Health-related quality of life varies among obese subgroups

OBJECTIVE: To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of overweight/obese individuals from different subgroups that vary in treatment-seeking status and treatment intensity. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were from five distinct groups, representing a continuum of treatment intensity: overweight/obese community volunteers who were not enrolled in weight-loss treatment, clinical trial participants, outpatient weight-loss program/studies participants, participants in a day treatment program for obesity, and gastric bypass patients. The sample was large (n = 3353), geographically diverse (subjects were from 13 different states in the U.S.), and demographically diverse (age range, 18 to 90 years; at least 14% African Americans; 32.6% men). An obesity-specific instrument, the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite questionnaire, was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL). RESULTS: Results indicated that obesity-specific HRQOL was significantly more impaired in the treatment-seeking groups than in the nontreatment-seeking group across comparable gender and body mass index (BMI) categories. Within the treatment groups, HRQOL varied by treatment intensity. Gastric bypass patients had the most impairment, followed by day treatment patients, followed by participants in outpatient weight-loss programs/studies, followed by participants in clinical trials. Obesity-specific HRQOL was more impaired for those with higher BMIs, whites, and women in certain treatment groups. DISCUSSION: There are differences in HRQOL across subgroups of overweight/obese individuals that vary by treatment-seeking status, treatment modality, gender, race, and BMI.     

Health-related quality of life profiles among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

This cross-sectional study aims to determine and compare health-related quality of life profiles of schizophrenia family caregivers on the basis of their sociodemographic characteristics. Thirty outpatient family caregivers completed the generic 36-Item Short Form Health Survey instrument (male = 53.5%; mean age = 51 years; married = 76.7%). The highest mean score was reported for social functioning while role limitation-emotional was rated the worst. Significantly better health-related quality of life profiles were demonstrated by caregivers who were male, younger than 50 years, adequately educated, employed, and without health problems and were receiving monthly income. Understanding of on health-related quality of life matters for family caregivers is crucial to improve the quality of care for schizophrenia patients.     

Health-related quality of life and recovery patterns among hospitalised injury patients in Vietnam

Purpose

To measure post-injury health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among hospitalised injury patients following discharge and to identify factor associated with lower HRQoL over time.

Method

A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2010 to October 2011 in Thai Binh province, Vietnam. Participants were 18 years or older, hospitalised for at least 1 day and normally residing in Thai Binh province. Data on demographic and injury characteristics were collected during their hospital stay. Data on HRQoL, measured by the Health Utilities Index mark 3 (HUI3), were collected in the participants’ home at 1, 2, 4 and 12 months after their hospital discharge. Generalised estimating equation model was selected to examine the association of demographic and injury characteristics with HRQoL which were repeatedly measured over time.

Results

HUI3 multi-attribute score was lowest at the first follow-up (0.52 for males, 0.28 for females). The scores significantly improved over time (increment of 0.08 or greater, p values?<?0.001). Ambulation and Pain were single-attributes with scores significantly increased over time (increment of 0.05 or greater, p values?<?0.001). Factors identified to be associated with lower HUI3 scores were older age (p values?<?0.02 or less), more severe injury (p values?=?0.05 or less) and having other illnesses (p values?<?0.01).

Conclusion

The study provides important, and previously unreported, estimates of post-injury HRQoL in Vietnam. Even for those having the lowest levels of severity, the loss in HRQoL is significant, highlighting the importance of efforts on injury prevention and rehabilitation services.

     

Factors associated with health-related quality of life among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Manila,the Philippines

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients has not been investigated in the Philippines. This study aimed to describe HRQOL among PTB patients and to determine factors that are associated with HRQOL.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 10 public health centers and 2 non-government organization clinics in District I, Tondo, Manila. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire including Short Form-8, Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale were performed with 561 PTB patients from September to November 2012.

Results

HRQOL among PTB patients was generally impaired. Factors associated with lower physical component summary were exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) (P = 0.038), positive sputum smear result (P = 0.027), not working (P = 0.038), lower education level (P < 0.01), number of symptoms (P < 0.01), number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (P < 0.01), higher score on the MRC dyspnea scale (P < 0.01), and low perceived social support (P = 0.027). Lower body mass index (P = 0.016), non-SHS exposure (P = 0.033), number of symptoms (P < 0.01), number of ADRs (P < 0.01), low perceived social support (P < 0.01), and negative perception for waiting time in the clinic (P = 0.026) were identified to be factors significantly associated with lower mental component summary.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic status including SHS exposure and low perceived social support, in addition to clinical factors, may be associated with poor HRQOL. Further study would be needed to assess our findings.     

