scholarly journals An analysis of the quality of life of migrants in Gauteng, a province of South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 495-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talita Greyling

Gauteng, the economic centre of South Africa, attracts many migrants from across the African continent and other regions in South Africa: almost 44% of the total population are migrants. In this study, a composite index is constructed and the quality of life of cross-border, internal migrants and the native population of Gauteng is compared. This study uses the method of Nicoletti et al. (2009) to construct the composite index, and adapts it to be suitable for the analysis of categorical data. Furthermore, this study compares the means of the quality of life scores of the different groups using ANOVA. The results of the study show that although there are statistically significant differences between the mean quality of life scores of the groups, the effect size approaches zero. This suggests that migrants and non-migrants experience almost equal levels of quality of life in Gauteng. This result contradicts findings in existing literature that measures well-being.

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1495-1506
Author(s):  
Brent Burbridge ◽  
Hyun Lim ◽  
Lynn Dwernychuk ◽  
Ha Le ◽  
Tehmina Asif ◽  
...  

Introduction: Venous access is a crucial element in chemotherapy delivery. It remains unclear whether cancer patients prefer a port to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Our study aimed to assess cancer patients’ satisfaction with their venous access device and to compare the quality of life (QoL) of subjects with a PICC to those with a port. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, EORTC QLQ-C30, and a locally developed quality of life survey (QLAVD), designed to assess satisfaction with venous access devices, were administered to breast or colorectal cancer patients over a one-year period following the device insertion. Mixed effects models were used to assess changes on mean scores at different time points. Results: A total of 101 patients were recruited over a three-year period, (PICC group, n = 50; port group, n = 51). Survey response rates for months one and three were 72% and 48%, respectively. Overall, no significant differences were noted between the two groups in relation to EORTC QOL. At three months, the mean pain scores were 3.5 ± 2.3 for the port and 1.3 ± 0.75 for PICC (<0.001). The mean score for a negative effect of the venous access device on psychosocial well-being was 6.0 ± 4.1 for PICC and 3.0 ± 2.7 for the port (p = 0.005). Complications related to PICCs occurred in 38% patients versus 41% with a port (p > 0.24). Conclusions: Although subjects with a port experienced more pain during the device insertion or access for chemotherapy, it had a smaller negative impact on psychosocial scores than the PICC. No significant differences in complications rates were observed between the two devices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Honari ◽  
Seyed Mehran Homam ◽  
Maryam Nabipour ◽  
Zahra Mostafavian ◽  
Arezou Farajpour ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with physical, emotional, and social consequences. Previous studies indicate that epilepsy symptoms can highly affect the epileptic patients’ satisfaction in life. The aim of the present study is to investigate the QOL of People with Epilepsy (PWE) in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Methods In this study, 100 patients were randomly selected. After confirmation of the diagnosis of epilepsy by neurologists and fulfilling the entrance criteria, patients completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 inventory (QOLIE-31) questionnaire. Finally, data was analyzed statistically by SPSS software. Results The study sample comprised 100 PWE, aged 18–74 years (34 ± 13), of whom 58 (58%) were females. Tonic-colonic seizure was the most common (60%) type of seizure. The obtained score of each subscale and the range of the QOLIE-31 total score was 16.40–79.18 with the mean of 50 (SD = 16). The energy-fatigue subscale score was significantly higher in patients younger than 35 (p = 0.018). The data analysis showed that the seizure worry subscale was significantly higher in single patients (p = 0.04). Duration of epilepsy had a positive correlation with QOLIE-31 total score (p = 0.038), and a negative relationship with energy-fatigue subscale (p = 0.018). In contrast with previous studies, which reported the frequency of the epileptic episodes as the most important predictor of QOL, our results showed no significant correlation between the number of the episodes and overall QOL score (p = 0.063). However, the number of episodes was significantly correlated with emotional well-being and cognition subscales. Furthermore, the results indicated that poor QOL score is correlated with depressed mood. Conclusion In fact, the ultimate and preferred outcome of all treatments and care interventions is the patient’s QOL. Thus, improvement of the QOL by means of obtaining more information about its contributing factors, in PWE should be one of the main goals in the patients’ treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahin Naderifar ◽  
Mansoureh Zagheri Tafreshi ◽  
Mahnaz Ilkhani ◽  
Magid Reza Akbarizadeh ◽  
Fereshteh Ghaljaei

