A Canadian Self-Administered Online Survey to Evaluate the Impact of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis among Patients

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 294-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Wasel ◽  
Yves Poulin ◽  
Robin Andrew ◽  
Daphne Chan ◽  
Elisa Fraquelli ◽  
...  

Background: Few population studies of individuals living with psoriasis have been performed in Canada. Objective: The objective of this survey was to understand the severity and impact of psoriasis on the lives of Canadian patients. Methods: An online survey was conducted using a consumer panel. Eligible subjects reported a diagnosis of psoriasis and provided a self-reported level of severity. In addition, subjects had to either (a) have psoriasis covering at least 3% of their body surface area; (b) have psoriasis on a sensitive area of the body; or (c) be currently undergoing treatment for their psoriasis with systemic medication and/or phototherapy. Results: A total of 514 panelists met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Current moderate, severe, or very severe psoriasis was reported by 65% of respondents. Nearly all subjects (96%) had psoriasis affecting a sensitive area of the body. At the time of the survey, 18% were taking systemic medication and/or phototherapy. Comorbidities, such as obesity and high blood pressure, were highly prevalent, with 75% of respondents reporting at least one other diagnosis. Data from the SF-8 and Dermatology Life Quality Index instruments indicated that psoriasis negatively impacted quality of life. Conclusion: Moderate-to-severe psoriasis places a burden on Canadian patients, some of whom may be receiving suboptimal treatment or treatment not appropriate for the severity of their condition.

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Kolbe ◽  
Peter S. Henne

AbstractWhat is the impact of religious repression on forced migration? While current and historical cases highlight the significance of state-sponsored religions repression, existing quantitative studies on forced migration have not sufficiently addressed the role of religion as a determinant of flight. We argue that religious repression undermines the quality of life, quality of religious observance, and physical integrity of religious communities, and therefore increases incentives to leave. We test this through a quantitative analysis of forced migration data from 1990 to 2008 and several measures of religious repression, using a negative binomial regression. We find that state-driven religious repression, in particular religious bans, tends to increase forced migration. These findings contribute to the body of forced migration literature and the study of religion and politics by demonstrating the significant effects religious repression has on this aspect of world politics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-10
Author(s):  
Sujata Bhandari ◽  
Gulam Muhammad Khan

Introduction: Skin is the outer covering of the body and thus it is exposed to injury by various extrinsic factors such as environmental, chemical, infectious agents as well as intrinsic factors such as metabolic, genetic and immunological. Considering the fact that these are the major contributors of disease burden in society, this study was conducted to assess the impact of dermatological conditions on quality of life by using dermatological life quality index (DLQI). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the outpatient department of Green Pastures Hospital of Pokhara, Nepal. The validated dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaires were assessed to analyze the result. Results: A total of 246 patients (135 females and 111 males) were enrolled. The skin diseases were seen mostly in the age group of 19-29 (39.4%). The major skin disease seen in the study were Tinea skin infections (21.1%), Urticaria (11.8%), Eczema (11.1%), Dermatitis (10.6%) followed by Acne (8.1%) and so on.The quality of life of patients had improved after taking the medication. Conclusion: Demographic variants did not have significanteffect on quality of life. However, the study showed that there was a notable improvement in quality of life of patients after follow-up visit in comparison to the first visit. Therefore, the proper use of medication showed the positive impact on quality of life among the patient of skin diseases. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 1899-1903
Author(s):  
Wajid Ali Akhunzada ◽  
Naima Luqman ◽  
Asima Luqman ◽  
Muhammad Khalid ◽  
Sultana Jam

Introduction: Melasma is an acquired, chronic, recurrent symmetricalhypermelanosis which is characterized by brown patches of variable darkness on sun exposedareas of the body primarily on the face.1,2 Melasma is more common in Asians and in peoplewho live in locations that receive high intensity UV radiation.3,4 Melasma is a skin disease thatsignificantly affects social and emotional wellbeing of the patients as well as their Quality of Life(QoL). Objectives: To find out the impact of melasmaon quality of life of the patients. StudyDesign: It is a descriptive study and the sample (patients), were selected through convenientsampling. Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted in the department ofpsychiatry & Dermatology department of Bahawal Vicortoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from July toDecember 2016. Material and Methods: Hundred patients having melasma including 11 malesand 89 females from both departments were included in the study. Two questionnaires wereapplied for measuring target variables, these were (i) Dermatology Life Quality Index to assessthe effect of melasma on quality of life (DLQI) and (ii) Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) todetermine the severity of melasma. Results: The study included 100 patients of which 89 werefemales while 11 were males. Mean age of the patients was 27+6. Regarding the educationalstatus of patients, the majority (36%) were graduates and 16% had a Masters degree. Of thesepatients, 53% were unmarried while 47% were married. Mean DLQI was slightly higher forfemale patients (13.48) as compared to male patients (12.82). Mean MASI was also higherin females (15.26) as compared to males which was (14.39). Conclusions: Melasma causessignificant negative impact on quality of life especially in women.


