scholarly journals Psychosocial parameters as determinants of return to work among stroke survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Pascal Chidera Uzoh ◽  
◽  
Adebisi I. Hammed ◽  
Ezekiel Onyemechi ◽  
Chigozie O. Obaseki ◽  
...  

This study investigated the psychosocial parameters as determinants of return to work among stroke survivors. This study involved 49 stroke survivors. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to determine the levels of anxiety and depression of the subjects. Equally, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of the subjects was measured with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale. Also, a self-structured questionnaire was used to determine return to work of the subjects. The difference between stroke survivors that returned to work and those that did not return to work was established using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Also, Independent sample t-test was used to test for significance. Statistical significance was accepted for a p-value of <0.05. The outcome of this study showed a significant (p<0.05) difference in the depression of stroke survivors that returned to work and those that did not return to work. Also, significant (p<0.05) differences exist in the anxiety and quality of life of stroke survivors that returned to work and those that did not return to work. Likewise, age was found to have a significant influence on return-to-work status (p<0.05). Besides, gender, occupation and duration of physiotherapy had no significant (p > 0.05) influence on return-to-work status of stroke survivors. This study, therefore concluded that the level of depression, anxiety, and quality of life can substantially have an influence on return to work or otherwise among stroke survivors. Therefore, health professionals should develop and incorporate strategies to enhance the quality of life, prevent depression and anxiety in the management of stroke survivors.

Prosthesis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99
Author(s):  
Alessandro Meduri ◽  
Rino Frisina ◽  
Miguel Rechichi ◽  
Giovanni William Oliverio

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of ocular discomfort and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) on quality of life in patients with an ocular prosthesis. Methods: a prospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with a unilateral ocular prosthesis. Evaluation of ocular discomfort symptoms, lid margin abnormalities (LMA), meibomian gland expression, meibography and a psychometric evaluation using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ), Facial Appearance subscale of the Negative Physical Self Scale (NPSS-F), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the DAS24 to evaluate anxiety and depression. Results: the statistically significant differences observed between normal and prosthetic eyes related to ocular symptoms and the meibography score (p = 0.0003). A negative correlation was reported between NEI VFQ score and meibography score (r = −0.509; p-value = 0.022). A positive correlation was detected with NPSS (r = 0.75; p-value < 0.0001), anxiety HADS score (r = 0.912; p-value = 0.001) and depression HADS score (r = 0.870; p-value > 0.0001). Conclusion: MGD represents the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease, due to the reduction of the thickness of the lipid layer of the tear film. The occurrence of MGD in patients with prosthetic eyes is very common. Anxiety and depression were correlated to ocular discomfort and MGD, and this could affect the quality of life in patients with an ocular prosthesis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1583-1583
Author(s):  
Narayanankutty Edavalath Warrier ◽  
Uma V Sankar ◽  
Sreedharan P. S. ◽  
Prasanth V. Parameswaran ◽  
Sajeevan K. V. ◽  
...  

1583 Background: Good mental health improves the overall quality of life. Anxiety and depression in post-treatment cancer survivors is common and can affect adversely on the individual. CanCovDirect is a novel, tele-medicine self-care intervention for cancer survivors. We practiced a randomized controlled superiority trial to compare CanCovDirect with usual standard care (SC) in this population.Methods: Individuals completing cancer treatment within the past 3 years who had symptoms with or without anxiety or depression were recruited from clinical and community settings in Northern Kerala. We allocated the participants using block randomization (CanCovDirect plus SC or to SC alone). Assessments of anxiety and depression severity (Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale [CES-D]; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) health-related quality of life (Short Form Survey-12 mental and physical component summaries), were conducted at baseline, as well as 3 and 6 months (primary time point). Analyses of outcomes were adjusted for covariates using linear regression. Results: Participants recruited between June 2020 and November 2020 were randomly assigned to CanCovDirect (n = 152) or SC (n = 152). Among 350 participants randomly assigned, 304 (86.85%) completed the primary outcome at 6 months. CanCovDirect participants reported less severe anxiety and depressive symptoms on the CES-D than SC participants at 6 months, adjusted effect size (ES) 1.68 (95% CI, 1.28 to 2.05). CanCovDirect participants also had significantly greater quality of life compared with SC. Exploratory analysis suggested that types of cancer was a modifier of the primary outcome (interaction term P value =.04); the intervention was effective in women (ES, 0.62; 95% CI, −0.45 to 0.89). Conclusions: CanCovDirect is an essential method of managing mild-moderate depression and anxiety symptoms in cancer survivors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Figueras-Puigderrajols ◽  
A Ballesteros ◽  
D Guerra

