Repercussion of COVID-19 Pandemic on Brazilians’ Quality of Life: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

The COVID-19 outbreak, caused by Sars-Cov-2, was officially declared a global pandemic in February 2020, after an unexpected increase in hospitalization and mortality. When faced with this new disease, social and physical distancing and quarantine emerged as solutions to reduce virus transmission. This article examines the quality of life (QoL) of the Brazilian population’s during this period of isolation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing; physical, psychological, social, and economic aspects. An online survey was distributed from 27 May to 14 August of 2020. A total of 1859 surveys were completed. Our results indicate that Brazilians were more affected by economic and social aspects than psychological and physical. Unemployed participants and individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 presented the lowest QoL. Females showed worst QoL scores than males, but having children did not influence the score. Higher educational level was associated with a better perception of QoL. Not following social distancing guidelines presented better scores in the psychological domain than the ones following restrict or partial social distancing rules. This study is the first to evaluate adults’ QoL related to the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic in Brazil at a national level. Our data may help health authorities identify the main factors affecting the QoL of the Brazilian population, thereby orientating them to recover after the pandemic.

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Leisure attitude, stress-related growth, and quality of life during COVID-19-related

Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal ◽

10.2224/sbp.11015 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jee Hoon Han ◽

Hye Ji Sa

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Life Education

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related restrictive measures have impacted on leisure activities globally; South Korea is no exception. In this cross-sectional study we identified the need to increase leisure opportunities during social distancing and respond to changes in leisure activities post-COVID-19. The leisure attitude, stress-related growth, and quality of life of 260 participants were examined via an online survey. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results show that during social distancing, leisure attitude was positively associated with stress-related growth, leisure attitude was not significantly associated with quality of life, and stress-related growth was positively associated with quality of life. From a long-term perspective, as leisure activities can improve stress-related growth and quality of life, education and related discussions must continue to ensure that people hold a positive attitude toward leisure participation.

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Diabetes knowledge, risk perception, and quality of life among South Asian caregivers in young adulthood

BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care ◽

10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001268 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e001268

Author(s):

Angela Koipuram ◽

Sandra Carroll ◽

Zubin Punthakee ◽

Diana Sherifali

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Perception ◽

South Asian ◽

Online Survey ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Design And Methods

IntroductionPersons of South Asian descent have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The management of T2DM in the South Asian community has required the support of adult children, potentially impacting the quality of life, diabetes-related knowledge, and risk perception among these caregivers.Research design and methodsTo investigate diabetes-related knowledge, quality of life, risk perception, and actual risk of developing diabetes among South Asian young adults whose parents are living with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted (n=150). An online survey was administered. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in diabetes-related knowledge between males and females (p<0.001). Males (in comparison to females) had a lower risk perception of developing diabetes (p=0.06). Further, risk perception and diabetes-related knowledge were positively associated with caregiver’s physical health (p=0.002).ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of providing gender-specific and culturally tailored diabetes educational interventions.

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An international comparison of factors affecting quality of life among patients with congestive heart failure: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0231346 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. e0231346 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brita Roy ◽

Judith R. L. M. Wolf ◽

Michelle D. Carlson ◽

Reinier Akkermans ◽

Bradley Bart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Congestive Heart Failure ◽

International Comparison ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting

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Prevalent Beliefs and Attitude toward Vitiligo among Public in Al Baha Province, Southern Saudi Arabia

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2020/v32i930508 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 137-144

Author(s):

Hasan S. AL- Ghamdi ◽

Mohammed Ali M. Alzahrani ◽

Aziz Alsohaimi ◽

Saif Abadi Alzahrani ◽

Mohammed Hassan Alzahrani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

High School ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Skin Condition ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Awareness Campaigns

