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Pulik Ł, Zalewski A, Dyrek N, Skała W, Łęgosz P. Preliminary test of Polish translation of the Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score - observational study. Reumatologia 2024; 62:157-160. [PMID: 39055732 PMCID: PMC11267659 DOI: 10.5114/reum/189211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Today, patients with inflammatory joint diseases participate in more physical activities, including sports and recreation. The tools currently used to assess quality of life and functioning in rheumatic diseases, available in Polish, do not address these problems. The Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS) questionnaire was developed but is not available in the Polish language. This tool is used to evaluate the functional limitations of physically active people who suffer from arthritis and associated lower limb disorders. The objective of this study is the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the RAOS into Polish. Material and methods The process was carried out following the guidelines of the Evidence-Based Medicine Committee of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The translation included forward and back translation, and synthesis of the transcripts. The RAOS was pre-tested in a target setting in 19 patients and final amendments were made to address concerns raised by the patients. Results The translation, adaptation, and pre-test of the Polish RAOS resulted in the final version of the scale, which can be found in Supplementary material 1. Conclusions During pre-testing, the scale demonstrated ease of understanding, with patient feedback leading to minor corrections that were incorporated into the questionnaire structure. Before widespread implementation, a crucial step involves validating the scale through rigorous psychometric tests, including assessments of the reliability, validity and stability of the Polish RAOS. The lack of validation of the translated Polish version limits the use of the RAOS in the research environment. To solve this problem, the validation process is planned to be carried out in the next stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Pulik
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Zalewski
- Department of Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nicola Dyrek
- Scientific Association of Reconstructive and Oncology Orthopaedics of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Skała
- Scientific Association of Reconstructive and Oncology Orthopaedics of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Łęgosz
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
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Sagoe K, Owens WA, Loyd R, Varley R. The impact of ageing on the health and wellbeing of people with thalidomide embryopathy: a comparison of the health impact with the general population. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38318695 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2307357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE As people living with thalidomide embryopathy (TE) are now entering their seventh decade, we examine the impact of ageing and the prevalence of comorbid health conditions reported in holistic needs assessments (HNAs) by individuals with TE, compare it with an age-matched sample of the general population, and explore the relationship between comorbidities and TE pattern of impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The HNA categories were mapped and compared to those of the Health Survey for England (HSE) and analysed across four impairment groups (A-D). RESULTS 94% (392/415) of individuals with TE residing in the UK participated in the HNA and consented to a secondary analysis of the data. Less than 2% (5/392) reported no comorbidities; 94% reported nervous system problems; including pain, pins and needles and numbness. Individuals with TE reported a significantly greater number of health comorbidities, including musculoskeletal problems, than the age-matched HSE population. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with TE report significantly more health and well-being concerns than the general population of a similar age. Long-term monitoring is needed to ensure that support and rehabilitation services can meet their evolving needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Sagoe
- Health and Wellbeing, Thalidomide Trust, Saint Neots, UK
| | - W Andrew Owens
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Thalidomide Trust, Saint Neots, UK
| | - Rick Loyd
- Founder and Consultant at Change by Numbers Ltd, Ventnor, UK
| | - Rosemary Varley
- Thalidomide Trust, Saint Neots, UK
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Farr S. Commentary on Markiewicz et al. Age-related changes in patients with upper limb thalidomide embryopathy in the United Kingdom. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2023; 48:781-782. [PMID: 37211796 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231175304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Farr
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Orthopedic Hospital Speising, Vienna, Austria
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Markiewicz M, Stirling P, Brennan S, Hooper G, Lam W. Age-related changes in patients with upper limb thalidomide embryopathy in the United Kingdom. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2023; 48:773-780. [PMID: 37021538 PMCID: PMC10466990 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231164093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
We report the long-term upper limb disability, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional impairment, self-perception of appearance and prevalence of neuropathic pain in patients with upper limb thalidomide embryopathy in the United Kingdom. One-hundred and twenty-seven patients responded to our electronic questionnaire. Mean Quick Version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 54.3 (SD 22.6). Median EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Likert index, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, Derriford Appearance Scale 24 and Neuropathic Pain Scale were 0.6 (IQR 0.4 to 0.7), 15.5 (IQR 8.0 to 23.5), 35.5 (IQR 28.0 to 50.5), and -0.8 (IQR -1.4 to 0.8), respectively. Thirty-three patients (26%) reported neuropathic pain. Finger changes associated with radial longitudinal deficiency were an independent predictor of more severe upper limb disability. Eighty-nine patients (70%) reported deteriorating HRQoL with increasing age. Patients with upper limb thalidomide embryopathy experience age-related worsening of symptoms and function, highlighting the need for ongoing specialist care and support.Level of evidence: IV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Stirling
- Fife Hand Clinic, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, UK
| | | | | | - Wee Lam
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
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Niecke A, Peters KM, Alayli A, Lüngen M, Pfaff H, Albus C, Samel C. Health‐related quality of life after 50 years in individuals with thalidomide embryopathy: Evidence from a German cross‐sectional survey. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:714-724. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Niecke
