between academic motivation and the psychological well-being of 1st-year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of respondents in the cross-sectional study was 273. Intrinsic motivation was positively correlated with fear of COVID-19 and negatively correlated with psychological collapse and negative changes in quality of life due to the COVID-19. Extrinsic motivation positively associated with fear of COVID-19. Amotivation positively correlated with psychological collapse and negative changes in quality of life. In conclusion, COVID-19-related changes in quality of life and psychological destruction were predictors of academic motivation among 1st-year medical students.

Factors predictive of optimal peristomal skin status in patients with an ostomy: a secondary analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Sup12) ◽  
pp. S24-S34
Author(s):  
Eugenia Rodriguez González ◽  
Carmen del Pino Zurita ◽  
Gemma Arrontes Caballero ◽  
Araceli Hoyo Rodríguez ◽  
Eugenia Zapatero Rodríguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Multicentre Study ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Skin Changes ◽  
Peristomal Skin ◽  
Stoma Site Marking

Peristomal skin problems are common in ostomy patients and are connected to decreased quality of life and patient independence, as well as increased treatment costs. This study analysed the factors related to peristomal skin changes in order to better define the clinical profile of patients with optimal peristomal skin status. Secondary analysis of data from a nationwide, cross-sectional, retrospective, multicentre study performed in Spain (Uses and Attitudes in Ostomy) ( Bueno Cruz et al, 2021 ) evaluated clinical data, including demographics, preoperative stoma site marking, type of ostomy, device used, frequency of leakage and scores from the Ostomy Skin Tool (OST) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Risk factors for peristomal skin changes were analysed using multivariate analysis, and a predictive nomogram to anticipate optimal peristomal skin status (defined here as discolouration (D), erosion (E), and tissue overgrowth (T) (DET) score of 0) was developed. Some 871 patients with an ostomy using different commercial devices in Spain were evaluated. Multivariate analysis to predict optimal peristomal skin status revealed leakage frequency, patient age, type of ostomy, preoperative siting and type of baseplate used were independent predictors of peristomal skin status. Optimal peristomal skin care should be a treatment goal for nurse specialists in stomal therapy, and its individual influencing variables should be taken into account by nurses specialising in ostomy care.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life predictors during medical residency in a random, stratified sample of residents

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Costa Mosca Macedo ◽  
Vanessa de Albuquerque Cítero ◽  
Simone Schenkman ◽  
Maria Cezira Fantini Nogueira-Martins ◽  
Mauro Batista Morais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Critical Patients ◽  
Almost All

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life during the first three years of training and identify its association with sociodemographicoccupational characteristics, leisure time and health habits. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 128 residents stratified by year of training was conducted. The Medical Outcome Study -short form 36 was administered. Mann-Whitney tests were carried out to compare percentile distributions of the eight quality of life domains, according to sociodemographic variables, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed, followed by a validity checking for the resulting models. RESULTS: The physical component presented higher quality of life medians than the mental component. Comparisons between the three years showed that in almost all domains the quality of life scores of the second year residents were higher than the first year residents (p < 0.01). The mental component scores remained high for third year residents (p < 0.01). Predictors of higher quality of life were: second or third year of residency, satisfaction with the training program, sufficient time for leisure, and care of critical patients for less than 30 hours per week. CONCLUSION: The mental component of quality of life was the most impaired component, indicating the importance of caring for residents' mental health, especially during their first year and when they are overloaded with critical patients.

scholarly journals Social and health determinants of gender differences in disability amongst older adults in South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya ◽  
Karl Peltzer ◽  
Shandir Ramlagan ◽  
Witness Chirinda ◽  
Zamakayise Kose
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
South Africans

