scholarly journals Spiritual health and religious practices as correlates to the quality of life amongst faculty and staff

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 447-465
Author(s):  
Rona Beth Salazar Saban ◽  
Micki Angela Villanueva ◽  
Chayiel Nuqui ◽  
Lea Divina ◽  
Beryl Ben Mergal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spiritual Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Religious Practices ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Life Orientation ◽  
Faculty And Staff ◽  
Multiple Domains

Introduction: The Quality of Life (QOL) of individuals transcends the concept of the multiple domains of health.  It is the individual’s highly subjective discernment of his position in life in relation to his goals, expectations, and standards.  It is a perception of well-being and life satisfaction.  Literatures have consistently reported evidences of association between spirituality and quality of life.  But despite the increasing number of studies on spirituality and quality of life, few studies explore the role of spiritual health and religious practices in the quality of life of faculty and staff of educational institutions.  Thus, this descriptive-correlational study determined the relationship between the spiritual health and religious practices of the respondents and their quality of life.   Methods: Through purposive sampling, 177 respondents were selected.  The instrument utilized was composed of adapted questions from World Health Organization’s Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) and Spiritual Health and Life Orientation Measure (SHALOM). Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression.   Results: The study revealed high levels of spiritual health, religious practices and quality of life of the respondents.  Both spiritual health and religious practices were significantly related to the quality of life.  Furthermore, married respondents and the teaching faculty had higher level of quality of life compared to those who are unmarried and non-teaching.  Lastly, spiritual health is the highest predictor of the quality of life.   Recommendation: This study endeavors to help create an environment that would enhance the spiritual health and therefore, the quality of life of the faculty and staff.

Quality of life outcomes in sarcoma patients receiving care at a tertiary center.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e23557-e23557
Author(s):  
Jonathan R. Day ◽  
Benjamin Miller ◽  
Sarah L. Mott ◽  
Bradley T. Loeffler ◽  
Munir Tanas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Soft Tissue Sarcomas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
University Of Iowa ◽  
Treatment Type ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Multiple Domains

e23557 Background: Sarcomas are a diverse group of neoplasms that vary greatly in clinical presentation and responsiveness to treatment. Given the differences in the sites of involvement, rarity, and treatment modality, a multidisciplinary approach is required. Previous literature suggests patients with sarcoma suffer from poorer quality of life (QoL) especially physical and functional well-being. This study aims to understand if there is an association between treatment at a tertiary sarcoma center and a difference in QoL. Methods: De-identified data was obtained from the Sarcoma Tissue Repository at University of Iowa. Mixed effects regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between disease and treatment characteristics and QoL. QoL was assessed using the self-report FACT-G questionnaire at 12-, 24-, and 36-months post-diagnosis; overall scores and the 4 well-being subscales (Physical, Emotional, Social, Functional) were calculated. Results: 443 patients were identified. Soft tissue sarcomas were more prevalent (87.6%) than bone (12.4%). 53% of patients received chemotherapy and 38.6% got radiation therapy. Sarcomas were most frequently located in the lower extremities(ext.) (33.1%), followed by abdomen (20.9%), pelvic (13.6%), upper ext. (13.1%), thorax (11.3%), head & neck (7.8%). For ext. sarcoma; lower ext: 144 (71.3%), Upper ext: 58 (28.7%). Patients with extremity sarcoma; 133 had limb sparing and 48 had amputations. FACT-G Scores did not appreciably vary between 12, 24-, and 36-month for any QoL responses. Overall well-being had a mean score reported of 87.7 (sd = 15.7). Social well-being sores averaged 23.5 (5.0). Emotional well-being (EWB) 19.2 (4.1) and functional well-being (FWB) 21.3 (6.1), and physical well-being (PWB) 23.7 (4.6). There was no association between overall, PWB, EWB, or FWB with the histological subtype, radiation treatment, type of limb surgery, or any location in the same patients over time. Chemotherapy treatments were associated with lower well-being in multiple domains; PWB scores being 2.01 points lower, (p < 0.01), EWB scores being 1.27 points lower (p = 0.01) and FWB scores being 1.72 (p = 0.03), and 4.44 points lower overall (p = 0.03), on average, after adjusting for overall changes across time. Patients with ext. sarcoma only overall FACT-G scores differed 6.72 points higher for upper ext. than lower ext (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Overall QoL areas were similar to normative FACT-G scores both overall and specific areas. Having received chemotherapy was associated with lower well-being scores physically, emotionally, functionally, and overall. There were no clinically relevant differences reported in QoL scores between 12-,24-, and 36-months in the same patients. Further work is needed to describe QoL differences among patients with sarcoma at tertiary centers and examine what protective factors may influence patient well-being.

