El Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 español: una década de experiencia y nuevos desarrollos

Subjective Sexual Well-Being in Chilean Adults: Evaluation of a Predictive Model

Research on sexuality has traditionally focused on sexual satisfaction, with studies into subjective sexual well-being being a recent phenomenon. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between sexual behavior, happiness, health, and subjective sexual well-being. The data were collected from 862 people aged between 18 and 50 years in Santiago, Chile, and were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The results showed that sexual behavioral indicators (sexual frequency, sexual caresses, and touching), happiness, and perception of health taken as a whole predicted 47.4% of subjective sexual well-being (SSWB). Analysis of the four items of subjective sexual well-being separately showed that the dimension of physical satisfaction was associated with three variables of sexual behavior indicators with a prediction percentage of 33.5%, whereas emotional satisfaction was associated with three variables of sexual behavior indicators and happiness, with a percentage of prediction of 43.3%. Satisfaction with sexual function was associated with perception of health and one sexual behavior indicator, with a prediction percentage of 29.2% of this variable. The importance of sex was associated with three sexual behavior variables that predicted 26.2% of this variable. The results confirm that subjective sexual well-being can be predicted and that its four dimensions present a different behavior compared to the study predictors.

Green spaces and General Health: Roles of mental health status, social support, and physical activity

Green spaces are associated with improved health, but little is known about mechanisms underlying such association. We aimed to assess the association between greenness exposure and subjective general health (SGH) and to evaluate mental health status, social support, and physical activity as mediators of this association. This cross-sectional study was based on a population-based sample of 3461 adults residing in Barcelona, Spain (2011). We characterized outcome and mediators using the Health Survey of Barcelona. Objective and subjective residential proximity to green spaces and residential surrounding greenness were used to characterize greenness exposure. We followed Baron and Kenny's framework to establish the mediation roles and we further quantified the relative contribution of each mediator. Residential surrounding greenness and subjective residential proximity to green spaces were associated with better SGH. We found indications for mediation of these associations by mental health status, perceived social support, and to less extent, by physical activity. These mediators altogether could explain about half of the surrounding greenness association and one-third of the association for subjective proximity to green spaces. We observed indications that mental health and perceived social support might be more relevant for men and those younger than 65years. The results for objective residential proximity to green spaces were not conclusive. In conclusion, our observed association between SGH and greenness exposure was mediated, in part, by mental health status, enhanced social support, and physical activity. There might be age and sex variations in these mediation roles.

Is the worsening of psychosocial exposures associated with mental health? Comparing two population-based cross-sectional studies in Spain, 2005-2010

AIMS

To analyze whether associations between workplace psychosocial exposures and the mental health of the working population in Spain changed between 2005 and 2010.

METHODS

Two representative samples of the Spanish working population have been analyzed, 2005 (n = 5073) and 2010 (n = 3544).

RESULTS

In 2010 there was a significant association between poor mental health and exposure to high Demands, low Social Support and high Insecurity over working conditions, and exposure to high Insecurity over losing the job only for men. In 2005 there was a significant association with exposure to high Demands and low Social Support.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the associations between psychosocial risks and mental health may be related to the socioeconomic context marked by the rise in unemployment and the destruction of jobs as a result of the 2008 economic crisis.

Assessing health-related quality of life in patients with breast cancer: a systematic and standardized comparison of available instruments using the EMPRO tool

PURPOSE

The objective was to obtain a standardized evaluation of available specific and generic breast cancer health-related quality-of-life instruments.

METHODS

We carried out systematic literature reviews in the PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify manuscripts which contained information regarding either the development process or metric properties of health-related quality-of-life instruments used among breast cancer patients. Each instrument was evaluated independently by two researchers, and occasionally a third one, using the Evaluating Measures of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool. An overall score and seven attribute-specific EMPRO scores were calculated (range 0-100, worst to best): concept and measurement model, reliability, validity, responsiveness, interpretability, burden, and alternative forms.

RESULTS

FACT-B was the instrument with the best global performance, obtaining an overall EMPRO score of 79.27. It was also the most accurate instrument on the Concept and Measurement Model, Reliability, and Interpretability attributes. Four more instruments scored over 50 points on the overall score, which summarizes the five attribute-specific scores: EORTC BR-23, IBCSG, WHO-QOL BREF, and SF-36. An overall score of at least 50 points implies that the use of these instruments could be recommended for assessing health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

The FACT-B scored the highest on overall on our EMPRO evaluation of instruments measuring health-related quality of life among breast cancer patients. However, depending on the purpose of the study, several instruments (EORTC BR-23, IBCSG, SF-36, and WHO-QOL BREF) have shown good performance in some of the specific individual dimensions included in the EMPRO.

Assessment of Inducible Myocardial Ischemia, Quality of Life, and Functional Status After Successful Percutaneous Revascularization in Patients With Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion

The benefits of chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) revascularization are not well established. In this prospective cohort study, 47 consecutive patients with successful percutaneous recanalization of CTO underwent adenosine stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the Short Form-36 Health Survey before and 6 months after the procedure. Successful recanalization of a CTO was followed by significant improvement of (1) global physical and mental health status; (2) the distance walked in the 6MWT; (3) the incidence of chest pain at the end of the 6MWT; and (4) the score of a novel CMR ischemic burden index on the basis of the characteristics of adenosine stress perfusion defects (extension, persistence, transmurality, and induced contractile regional dysfunction). Patients with greater CMR ischemic index before percutaneous revascularization showed better improvement in the 6MWT. In conclusion, successful recanalization of a CTO leads to a concurrent improvement in ischemic burden, exercise tolerance, angina frequency, and quality of life scores. Patients with a high ischemic CMR score before CTO recanalization showed the better improvement in exercise tolerance.