Introduction: Institutionalizing adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients is one of the important nursing goals for improving quality of life in these patients. Adherence to treatment approach in these patients can play a pivotal role in improving the health level and feeling of well-being. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the quality of life in hemodialysis patients presenting to hemodialysis centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, on the basis of adherence to treatment. Patients and Methods: This is a correlational descriptive-analytic study. The study population consisted of hemodialysis patients in five hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, in 2017. The data were collected during 8 months from October 2016 to May 2017 in Tehran. A sample volume of 200 patients was determined in this study. Demographic information questionnaire, KDQOL-SF, and ESRD-AQ were applied in data collection. Availability sampling method was used to select the samples on the basis of inclusion criteria. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Our findings showed that 50% of the patients were male. Most of the respondents of the study (23%) were 51-60 years old. The results indicated that the mean score of quality of life of patients was 50.42±22.81. The mean total score of adherence to treatment was 901.13±85.30. Also, the correlation coefficient in this study revealed a significant correlation between total score of quality of life and adherence to treatment (r=0.218, P<0.01). Conclusion: Considering the significant correlation between adherence to treatment and life quality of patients, healthcare providers can promote the life quality of these patients via focusing on planning programs for emphasizing the role of education and interventions that improve adherence to treatment in these patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3826
Author(s):  
Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla ◽  
Abel Mejías-Gil ◽  
Elisa María Garrido-Ardila ◽  
María Jiménez-Palomares ◽  
Jesús Montanero-Fernández ◽  
...  

Background: The functional deficits in people with fibromyalgia can be related to the level of physical activity performed. This study investigated the effectiveness of an active exercise programme versus exercise for well-being improving pain, flexibility, static balance, perceived exertion and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia; Methods: A randomised, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted. A total of 141 of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were enrolled and randomised to an active exercise program group (n = 47), where they performed physical active exercises, an exercise for well-being group (n = 47), which performed the Qi Gong exercises named ‘the twenty Wang Ziping figures for health and longevity’, and a control group (n = 47), which did not receive any intervention, for a period of 4 weeks. Measures were taken at baseline and after the treatment. The primary outcome measures were static balance and centre of gravity (Wii-Fit Nintendo ©), flexibility (test de Wells and Dillon), pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and quality of life (Spanish-Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). The secondary outcome measure was the perceived exertion during activity (BORG Scale). Results: In total, 93 participants completed the study. The mean value of the age was 52.24 ± 6.19. The post intervention results showed statistically significant improvements in the exercise for well-being and the active exercise programme groups vs. the control group in relation to pain (p = 0.006 active exercise programme group, p = 0.001 exercise for well-being group), static balance (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group) and quality of life (p < 0.001 active exercise programme group, p = 0.002 exercise for well-being group). In addition, the mean scores related to perceived fatigue during the sessions were 6.30 ± 1.88 for the active exercise programme group and 5.52 ± 1.55 for the exercise for well-being group. These differences were not significant. Conclusions: The active exercise program and exercise for well-being improved flexibility, static balance, pain and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. The participants of the active exercise programme achieved better results that those of the exercise for well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2505
Author(s):  
Zenon Brzoza ◽  
Katarzyna Nabrdalik ◽  
Lukasz Moos ◽  
Hanna Kwiendacz ◽  
Karina Badura-Brzoza ◽  
...  

Background and aims: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) may compromise the quality of life (QoL). We decided to compare the QoL of T1DM patients to those suffering from CSU. Materials and methods: Sixty-six patients with well-controlled T1DM (male 52%) in the mean age of (SD) 36.3 (11.09) years and 51 patients with CSU (male 33%) in the mean age of (SD) 35.8 (8.53) years were enrolled in this observational study. All the participants completed a Short-Form 36 (SF-36) QoL. Results: The QoL related to social functioning was significantly worse among CSU patients. There were differences related to gender found in the group of patients with T1DM—where men tended to declare a better quality of life than women (p = 0.015)—especially in the area of energy/fatigue and pain. It appeared that due to physical and emotional problems occurring in married patients, the QoL is lower in T1DM group in comparison to the CSU one. Conclusions: The patients with CSU presented significantly worse social functioning compared to the ones with T1DM. This fact proves the QoL impairment level is not always related to the level of health danger. The differences in the QoL related to gender and marital status found among T1DM patients point to the necessity for further exploration in a larger group of patients. Due to the fact that optimal disease management should ensure patient’s good emotional well-being, there is a need for additional psychological and social care for patients from those two groups.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 540-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Degen ◽  
Gregory J. Gagnon ◽  
Jean-Marc Voyadzis ◽  
Donald A. McRae ◽  
Michael Lunsden ◽  
...  

Object. The authors conducted a study to assess safety, pain, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes following CyberKnife radiosurgical treatment of spinal tumors. Methods. Data obtained in all patients with spinal tumors who underwent CyberKnife radiosurgery at Georgetown University Hospital between March 2002 and March 2003 were analyzed. Patients underwent examination, visual analog scale (VAS) pain assessment, and completed the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months following treatment. Fifty-one patients with 72 lesions (58 metastatic and 14 primary) were treated. The mean follow-up period was 1 year. Pain was improved, with the mean VAS score decreasing significantly from 51.5 to 21.3 at 4 weeks (p < 0.001). This effect on pain was durable, with a mean score of 17.5 at 1 year, which was still significantly decreased (p = 0.002). Quality of life was maintained throughout the study period. After 18 months, physical well-being was 33 (initial score 32; p = 0.96) and mental well-being was 43.8 (initial score 44.2; p = 0.97). (The mean SF-12 score is 50 ± 10 [standard deviation].) Adverse effects included self-limited dysphagia (three cases), diarrhea (two cases), lethargy (three cases), paresthesias (one case), and wound dehiscence (one case). Conclusions. CyberKnife radiosurgery improves pain control and maintains QOL in patients treated for spinal tumors. Early adverse events are infrequent and minor. The authors await long-term follow-up data to determine late complications and tumor control rates.


