Association between quality of life and severity of menopausal symptoms among Saudi women in Al-Ahsa

Background and objective: Menopause is not an illness. It is a normal physiologic process at the time that marks the end of the menstrual cycles. The severity, frequency, duration, and impact of these menopausal symptoms vary from woman to woman according to their age, and they affect the overall quality of life. The aim of this study is to verify the severity of menopausal symptoms experienced by Saudi women in Al Ahsa, and to identify the association between the severity of menopausal symptoms and their effects on the quality of life of Saudi women.Methods: An analytical cross- sectional study involved 427 women aged 45-60 years old. They were randomly collected by researchers who interviewed them in outpatient clinics and obstetrics and gynecology wards from 6 hospitals by using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire and the Menopause Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire between February 15, 2021 and May 15, 2021.Results: The average age of participants was between 45-49. The MRS shows that mild symptoms were found in 47.8% of participants, while severe symptoms were 10.6%. The most common symptoms were physical and somatic. The Menopause Specific Quality of Life shows that 52.2% of the participants suffer from mild bothersome, while 7.5% have extremely bothersome. There was a strong positive association between menopause specific quality of life, and menopausal symptoms.Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between menopausal symptoms and the quality of life of women. Menopausal symptoms have a negative impact on the quality of women's lives. Therefore, the policy makers in the ministry of health could strengthen providing health programmes and health services to women in this age group, besides women in the reproductive age. This can be accomplished by including modules related to the special health needs of menopausal women in the primary center's health programs.

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Friends with malefit. The effects of keeping dogs and cats, sustaining animal-related injuries andToxoplasmainfection on health and quality of life

10.1101/742734 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jaroslav Flegr ◽

Marek Preiss

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractMany studies show that keeping cats and dogs has a positive impact on humans’ physical and mental health and quality of life. The existence of this “pet phenomenon” is now widely discussed because other studies performed recently have demonstrated a negative impact of owning pets or no impact at all. The main problem of many studies was the autoselection – participants were informed about the aims of the study during recruitment and later likely described their health and wellbeing according to their personal beliefs and wishes, not according to their real status. To avoid this source of bias, we did not mention pets during participant recruitment and hid the pet-related questions among many hundreds of questions in an 80-minute Internet questionnaire. Results of our study performed on a sample of on 10,858 subjects showed that liking cats and dogs has a weak positive association with quality of life. However, keeping pets, especially cats, and even more being injured by pets, were strongly negatively associated with many facets of quality of life. Our data also confirmed that infection by the cat parasiteToxoplasmahad a very strong negative effect on quality of life, especially on mental health. However, the infection was not responsible for the observed negative effects of keeping pets, as these effects were much stronger in 1,527Toxoplasma-free subjects than in the whole population. Any cross-sectional study cannot discriminate between a cause and an effect. However, because of the large and still growing popularity of keeping pets, the existence and nature of the reverse pet phenomenon deserve the outmost attention.

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Adherence to Therapy, Physical and Mental Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11070672 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 672

Author(s):

Alessandra Buja ◽

Guendalina Graffigna ◽

Simona F. Mafrici ◽

Tatjana Baldovin ◽

Carlo Pinato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Index ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adherence To Therapy

Ensuring multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ adherence to therapy is often challenging, but it is crucial to their survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present study was to outline connections between adherence, physical and mental HRQoL, levels of psychological readiness to engage in a treatment, levels of social support, anthropometric, socio-demographic and clinical factors in patients suffering from MS. This cross-sectional study involved a sample of 237 Italian MS patients. A survey was conducted with a structured self-administered online questionnaire using validated measures of quality of life, adherence to therapy and anthropometric, socio-demographic, psychological and clinical variables. A path analysis was used to test the overall structure of the associations between the variables. The pathway indicates a positive association between mental health index and a stronger degree of engagement and being or having been in a long-term relationship. Physical health index was positively associated with age, having an occupation, and having a specific form of MS. Having had relapses in the previous year raised the odds of better adherence to therapy, while an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) reduced them. Our findings could help in the management of MS patients, promoting behavioral interventions that take the psychological and socio-demographic peculiarities of each patient into account with a view to improving their adherence to therapy.

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The Relationship between Restless Legs Syndrome and Quality of Life in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000502002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 81 (3-4) ◽

pp. 205-208

Author(s):

Monica F. Ataide ◽

Carolina da Cunha-Correia ◽

Katia C.L. Petribú

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Myasthenia Gravis ◽

Restless Legs Syndrome ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Restless Legs ◽

Study Population ◽

Clinical Conditions

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized for an uncomfortable sensation in legs and an irresistible desire to move them. This disorder has been more recently recognized in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and can interfere with the quality of life (QOL). Objectives: The aims of this study are to describe the prevalence of RLS and its severity and influence on the QOL in patients with MG. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May to June 2016 in Recife, Brazil. A sample of 42 patients was interviewed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, MG QOL questionnaire-15 and The RLS Rating Scale. Results: RLS was present in 47.6% of patients and of these 40.5% met moderate to severe RLS criteria. Patients were 45 years on average (SD ± 14.4) and women represented 57.1% of the study population. Among patients with RSL, the quality-of-life scores were worse (p = 0.010) on average. There was no association of RLS with the duration of MG, use of immunosuppressant or clinical conditions that could mimic the occurrence of RLS. Conclusion: RLS is a prevalent condition in patients with MG, and may be severe enough to negatively impact QOL.