Health-related quality of life among Syrian refugees resettled in Sweden

Quality of Life Research - The main purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Syrian refugees resettled in Sweden. Further, we wanted to investigate whether...     

Health-related quality of life among cancer survivors in rural China

Quality of Life Research - The purpose of the study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) about the most common cancers survivors (lung, stomach, colorectal, breast, and esophageal...     

Health-related quality of life among older adults with arthritis

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key outcome in arthritis, but few population-based studies have examined the relationship of specific arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with HRQOL.

Methods

Older adults in Pennsylvania completed a mail version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HRQOL modules. Medicare data were used to identify subjects with OA, RA, and no arthritis diagnosis. We compared HRQOL responses among these groups, and we also examined relationships of demographic characteristics to HRQOL among subjects with arthritis.

Results

In analyses controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidity, subjects with OA and RA had poorer scores than those without arthritis on all HRQOL items, including general health, physical health, mental health, activity limitation, pain, sleep, and feeling healthy and full of energy. HRQOL scores were also lower for those with RA compared to OA. Among individuals with arthritis, all subject characteristics (including age, race, sex, nursing home residence, marital status, income, and comorbid illnesses) were significantly related to at least one HRQOL item. Older age, nursing home residence, and greater comorbidity were the most consistently associated with poorer HRQOL.

Conclusions

Results of this study show that both OA and RA have a significant impact on multiple dimensions of HRQOL among older adults. Results also suggest the CDC HRQOL items are suitable for use among older adults and in mail surveys. Due to the rising number of older adults in many countries, the public health burden of arthritis is expected to increase dramatically. Efforts are needed to enhance access to medical care and disseminate self-management interventions for arthritis.

     

Health-related quality of life among hemodialysis patients at El-Minia University Hospital, Egypt

Background

Hemodialysis results in significant change in daily living, physical and psychological impairments, disruption of marital, family, and social life. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment helps to plan individual treatment strategies, and determine the efficacy, quality of medical and social care provided.

Aim

The focus of the study was to assess HRQOL of hemodialysis patients attending El-Minia University Hospital dialysis unit, determine the relation between HRQOL and some sociodemograghic factors and clinical disorders and also to compare HRQOL between patients performing hemodialysis for less than and more than 5 years.

Subjects and methods

The study is a cross-sectional hospital-based study that included 170 hemodialysis patients; 81 males and 89 females, mean age 46.6?±?14.6 years. In all 59.4 % were rural residents. Data were collected by a questionnaire which included, demographic, social and medical data. Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) health survey was used for assessment of HRQOL.

Results

About two thirds (64 %) of the studied hemodialysis patients had physical and mental quality of life (QOL) scores below average level. HRQOL was lower in old, female, married, illiterate and non-worker hemodialysis patients. Hepatitis C positive (HCV), diabetic and anemic patients had decreased QOL scores. A longer duration of hemodialysis treatment was associated with reduced physical QOL.

Conclusion

The most important sociodemographic factors affecting HRQOL were age, sex, education, occupation and marital status. The most important clinical disorders affecting QOL were anemia, HCV infection, sleep disturbances and diabetes. Increase awareness of hemodialysis patients and their caregivers about disabilities associated with hemodialysis treatment and educational programs to decrease the problems which the patients face and to increase the QOL.     

Health-related quality of life in patients with thyroid disorders

Limited reports are available on quality of life (HRQL) in thyroid diseases, and no data are available in euthyroid disorders, such as goiter and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Also, asymptomatic patients may suffer a reduction in perceived health status due to distress related to physical appearance and awareness of disease. We measured HRQL by means of Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaires in 368 patients (hypothyroid, 81; hyperthyroid, 45 (for both states including overt and subclinical states); Hashimoto thyroiditis, 51; euthyroid goiter, 191). The final scores of the domains were compared with age- and sex-adjusted Italian normative values, by computing the effect size. All domains of SF-36, except bodily pain, were reduced in thyroid disease; this was mainly the case of role limitation (both physical and emotional), general health and social functioning. The domains of NHP were less severely affected. HRQL was impaired also in the absence of altered hormone levels. Mood/behavior disturbances were present in a large proportion of patients and were significantly associated with poor HRQL. HRQL was significantly reduced in patients with thyroid diseases referred to a secondary level endocrinology unit. Perceived health status may be considered as an additional outcome of management and therapy of thyroid disorders.     