2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 611-617
Author(s):  
Gordana Repic ◽  
Suncica Ivanovic ◽  
Cedomirka Stanojevic ◽  
Sanja Trgovcevic

Background/Aim. Colorectal cancer and its treatment can have a negative impact on the quality of life which has become an important outcome measure for cancer patients. The aim of this work was assessment of psychological and spiritual dimension of the quality of life in colostomy patients, regarding the gender and age. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Abdominal Surgery Polyclinic in the Clinical Canter of Vojvodina among colostomy patients operated between January 2010 and June 2011. The instrument used in this study was Quality of Life Questionnaire for a Patient with an Ostomy (QOL-O). Results. Majority of respondents were male (M:F = 50.7% : 49.3%). The age ranged between 36?86 years. Respondents did not report difficulties in adjustment to stoma, but their great difficulty was to look at it and the sense of depression and anxiety. The care of stoma was worse perceived by younger respondents (p = 0.014). Respondents were mostly satisfied with their memorizing ability and having the sense of control. The lowest score was found in sensing satisfaction or enjoyment in life. The age had a significant impact on positive aspects of psychological well-being (p < 0.05). Higher scores were found among younger age groups. The mean score of spiritual well-being (6.47 ? 3.01) was lower than the mean score of psychological well-being (7.76 ? 2.35). There were no statistically significant differences regarding gender (t = -0.738, df = 65, p = 0.463) or age (F = 1.307, p = 0.280). Conclusion. Psychological and spiritual well-being in colostomy patients appeared to be at satisfactory level, but it is necessary to provide tailor made support in order to prevent and resolve negative responses to stoma.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioanna V. Papathanasiou ◽  
Anna Rammogianni ◽  
Dimitros Papagiannis ◽  
Konstantinos Tsaras ◽  
Foteini Kaberi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Quality of Life (QoL) among elderly is an important issue that reflects the status of well-being of this vulnerable population. Aim: This study aims to assess quality of life among elderly population and to examine possible correlations with associated demographic, social and health factors. Material and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted, in which 257 elderlies from Greece were participated. For the data collection the WHOQOL-BREF (30-items Greek version) questionnaire was used as well as a questionnaire with questions about demographic data, social & health factors. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means, percentages and standard deviations have been utilized. Inferential statistics such as t-test and pearson r correlation have been used to determined correlations between relevant variables. Level of significance accepted is p < 0.05. Results: From the total 257 elderlies 55.6% (n=143) were women and 44.4% (n=114) were men with a mean age 75.12±8.39. The mean score of overall QoL is 14.14±2.87 and the mean of each factor of WHOQOL-BREF is 13.56±2.79 for physical health, 13.61±2.74 for mental health, 13.72±2.60 for social relationships and 13.70±1.96 for environment. Age, marital status, number of children, level of education, residence area, lifestyle, chronic diseases and serious illnesses are the factors that affects levels of QoL among Greek elderly population Conclusions: Results indicates that levels of QoL between elderly are moderate and many demographic, social and health factors are correlated with QoL status.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Jankowska-Polanska ◽  
D Kasperczak ◽  
N Swiatoniowska-Lonc ◽  
J Polanski

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia. AF and the complications associated with it interfere with the physical, mental and social well-being of a person, thus affecting the quality of life. An important factor affecting the quality of life of patients with AF is the acceptance of illness (AI). In spite of the large problem related to this subject, the analysis of the relation between the acceptance of illness and the quality of life of patients with AF is insufficient. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the acceptance of illness on the quality of life of patients with AF. Material and methods. 84 patients (including 51 men) aged 57.86 ± 17.72 years hospitalized in the cardiology department due to heart rhythm disorders. Standardized tools were used in the study: Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) to assess the acceptance of illness and Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire In Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA) to assess quality of life. Results. The majority of patients were secondary educated (64.27%), lived in a city (78.58%), were inactive (57.15%), were hospitalized 3-5 times (42.85%), had a cardiostimulator (23.80%) or underwent ablation (22.62%) during the last year. The average result of the acceptance of illness was 27.67 ± 7.70. 48.8% of patients had a high level of the acceptance of illness, 38.09% average, and 13.11% did not accept their illness. The mean result of quality of life for the whole studied group was (ASTA III) 25.64 ± 8.64. As regards the severity of symptoms (ASTA II) the mean result was 17.15 ± 5.89. Correlation analysis showed that the higher the level of the acceptance of illness the higher the quality of life (r = 0.640; p = 0.002) and lower the severity of AF symptoms (r=-0.51, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions. Patients with AF present a moderate level of disease acceptance and quality of life. The acceptance of illnessis the independent predictor and significantly increases quality of life of patients with AF.


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