There has been an unprecedented increase in population ageing resulting in the increase in prevalence of various health conditions, including disability and associated risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of functional status and disability amongst older South Africans. Little is known about disability amongst older South Africans because most previous health research has focused on younger individuals and infectious diseases. We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 3840 subjects aged 50 years or older in South Africa. Multivariable regression analysis was performed in order to assess the association of social factors, health variables and functional disability. Overall, 37.2% of the respondents had moderate or severe and/or very severe functional disability, this being higher amongst women. The highest disability was found for the mobility, cognition and participation domains. In all domains, except for the self-care domain, women had a higher disability prevalence. Multivariable analysis amongst men revealed that older age, having some or primary education, being from Indian or Asian race, having chronic conditions, physical inactivity and a lower quality of life were associated with functional disability. Amongst women, older age, as well as having chronic conditions and a lower quality of life, were associated with functional disability. This study has implications for health-sector strategic plans aimed at preventing disabilities, ensuring access to curative and rehabilitative care. This study forms an evidence base upon which future policies and health care management systems can be based.Daar was ’n ongekende toename in bevolkingsveroudering, wat ’n toename in die voorkoms van verskeie gesondheidstoestande tot gevolg gehad het, insluitende gestremdheid en gepaardgaande faktore. Die studie was daarop gemik om die voorkoms en voorspelbaarheid van die funksionele status en gestremdheid onder ouer Suid-Afrikaners te ondersoek. Daar is min bekennis oor gestremdheid onder ouer Suid-Afrikaners omdat vorige gesondheidsnavorsing meestal op jonger individue en oordraagbare siektes ingestel was. Ons het ’n nasionale bevokings-gebaseerde kruis-seksionele ondersoek uitgevoer op ’n studiemonster van 3840 Suid-Afrikaners, 50-jaar en ouer. Om die verband tussen sosiale faktore, gesondheidsveranderlikes en funksionele gestremdheid te bepaal, is veelvuldig veranderlike regressie-analise uitgevoer. In die algemeen het 37.2% van die respondente matig of ernstige funksionele gestremdheid ervaar wat hoer was onder vroue. Die hoogste vorm van gestremdheid was op die gebiede van beweeglikehid, waarneming en deelname. Die voorkoms van gestremdheid was op alle gebiede hoër in vroue, behalwe op die gebied van selfsorg. Multi-veranderlike ontledings onder mans het getoon dat funksionele gestremdheid geassosieer word met ouderdom, met ’n mate van primêre onderwys, met die Indiese of Asiatiese bevolkingsgroep, en met diegene wat ly aan kroniese toestande (beroerte, slaapprobleme snags), fisiese onaktiwiteit en ’n laer lewenskwaliteit. Die studie het implikasies vir strategiese planne in die gesondheidsektor wat daarop gemik is om gestremdheid te voorkom en om toegang tot genesende en rehabiliterende sorg te verseker. Hierdie studie verskaf ’n grondslag van bewyse waarop beleid- en gesondheidsorg-bestuurstelsels in die toekoms gebaseer kan word.

Measuring the quality of life of incarcerated individuals

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Elizabeth Muller ◽  
Anne Bukten
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Exercise Frequency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Incarcerated Populations ◽  
Incarcerated Population

Purpose Measuring quality of life (QoL) under incarceration can be used to track successful rehabilitation and risk of re-offending. However, few studies have measured QoL among general incarcerated populations, and it is important to use psychometrically strong measures that pose minimal burdens to respondents and administrators. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The aim of this analysis was to explore the utility of a short generic tool measuring overall QoL, the QOL5, in an incarcerated population. The authors drew data from the Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction Study, a cross-sectional survey of 1,499 individuals from Norwegian prisons. Findings Factor analysis suggested a unidimensional structure that explained 53.2 percent of variance in QoL scores. Intrascale correlations were high and internal consistency was acceptable (α=0.764). The QOL5 was strongly correlated with mental health, moderately correlated with exercise frequency and weakly correlated with ward security. Practical implications The QOL5 is a short measure that presents minimal burden to respondents and administrators. The authors recommend its further use in incarcerated populations to measure overall QoL as well as cross-cultural adaptation and validation in more languages. Originality/value In this analysis of the largest published sample to date of incarcerated individuals and their QoL, the QOL5 appears to be an acceptable and valid measure of overall QoL.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document