Introduction: Vitiligo is an apparent skin condition that has a psychological impact on the affected individuals and their families. Its prevalence is estimated to be about (0.5-2%) globally. Misunderstandings, and negative attitudes toward vitiligo patients are the most important factors affecting the quality of life of vitiligo patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the common misconceptions and attitudes about the nature, causes and prognosis of vitiligo in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study collected data from the general population in the public malls in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. We used a questionnaire which was developed by the authors, the questionnaire included questions regarding vitiligo cause, nature, prognosis and the attitude toward vitiligo. Results: A total of (453) responses were analysed, of which (53%) were females, and (90.9%) were Saudis. The participants’ ages ranged from (16 -64) with a mean of (28.3). The majority of our sample had a high level of education; university (65.1%), High school (26%) and less than high school (6%). Our population believed that gecko and its saliva were the commonest cause (38.1%). Most of the respondents (44.4%) thought that the condition is exaggerated by stress and anxiety. Regarding attitude; (31.5%) are unwilling to marry a vitiligo patient. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the misconceptions and attitudes toward vitiligo are prevalent. Health awareness campaigns should be implanted to educate the people and improve the quality of life of the affected individuals.

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Protocol for a cross-sectional study on factors affecting health-related quality of life among Afghan refugees in Pakistan

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.73005.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 971

Author(s):

Atta Ur Rehman ◽

Rubeena Zakar ◽

Muhammad Zakria Zakar ◽

Ume Hani ◽

Florian Fischer

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Health Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Afghan Refugees ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Background: Pakistan served as a host for more than 1.4 million Afghan refugees for more than 40 years. Access to health care is the most important issue faced by refugees, because they might be at a higher risk for certain diseases. This risk can be attributed to a lack of awareness of health care facilities, health beliefs, inadequate hygiene, cultural differences, and malnutrition. Health of individuals is closely associated with their quality of life. Quality of life over the whole lifespan is pivotal to overall life satisfaction. It includes physical wellbeing, mental health, education, occupation, income, personal safety, as well as (religious) freedom. Until now, the health status of Afghan refugees has never been comprehensively investigated in Pakistan. Therefore, an assessment in this regard is needed to explore their health-related quality of life, for securing their human right to health. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been designed to describe and explain the health-related quality of life of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Multistage cluster sampling was applied for selection of study participants. The number of respondents from two regions in Pakistan was drawn through a proportionate sampling technique. A quantitative research method using pre-validated questionnaires was used for data collection. The questionnaire included items to assess well-being, mental health, health literacy, and factors affecting health and health care. Descriptive analysis was used, whereas inferential statistical tests (binary logistic regression model) was also performed. The study received ethically permission by the Advanced Studies and Research Board of the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Discussion: The assessment of Afghan refugee’s quality of life in Pakistan should lead to recommendations disseminated to public and health care officials. This evidence is needed for policymaking related to adequate measures for improving health conditions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

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Quality of life and factors affecting it in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-020-01554-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Burcu Akpınar Söylemez ◽

Özlem Küçükgüçlü ◽

Merve Aliye Akyol ◽

Ahmet Turan Işık

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Area Of Interest ◽

Modifiable Factors

Abstract Background Quality of life (QoL) is a growing area of interest in dementia research. However, it remains a controversial topic. This study aimed to determine the QoL of people with Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD) and investigate the factors affecting patients’ and caregivers’ QoL scores. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 98 home-dwelling PwADs and their primary caregivers were recruited in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and QoL scores, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL), Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), and NPI–distress were determined to assess the relevant outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation, and multinomial regression were used for analysis. Results The patients’ ratings of their QoL were higher than those of the caregivers. Caregiver education, patients’ ADL, and IADL were associated with the patients’ score on the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD) scale. In addition to these variables, MMSE, NPI, and NPI–distress were associated with the caregiver scores on QoL-AD. Conclusion From a clinical point of view, the proxy-rated scores of QoL cannot replace the self-ratings of the patients. This study suggests that both self- and proxy-rated QoL scores should be applied whenever possible. Focusing on the management of behavioral problems and supporting functionality and cognitive functions may be modifiable factors that may represent targets for intervention to improve the QoL. The findings of this study should also be used to design caregiver educational programs about the determinants of QoL.

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