Abstract Study question The present study aims to explore infertility-related psychosocial outcomes, including fertility quality of life (QoL), as well as anxiety and depression levels, in women diagnosed with infertility. Summary answer Differences on fertility-related QoL appeared when comparing treatment types (gamete donation vs own gamete). Furthermore, statistically significant associations were found between QoL and anxious-depressive symptomatology. What is known already Those who wish to have children and do not achieve their objective just like other peers can see their goals and expectations with pessimism, generating concern and a series of negative emotions. Several psychological implications of infertility have been described, such as increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, decreased self-esteem, mood and hope, or poor relationship adjustment. The emotional impact of infertility in people’s life cycle can be so strong that reducing it only to biological aspects would lead to a dangerous situation of neglect. For this reason, QoL assessment in ART becomes an important need. Study design, size, duration FertiQol stands as the most widely used tool to assess infertility-related QoL, overcoming the limitations of other instruments that only target specific medical conditions. The present is a multi-site cross-sectional study over patients with infertility (n = 104), aiming to explore their fertility-QoL, as well as their anxiety and depression levels, which are symptoms that have been previously associated.Questionnaire administration, and sociodemographic and medical data gathering took place between January 2019 and December 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants were 104 female patients (M.age= 39.8) undergoing or expecting a fertility treatment. The FertiQol Spanish version was administered through mobile app, and its paper version distributed at medical/psychological appointments. QoL was self-reported through FertiQol, assessing the influence of infertility problems in various areas (e.g. impact on self-esteem, emotions, general health, family, partners, social relationships, work, life projects...). Additionally, HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) was provided as a measurement of anxiety and depression levels. Main results and the role of chance Regarding treatments, 50.6% of participants were currently undergoing gamete donation while 44.3% were undergoing treatments that involved using their own gametes. After comparing QoL between these treatment types, results showed that patients who underwent egg donation, compared to those who used their own eggs, reported statistically significantly lower scores of QoL in the Social Subscale (p = .03), but not in the other psychological outcomes. Also, statistically significant negative correlations were found between HADS and all core FertiQol subscales (p&lt; .05). Results are consistent with previous studies showing similar associations between fertility QoL and anxiety and depression, as well as with increased psychological negative implications of gamete donation. The majority of participants reported non-pathological scores of anxiety and depression when considering the cut off value of 8 for HADS, thus suggesting the presence of a relatively healthy sample. The number of treatments that patients had previously taken and the years of infertility were not associated with any of the psychological variables. Limitations, reasons for caution Some limitations to consider are presence of co-morbid diagnosis, differences in medication, or patient’s cultural backgrounds.Also, conclusions should be interpreted cautiously since the design doesn’t allow causal inferences. Further investigations should consider a continuous assessment to explore changes in psychological well-being at different points of intervention, specially with gamete donation. Wider implications of the findings: The great advantage we’ve seen so far when using FertiQol is the possibility to identify more accurately the true impact on other aspects of patient’s well-being besides the emotional area.ART professionals, including psychologists and counselors,will have more information within a small amount of time about QoL when using this tool. Trial registration number 1503-BCN–019-DG


Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 596
Author(s):  
Greta Veličkaitė ◽  
Neringa Jucevičiūtė ◽  
Renata Balnytė ◽  
Ovidijus Laucius ◽  
Antanas Vaitkus