scholarly journals Evaluation of women’s quality of life after breast reconstruction surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Stanisz ◽  
Ewelina Kolak ◽  
Dorota Branecka-Woźniak ◽  
Renata Robaszkiewicz-Boukaz ◽  
Przemysław Ciepiela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Reconstruction Surgery ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, and is usually treated surgically. Mastectomy has a great influence on the mental and physical condition of women. Breast reconstruction offers them a chance to improve their quality of life (QOL) and self-image.The main aim of the study was to gain knowledge about the impact of breast reconstruction on the QOL of women following mastectomy, and an analysis of the QOL after breast reconstruction, in the context of prosthesis effect assessment.Materials and methods: The study comprised 100 women following breast reconstructive surgery involved in 1 of the 7 “Amazon Clubs” (post-mastectomy women’s associations) in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, northwest Poland. The study was based on the author’s questionnaire, and a shortened standardized version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Statistical calculations were performed with StatSoft Statistica v10 software, adopting a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: The women who decided to have breast reconstruction surgery, noticed improved well-being (67%) and experiencedan increase in self-confidence (61%). The vast majority ofthe patients surveyed (93%) were satisfied with the effectof the prosthesis. Statistically significant differences in QOL were observed in the following spheres: rest and sleep, work capacity, negative feelings, and financial resources (p < 0.05) in relation to the evaluation of the prosthesis effect.Conclusions: 1. Breast reconstruction has a positive influence on improvements in well-being, increasing self-esteem, and the assessment of a more attractive appearance in women of all ages. 2. Breast reconstruction surgery has a positive impact on QOL and health in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains, especially in the women who are satisfied with the effects of the surgery. 3. A negative assessment of the breast reconstruction effect has an adverse influence on QOL. Identifying the factors affecting dissatisfaction with the post-operative outcome is crucial for a complete understanding of the subject, and for implementing measures aimed at improving the QOL of these women.Keywords: quality of life; mastectomy; breast cancer; breast reconstruction; breast surgery.

scholarly journals Stability of Drinking Reductions and Long-term Functioning Among Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Witkiewitz ◽  
Henry R. Kranzler ◽  
Kevin A. Hallgren ◽  
Deborah S. Hasin ◽  
Arnie P. Aldridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
World Health ◽  
End Of Treatment

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes alcohol consumption according to grams consumed into low-, medium-, high-, and very-high-risk drinking levels (RDLs). Although abstinence has been considered the ideal outcome of alcohol treatment, reductions in WHO RDLs have been proposed as primary outcomes for alcohol use disorder (AUD) trials. Objective The current study examines the stability of WHO RDL reductions and the association between RDL reductions and long-term functioning for up to 3 years following treatment. Design and Participants Secondary data analysis of patients with AUD enrolled in the COMBINE Study and Project MATCH, two multi-site, randomized AUD clinical trials, who were followed for up to 3 years post-treatment (COMBINE: n = 694; MATCH: n = 806). Measures Alcohol use was measured via calendar-based methods. We estimated all models in the total sample and among participants who did not achieve abstinence during treatment. Key Results One-level RDL reductions were achieved by 84% of patients at the end of treatment, with 84.9% of those individuals maintaining that reduction at a 3-year follow-up. Two-level RDL reductions were achieved by 68% of patients at the end of treatment, with 77.7% of those individuals maintaining that reduction at a 3-year follow-up. One- and two-level RDL reductions at the end of treatment were associated with significantly better mental health, quality of life (including physical quality of life), and fewer drinking consequences 3 years after treatment (p < 0.05), as compared to no change or increased drinking. Conclusion AUD patients can maintain WHO RDL reductions for up to 3 years after treatment. Patients who had WHO RDL reductions functioned significantly better than those who did not reduce their drinking. These findings are consistent with prior reports suggesting that drinking reductions, short of abstinence, yield meaningful improvements in patient health, well-being, and functioning.