Características basales y cambios en el tratamiento tras el periodo de optimización de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio EFICAR

Objetivo

Se describen los datos basales de clase y capacidad funcional, comorbilidades, calidad de vida y cambios en la medicación durante la optimización del tratamiento, en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y función sistólica deprimida (ICFSD) incluidos en el estudio EFICAR.

Diseño

Ensayo clínico aleatorizado multicéntrico.

Emplazamiento

Siete Centros de Salud.

Participantes

Ciento cincuenta pacientes con ICFSD; edad 68 ± 10 años, 77% varones

Mediciones

Variables sociodemográficas e índice de Charlson. Se evaluó la calidad de vida y la capacidad funcional Se realizó optimización del tratamiento.

Resultados

La etiología principal fue la cardiopatía isquémica (45%). Índice de Charlson global: 2,03 ± 1,05. El 31% ingresaron durante el último año por insuficiencia cardiaca. Fracción de eyección media: 37% ± 8. Clase funcional ii: 89%. Capacidad funcional con prueba de esfuerzo: 6,3 ± 1,6. Test 6 min: 446 ± 78 m. Test de la silla: 13,7 ± 4,4 s. Dinamómetro: 34,53 ± 10,12 kgf y 0,58 ± 0,16 bar. Short Form-36 Health Survey: salud física: 43,3 ± 8,4; salud mental: 50,1 ± 10,6. Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire global: 22,8 ± 18,7. Tras optimizar el tratamiento no varió el porcentaje de pacientes ni la dosis media de fármacos analizados.

Conclusiones

La mayoría de los sujetos están en clase funcional ii, con capacidad funcional y calidad de vida disminuida e índice de comorbilidad elevado. Un ajuste protocolizado del tratamiento no consigue aumentar la dosis ni el número de pacientes con fármacos eficaces para la insuficiencia cardiaca con función cardiaca deprimida.

Quality of life of patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

INTRODUCTION

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare disorder characterized by episodes of acute pain and heterotopic ossification of soft tissue, and progressively limited physical function and social participation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the impact of FOP on quality of life, specifying areas or dimensions most affected.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a transverse observational study; patients with FOP were assessed using the Short Form 36. Questionnaire results were obtained using Quality Metric software and analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages and measures of central tendency.

RESULTS

Eight patients, mean age 30.2 years, were included. The physical dimension was the most affected, with an average of 25.5 points. The most representative items were impaired function and physical role. Physical pain was found with an average of 44.5 points. The best scores were reported in the areas of emotional role and mental health, with an average of 79 and 76 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

FOP is a severely disabling disease, generating a significant deterioration in quality of life secondary to progressive deterioration in physical abilities. The findings of this study demonstrate good self-rated health of participants.

The influence of a biopsychosocial educational internet-based intervention on pain, dysfunction, quality of life, and pain cognition in chronic low back pain patients in primary care: a mixed methods approach

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is the highest reported musculoskeletal problem worldwide. Up to 90 % of patients with low back pain have no clear explanation for the source and origin of their pain. These individuals commonly receive a diagnosis of non-specific low back pain. Patient education is a way to provide information and advice aimed at changing patients' cognition and knowledge about their chronic state through the reduction of fear of anticipatory outcomes and the resumption of normal activities. Information technology and the expedited communication processes associated with this technology can be used to deliver health care information to patients. Hence, this technology and its ability to deliver life-changing information has grown as a powerful and alternative health promotion tool. Several studies have demonstrated that websites can change and improve chronic patients' knowledge and have a positive impact on patients' attitudes and behaviors. The aim of this project is to identify chronic low back pain patients' beliefs about the origin and meaning of pain to develop a web-based educational tool using different educational formats and gamification techniques.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study has a mixed-method sequential exploratory design. The participants are chronic low back pain patients between 18-65 years of age who are attending a primary care setting. For the qualitative phase, subjects will be contacted by their family physician and invited to participate in a personal semi-structured interview. The quantitative phase will be a randomized controlled trial. Subjects will be randomly allocated using a simple random sample technique. The intervention group will be provided access to the web site where they will find information related to their chronic low back pain. This information will be provided in different formats. All of this material will be based on the information obtained in the qualitative phase. The control group will follow conventional treatment provided by their family physician.

DISCUSSION

The main outcome of this project is to identify chronic low back pain patients' beliefs about the origin and meaning of pain to develop a web-based educational tool using different educational formats and gamification techniques.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02369120 Date: 02/20/2015.

Quality of life of mothers at the sixth week and sixth month post partum and type of infant feeding

INTRODUCTION

there is little scientific evidence on the relationship between maternal quality of life and type of infant feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in mother's quality of life by type of infant feeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

longitudinal prospective study with 364 women who gave birth at a public hospital at Madrid, Spain, between February and October 2013. To be included, the participants had to be a healthy primigravida aged 18-45 years who gave birth to a healthy newborn with a gestational age between 36 and 42 completed weeks, regardless of birth type. The hospital interviews were performed between 36 and 48 hours post partum in women who had case of vaginal/instrumental births and 60-72 hours post partum for women who had a caesarean birth. Telephone interviews were conducted at the sixth week and sixth month post partum, and included the SF-36 to measure quality of life. SF-36 scores were compared between breast feeding and artificial milk feeding. We also analysed the longitudinal change in SF-36 scores in both groups.

RESULTS

at the sixth week post partum, regardless of the infant feeding modality, an increased mental health score was recorded for mothers who reported that their children ate and slept well and for those who did not go to the emergency hospital service because of concern over their baby's health. No significant differences in quality of life were found between the two groups at six months post partum. Between the sixth week and sixth month post partum, quality of life improved significantly in both groups.

DISCUSSION

at the sixth week post partum, the proportion of children who ate and slept well and did not have to attend in an emergency hospital service was higher in the breast feeding group. This observation was associated with greater maternal quality of life. This positive indirect relationship between breast feeding and quality of life should be considered an additional maternal health benefit in the short term.

