Changes health-related quality of life in HIV-infected patients following initiation of antiretroviral therapy: a longitudinal study

BackgroundSeveral tools have been developed to evaluate HIV health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during and after antiretroviral therapy (ART). Few longitudinal studies evaluated the effect of ART on the quality of life of HIV patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in HRQoL in HIV-infected individuals one year after initiating ART.MethodsA prospective study was conducted from May 2016 to July 2018. Data on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of 91 HIV-infected patients were collected prior to initiation of ART and one year thereafter. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the questionnaires 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and HIV/AIDS-targeted quality of life (HAT-QoL) were administered in both periods. Asymptomatic individuals, aged ≥18 years, were included in the study. Patients who discontinued treatment were excluded. The association between predictors of physical and mental HRQoL was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsPatients were predominantly male (78.0%), mean age 35.3 ± 10.7 years, with no stable relationship (80.2%), and no comorbidities (73.6%). Most of the SF-36 domains improved after one year, particularly Physical Function (p = 0.0001), General Health (p = 0.0001), Social Functioning (p = 0.0001), Mental Health (p = 0.001), and Mental Component Summary (p = 0.004). HAT-QoL domains improved in the Overall Function (p = 0.0001), Life Satisfaction (p = 0.0001), Provider Trust (p = 0.001), and Sexual Function (p = 0.0001) domains. Sex (p = 0.032), age (p = 0.001), income (p = 0.007), and stable relationship (p = 0.004) were good predictors of the Physical Component Summary. Sex (p = 0.002) and stable relationship (p = 0.038) were good predictors of the Mental Component Summary. SF-36 and HAT-QoL scales presented strong correlations, except for Medication Concerns (0.15–0.37), HIV Mastery (0.18–0.38), Disclosure Worries (?0.15 to 0.07), and Provider Trust (?0.07 to 0.15).ConclusionsART improved HRQoL after one year of use. The HAT-QoL and SF-36 correlated well and are good tools to evaluate HRQoL in HIV-infected patients on ART.     

Infliximab improves health related quality of life and physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of infliximab on health related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical function in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the IMPACT 2 trial. METHODS: 200 patients with PsA unresponsive to conventional treatment were randomised to intravenous infusions of infliximab 5 mg/kg or placebo at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, and 22; patients with inadequate response entered early escape at week 16. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) at weeks 0, 14, and 24. Functional disability was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at every visit through week 24. Associations between changes in quality of life (SF-36) and articular (American College of Rheumatology (ACR)) and dermatological (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)) responses were examined. RESULTS: Mean percentage improvement from baseline in HAQ was 48.6% in the infliximab group compared with worsening of 18.4% in the placebo group at week 14 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 58.6% and 19.4% of infliximab and placebo treated patients, respectively, achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in HAQ (that is, > or = 0.3 unit decrease) at week 14 (p < 0.001). Increases in physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores and all eight scales of the SF-36 in the infliximab group were greater than those in the placebo group at week 14 (p < or = 0.001). These benefits were sustained through week 24. Patients achieving ACR20 and PASI75 responses had the greatest improvements in PCS and MCS scores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PsA, infliximab 5 mg/kg significantly improved HRQoL and physical function compared with placebo through 24 weeks.     

Association between helplessness,disability, and disease activity with health-related quality of life among rheumatoid arthritis patients in a multiethnic Asian population

To investigate the association between helplessness, disability, and disease activity with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a multiethnic cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Singapore. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, from October 2010 to October 2011. All patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for RA. Socio-demographics, clinical, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) variables were collected. HRQoL outcomes were Short Form 36 (SF-36) physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores and Short Form 6 Dimensions (SF-6D) utilities. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed using HRQoL outcomes as dependent variables in separate models and with adjustment for helplessness (Rheumatology Attitudes Index, RAI), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire, HAQ), and disease activity (Disease Activity in 28 joints) followed by socio-demographic, clinical, and PRO variables. Complete data were provided by 473 consenting subjects [mean (SD) age: 60.02 (11.04) years, 85 % female, 77 % Chinese]. After adjustment for all measured covariates, only RAI and HAQ scores remained significantly associated with SF-36 MCS (β: ?0.9, p < 0.001; β: ?7.0, p < 0.001) and SF-6D utilities (β: ?0.005, p < 0.001; β: ?0.081, p < 0.001), respectively, while only HAQ scores were significantly associated with SF-36 PCS (β: ?7.7, p < 0.001). Interventions to address the sense of helplessness and to prevent or reduce disability could improve HRQoL of RA patients.     