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The association between physical activity and menopause-related quality of life

International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation ◽

10.12968/ijtr.2020.0118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Cyanna Joseph D'souza ◽

Santhakumar Haripriya ◽

Harish Sreekantan Krishna

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Short Form ◽

Hormone Replacement ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional

Background/aims Menopause can cause drastic changes that trigger severe symptoms in women and, in turn, influence their quality of life. Many women no longer prefer hormone replacement therapy because of its potential adverse effects. Hence, it is crucial to establish alternate interventions to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between quality of life and level of physical activity in menopausal women. Methods A total of 260 postmenopausal women were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The Menopause Rating Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form were used to assess quality of life and physical activity respectively. Results Women with higher levels of physical activity had fewer total menopausal, somato-vegetative and psychological symptoms (P<0.001); no differences were found in vasomotor and urogenital symptoms. Conclusions Women with low physical activity levels presented with greater menopausal symptoms. Regular physical activity can be recommended to alleviate symptoms following menopause, thereby improving quality of life.

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Impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of children aged 8 to 10 years

Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1590/2177-6709.23.2.046-053.oar ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 46-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Sônia Rodrigues Dutra ◽

Henrique Pretti ◽

Milene Torres Martins ◽

Cristiane Baccin Bendo ◽

Miriam Pimenta Vale

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

Normal Occlusion ◽

Study Results ◽

Belo Horizonte ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of children aged 8 to 10 years attending public elementary schools in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: The Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 8-10 (CPQ8-10) was used to evaluate oral health-related quality of life. The children were examined for the diagnosis of malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). The data were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate descriptive statistics using Poisson regression at a 5% significance level. A total of 270 children participated in the study. Results: Children with normal occlusion or mild malocclusion (DAI ≤ 25) were 56% less likely (95%CI: 0.258-0.758; p= 0.003) to have their quality of life affected compared with children diagnosed with extremely severe malocclusion (DAI ≥ 36). Children with a maxillary anterior overjet ≥ 3 mm had higher CPQ8-10 mean scores (19.4; SD = 17.1) than those with an overjet < 3 mm (13.6; SD = 11.7; p= 0.038). Conclusions: Extremely severe malocclusion and pronounced maxillary anterior overjet were associated with a negative impact on quality of life.

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Impact of Caries Severity/Activity and Psychological Aspects of Caregivers on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among 5-Year-Old Children

Caries Research ◽

10.1159/000488210 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 52 (6) ◽

pp. 570-579 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia ◽

Monalisa Cesarino Gomes ◽

Matheus França Perazzo ◽

Carolina Castro Martins ◽

Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães Abreu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Oral Health ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Statistical Adjustment ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the severity/activity of dental caries as well as sense of coherence (SOC) and locus of control (LOC) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 5-year-old children. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 769 children at schools in a city in northeast Brazil. Parents/caregivers answered validated questionnaires addressing SOC and LOC. The children and parents/caregivers answered their respective modules of the Brazilian version of the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old children (SOHO-5). Data were also collected on sociodemographic characteristics, visits to the dentist, and the occurrence of toothache. Clinical examinations were performed by 2 trained examiners. A directed acyclic graph was used to select covariates for statistical adjustment, and logistic regression for complex samples was used to test associations between the dependent and independent variables (α = 5%). For parents/caregivers, the variables associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL were the occurrence of toothache (odds ratio, OR: 10.53; 95% confidence interval, CI: 6.34–17.51; p < 0.001) and a low SOC (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.37–3.43; p = 0.001). According to the children’s perceptions, the following variables were associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL: toothache (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 2.30–5.55; p < 0.001), caries activity (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.07–3.62; p = 0.028), and traumatic dental injury (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.15–2.53; p = 0.007). Among parents/caregivers, a low SOC led to poorer OHRQoL. For the children, however, neither psychological aspect affected OHRQoL. In the perception of both the parents/caregivers and children, toothache was the oral condition that exerted a negative impact on OHRQoL.

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Depression and quality of life in mothers of children with pervasive developmental disorders

Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/s0104-11692010000100006 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 33-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Maria Ângela Fávero-Nunes ◽

Manoel Antônio dos Santos

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Pervasive Developmental Disorders ◽

Developmental Disorders ◽

Family Income ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Demographic Profile ◽

Quality Of Life Scale

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dysphoria/depressive symptoms in mothers of autistic children and to identify correlations between quality of life and socio-demographic profile. An exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, involving 20 mothers, by applying a socio-demographic profile questionnaire, the Brazilian version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the WHOQOL-Bref quality of life scale. Dysphoria/depression criteria were found in 15% of the mothers. Overall quality of life was evaluated as positive in 70%, however only 40% were satisfied with their health. The Physical domain (mean=69.4) was perceived as the best, and environment domain as the worst (mean=60.8). Quality of life had a positive association with family income and level of education, and a negative association with depression. Considering the results, further research, especially on those variables that were not statistically relevant, is suggested.