Health-related quality of life in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia

INTRODUCTION

The progressive deterioration of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) has a major impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study evaluates HRQOL in a sample of patients diagnosed with SCA and aims to estimate the predictive ability of a set of sociodemographic variables for the different dimensions of the General Health Questionnaire.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients diagnosed with SCA were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the SF-36 General Health Questionnaire. The sociodemographic variables studied were sex, age, presence of a carer, employment status, and time elapsed from diagnosis of the disease.

RESULTS

The 8 subscales of the SF-36 show positive and significant correlations to one another. Mean scores obtained on each SF-36 subscale differ between women and men, although this difference is significant only on the general health subscale, with men scoring higher than women. We found significant age differences on the vitality and social function subscales, with higher scores among younger patients (< 34 years). The variable 'presence of a carer' accounts for most of the total variance of the questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

The SF-36 is a valid and useful instrument for evaluating HRQOL in patients diagnosed with SCA. Presence of a carer seems to be a determinant of self-perceived quality of life in these patients.

The effectiveness of a program of physical activity and diet to modify cardiovascular risk factors in patients with severe mental illness after 3-month follow-up: CAPiCOR randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this randomized clinical trial follow-up at three months was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention with a focus on diet and physical activity (PA) to change the amount of PA, body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC) in patients with severe mental illness.

METHODS

We recruited 332 outpatients with severe mental disorders undergoing treatment with antipsychotic medication from Mental Healthcare Centers of Barcelona. They were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The patients in the intervention group participated in a group PA and diet educational program. The blinded measurements at 0 and 3 months were: the level of PA (IPAQ questionnaire), BMI, WC, blood pressure, dietary habits (PREDIMED questionnaire), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and laboratory parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose).

RESULTS

The average age was 46.7 years and 55% were males. Schizophrenia had been diagnosed in 67.1% of them. At 3 months, the average weekly walking METs rose significantly in the IG 266.05 METs (95%CI: 16.86 to 515.25; P=0.036). The total MET average also rose although not significantly: 191.38 METs (95%CI: 1.38 to 381.38; P=0.086). However, the BMI decreased significantly more in the CG, by 0.26kg/m(2) (95%CI: 0.02 to 0.51; P=0.038), than in the IG. There were no significant differences in the WC.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term results suggest that the intervention increases the level of PA, but does not improve physical or laboratory parameters.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01729650 (effectiveness of a physical activity and diet program in patients with psychotic disorder [CAPiCOR]).

[Quality of life from the perspective of addiction]

INTRODUCTION

Quality of life (QoL) is a concept that incorporates an individual's perception of health status, style and life satisfaction, mental state or well-being, and helps identify gaps in areas of functioning, facilitating the identification of risk groups and planning of preventive measures. The aim of the study is to assess the quality of life related to health (HRQOL) in patients treated for substance use in the Drug Dependency Care Unit of Monforte de Lemos (Lugo).

METHODS

Sociodemographic variables, health, consumer and other related QoL measured by the SF-36 questionnaire were studied in a sample of 100 users. Data were analysed with SPSS 15.

RESULTS

There were differences in the means in most of the eight dimensions analysed, with higher scores generally by men, although these differences did not reach statistical significance except for physical role (P=.03). A meaningful data analysis is presented based on the work situation, primary drug, and infectious and somatic diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall HRQOL is lower in our users than in the general population, and it is higher in men than in women, with the most compromised area being vitality. In the present circumstances, being in active employment leads to a better HRQOL.

Efficacy of memory training in healthy community-dwelling older people: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence on the efficacy and social utility of cognitive training. To address this, we have designed a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of memory training workshops for healthy older people in terms of their short- and long-term impact on cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and functionality.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial will be performed in health care centers in Barcelona (Spain) through comparison of a group of individuals participating in memory training workshops (experimental group) with another group with similar characteristics not participating in the workshops (control group). The intervention will consist of twelve 90-minute group sessions imparted once a week by a psychologist specialized in memory training. The groups will each comprise approximately 15 people, for a total number of 230 patients involved in the study. Each session has its own objectives, materials and activities. The content of the intervention is based on memory training from different perspectives, including cognitive and emotional aspects and social and individual skills. Data will be collected at baseline, at 3-4 months and at 6 months. To assess the efficacy of the intervention on cognitive function, health-related quality of life and functionality, a statistical analysis will be performed by fitting a repeated-measures mixed effects model for each main outcome: Self-perceived memory, measured by a Subjective Self-reported Memory Score (from 0 to 10) and by the Memory Failures in Everyday life questionnaire (MFE); Everyday memory, measured using the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test-3 (RBMT-3) and Executive control abilities, measured in terms of visual-perceptual ability, working memory and task-switching ability with the Trail Making Test (TMT) and with the digit span scale of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS III).

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will be highly useful for social and public health policies related to older people. Given the continuous increase in the prevalence of older people, a large number of interventions targeting memory loss are funded by public resources. To ensure transparency and effective prioritization, research such as the present study is needed to provide evidence of the effectiveness and usefulness of these interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Number: NCT02431182 .

Health-Related Quality of Life, Gender, and Culture of Older People Users of Health Services in the Multicultural Landscape of the City of Ceuta (Spain): A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Perceptions of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are influenced by sociodemographic variables and by cultural-religious concepts of health, disease, and old age, among others.

PURPOSE

To assess the HRQOL of older people in a population with a long history of multiculturalism, the city of Ceuta (Spain), and to compare the results with Spanish reference values.

METHOD

A total of 372 individuals (55.4% females) were interviewed using the Spanish version of the Short Form-36 questionnaire. The subjects' mean age was 70.9 (SD = 5) years: 253 were Christians, 93 Muslims, and 26 Jews, representing the proportions in the overall population of these cultural-religious groups.