Health-related quality of life in patients with diastrophic dysplasia

Diastrophic dysplasia (DD), a congenital skeletal dysplasia, is characterized by short, disproportionate stature, multiple severe spinal and joint deformities, and normal mental status. The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with DD was measured by a standardized fifteen-dimensional (15D) method, that includes a questionnaire and a valuation task. Eighteen patients (5 males and 13 females) with a mean age of 23 years (range 17-31 years), representing half of the Finnish patients with DD in this age group, completed the questionnaire and the valuation task. The data obtained were compared with those of 273 age- and sex-matched controls. A 15D profile was drawn, and the average importance weight of each dimension and the average within-dimension level values were calculated for both groups. The average 15D score, describing the overall HRQOL, was derived for both groups using the evaluations of each group. The health profiles of the groups differed significantly in several dimensions. When the health levels within the dimensions were concerned, the controls rated all values deviating from "normal" lower than did the patients. The average 15D scores of the patients with DD were significantly lower than those of the controls. The 15D scores were higher in both groups when the evaluations of the patients with DD were used. The study showed that, although the overall HRQOL of the patients with DD was inferior to that of the controls, the patients showed greater adaptability to deviations in health status than did the controls.     

Health-related quality of life and its predictors among adults living with HIV/AIDS and receiving antiretroviral therapy in Pakistan

Quality of Life Research - Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is considered to be the fourth 90 of UNAIDS 90-90-90 target to monitor the effects of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART...     

Health-related quality of life among disease-free stomach cancer survivors in Korea

Previous studies about the quality of life (QOL) in stomach cancer survivors focused on selected clinical parameters and did not consider the broader implications for overall health and QOL. We evaluated the impact of demographic and treatment-related factors on the QOL of stomach cancer survivors. We asked 391 stage I–III stomach cancer survivors who had been disease-free for at least 1 year after surgery to complete a demographic questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and its stomach module, QLQ-STO22. Survivors undergoing total gastrectomy reported greater eating restrictions than those undergoing subtotal gastrectomy. Receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy did not significantly affect any QLQ-C30 or QLQ-STO22 scores. Role and emotional functioning improved with increasing age, and stomach-specific symptoms (pain, eating restrictions, and anxiety) lessened. Compared with female survivors, male survivors had better physical and role functioning. Smoking status was also a significant negative predictor of physical functioning and anxiety. Comorbidities and selected demographic characteristics had a greater effect than type of treatment on the QOL of post-operative stomach cancer patients. Notes: Drs Jae-Moon Bae and Sung Kim contributed equally to this work as first authors. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Health-related quality of life among Indigenous Australians diagnosed with cancer

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors were assessed among 155 Indigenous Australian adult cancer patients 6 months post-diagnosis.

Methods

The Assessment of Quality of Life-4D Questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL. Differences in the median utility score among subgroups of interest were examined using nonparametric tests. Factors associated with excellent HRQoL were assessed through logistic regression.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 52 years (range 20–78), and the majority were female (60 %), unemployed (72 %), and recruited from outpatients clinics (64 %). Breast cancer (27 %) was the most common diagnosis. The median HRQoL score was 0.62; 14 % of participants reported excellent HRQoL (>0.90). After adjusting for age, admission status, and treatment, excellent HRQoL was more likely among participants of Torres Strait Islander origin [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.68; 95 % CI 1.23–11.01], those living in regional areas (AOR 5.59; 95 % CI 1.42–22.06), and those whose main language spoken at home was not English (AOR 3.60; 95 % CI 1.08–11.99) and less likely among those reporting less contact with Indigenous people (AOR 0.23; 95 % CI 0.68–0.81).

Conclusion

Assessing HRQoL is important to identifying and improving the length and quality of cancer survivorship, especially in groups that have significantly poorer cancer outcomes, such as Indigenous Australians. Acknowledging the study’s observational nature, we found HRQoL was lower than reported for other Australians, and we identified some socio-demographic factors that were associated with excellent HRQoL. Such assessments are an important component of identifying and evaluating appropriate interventions to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous cancer patients.

     

Health-related quality of life and health risk behaviors among smokers

BACKGROUND: It is well established that smoking has detrimental effects on physical health, but its associations with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and a variety of health behaviors have not been widely investigated in the U.S. population. METHODS: Data obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an ongoing, state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of non-institutionalized persons aged > or =18 years in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, were used in this investigation. The BRFSS monitors the prevalence of key health- and safety-related behaviors and characteristics. In 2001 and 2002 combined, trained interviewers administered HRQOL questions in 23 states and the District of Columbia (n=82,918). This analysis was conducted in 2004. RESULTS: Overall, an estimated 22.4% of adults were current smokers, 24.1% were former smokers, and 53.6% never smoked. Current smokers had significantly poorer HRQOL than those who had never smoked, and were more likely to drink heavily, to binge drink, and to report depressive and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, current smokers were significantly more likely than those who never smoked to be physically inactive, to report frequent sleep impairment, to report frequent pain, and to eat less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. CONCLUSIONS: While there are strong positive relationships between smoking and both alcohol consumption and mood disturbance, smoking is also associated with an array of other modifiable risk factors meriting assessment and intervention. In addition to smoking cessation, the increased morbidity and mortality characterizing smokers may potentially be further reduced by improvements in diet, physical activity, and sleep.     