Age does not limit quality of life improvement in cardiac valve surgery

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the association of age with the change in quality of life (QOL) after valve surgery. BACKGROUND: Improvement in QOL is one of the principal goals of valve surgery. These procedures are being done with increasing frequency for older patients. METHODS: We prospectively studied 148 patients with aortic valve procedures and 72 patients with mitral valve procedures. Patients' QOL was measured at baseline and at 18 months using the Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 36-Item (SF-36) Health Survey (response rate 90%). The association of age with change in QOL was measured by multiple regression analysis and based on two meta-scores of the SF-36: the Mental Component Summary (MCS) and the Physical Component Summary (PCS). RESULTS: Overall improvement in most domains of the SF-36, including the MCS and the PCS scores, was substantial. Improvement in the MCS score was not influenced by age in either aortic (0.09 score point improvement per 10-year age increments; p = 0.9) or mitral (0.90 score point improvement per 10-year age increments; p = 0.3) patients. Similarly, improvement in the PCS score did not vary by age in aortic patients (-1.00 score points per 10-year age increments; p = 0.2) and only slightly varied by age in mitral patients (-1.90 score points per 10-year age increments, p = 0.02). In the latter, despite statistical significance, the association was not substantial or clinically important. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients referred for cardiac valve surgery, age does not appear to limit the QOL benefits of surgery.     

Health-related quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary bypass surgery in high-risk patients with medically refractory ischemia

OBJECTIVES: We compared six-month health-related quality of life (HRQL) for high-risk patients with medically refractory ischemia randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. BACKGROUND: Mortality rates after PCI and CABG surgery are similar. Therefore, differences in HRQL outcomes may help in the selection of a revascularization procedure. METHODS: Patients were enrolled in a Veterans Affairs multicenter randomized trial comparing PCI versus CABG for patients with medically refractory ischemia and one or more risk factors for adverse outcome; 389 of 423 patients (92%) alive six months after randomization completed an Short Form-36 (SF-36) health status survey. Primary outcomes were the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores from the SF-36. Multivariable analyses were used to evaluate whether PCI or CABG surgery was associated with better PCS or MCS scores after adjusting for over 20 baseline variables. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in either PCS scores (38.7 vs. 37.3 for PCI and CABG, respectively; p = 0.23) or MCS scores (45.5 vs. 46.1, p = 0.58) between the treatment arms. In multivariable models, there remained no difference in HRQL for post-PCI versus post-CABG patients (for PCS, absolute difference = 0.56 +/- standard error of 1.14, p = 0.63; for MCS, absolute difference = -1.23 +/- 1.12, p = 0.27). We had 97% power to detect a four-point difference in scores, where four to seven points is a clinically important difference. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk patients with medically refractory ischemia randomized to PCI versus CABG surgery have equivalent six-month HRQL. Therefore, HRQL concerns should not drive decision-making regarding selection of a revascularization procedure for these patients.     

Muscle strength is related to mental and physical quality of life in the oldest old

Purpose of the studyQuality of life represents the principal outcome of health interventions for the oldest old. However, little is known about the determinants of quality of life in this population stratum. We evaluated the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and handgrip strength in a cohort of 331 participants aged 90+ with a living in the Mugello area (Tuscany, Italy).Design and methodsHRQoL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF12), considering the Physical Composite Score (PCS) and the Mental Composite Score (MCS) of the SF-12. Muscle strength was tested by hand grip dynamometry.ResultsThe median MCS was 46.9, while the median PCS was 43.0. According to logistic regression, muscle strength was associated with increased probability of better PCS (OR = 1.05; 95 % CI = 1.01–1.10, P = .042), and better MCS (OR = 1.05; 95 % CI = 1.01–1.10, P = .036), after adjusting.ImplicationMuscle strength is associated with both physical and mental HRQoL among nonagenarians. Further studies are needed to explore the subsystems involved in this association, and whether improving muscle performance might improve global mental and physical quality of life in the most advanced age.     

BMI, disease activity, and health-related quality-of-life in systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of this study was to examine the independent and interactive associations among body mass index (BMI), disease activity, on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Three hundred eighty-four patients with SLE were recruited in this study. The investigations were conducted by the Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) questionnaire. Disease activity was assessed by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). The regression analyses were used to identify independent and interactive associations that were associated with the PCS and MCS. The presence of psychological morbidity was associated with all the scores from SF-36. In multivariable analyses, The physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores of MOS SF-36 were negative correlation with BMI and SLEDAI; BMI was independently associated with PCS and MCS but not with disease activity. However, the interactive association of BMI and SLEDAI on HRQoL was negligible. An increased BMI and SLEDAI are independently associated with quality-of-life in patients with SLE. Optimizing weight merits investigation to see if it can significantly improve the HRQoL of SLE patients.     