RESULTS

HRQOL differs according to the cultural-religious affiliation, which specifically affects social and psychological dimensions.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

All groups obtained lower social function scores than the reference values, especially the Muslim and Jewish groups.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Health care providers may consider integrating culturally sensitive interventions to improve HRQOL.

Implementation of medication review with follow-up in a Spanish community pharmacy and its achieved outcomes

BACKGROUND

Despite many research studies demonstrating the benefit in clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes of professional pharmacy services, there is a paucity of evidence when these services become incorporated into the usual practice of a community pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, economic, and humanistic impact of a pharmacist-conducted medication review with follow-up following 18 months implementation.

SETTING

Community pharmacies in Spain.

METHOD

The study used an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design. During the follow-up, patients attended the pharmacy on a monthly basis and received the medication review with follow-up service.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Economic, clinical, and humanistic measures were used to assess the impact of the service.

RESULTS

132 patients received the service. During the 18 months of follow-up, 408 negative outcomes related to medicines (which are uncontrolled health problems) were identified, of which 393 were resolved. The average number of medicines used by patients significantly decreased from 6.1 (SD: 2.9) to 3.3 (SD: 2.2). A significant decrease was also observed in hospitalizations [OR = 0.31 (IC 95% = 0.10-0.99)] and in emergency department visits [OR = 0.16 (IC 95% = 0.05-0.55); p = 0.001]. A general trend to increase all quality of life domains was observed over time. The higher increase was observed in the construct health transition [mean increase: 30.7 (SD: 25.4)], followed by bodily pain [mean increase: 22.3 (SD: 25.4)], and general health [mean increase: 20.7 (SD: 23.7)]. Medication knowledge significantly increased in terms of aggregated domains of dose, frequency, drug indication [from 8.9 (SD: 17.5) to 87.9 (SD: 25.0)], and dose and frequency [from 9.3 (SD: 17.9) to 92.5 (22.1)]. Although a slight improvement was observed in terms of drug indication, this increase was not statistically significant. 68 out of 132 patients (51.5%) were non-adherent to their treatment. This number decreased to 1 (0.8%) after the follow-up [OR = 0.007 (IC 95%: 0.001-0.053) p < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

A community pharmacy based medication review with follow-up service delivered by a trained pharmacist, has positive effects across clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes. These results are consistent with previous studies. Incorporating community pharmacists into the multidisciplinary team is a reliable solution to improve health care.

Integrated care services: lessons learned from the deployment of the NEXES project

Objectives

To identify barriers to deployment of four articulated Integrated Care Services supported by Information Technologies in three European sites. The four services covered the entire spectrum of severity of illness. The project targeted chronic patients with obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac failure and/or type II diabetes mellitus.

Setting

One health care sector in Spain (Barcelona) (n = 11.382); six municipalities in Norway (Trondheim) (n = 450); and one hospital in Greece (Athens) (n = 388).

Method

The four services were: (i) Home-based long-term maintenance of rehabilitation effects (n = 337); (ii) Enhanced Care for frail patients, n = 1340); (iii) Home Hospitalization and Early Discharge (n = 2404); and Support for remote diagnosis (forced spirometry testing) in primary care (Support) (n = 8139). Both randomized controlled trials and pragmatic study designs were combined. Two technological approaches were compared. The Model for Assessment of Telemedicine applications was adopted.

Results

The project demonstrated: (i) Sustainability of training effects over time in chronic patients with obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.01); (ii) Enhanced care and fewer hospitalizations in chronic respiratory patients (p < 0.05); (iii) Reduced in-hospital days for all types of patients (p < 0.001) in Home Hospitalization/Early Discharge; and (iv) Increased quality of testing (p < 0.01) for patients with respiratory symptoms in Support, with marked differences among sites.

Conclusions

The four integrated care services showed high potential to enhance health outcomes with cost-containment. Change management, technological approach and legal issues were major factors modulating the success of the deployment. The project generated a business plan to foster service sustainability and health innovation. Deployment strategies require site-specific adaptations.

Satisfaction and perceived quality of life results in patients operated on for primary hernia of the abdominal wall

INTRODUCTION

Outpatient surgery is currently the standard procedure in 60-70% of the most prevalent surgical procedures. Minimally invasive models in health care have improved basic aspects such as postoperative pain and hospital stay, but there are few publications related to perceived quality shown by patients, such as the need for informal care at home or delay before surgery. The aim of the study was to determine the global satisfaction perceived by patients undergoing abdominal wall hernia repair.

METHODS

An ad hoc split questionnaire has been completed on satisfaction after a week and postoperative quality a month after intervention by 203 patients operated on for abdominal hernia in a year. Variables included postoperative pain, need for informal care, surgical delay, information supplied, professional management and overall satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 48.28% of patients needed informal care at home. They were largely attended by women, wives or daughters, for a few days. In 45.81% they were discharged on the same day, and 53.2% in less than 72 h. Overall satisfaction in the program of day surgery and short hospital stay was 94.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall process of satisfaction was not related to age, sex or educational level of patients, while there was an inverse relationship between satisfaction and days of hospitalization and days of pain that required analgesia at home.

Hormonal secretion and quality of life in Nelson syndrome and Cushing disease after long acting repeatable octreotide: a short series and update

Clinical management of persistent adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) excess in Nelson syndrome (NS) and Cushing disease (CD) remains a challenge. Somatostatin and its analogs as octreotide decrease ACTH secretion through somatostatin receptors of pituitary cells. To our knowledge, there are no reports on the effect of long-acting repeatable octreotide (oct-lar) on hormonal secretion and quality of life in patients with NS and CD who failed conventional therapy. Herein, we describe the effects of treatment with oct-lar (20 mg/month intramurally) in 1 woman with NS and 2 women with persistent CD. Oct-lar therapy reduced ACTH secretion and improved the quality of life in NS patient. By contrast, in CD patients, it failed to control ACTH and cortisol secretion, and the quality of life remained unchanged.