Health-related quality of life among persons with epilepsy--Texas, 1998

Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder characterized by unprovoked, recurrent seizures that may affect physical, mental, or behavioral functioning. In 1995, approximately 2.3 million persons residing in the United States had epilepsy. Approximately 181,000 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed each year, with annual estimated costs of $12.5 billion in medical care and lost productivity. Because epilepsy has a substantial impact on health (e.g., physical and psychosocial difficulties, side effects of anticonvulsant therapy, lifestyle restrictions, and perceived stigmatization), self-reported physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures are useful in gauging the impact of epilepsy on persons with the disorder. Persons with chronic health disorders are at risk for impaired HRQOL. Few studies have examined the HRQOL of persons with epilepsy, and none has used a representative sample of adults residing in the United States. This report examines data from the 1998 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) that included a question about epilepsy; findings indicate that persons with epilepsy reported substantially worse HRQOL than persons without epilepsy. Community-based interventions such as the Sepulveda Epilepsy Education Program that address medication self-management, psychosocial self-management, and other education interventions can improve the quality of life for persons with epilepsy.     

广东省慢性病患者生存质量及健康调整期望寿命分析

目的 分析广东省慢性病患者生存质量及健康调整期望寿命。方法 基于广东省第五次全国卫生服务调查数据,通过欧洲五维度三水平健康量表对人群生存质量进行评价。运用多重线性回归和等级logistic回归评价慢性病对人群生存质量的影响,并用期望寿命和健康调整期望寿命指标评价慢性病对人群健康的综合影响。结果 共纳入68 550名居民数据进行分析,等级logistic回归显示在校正了社会人口学特征后,慢性病对生存质量各个维度的影响均有统计学意义,其中对疼痛/不舒服维度的影响最大[OR=4.48（95% CI：4.20~4.77）],其余依次为焦虑/抑郁[OR=3.95（95% CI：3.62~4.31）]、日常活动[OR=3.69（95% CI：3.37~4.04）]、行动[OR=3.63（95% CI：3.34~3.94）]和自我照顾[OR=3.30（95% CI：2.98~3.66）]。慢性病患者期望寿命比非慢性病人群平均少12.7年,健康调整寿命平均减少14.6年（男性减少17.8年,女性减少9.7年）。人群去慢性病健康调整期望寿命收益为3.8年（男性为5.1年,女性为2.0年）。结论 慢性病会影响患者生存质量的各维度,从而减少患者的健康调整期望寿命,给人群和社会带来沉重的健康负担。从卫生政策和卫生资源优化配置的角度看,需为慢性病患者尤其是为老年患者提供更全面可及的医疗照护,照护需不仅关注生理健康也要注重心理健康。     

159例肺结核患者的社会支持与生命质量相关性的 探讨研究

摘要:目的　通过调查159例肺结核患者的社会支持和生命质量,分析和讨论两者的一般情况以及相关性,探讨二者对肺结核患者的影响。方法　使用社会支持评定量表（SSRS）以及36 条目简明量表（SF-36）对159例肺结核患者进行自评调查。资料分析使用均数、t检验,并对社会支持和生命质量进行了相关分析和多重线性回归分析。结果　SF-36量表评定患者各项得分为生理机能（70.25±26.028）分,生理职能（27.99±36.713）分,躯体疼痛（62.03±22.687）分,一般健康状况（46.26±21.553）分,精力（54.87±21.250）分,社会功能（63.99±29.344）分,情感职能（46.33±41.408）分,精神健康（59.80±18.625）分,均低于一般人群的参考水平（P＜0.01）。SF-36量表与社会支持量表测得结果总分相关系数r＝0.187,呈正相关。多重线性回归中,患者社会支持总分、是否住院和年龄进入肺结核患者生命质量得分方程（F＝6.342,P＜0.01）。结论　肺结核患者生命质量低于一般人群,且生命质量与社会支持有密切的相关性,社会支持是生命质量的影响因素,改善肺结核患者的社会支持将有助于改善生命质量。