Health-related quality of life in Japanese patients with ischemic heart disease: a multicenter cooperative investigation assessed using SF-36

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the quality of life (QOL) of Japanese patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS: The QOL data of 753 patients with chronic and stable ischemic heart disease was assessed using SF-36 Japanese version 1.2 and compared with Japanese national norms. Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were calculated to examine the correlation with patient background. Patients were also asked about subjective symptoms during the QOL investigation. RESULTS: Mean age was 63.6 +/- 7.5 years old and the male/female ratio was 85.7/14.3. About one third (30.7%) of the patients were symptomatic and about half (52.6%) had a history of myocardial infarction. Compared to Japanese national norms, physical functioning, role-physical, social functioning, general health and role-emotional were lower, and body pain, vitality and mental health were higher. PCS was significantly lower and MCS was significantly higher in aged patients than in younger patients (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). PCS and MCS were significantly lower in the symptom (+) group than in the symptom (-) group (p = 0.0009, p < 0.0001). PCS decreased as the number of anti-angina medications for the patients increased (p = 0.0002). PCS was significantly lower and MCS was significantly higher in the beta blocker (+) group than in the beta blocker (-) group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.03). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ( > or = 63 years old), symptom (+), duration of disease (> or = 3 years) and beta blocker (+) influenced the QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The QOL level of patients with ischemic heart disease was found to depend on the clinical condition and treatment, so the optimal treatment for ischemic heart disease must be established to improve QOL.     

The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on quality-of-life assessed using the SF-36: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The assessment of health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is becoming increasingly common in both research and clinical practice. One of the most widely used tools for measuring HRQoL is the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). We conducted a systematic review examining the impact of RA on HRQoL, measured through the SF-36.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase were searched for observational studies reporting mean and standard deviation scores for each domain of the SF-36 in adult RA patients. Studies were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

Results

In total, 31 studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, including 22,335 patients. Meta-analyses found that pooled mean HRQoL score for the SF-36 physical component summary was 34.1 (95% CI: 22.0–46.1) and mental component summary was 45.6 (95% CI: 30.3–60.8). Increased age was associated with reduced physical function and physical component summary (PCS) scores but improved mental health and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Female gender was associated with improved scores on role physical, bodily pain and PCS but reduced mental health and MCS scores. Longer disease duration was associated with improved MCS. Patients with RA have a substantially reduced HRQoL in comparison to both other physical illnesses and in comparison to normative datasets from UK and USA populations.

Conclusions

RA has a substantial impact on HRQoL. This supports recent NICE guidelines stipulating that RA patients should be regularly assessed for the impact their disease has on HRQoL and appropriate management provided.     

Health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab: results from a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of adalimumab on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Patients >or=18 years enrolled in the Adalimumab Trial Evaluating Long-Term Efficacy and Safety in Ankylosing Spondylitis, a randomized controlled study, were randomly assigned to receive either adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneously or placebo every other week for 24 weeks. ASsessment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) International Working Group criteria were used to evaluate clinical efficacy. HRQOL outcomes were assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 315 patients enrolled (208 in the adalimumab group and 107 in the placebo group). Patients in the adalimumab group showed significant improvements in SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and ASQoL scores versus placebo at weeks 12 and 24 (P < 0.001). The observed differences between adalimumab and placebo patients exceeded the a priori minimum important difference (MID) at the group level, and significantly more adalimumab-treated patients achieved improvements greater than the MID on the patient level. These data suggest the HRQOL improvements were clinically meaningful. No differences were observed in SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Significant differences favoring adalimumab were observed for SF-36 domains physical function, bodily pain, role-physical, general health, vitality, social function, and role-emotional. There was significant association between HRQOL improvements (measured by SF-36 PCS and MCS, and ASQoL scores) and ASAS clinical responses (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Adalimumab significantly improved physical health status and overall HRQOL through 24 weeks in patients with active AS.     