2012 ◽  
pp. 63-87
Author(s):  
Anh Mai Ngoc ◽  
Ha Do Thi Hai ◽  
Huyen Nguyen Thi Ngoc

This study uses descriptive statistical method to analyze the income and life qual- ity of 397 farmer households who are suffering social exclusion in an economic aspect out of a total of 725 households surveyed in five Northern provinces of Vietnam in 2010. The farmers’ opinions of the impact of the policies currently prac- ticed by the central government and local authorities to give them access to the labor market are also analyzed in this study to help management officers see how the poli- cies affect the beneficiaries so that they can later make appropriate adjustments.


Author(s):  
Elena A. Beigel ◽  
Natalya G. Kuptsova ◽  
Elena V. Katamanova ◽  
Oksana V. Ushakova ◽  
Oleg L. Lakhman

Introduction. Occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading nosological forms of occupational respiratory disease. Numerous studies have shown high effectiveness of the combination of indacaterol/glycopyrronium (Ultibro®breezhaler®) on the impact on clinical and functional indicators in the treatment of COPD in General practice.The aim of the investigation the case of occupational COPD with the analysis of the dynamics of functional indicators, tolerance to physical load and evaluation of the quality of life of workers engaged in aluminum production by using combination of indacaterol/glycopyrronium.Materials and methods. The random sampling method included 20 men, workers of aluminum production, with the established diagnosis of professional COPD at the age of 40 to 60 years. The survey was conducted (Borg scale, medical Research Council scale (mMRC) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Functional methods of studies were conducted: spirometry, body plethysmography, electrocardiography (ECG) and the six-minute stepper test (6-MST).Results. Against the background of 8 weeks of therapy, the volume of forced exhalation for 1 minute (FEV1) increased by 14.7% and amounted to 67.90% of the due values, the forced vital capacity of the lungs (FVC) increased by 11.3% and amounted to 76.95% of the due. According to the body plethysmography (BPG) is set to decrease in residual lung volume on average by 13.4% and static hyperinflation, confirmed by the decrease in functional residual volume (FRV) of 18.8%. During the study period increased physical activity of patients. The average difference between the distance traveled in the six-minute step test before and after treatment was 58.8 m. The analysis of personal data showed that the quality of life of patients improved, the total score in the questionnaire CAT at the beginning of the study was 16.9 points, and after 8 weeks decreased by 63% and amounted to 10.7 points.Conclusions: The Results indicate a positive effect of combination therapy with indacaterol/glycopyrronium on the course and progression of occupational COPD.


RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001635
Author(s):  
Emma Swärdh ◽  
Christina Opava ◽  
Nina Brodin

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a cornerstone in the treatment. To highlight aspects involved in supporting a positive PA behaviour, it is important to understand the patients’ perceptions of the phenomenon.ObjectiveThe aim of this qualitative meta-synthesis was to explore and synthesise patient perceptions of PA in RA.MethodsA purposeful search was conducted across three online databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science). The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised, and data were extracted and analysed using an interpretive inductive thematic synthesis.ResultsFifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. PA was identified as an agile lifelong behaviour, with one main theme: The disease as a persistent catalyst for or against PA illustrating how the constant presence of the disease itself underlies the entire process of a life with or without regular PA. Seven subthemes: ‘considering aggravated symptoms’, ‘acknowledging the impact on health’, ‘becoming empowered and taking action’, ‘keeping informed to increase awareness’, ‘creating body awareness’, ‘dealing with social support’ and ‘feeling satisfied with circumstances and achievements’ were interpreted as facilitators and/or challenges.ConclusionThis synthesis has identified PA as an agile lifelong behaviour in which the disease pervades all aspects of an individuals’ perception of PA. Placed in a theoretical context, our findings outline a model for tailoring PA support to the drivers and determinants of a certain individual, which will improve clinical practice for the benefit of both health professionals and patients with RA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Stella Epifanio ◽  
Federica Andrei ◽  
Giacomo Mancini ◽  
Francesca Agostini ◽  
Marco Andrea Piombo ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world in the year 2020 has put a strain on our ability to cope with events and revolutionized our daily habits. On 9 March, Italy was forced to lockdown to prevent the spread of the infection, with measures including the mandatory closure of schools and nonessential activities, travel restrictions, and the obligation to spend entire weeks in the same physical space. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on quality of life (QoL) in a large Italian sample, in order to investigate possible differences in QoL levels related to both demographic and pandemic-specific variables. A total of 2251 Italian adults (1665 women, mainly young and middle adults) were recruited via a snowball sampling strategy. Participants were requested to answer to an online survey, which included demographic and COVID-related information items, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The results showed statistically significant differences in QoL depending on a number of variables, including sex, area of residence in Italy, and being diagnosed with a medical/psychiatric condition. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess QoL during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, therefore the present findings can offer guidelines regarding which social groups are more vulnerable of a decline in QoL and would benefit of psychological interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesreen Fathi Mahmoud ◽  
Huda Zahran ◽  
Sherif Abdelmonam