Quality of life in patients with different constipation subtypes based on the Rome III criteria

BACKGROUND

Functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation are highly prevalent and affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them.

AIMS

To evaluate quality of life in patients with functional constipation and irritable bowel disease in accordance with the Rome III criteria, using the PAC-QOL and SF-36 questionnaires.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. The PAC-QOL, SF-36, and Rome III constipation module questionnaires were applied to patients that complained of constipation at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital. The constipation subtypes were: functional constipation (no pain), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (pain and/or discomfort ≥3 days/month), and unclassifiable constipation (pain ≤2 days/month). Data were summarized in proportions, and group comparisons were made between the scores of each of the areas of the PAC-QOL and SF-36 questionnaires using parametric tests (Student's t test and ANOVA).

RESULTS

A total of 43 PAC-QOL surveys were analyzed, resulting in cases of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (14%), functional constipation (37%), and unclassifiable constipation (49%). There were statistically significant differences (P<.05) in Physical discomfort (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation vs. functional constipation and unclassifiable constipation vs. irritable bowel syndrome with constipation), Worries and concerns (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation vs. functional constipation), and Treatment satisfaction (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation vs. functional constipation and unclassifiable constipation vs. irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). A total of 93 SF-36 questionnaires were analyzed, describing cases of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (23%), functional constipation (27%), and unclassifiable constipation (51%). Lower physical energy was found in relation to irritable bowel syndrome with constipation vs. functional constipation (P<.0221) and unclassifiable constipation (P<.0086), respectively, and there was greater physical pain in the cases of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation vs. unclassifiable constipation (P<.0362).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in quality of life of patients presenting with constipation subtypes were identified using the PAC-QOL and SF-36 questionnaires. The patients that had the irritable bowel syndrome with constipation subtype experienced poorer quality of life in all the evaluated domains.

Efficiency of an intensive educational program for informal caregivers of hospitalized, dependent patients: cluster randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Educational initiatives for informal caregivers have proved efficient at reducing some of their symptoms, consequence of their involvement in care giving. However, more progress must be made in terms of the design of more successful interventions.

AIMS

Randomized clinical trial to test the efficiency of an Education Program for Primary Informal Caregivers of Hospitalized Dependent Patients in relation to their burden, mental and physical health, and care related knowledge.

METHODS

DESIGN

Cluster Randomized Trial.

SAMPLE

151 participants, primary caregivers of hospitalized, dependent patients, carried out from February 2009 to March 2010. They were assigned at random to two groups: one received an intensive educational program (n = 78), and the other just a generic speech (n = 73). The degree of burden of caregivers was recorded (Zarit Test), as well as their physical and mental health (SF12) and their knowledge of caregiving, before, immediately, after and one and a half months after the intervention. These analyses were carried out according to the Generalized Estimated Equations Method, in order to assess any possible improvements.

RESULTS

Participants´ burden did not improve, as measured by Zarit Test (p = 0,338), nor did their physical (p = 0,917) or mental health (p = 0,345). However there was an improvement in their hygiene caregiving (p = 0,001) and mobility care giving (p = 0,001).

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers found useful the education program, providing them with an informal support group. Interventions need to be longer and more customized as well as adapted to specific demands. There is a lack of validated questionnaires to assess improvements in care knowledge. There is a need to develop programs that contemplate continuity of care from primary to specialized caregiving.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Cluster randomized trial: ESCPD2010.

Assessment of nutritional status and health-related quality of life before and after liver transplantation

Background

Patients with chronic liver disease frequently suffer from malnutrition, together with a decline in their health-related quality of life.

This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the nutritional status, complications of medical and surgical care, anxiety, health-related quality of life and dependence level on basic and instrumental activities of daily living in pre- and post-liver transplant patients.

Methods/Design

A prospective observational study with follow-up of patients on the waiting list for liver transplants who subsequently received a transplant at the University Hospital Complex in A Coruña during the period 2012–2014 (n = 110).

All the patients will be followed-up for a maximum of 6 months. For survivors, assessments will be re-evaluated at one, three and six months post- transplant.

Informed consent of the patient and ethical review board approval was obtained (Code: 2010/081 and 2010/082).

The following variables will be studied: socio-demographic data, reason for the transplant, comorbidity (Charlson Score), analytical parameters, time on transplant waiting list and post-transplant complications. A trained nurse will evaluate the following for each patient: nutritional indices, anthropometric variables and handgrip strength. Validated questionnaires will be used to determine the patients’ nutritional status (Subjective Global Assessment), anxiety (STAI questionnaire), Health-Related Quality of Life (LDQoL 1.0 questionnaire), dependence (Barthel Index and Lawton-Brody Scale), nursing diagnoses (NANDA) and post-transplant quality indicators.

Multiple linear/logistic regression models will be used to identify variables associated with the events of interest. Changes in nutritional status, quality of life and dependence over time will be analysed with linear mixed-effects regression models.

Actuarial survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression and competitive risk will be performed

Concordance between the different scores that assess nutritional status and interobserver agreement regarding nursing diagnoses will be studied using the statistical Kappa index and Bland Altman method.

Discussion

The risk of malnutrition can be considered as a possible prognostic factor in transplant outcomes, associated with anxiety, health-related quality of life and dependence.

For this reason we consider interesting to perform a prospective follow-up study of patients who require a transplant to survive, studying their nutritional status and health-related quality of life.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-015-0232-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Does Pilates Exercise Increase Physical Activity, Quality of Life, Latency, and Sleep Quantity in Middle-Aged People?