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Perception of parents and caregivers regarding the impact of malocclusion on adolescents’ quality of life: a cross-sectional study

Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1590/2177-6709.21.6.074-081.oar ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 74-81 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Lucas Guimarães Abreu ◽

Camilo Aquino Melgaço ◽

Mauro Henrique Abreu ◽

Elizabeth Maria Bastos Lages ◽

Saul Martins Paiva

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Functional Limitations ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Parents And Caregivers

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this article was to assess the perception of parents and caregivers regarding the impact of malocclusion on adolescents’ oral health -related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of a sample of 280 parents/caregivers of 11 and 12-year-old adolescents who answered the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). Parent-assessed quality of life of adolescents was the dependent variable. The main independent variable was adolescents’ malocclusion which was diagnosed by means of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Based on DAI cut-off points, adolescents were classified into four grades of malocclusion, with different orthodontic treatment recommendations assigned to each grade: no need/slight treatment need, elective treatment, highly desirable treatment and mandatory treatment. Adolescents’ age and sex, as well as family monthly income, were considered as confounding variables. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: Of the 280 parents/caregivers initially accepted in this study, 18 refused to answer the P-CPQ. Therefore, 262 individuals participated in this assessment, providing a response rate of 93.5%. The severity of adolescents’ malocclusion was significantly associated with a higher negative impact on parents’/caregivers’ perception on the oral symptoms (p< 0.05), functional limitations (p < 0.001), emotional well-being (p < 0.001), and social well-being (p < 0.001) subscale scores as well as on the overall P-CPQ score (p < 0.001), even after having been adjusted for the controlling variables. Conclusions: Parents/caregivers reported a negative impact of malocclusion on adolescents’ OHRQoL. Increased severity of malocclusion is associated with higher adverse impact on OHRQoL.

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The Influence of Self-Perception on Manipulative Dexterity in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Occupational Therapy International ◽

10.1155/2021/5583063 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Rosa M. Martínez-Piédrola ◽

Cristina García-Bravo ◽

Elisabet Huertas-Hoyas ◽

Patricia Sánchez-Herrera Baeza ◽

Jorge Pérez-Corrales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Daily Living ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Perception ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Quality Of Life

Background. Multiple sclerosis is a disorder which causes a loss of functionality, affecting the person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as interpersonal interactions and relationship, dressing, self-care, or bathing, as well as having a negative impact on work and leisure activities. Aims. This study examined the relationship (correlational or associations/predictive) between self-perceived quality of life and performance of manipulative dexterity. Also, this study sought to measure predictors of dexterity. Study Design. A cross-sectional study from two associations of MS within the Community of Madrid, Spain. Methods and Procedures. A final sample of 30 people with multiple sclerosis. The outcome measures used were the ABILHAND questionnaire, the Purdue Pegboard Test, the Nine Hole Peg Test, and the Box and Block Test. Results. No significant correlations were found between dexterity and self-perception tests; however, correlations were found between perceived dexterity and quality of life ( p < 0.001 ). Scores for the ABILHAND questionnaire, which measures the perception of skills in daily living, predicted up to 60% of the variance in the dexterity tests. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that interventions for improving the manipulative dexterity of people with multiple sclerosis should address the person’s perception of improving their manipulative dexterity and the perceived of quality of life, as both factors may influence manipulative dexterity.

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Prevalence of hot flashes in women of 40 to 65 years of age with metabolic syndrome

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1806-9282.66.12.1628 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 66 (12) ◽

pp. 1628-1632

Author(s):

Helena Proni Fonseca Saú ◽

Ana Carolina Basso Schmitt ◽

Maria Regina Alves Cardoso ◽

José Mendes Aldrighi

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Hot Flashes ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Progressive Reduction ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Kupperman Index ◽

The Mean

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Hot flashes have a negative impact on the quality of life of women during the menopausal transition and thereafter. The progressive reduction in gonadal estrogen levels associated with aging promotes an accumulation of abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension, all of which are components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of hot flashes and evaluate their relationship with MetS in women ≥ 40 years of age. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving women aged between 40 and 65 years. We used the Kupperman index to quantify the climacteric symptoms and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for the diagnosis of MetS. RESULTS: 1,435 women were initially selected, and we obtained information from 647. The mean age at menopause was 45.99 years (SD 6.61 years) and the prevalence of hot flashes and MetS were 55.83% (95% CI: 52.35-59.25%) and 46.29% (95% CI: 44.75-52.53%), respectively. We identified a positive association between MetS and hot flashes (OR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.01-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: In women ≥ 40 years of age, hot flashes are highly prevalent and appear to be associated with MetS.

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