Systemic lupus erythematosus in a multiethnic lupus cohort (LUMINA). XVII. Predictors of self-reported health-related quality of life early in the disease course

OBJECTIVE: To determine the baseline factors predictive of self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) early in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus patients (SLE) from a multiethnic LUMINA (Lupus in Minorities: Nature versus nurture) cohort. METHODS: LUMINA patients with > or =2 visits were studied. Self-reported HRQOL was examined with the 8 subscales and 2 summary measures (the Physical Component Summary [PCS], and the Mental Component Summary [MCS]) of the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Bivariable and multivariable analyses were done with the PCS, MCS and 8 subscales as the dependent variables. The analyses were performed including and excluding the corresponding SF-36 measure from the independent variables. Age, sex, and ethnicity were included in all models. Time was modeled in all regressions. RESULTS: A total of 1,351 visits (346 patients [80 Hispanics-Texas, 34 Hispanics-Puerto Rico, 126 African Americans, and 106 Caucasians]) were included in these analyses. Mean +/- SD PCS and MCS scores were 36.7 +/- 12.0 and 46.6 +/- 11.5, respectively. The scores for the eight subscales of the SF-36 were also lower than those for the general population. Baseline SF-36 measures were highly predictive of subsequent HRQOL. In the same set of regressions, older age was found to consistently predict poor self-reported HRQOL whereas fibromyalgia, helplessness, fatigue, and abnormal illness-related behaviors were also predictive, but less consistently. Estimated adjusted variances in these regressions ranged from 23% (Role-Emotional [RE]) to 43% (Physical Functioning [PF]). CONCLUSION: In patients with SLE, poor baseline HRQOL was highly predictive of subsequent poor HRQOL. Other predictive variables of poor functioning were primarily psychological/behavioral and socioeconomic-demographic.     

A computerized adaptive version of the SF-36 is feasible for clinic and Internet administration in adults with HIV

DYNHA SF-36 is a computerized adaptive test version of the SF-36 Health Survey. The feasibility of administering a modified DYNHA SF-36 to adults with HIV was evaluated with Johns Hopkins University Moore (HIV) Clinic patients (N=100) and Internet consumer health panel members (N=101). Participants completed the DYNHA SF-36, modified to capture seven health domains [(physical function (PF), role function (RF, without physical or emotional attribution), bodily pain (BP), general health, vitality (VT), social function (SF), mental health (MH)], and scored to produce two summary components [Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS)]. Item-response theory-based response consistency, precision, mean scores, and discriminant validity were examined. A higher percentage of Internet participants responded consistently to the DYNHA SF-36. For each domain, three standard deviations were covered with five items (90% reliability); however, RF and SF scores were less precise at the upper end of measurement (better functioning). Mean scores were slightly higher for the Internet sample, with the exception of VT and MCS. Clinic and Internet participants reporting an AIDS diagnosis had significantly lower mean PCS and PF scores than those without a diagnosis. Additionally, significantly lower RF and BP scores were found for Internet participants reporting an AIDS diagnosis. The measure was well accepted by the majority of participants, although Internet respondents provided lower ratings for the tool's usefulness. The DYNHA SF-36 has promise for measuring the impact of HIV and its treatment in both the clinic setting and through telemonitoring.     

The Impact of Fragility Fractures on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Background:

Osteoporosis occurs frequently in patients with chronic cholestatic liver diseases, yet data are scarce regarding the prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures and their impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).

Objectives:

We aimed to assess Bone Mineral Density (BMD), physical activity and incidence of fragility fractures in patients with PSC. We also sought associations between prior fractures and HRQoL.

Patients and Methods:

The study was performed on 33 patients (11 females, 22 males) aged 35.3 ± 13 years. HRQoL was assessed by Short Form (SF)-36, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)-40 and PBC-27 questionnaires. BMD was measured by densitometry in the lumbar spine and hip. Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire.

Results:

In 32% of patients, BMD measured in the hip or spine was below 1.0 Standard Deviation. A history of fragility fractures (distal forearm and ribs) was reported in six patients (18%). In SF-36 assessment, patients with fractures had lower scores in the role functioning, general health and vitality domains and Physical Component Summary (PCS) than those without fractures. Prior fractures adjusted for gender and PSC duration were associated with lower PCS and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Symptoms and fatigue (assessed by PBC) and prior fractures were inversely associated with MCS (P = 0.007).

Conclusions:

In middle-aged subjects with PSC, we found a high rate of non-vertebral fractures and a moderately decreased BMD in lumbar spine and hip. Fragility fractures had an impact on physical and mental aspects of HRQoL.     