This prospective study assessed the effects of a 12-wk. exercise program based on the Pilates method (2 one-hr. sessions per week) on 99 sedentary middle-aged volunteers ( M age = 47.6 yr., SD = 0.8), using an accelerometry, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the SF-36 questionnaire to measure changes in physical activity, quality of life, sleep latency, and quantity. The variables (quality of life, sleep latency, and quantity) were compared before and after applying the Pilates program. All of the physical and emotional components of the SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvement, and the latency and sleep quantity also showed significant increases. The results indicate that Pilates is an accessible, interesting exercise program that can generate important changes in middle age.

Quality of Life in an Adult Population of More than 60 Years of Age without Cognitive Impairment

Objectives

To analyse the quality of life (QoL) of persons over 60 years of age in Bizkaia (Basque Country, Spain), not institutionalised and without cognitive impairment, and the relation and possible influence of the perception of the state of health with the cognitive level and the activities that they carry out.

Subjects and Methods

Evaluation of a sample of 317 persons that belong to a longitudinal study. In 269 cases, there was a reliable informant. The general cognitive state was evaluated by means of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Two GDS, one of the family member (GDSf) and another of the evaluator (GDSe), were used and memory was evaluated by the Text Memory subtest of the Barcelona Test. The QoL was assessed with the SF-36 Health Survey and the mental, physical and social activities that they carry out were recorded.

Results

In the SF-36, the participants showed values that exceed the reference values of the Spanish population in all dimensions of the SF-36, except in that of bodily pain. There were low correlations between the dimensions of the SF-36 and the mental, physical and social activities. A low correlation was observed between the memory tests and the SF-36. In 59.3% of the cases, there were no differences between the GDSf and the GDSe.

Conclusions

The participants of this study present a better perception of their state of health than the Spanish population, but this perception is not observed to be influenced by the type or by the quantity of activities that they carry out or by their cognitive state. The informants present a vision very close to the cognitive state of their family members.

Spanish cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Schizophrenia Quality of Life short-version questionnaire (SQoL18) in 3 middle-income countries: Bolivia, Chile and Peru

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to adapt the Schizophrenia - Quality of Life short-version questionnaire (SQoL18) for use in three middle-income countries in Latin America and to evaluate the factor structure, reliability, and external validity of this questionnaire.

METHODS

The SQoL18 was translated into Spanish using a well-validated forward-backward process. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the SQoL18 in a sample of 253 patients with schizophrenia attending outpatient mental health services in three Latin American countries. For participants in each country (Bolivia, N=83; Chile, N=85; Peru, N=85), psychometric properties were compared to those reported from the reference population (507 patients with schizophrenia) assessed in the validation study. In addition, differential item functioning (DIF) analyses were performed to see whether all items behave in the same way in each country.

RESULTS

Factor analysis performed in the 3 countries showed that the questionnaire's structure adequately matched the initial structure of the SQoL18. The unidimensionality of the dimensions was preserved, and the internal/external validity indices were close to those of the reference population. However, one dimension of the SQoL18 (resilience) presented some unsatisfactory properties including low Cronbach's alpha coefficients, one INFIT value higher than 1.2, and one item showing DIF between the 3 countries.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the satisfactory acceptability and psychometric properties of the SQoL18, suggesting the relevance of this questionnaire among patients with schizophrenia in these 3 Latin American countries.

Retracted: Impact on quality of life of using an onlay mesh to prevent incisional hernia in midline laparotomy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using prophylactic meshes to achieve abdominal wall closure, decreasing the risk of incisional hernia. However, the effect of prophylactic mesh placement on a patient's quality of life has not yet been evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

A controlled, prospective, randomized, and blind study was carried out. The patients in group A (mesh) were fitted with a polypropylene mesh to reinforce the standard abdominal wall closure. The patients in group B (nonmesh) were given a standard abdominal wall closure and were not fitted with the mesh. All patients were administered the 36-Item Short-Form generic health questionnaire during their preoperation visit and during their 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up appointments. The scores of the questionnaires have been compared with those recorded when the questionnaire was administered before surgery.

RESULTS

The Kaplan-Meier survival curves show that the likelihood of incisional hernia at 12 months is 1.5% in mesh group compared with 35.9% in nonmesh group (p > 0.0001), which means that the differences are statistically significant. Patients with mesh placement had greater improvement in general health and bodily pain than patients in nonmesh group at 1-month and 6-month post operation. One year after operation, patients in the mesh group had statistically significant better quality of life than patients in the nonmesh group in the physical functioning, general health perceptions, vitality, social role functioning, mental health, physical component summary and mental component summary dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Fitting a prophylactic supra-aponeurotic mesh prevents incisional hernia.

[Quality of life in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of life in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis through self-assessment and those made by the physician.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational and cross-sectional multicenter study in which 628 traumatologists or rheumatologists evaluated 1,849 patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis, aged ≥ 50 years old, and representative of 49 Spanish provinces. Each researcher evaluated three patients and also completed the SF-12v2 health questionnaire. The patients completed the WOMAC and SF-12v2 questionnaires.

RESULTS

The patients were 68.5 ± 9.5 years old, 61.5% had knee osteoarthritis, 19% had hip osteoarthritis, and 19.5% in both locations. Older patients and those who had both knee and hip osteoarthritis had a poorer quality of life, according to patients and researchers. Physical health perceived by the researchers was better than patients reported (36.74 ± 8.6 and 35.21 ± 8.53; respectively, p<0.001), and the mental health score was similar between physicians and patients. Kellgren/Lawrence scale and test Timed Up & Go predict better the quality of life, assessed by WOMAC and SF-12v2 questionnaires.

DISCUSSION

This is the Spanish study on quality of life in osteoarthritis of the knee and hip of larger amplitude and number of patients.