Abstract Background This study focuses on the self-perception of the voice in the elderly as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire. This work aimed to compare differences in the voice-related quality of life outcomes between (1) elderly with and without voice disorders, (2) female and male elderly with voice disorders, and (3) different types of voice disorders, and to explore the correlation between the V-RQOL and perceptual analysis done by the clinician. Forty-three dysphonic and 44 non-dysphonic elderly filled out the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) protocol that analyzes the impact of dysphonia on life quality. Vocal perceptual assessment of each subject with dysphonia was made by three voice therapists, followed by a flexible nasofibrolaryngoscope. Results A significant statistical difference was found between the means of total V-RQOL scores and its subdomains for each group (dysphonic and non-dysphonic). No significant differences were found between male and female elderly with dysphonia. The statistical analysis showed a significant correlation with the vocal assessment made by the clinicians and the V-RQOL self-assessment made by the subjects. Conclusions This study provides valuable information regarding the risk factors that contribute to vocal quality in the elderly population. Our results revealed that different types of voice disorders are common among the elderly population with significant negative effects on quality of life. It was observed that the poorest score on the V-RQOL was for functional voice disorders, followed by neoplastic lesions, whereas MAPLs had the best score on the V-RQOL.


Author(s):  
Adele Bianco

The topic of this article is quality of life and ageing process specially focused on today young generations and their coming retirement situation. The main idea is that quality of life is increasing, that means longer, safer and better living condition; consequently positive ageing processes mean also reforming retirement sector. The hypothesis carried out in this paper is an alternative one. Despite of the positive trends, we describe how three main factor of nowadays life are, on the contrary, turning into worse condition the future of young generations and their coming life situation. Firstly we consider the socio-economic aspects, the impact on health and the implications connected with precarious work. Secondly we consider pollution and its effects on health, life quality and life expectation. Thirdly we pay attention about climate and environmental change and their effect on health, life quality and expectation. In conclusion, the retirement future of today young generations may be very different (worse) than expected. The paper in based on WHO, IPCC and European Agency for Safety and Health at Work data and reports.Key words: Young generations; Coming quality of life; Population ageing and future of retirement question.Parole chiave: Giovani generazioni; Qualitŕ della vita; Invecchiamento della popolazione e pensioni.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 462-463
Author(s):  
Kaoutar Sof ◽  
Soraya Aouali ◽  
Sara Bensalem

Sir, Dermatological pathologies may be responsible for the creation of a real handicap, affecting the patient’s self-esteem and their professional and social life. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of diseases on the quality of life of patients hospitalized at the dermatology department. The following was a retrospective study that included patients over eighteen years of age, hospitalized at the dermatology department of Hospital Mohammed VI in Oujda from January 2018 through December 2019. The Arabic version of the validated DLQI was used for all patients [1]. A total of 294 patients were collected, with a mean age of 53.95 years and a male-to-female ratio of 0.85. The most frequent reasons for hospitalization were infectious dermo-hypodermitis (n = 51), autoimmune bullous dermatosis (n = 23), severe drug eruption (n = 20), genodermatosis (n = 17), melanocytic (n = 9) and non-melanocytic skin tumors (n = 17), severe psoriasis (n = 17), cutaneous lymphoma (n = 11), alopecia areata (n = 10), dermatomyositis (n = 8), and Verneuil’s disease (n = 5). The DLQI was impossible to calculate in eleven patients. The mean DLQI in all patients was 10.20, corresponding to a moderate effect on quality of life. The mean DLQI was as follows: Verneuil’s disease at 17.4, severe psoriasis at 16.6, dermatomyositis at 14.42, genodermatosis at 12.37, cutaneous lymphoma at 11.45, severe drug eruption at 11, alopecia areata at 10.5, AIBD at 9.67, skin tumors at 7.76, and infectious dermo-hypodermitis at 7.52. The DLQI was the first index measuring quality of life in dermatology and is still widely used today[2]. The number of publications concerning the impact of dermatological pathologies on quality of life has increased in recent years [3]. Our results showed that the DLQI was higher in patients with Verneuil’s disease, severe psoriasis, and dermatomyositis. These results agree with the data of the literature, many publications have shown that psoriasis seriously impaired the quality of life and was responsible of social anxiety in patients [4]. Verneuil’s disease is also responsible of a significant impairment on quality of life mainly due to the sexual disorders caused by this pathology [5]. Another study on dermatomyositis showed that there is a significant correlation between the severity of skin signs and the quality of life of patients [6]. Dermatological pathologies are distinguished from other pathologies by their displaying character, which is responsible for a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. The management of dermatology patients requires psychological support in addition to conventional therapy. However, these pathologies are still not recognized as long-term illnesses in Morocco.


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