“Slowed Down but Not Stopped”: A Spiritual Life Review Intervention in Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-114
Author(s):  
Terin T. Sytsma ◽  
Lori B. Bjork ◽  
Sarah M. Jenkins ◽  
Krishanu Chatterjee ◽  
Katherine M. Piderman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disease ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Review ◽  
Spiritual Health ◽  
Comprehensive Care ◽  
Spiritual Life ◽  
And Coping

Spiritual health is important in managing and coping with chronic and debilitating illnesses, such as neurodegenerative diseases. However, few spiritual interventions have addressed this population. This article quantitatively and qualitatively evaluates outcomes of a spiritual life review in neurodegenerative diseases patients. The majority of participants improved or maintained quality of life and spiritual/emotional well-being following the intervention. Spiritual life review may be an important intervention in the comprehensive care of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF A PARO INTERVENTION ON DEPRESSION AND WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S341-S341
Author(s):  
Shu-Chuan Chen ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Cindy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of a social robot Paro intervention on depression and well-being in older adults with depression living in long-term care facilities in Taiwan. Methods: This study was adopted a single group and quasi-experimental with repeated measures design. Each participant participated in two stages: observation and Paro intervention stages. Stage 1 was an 8-week observation stage in long-term care facilities where the purpose was to observe the normal mood, behaviour and activities of older adults with depression. In stage 2, each participant was given a Paro by the researcher to keep for 24 hours for 7 days in for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements were obtained 4 times: a week before the intervention (T1), immediately the end of 8-week observation (T2), mid-point of Paro intervention (T3), and immediately the end of 8-week Paro intervention (T4). Instruments included the Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-OLD. Results: There were 20 participants completed the study. The mean age of participants was 81.1years (SD = 8.2). After 8-week Paro intervention, statistically significant differences in changes were found on depression, loneliness, and quality of life from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: This study was found that Paro intervention has beneficial effects on depression and mental well-being for older people with depression in long-term care facilities. Paro Intervention might be a suitable psychosocial intervention for older people with depression and should be considered as a useful tool in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Quality of life in older adults receiving hemodialysis: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 655-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasheeda K. Hall ◽  
Michael P. Cary ◽  
Tiffany R. Washington ◽  
Cathleen S. Colón-Emeric
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Symptom Control ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Frailty Status

Abstract Purpose Patient priorities for quality of life change with age. We conducted a qualitative study to identify quality of life themes of importance to older adults receiving dialysis and the extent to which these are represented in existing quality of life instruments. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 adults aged ≥ 75 years receiving hemodialysis to elicit participant perspectives on what matters most to them in life. We used framework analysis methodology to process interview transcripts (coding, charting, and mapping), identify major themes, and compare these themes by participant frailty status. We examined for representation of our study’s subthemes in the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life for Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD) instruments. Results Among the 12 participants, average age was 81 (4.2) years, 7 African-American, 6 women, and 6 met frailty criteria. We identified two major quality of life themes: (1) having physical well-being (subthemes: being able to do things independently, having symptom control, maintaining physical health, and being alive) and (2) having social support (subthemes: having practical social support, emotional social support, and socialization). Perspectives on the subthemes often varied by frailty status. For example, being alive meant surviving from day-to-day for frail participants, but included a desire for new life experiences for non-frail participants. The majority of the subthemes did not correspond with domains in the KDQOL-36 and WHOQOL-OLD instruments. Conclusion Novel instruments are likely needed to elicit the dominant themes of having physical well-being and having social support identified by older adults receiving dialysis.

scholarly journals Oral Health-related Quality of Life

2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 1264-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Sischo ◽  
H.L. Broder
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Despite its relatively recent emergence over the past few decades, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has important implications for the clinical practice of dentistry and dental research. OHRQoL is a multidimensional construct that includes a subjective evaluation of the individual’s oral health, functional well-being, emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction with care, and sense of self. It has wide-reaching applications in survey and clinical research. OHRQoL is an integral part of general health and well-being. In fact, it is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an important segment of the Global Oral Health Program (2003). This paper identifies the what, why, and how of OHRQoL and presents an oral health theoretical model. The relevance of OHRQoL for dental practitioners and patients in community-based dental practices is presented. Implications for health policy and related oral health disparities are also discussed. A supplemental Appendix contains a Medline and ProQuest literature search regarding OHRQoL research from 1990-2010 by discipline and research design ( e.g., descriptive, longitudinal, clinical trial, etc.). The search identified 300 articles with a notable surge in OHRQoL research in pediatrics and orthodontics in recent years.