CONCLUSION

These results could be considered as reference values of Spanish population aged ≥ 50 years with knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Profile of the Patient Who Refuses to Participate in the Expert Patients Program

The Expert Patients Program (EPP), an educational intervention for chronic diseases aimed at nonprofessionals, has high nonparticipation and dropout rates. We used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the prevalence of and reasons for nonparticipation in 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 69 with stroke. We confirmed a high prevalence of refusal, identifying three groups based on degree of participation: patients who refused to attend (51%), patients who attended and then dropped out (10%), and patients who attended (39%). Patients who refused to participate or dropped out were mainly women and former/current smokers with a better-than-average physical condition. In addition, they were invited to participate in the EPP long after their cardiovascular event. We found that the degree of participation depended upon the patient's individual and social context and the professional profile of the recruiter. Therefore, tailored strategic interventions should be designed for each type of participation.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the "Hip and Knee" questionnaire into Spanish

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study is to translate and validate the "Hip and Knee Outcomes Questionnaire", developed in English, into Spanish. The 'Hip and Knee Outcomes Questionnaire is a questionnaire planned to evaluate the impact in quality of life of any problem related to the human musculoskeletal system. 10 scientific associations developed it.

METHODS

The questionnaire underwent a validated translation/retro-translation process. Patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty, before and six months postoperative, tested the final version in Spanish. Psychometric properties of feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were assessed. Convergent validity with SF-36 and WOMAC questionnaires was evaluated.

RESULTS

316 patients were included. Feasibility: a high number of missing items in questions 3, 4 and 5 were observed. The number of patients with a missing item was 171 (51.35%) in the preoperative visit and 139 (44.0%) at the postoperative. Internal validity: revision of coefficients in the item-rest correlation recommended removing question 6 during the preoperative visit (coefficient <0.20). Convergent validity: coefficients of correlation with WOMAC and SF-36 scales confirm the questionnaire's validity. Sensitivity to change: statistically significant differences were found between the mean scores of the first visit compared to the postoperative.

CONCLUSION

The proposed translation to Spanish of the 'Hip and Knee Questionnaire' is found to be reliable, valid and sensible to changes produced at the clinical practice of patients undergoing primary knee arthroplasty. However, some changes at the completion instructions are recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I. Prognostic study.

Do the severity and the body region of injury correlate with long-term outcome in the severe traumatic patient?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate if the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) are correlated with the long-term quality of life in severe trauma patients.

METHODS

Patients injured from 2005 to 2007 with an ISS≥15 were surveyed 16-24 months after injury. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI) was used for measuring the functional status and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) was used for measuring the health status divided into its two components, the PCS (Physical Component Summary) and the MCS (Mental Component Summary). The results of the questionnaires were compared with the ISS and AIS components. Results of the SF-12 were compared with the values expected from the general population.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients filled the questionnaires (response rate 28%). The mean scores were: PCS 42.6±13.3; MCS 49.4±1.4; HAQ-DI 0.5±0.7. Correlation was observed with the HAQ-DI and the PCS (Spearman's Rho: -0.83; p<0.05) and no correlation between the HAQ-DI and the MCS neither between the MCS and PCS (Spearman's Rho=-0.21; and 0.01 respectively). The cutaneous-external and extremities-pelvic AIS punctuation were correlated with The PCS (Spearman's Rho: -0.39 and -0.34, p<0.05) and with the HAQ-DI (Spearman's Rho: 0.31 and 0.23; p<0.05). The physical condition compared with the regular population was worse except for the groups aged between 65-74 and 55-64.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with extremities and pelvic fractures are more likely to suffer long-term disability. The severity of the external injuries influenced the long-term disability.

Benefits of omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplementation on health-related quality of life in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction

Background

We assessed the impact of a dietary supplement based on the combination of omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants on health-related quality of life in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Methods

Patients of either sex (aged 18–85 years) diagnosed with MGD according to criteria identified at a 2011 International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction participated in this randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. Group A patients (controls) received an oral placebo supplement and group B patients received the oral study supplement (Brudysec^® 1.5 g; Brudy Laboratories, Barcelona, Spain). At baseline and at 3-month follow-up, the patients completed the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire using a Spanish validated version. The Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary scores were the main outcome variables.

Results

A total of 61 patients completed the study (group A, n=31; group B, n=30). There were no significant differences in PCS and MCS scores at baseline between the two study groups, but after 3 months of treatment, significantly higher mean PCS and MSC scores were observed in patients treated with the active omega-3 dietary supplement as compared with controls (mean [standard deviation] PCS score 53.33±5.57 versus 47.46±7.31, P=0.008; mean MCS score 54.60±5.64 versus 47.80±8.45, P=0.0005). Moreover, mean differences between values at 3 months as compared with baseline were statistically significant for patients in group B (PCS score 7.14±5.81, 95% confidence interval 4.97–9.31, P=0.000; MCS score 5.96±7.64, 95% confidence interval 3.10–8.81, P=0.0002), whereas mean differences in patients assigned to group A were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Dietary supplementation with a combination of omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants had a significant beneficial effect on HRQoL (health-related quality of life) in patients with MGD.

Unified Protocol for psychiatric and psychological assessment of candidates for transplantation of organs and tissues, PSI-CAT

INTRODUCTION

Transplantation is the treatment option that offers improved survival and quality of life as compared to organ failure. Psychiatric and psychological aspects of transplant candidates are important, especially in the pre-assessment stage, as the influence of these factors can hinder post-surgical outcome in both the implanted organ survival and the quality of life of the transplanted person. Of particular importance, are the factors related to pathology due to substance use, psychopathology, and psychosocial support. There are currently few guidelines on the correct evaluation of patients eligible for these complex procedures.