Background and objectives: Even though pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is common and possibly associated with reduced quality of life, its exact prevalence and characteristics remain vaguely understood. We aimed to estimate the true extent of pain and its associations with quality of life in Lithuanian MS patients and to compare this data with that of a control group. Materials and Methods: Data were collected prospectively at the Department of Neurology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics. A face-to-face structured interview and a questionnaire were used to collect demographic and clinical data of the MS (n = 120) and control (n = 120) groups. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to quantify disability in the MS group. Scores ≥4/10 in the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire were classified as neuropathic pain. Patients were evaluated using the anxiety and depression subsets of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), the physical and mental component subsets of the Short Form-12 questionnaire (PSC-12 and MSC-12). Results: The MS and control groups did not differ in pain prevalence (76.7% vs. 65.9%, p = 0.064) or intensity. Lhermitte sign, lower limb, and face pain were more common in the MS group, whereas subjects in the control group were more often affected by lower back, neck, and joint pain. Neuropathic pain and pain lasting longer than 2 years were more common among pain-affected MS patients than among controls. MS patients with pain had higher EDSS, HADS-D, and HADS-A and lower PSC-12 scores than those without pain; however, no difference was found regarding the duration of MS or age. Males with MS and pain had higher MSC-12 and HADS-D scores in comparison to the same subset of females. Conclusions: Pain affects approximately three out of four patients with MS in Lithuania and is negatively associated with the mental and physical aspects of quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lacey P. Gleason ◽  
Lisa X. Deng ◽  
Abigail M. Khan ◽  
David Drajpuch ◽  
Stephanie Fuller ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundAdults with congenital heart disease face psychological challenges although an understanding of depression vs. anxiety symptoms is unclear. We analyzed the prevalence of elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression and explored associations with demographic and medical factors as well as quality of life.MethodsAdults with congenital heart disease enrolled from an outpatient clinic completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and two measures of quality of life: the Linear Analogue Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Medical data were obtained by chart review.ResultsOf 130 patients (median age = 32 years; 55% female), 55 (42%) had elevated anxiety symptoms and 16 (12%) had elevated depression symptoms on subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Most patients with elevated depression symptoms also had elevated anxiety symptoms (15/16; 94%). Of 56 patients with at least one elevated subscale, 37 (66%) were not receiving mental health treatment. Compared to patients with 0 or 1 elevated subscales, patients with elevations in both (n=15) were less likely to be studying or working (47% vs. 81%; p=0.016) and reported lower scores on the Linear Analogue Scale (60 vs. 81, p<0.001) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (14 vs. 28, p<0.001).ConclusionsAmong adults with congenital heart disease, elevated anxiety symptoms are common and typically accompany elevated depressive symptoms. The combination is associated with unemployment and lower quality of life. Improved strategies to provide psychosocial care and support appropriate engagement in employment are required.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 5469-5478
Author(s):  
Yemataw Wondie ◽  
Andreas Hinz

Abstract Purpose Cancer is of increasing prevalence in less-developed countries. However, research on the patients’ quality of life (QoL) in these countries is very limited. The aim of this study was to examine QoL of cancer patients in Africa. Method A sample of 256 cancer patients treated in an Ethiopian hospital was examined with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A group of 1664 German cancer patients served as a comparison group. Results Most of the scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 showed acceptable reliability in the Ethiopian sample. Compared with the German cancer patients, the Ethiopian patients showed lower QoL in most dimensions, especially in financial difficulties, physical functioning, pain, and appetite loss (effect sizes between 0.52 and 0.75). Illiteracy, tumor stage, and treatment (surgery and chemotherapy) were associated with QoL in the Ethiopian sample. QoL was strongly correlated with fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a suitable instrument for measuring QoL in Ethiopia. The detriments in QoL in the Ethiopian patients indicate specific cancer care needs for the patients in a developing country.