scholarly journals QUALITY OF LIFE OF MILITARY PERSONNEL SERVING UNDER CONTRACT IN THE KOLA POLAR REGION

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 66-73
Author(s):  
A. S. Dybin ◽  
L. I. Menshikova ◽  
M. V. Tsizhma ◽  
P. Yu. Shapovalov ◽  
A. V. Khlopov
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Military Service ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Polar Region ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
World Health Organization Quality

Introduction. The paper presents the results of a research of quality of life of the military serving under the contract in the Kola Polar region. The research was conducted using the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief version questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The purpose of this work was to assess the quality of life and identify the factors adversely affecting the quality of life. The sociological questionnaire study in a group of 209 servicemen serving under the contract in the Kola Polar region was made. Results of the study showed lack of dependence of the general assessment of quality of life on a military rank, income level, age, education, marital status and the number of children in family, and at the same time, statistically significant correlation in the presence of diseases or under any treatment in the last two weeks prior to the survey in a respondent. The analysis of the general assessment of quality of life revealed the highest level in the sphere of micro-social support — 12,2 points (81,3% of the maximum level), and the lowest level in the sphere of social well-being — 26,0 points (65% of the maximum level). Answers to questions concerning existence of an opportunity for rest and entertainments and about availability of medical care are scored the lowest — 2,1 and 3,1 points, respectively. Answers to questions concerning state of environment, satisfaction with monetary pay and conditions in the place of residence were also scored low — 3,3 points. Assessment of quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF can be used in order to identify and neutralize negative factors of military service and conditions of life and also for improvement of measures for maintaining health, high performance of military work, and motivation in servicemen under the contract in the Arctic zone.

scholarly journals Relationship between well-being, quality of life and hope in family caregivers of schizophrenic people

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Dias Francisquini ◽  
Marcos Hirata Soares ◽  
Fernanda Pamela Machado ◽  
Margarita Antonia Villar Luis ◽  
Julia Trevisan Martins
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Dispositional Hope ◽  
Health Organization

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure and correlate the degree of psychological well-being, quality of life, and dispositional hope in family caregivers of schizophrenic people. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted with 117 relatives of schizophrenic people. We applied a questionnaire of sociodemographic variables was applied, and the instruments World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being (WHO-5), World Health Organization Quality of Life Abbreviated (WHOQOL-Bref), and Dispositional Hope Scale. We used The Kruskal Wallis, Jonckheere-Terpstra, and Spearman correlation tests at the level α <0.05. Results: It was possible to observe statistical significance when comparing schooling and age with Disposal Hope; and when comparing the scales used. Conclusion: The study considered that well-being, quality of life, and hope are variables that negatively influence caregiver burden, suggesting schooling as an inverse correlation variable with Dispositional Hope.

scholarly journals Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Informal Caregivers: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

10.2196/21466 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e21466
Author(s):  
Ieva Biliunaite ◽  
Evaldas Kazlauskas ◽  
Robbert Sanderman ◽  
Inga Truskauskaite-Kuneviciene ◽  
Austeja Dumarkaite ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Background Caregiving for a family member can result in reduced well-being for the caregiver. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) may be one way to support this population. This is especially the case for caregivers in countries with limited resources, but high demand for psychological services. Objective In this study we evaluated the effects of a therapist-guided 8-week-long ICBT intervention for informal caregivers. Methods In total, 63 participants were recruited online and randomized either to the intervention or to the wait-list control group. The main study outcome was the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). Secondary outcomes included measures of caregiver depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. Results Moderate between-group effect sizes were observed for the CBI measure, in favor of the intervention group, with a Cohen d=–0.70 for the intention-to-treat analysis. Analyses of the subscales of the CBI showed significant reductions on the subscales of Development and Physical Health. Moderate reductions were found for depression and anxiety scores as indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores. Large between-group effects were observed for reduction in stress and increase in quality of life as indicated by the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), The Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ), and The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). In addition, participants experienced little to no difficulty in using the program and were mostly satisfied with the intervention’s platform and the choice of content. Conclusions This is the first internet intervention study for informal caregivers in Lithuania. The results suggest that therapist-guided ICBT can be effective in reducing caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, stress, and improving quality of life. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04052724; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04052724

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