METHOD

Nineteen psychiatrists and clinical psychologists from six public hospitals in Catalonia conducted a systematic consensus to determine the design of a Unified Protocol psychological and psychiatric evaluation. An annual work plan was implemented, during which; the objectives were defined, a literature review was conducted, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were discussed, questionnaires were selected, and a structured interview was developed.

RESULTS

With the implementation of the work plan, the Assessment Protocol presented in this article was designed.

CONCLUSIONS

systematic work and improving cooperation between psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, has led to homogeneity and consensus on a unified evaluation protocol.

Assessment of long-term quality of life after cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical atrial flutter

BACKGROUND

Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation is the treatment of choice in preventing recurrences of typical atrial flutter (AFl). However, little is known about long-term quality of life (QoL) after CTI ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 01/2003 to 05/2005, 94 patients who consecutively underwent typical AFl ablation were included in the study. An SF-36 health questionnaire was self-administered before ablation and at follow-up. Transformed scores were calculated, adjusted for age and sex and then normalized and standardized for the Spanish population. Additionally, the minimal important differences (MID) were calculated to assess the smallest change in QoL that patients perceived as positive. A linear regression model was constructed to assess long-term QoL predictors. All SF-36 scales were lower than Spanish population scores. After a mean (SD) follow-up of 6.25 (0.5) years, all scales, except Bodily Pain, were higher than baseline. There was a significant difference for Physical Role (46.4 vs. 38.6, p < 0.001), Vitality (44.4 vs. 41.9, p = 0.038) and Mental Health (46.1 vs. 42.0, p = 0.001). However, only Physical Role achieved the criteria for MID. Recurrence of AFl, basal QoL, history of diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and oral anticoagulation were predictors of long-term QoL.

CONCLUSION

CTI ablation provides a significant improvement in long-term QoL for the dimensions of Physical Role, Vitality and Mental Health, although the smallest positive change that patients perceive as positive was only observed for Physical Role. Previous diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulation, basal QoL and AFl recurrence were determinants of a worse long-term QoL.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Foot Function Index to Spanish

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the Foot Function Index to the Spanish (FFI-Sp) following the guidelines of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study 80 participants with some foot pathology. A statistical analysis was made, including a correlation study with other questionnaires (the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, EuroQol 5-D, Visual Analogue Pain Scale, and the Short Form SF-12 Health Survey). Data analysis included reliability, construct and criterion-related validity and factor analyses.

RESULTS

The principal components analysis with varimax rotation produced 3 principal factors that explained 80% of the variance. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit with a comparative fit index of 0.78. The FFI-Sp demonstrated excellent internal consistency on the three subscales: pain 0.95; disability 0.96; and activity limitation 0.69, the subscale that scored lowest. The correlation between the FFI-Sp and the other questionnaires was high to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish version of the Foot Function Index (FFI-Sp) is a tool that is a valid and reliable tool with a very good internal consistency for use in the assessment of pain, disability and limitation of the function of the foot, for use both in clinic and research.

Health related quality of life changes in somatising patients after individual versus group cognitive behavioural therapy: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in health related quality of life after a cognitive behavioural program for patients diagnosed with abridged somatization disorder in primary care.

METHOD

A multicentre, randomized, parallel group, controlled trial was designed. 168 patients were recruited from 29 primary health care centres in Spain and were randomly assigned to one of the three study arms: treatment as usual improved with Smith's norms, individual cognitive behavioural treatment, and group cognitive behavioural treatment. Health-related quality of life was assessed using SF-36 Health Survey.

RESULTS

Individual cognitive behavioural treatment achieves greater changes in health related quality of life than group cognitive behavioural therapy and treatment as usual. Improvement in health related quality of life was fully observed at 12 month, and partially at 6 months. The modality of intervention interacts with time in all dimensions except for Physical functioning and Vitality. Patients who received individual cognitive behavioural therapy treatment had better scores in Physical and Mental health summary measures at 12 month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual cognitive behavioural treatment is the most effective way to improve health related quality of life in abridged somatization disorder patients, and its effects are sustained over time. Also, regardless of the type of intervention, physical functioning improves compared with treatment as usual.

Quality of life, treatment adherence, and locus of control: multiple family groups for chronic medical illnesses

The Multiple Family Groups (MFGs) approach for patients with a chronic medical illness and their families is a structured psychoeducational program that unfolds in six weekly 90-minute sessions. In the MFGs, patients and family members explore new ways to balance illness and nonillness priorities in family life (Steinglass, 1998; Steinglass, 2000 Cuadernos de Terapia Familiar, 44-45, 11; Steinglass, Ostroff, & Steinglass, 2011 Family Process, 50, 393).

Role of maca (Lepidium meyenii) consumption on serum interleukin-6 levels and health status in populations living in the Peruvian Central Andes over 4000 m of altitude

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a plant that grows at over 4,000 m above sea level in the central Peruvian Andes. The hypocotyls of this plant are traditionally consumed for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to determine the health status based on a health related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire (SF-20) and serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in subjects that are maca consumers. For this, a cross-sectional study was designed to be performed in 50 subjects from Junin (4,100 m): 27 subjects were maca consumers and 23 were non-consumers. The SF-20 survey is used to obtain a summary measure of health status. The stand up from a chair and sit down (SUCSD) test (to assess lower-extremity function), hemoglobin measurement, blood pressure, sexual hormone levels, serum IL-6 levels and the score of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) were evaluated. Testosterone/estradiol ratio (P <0.05), IL-6 (P < 0.05) and CMS score were lower, whereas the health status score was higher, in maca consumers when compared to non-consumers (P < 0.01). A greater proportion of maca consumers successfully completed the SUCSD test compared to non-consumers (P < 0.01), showing a significant association with lower values of serum IL-6 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, consumption of maca was associated with low serum IL-6 levels and in turn with better health status scores in the SF-20 survey and low chronic mountain sickness scores.