Author(s):  
Susan DeSanto-Madeya ◽  
Jennifer Tjia ◽  
Christina Fitch ◽  
Amy Wachholtz

Background: This study examined the feasibility, burden and acceptability of a legacy-making intervention in adults with cancer and preliminary effects on patient quality-of-life (QOL) measures. Method: We conducted a Stage IB pilot, intervention study. The intervention was a digital video legacy-making interview of adults with advanced cancer to create a digital video of their memories and experiences. Baseline and post-video QOL assessments included: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G), Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Emotional Thermometers for distress, anxiety, anger, help and depression. Participants received a final copy of the digital video for distribution to their families. Results: Adults (n = 16) ages 38-83 years old with an advanced or life-limiting cancer diagnosis completed an intervention. Feasibility and acceptability was strong with 0% attrition. While the pilot study was not powered for quantitative significance, there were changes from baseline to post-intervention in the participants’ total or subscale FACT-G scores, PDI, HADS anxiety or depression scores, and Emotional Thermometer scores. Conclusions: A digital video legacy-making intervention is feasible for adults with cancer without significant negative outcomes for individuals completing the study. It remains unclear whether this intervention contributes to positive quality of life outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1295-1303
Author(s):  
Amir M. Salehi ◽  
Lena Norberg-Spaak ◽  
Torben Wilms ◽  
Simon Vallin ◽  
Linda Boldrup ◽  
...  

Studies have shown lower treatment-related morbidity when using transoral robotic surgery (TORS) compared to conventional surgery. Patients investigated for oro- and hypopharyngeal cancer (T1, T2) were compared concerning quality of life (QoL) after tonsillectomy and TORS using validated QoL questionnaires: QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&amp;N35. The patients treated with TORS showed a higher pain score and thus also a higher need for painkillers, whereas they had lower values on self-assessment of anxiety/depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. The pre- and postoperative information given did not meet the expectations of the patients treated with conventional surgery. The present data show advantages of the TORS technique from the patients’ perspective. Even if patients treated with TORS are in need of more painkilling treatment, they cope better with the long-term effects of treatment, as judged by self-assessment of anxiety and depression.


2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 1108-1114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Chai ◽  
Y Shao ◽  
S Lin ◽  
K-Y Xiong ◽  
W-S Chen ◽  
...  

The potential impact of the surgical correction of strabismus on vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and the symptoms of anxiety and depression in children with strabismus remain unclear. The present study included 60 children with strabismus: 30 with heterophoria and 30 with heterotropia. A healthy age-and gender-matched control group ( n = 60) was also recruited. The psychological instruments that were used were the short-form 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results demonstrated that eight of the 12 NEI-VFQ-25 subscales were significantly impaired in children with strabismus compared with matched controls. Compared with pre-operative values, significant improvements were noted after surgery in the NEI-VFQ-25 summary score, and the anxiety and depression scores. This study demonstrated that the NEI-VFQ-25 instrument can be used in strabismus children and that surgical interventions can improve VRQOL, anxiety and depression in strabismus patients.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 920-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Garcia-Monco ◽  
N Foncea ◽  
A Bilbao ◽  
I Ruiz de Velasco ◽  
M Gomez-Beldarrain

Preventive therapy is aimed at reducing migraine frequency, but should also improve the much deteriorated quality of life of the migraneur. We aimed to evaluate the impact of preventive therapy with two widely employed drugs (topiramate and nadolol) on the quality of life of migraine patients. A population of consecutive migraineurs aged ≥16 years, with frequent migraines, was selected prospectively for evaluation at baseline and after 16 weeks of therapy with nadolol or topiramate (40 mg and 100 mg daily, respectively) by generic and specific quality of life questionnaires (SF-36 and MSQOL) and by an anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Preventive therapy resulted in a statistically significant improvement in physical domains of the SF-36, whereas mental domains remained almost unchanged. Despite this improvement, all domains remained below the population norms. The HADS revealed a moderate depressive state at baseline that did not change with therapy. The MSQOL global score also revealed statistically significant improvement. Both drugs were similarly effective, although topiramate was superior on the role physical domain compared with nadolol. Preventive therapy with nadolol and topiramate significantly improves the quality of life of migraineurs, although additional efforts are needed to place them in a nearer-to-normal situation compared with the general population.


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