Quality of life and psychological outcome of donors after living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To investigate the health related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological outcome of donors after living donor liver transplantation. METHODS: Participants were 92 consecutive liver transplant donors who underwent hepatectomy with- out middle hepatic vein at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2007 and Sep- tember 2010. HRQoL was measured using the Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and psychological symptoms were measured using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Data collected from donors were compared to previ- ously published data from the general population. Clin- ical and demographic data were collected from medical records and questionnaires.RESULTS: The general health score of the SF-36 was significantly lower in females (59.78 ± 12.25) than in males (75.83 ± 22.09). Donors more than 40 years old scored higher in social functioning (85.71 ± 14.59) and mental health (82.61 ± 20.00) than those younger than 40 (75.00 ± 12.13, 68.89 ± 12.98; social func- tioning and mental health, respectively). Donors who had surgery more than two years prior to the study scored highest in physical functioning (P = 0.001) and bodily pain (P = 0.042) while those less than one year from surgery scored lowest. The health of the liver recipient significantly influenced the general health (P = 0.042), social functioning (P = 0.010), and role- emotional (P = 0.028) of donors. Donors with full-time employment scored highest in role-physical (P = 0.005), vitality (P = 0.001), social functioning (P = 0.016), mental health (P 0.001), the physical component summary scale (P 0.001), and the mental compo- nent summary scale (MCS) (P 0.001). Psychological measures indicated that donors were healthier than the general population in obsessive-compulsive behav- ior, interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, and para- noid ideation. The MCS of the SF-36 was significantly correlated with most symptom scores of the SCL-90-R. CONCLUSION: HRQoL and psychological outcome were favorable in living liver transplant donors after donation. Specifically, gender, age, time since opera- tion, recipient health condition, and employment after donation, influenced postoperative quality of life.     

Health-related quality of life is worse in individuals with hypertension under drug treatment: results of population-based study

Patients with hypertension usually report lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but it is unclear whether this is secondary to high blood pressure (BP) per se, drug treatment or awareness of disease. In a cross-sectional study using a multistage population-based sample, participants were interviewed and examined at home. Hypertension was defined by BP ≥140/90 mm Hg or use of BP-lowering drugs. HRQoL was assessed through the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and presented as the physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and the SF-12 eight-domain scale. In total, 1858 individuals were evaluated, being 60.1% women, aged 52.5 ± 4.1 years old, and 39.9% men, aged 47.2 ± 9.1 years old. Prevalence of hypertension was 34.2% (95% CI 31.5-36.9). The PCS scores for hypertensive and normotensive participants were 49.4 (CI 48.6-50.2) and 51.06 (CI 50.4-51.7) (P=0.01), respectively, and the MCS scores were 49.1 (CI 47.9-50.3) and 50.5 (CI 49.6-51.2) (P=0.06), respectively. Participants with hypertension and not using BP drugs had higher HRQoL scores (PCS 49.6; MCS 51.9) than those using BP drugs either with uncontrolled (PCS 45.3; MCS 49.4) or controlled BP (PCS 46.2; MCS 47.7; P<0.05). We concluded that individuals with hypertension have worse quality of life, particularly when their BP is controlled by drugs. This perception may lead to lower rates of adherence to treatment.     

Impact of duration in a cardiac rehabilitation program on coronary risk profile and health-related quality of life outcomes

BACKGROUND: Optimal cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program length and the time course of changes in relevant outcomes are unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in coronary risk factors and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after 3 months and 6 months of cardiac rehabilitation. METHODS: This is an observational study of a cohort of 126 consecutive cardiac rehabilitation patients who completed baseline, 3-month, and 6-month evaluations of coronary risk factors and HRQoL. The coronary risk factors included lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) comprising eight health concepts and two component scales (physical [PCS] and mental [MCS]). RESULTS: There was significant improvement in all coronary risk factors and HRQoL measures, except BMI, over the 6-month period (P < 0.001). Significant changes in blood pressure, physical activity, PCS, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were apparent at 3 months, and no additional significant changes in these variables occurred between 3 and 6 months. For total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and MCS, significant change was achieved between 3 and 6 months but not between baseline and 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary prevention and HRQoL outcomes improved at variable rates. Physical activity and physical function peaked at 3 months and were maintained at program completion. Significant improvements occurred in mental health recovery beyond the traditional 12-week CR program length. Outcomes furthest from normative values showed the most rapid improvement. Optimal duration of participation may vary according to the outcome of interest.     

Quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with related controls within a unique African American population

The patient's perspective of how their health affects their function is health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL is poorer in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Few HRQOL studies in SLE patients have focused on African Americans despite an increased disease burden compared with Caucasians. The African American Gullah population of South Carolina has a homogeneous genetic and environmental background and a high prevalence of multi-patient families with SLE. Demographics, medical history, and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) were measured within a cohort of Gullah SLE cases and related controls. Compared with related controls (n?=?37), cases (n?=?89) had a lower Physical Component Summary (PCS, 41.8 vs. 52.3, p?相似文献   

Physical disability contributes to caregiver stress in dementia caregivers

BACKGROUND: Previous findings of studies on the impact of physical illness on caregiver health have been inconsistent. The authors wanted to determine whether physical disability, as determined by the SF-12 survey that provides information on both physical and mental health problems, contributes to caregiver stress. METHODS: The authors interviewed 91 primary caregivers (aged 38-85 years) of persons with dementia who had been referred by their family physicians for the first time for formal support services or memory evaluation. Caregivers completed the SF-12 version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey that generates Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores and reported on caregiver stress and concurrent medical conditions and medications. RESULTS: Most caregivers reported stress (76.9%), having medical conditions (72.4%), or taking medications (67%). The MCS but not the PCS scores were significantly lower than community norms, indicating an excess of disability due to mental health problems. Nevertheless, 40.7% had PCS scores indicating some degree of physical disability. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, PCS scores but not the presence of medical problems were independently associated with caregiver stress. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic disability as assessed by SF-12 PCS scores is independently associated with caregiver stress. These data suggest that caregivers of persons with dementia should be assessed for disabling physical conditions and mental health problems. In addition, reducing the impact of physical disability could ameliorate caregiver stress.     

OSA and CPAP therapy: effect of gender,somnolence, and treatment adherence on health-related quality of life

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with social and psychological implications. For most OSA patients, a reduction in their HRQoL is due to symptoms such as poor sleep quality, excessive daytime somnolence, and fatigue with differences between gender.

Purpose

This study explores the CPAP treatment effect on self-perceived HRQoL related to gender, somnolence, and CPAP adherence.

Methods

Out of 1082 consecutive Italian outpatients, 125 (82 M) (60.3?±?9.6 years) completed the prospective observational study and were evaluated at the first visit (T0), and the follow-up visit (T1). Two self-reported HRQoL questionnaires were administered: six subscales Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12).

Results

Scores of PGWBI and SF-12 MCS improved from T0 to T1. Patients with CPAP use ≥?4 h/night showed a significant improvement in all dimensions evaluated, except for SF-12 PCS. At T1, participants with ESS >?10 improved in all scores, except SF-12 PCS. Gender comparison shows better-perceived HRQoL in males at first visit and CPAP follow-up visit. Variation of PGWBI was significantly correlated with CPAP use, ESS at T0 and T1 (p?<?0.0001; r²?=?0.26).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence on the effectiveness of CPAP treatment on perceived HRQoL. Participants with greater adherence to therapy, greater sleepiness, and greater improvement of daytime sleepiness with CPAP therapy, reported a higher quality of life improvement. Gender comparison shows better-perceived HRQoL in males at first visit and CPAP follow-up, despite a more considerable improvement in females.

     

Assessment of health-related quality of life,anxiety and depression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis

Aim of the workTo assess the effect of clinical manifestations, disease activity and medications on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Patients and methodsTwenty-six early RA patients (mean age 43.31 ± 10.51 years, disease duration: 16.5 ± 5.2 months) diagnosed according to the 2010 RA classification criteria were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Sohag University, and 22 age and sex matched healthy persons participated in a case control study. Demographic data were taken from all participants in the study. The 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) were assessed as measures of HRQoL and psychiatric comorbidity for both patients and controls. Disease activity in RA was assessed using the disease activity score (DAS28). Scoring algorithms were applied to produce the physical and mental component scores (PCS and MCS).ResultsThere was statistically significant difference in the total SF36 score, anxiety and depression scores of HAM-A scale between patients and controls. The PCS showed the highest significant difference (p < 0.0001), followed by SF36 (p = 0.01) and MCS (p = 0.024). There were no significant differences according to the age, gender, occupation or level of education of the patients. Anxiety and depression scores significantly correlated with the bodily pain and DAS28 scores and inversely with the PCS and MCS. The DAS28 strongly negatively correlated with the PCS and MCS.ConclusionRheumatoid arthritis has a major impact on many areas of an individual’s life and tends to have a profound impact on the health-related quality of life.