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Klaus M. Peters
- Department of Orthopedics and Osteology Dr. Becker Rhein‐Sieg‐Klinik Nümbrecht Germany
| | - Adrienne Alayli
- Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Cologne Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Markus Lüngen
- Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück Germany
| | - Holger Pfaff
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Science University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Christian Albus
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Christina Samel
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology University of Cologne Cologne Germany
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Alexanderson H, Frimore L, Espinosa F, Wikström M, Stockselius A. Low health-related quality of life in adult individuals with multiple limb deficiencies compared with population-based reference values. Prosthet Orthot Int 2022; 46:232-238. [PMID: 35085178 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple limb deficiencies (LDs) is limited. OBJECTIVES To investigate self-reported HRQoL in multiple LDs, assess differences between congenital LD and acquired LD and sex, and to evaluate associations between the types of LDs, demographic variables, and HRQoL. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. METHODS A total of 106 individuals with multiple limb deficiencies treated at the EX-Center were invited by mail to fill out the Short Form-36 survey. RESULTS Responses from 62 participants, mean age ± SD 49.5 ± 14.2, showed that 43 had congenital LD and 19 had acquired LD. Responders reported reduced HRQoL in all Short Form-36 domains except Role-Emotional, compared with reference values (P < 0.05-<0.001). Individuals with a congenital LD reported worse Bodily Pain than acquired LD (P < 0.05), and women reported lower Physical Function than men (P < 0.05). Sick leave was negatively associated with physical composite score. Living in a rural area was positively associated with Mental Health (P < 0.01), and congenital LD was negatively associated with Vitality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with multiple LDs in Sweden have lower HRQoL compared with reference values. There are significant associations between sick leave and physical function, rural living and mental health, and the type of LD and vitality.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Alexanderson
- Allied Health Professionals, Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Division Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Frimore
- Vårdbolaget TioHundra, Norrtälje, Sweden
| | - F Espinosa
- Department of Medicine, Division Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Wikström
- EX-Center, Swedish Thalidomide Society, NGO, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Stockselius
- EX-Center, Bräcke Diakoni and Aktiv Ortopedteknik/Rehab, Stockholm, Sweden
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Imai K, Sone H, Otomo K, Nakano Y, Hinoshita F. Quality of life and pain in patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1464. [PMID: 32893502 PMCID: PMC7667369 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess psychological/psychiatric problems and quality of life (QOL) in patients with thalidomide embryopathy (TE), with a specific focus on pain, including pain severity and the effects of coping strategies for pain. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the severity of pain experienced by patients with TE, pain management strategies, time perspective, mental health status, and QOL. Of 67 patients with TE who underwent a health checkup, 51 respondents who gave valid responses were included in analysis. Results GHQ‐28 suggested that 41.2% of respondents appeared to potentially have psychiatric disorders. The mean scores of QOL were still within a normal range. There is no significant differences were found between limb disability group and hearing impairment group in QOL or mental health status. About 82.4% of respondents reported that they experience physical pain, and the use of the cognitive coping strategy “catastrophizing” to cope with pain was significantly associated with mental health status and QOL. Conclusion This study demonstrate that although some patients with TE have some form of mental health problem, they still maintain a normal range QOL despite their disabilities. In addition, pain was not as strongly associated with mental health problems and QOL as would be expected, and variables such as “catastrophizing” to cope with pain appear to potentially be associated with reduced mental health and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koubun Imai
- Department of Psychiatry, Hitachi Medical Education and Research Center, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hanae Sone
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjyuku-ku, Japan
| | - Ken Otomo
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjyuku-ku, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakano
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjyuku-ku, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Hinoshita
- Department of Nephrology, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjyuku-ku, Japan
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Cerrizuela S, Vega-Lopez GA, Aybar MJ. The role of teratogens in neural crest development. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:584-632. [PMID: 31926062 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC), discovered by Wilhelm His 150 years ago, gives rise to a multipotent migratory embryonic cell population that generates a remarkably diverse and important array of cell types during the development of the vertebrate embryo. These cells originate in the neural plate border (NPB), which is the ectoderm between the neural plate and the epidermis. They give rise to the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, melanocytes, chondrocytes, smooth muscle cells, odontoblasts and neuroendocrine cells, among others. Neurocristopathies are a class of congenital diseases resulting from the abnormal induction, specification, migration, differentiation or death of NC cells (NCCs) during embryonic development and have an important medical and societal impact. In general, congenital defects affect an appreciable percentage of newborns worldwide. Some of these defects are caused by teratogens, which are agents that negatively impact the formation of tissues and organs during development. In this review, we will discuss the teratogens linked to the development of many birth defects, with a strong focus on those that specifically affect the development of the NC, thereby producing neurocristopathies. Although increasing attention is being paid to the effect of teratogens on embryonic development in general, there is a strong need to critically evaluate the specific role of these agents in NC development. Therefore, increased understanding of the role of these factors in NC development will contribute to the planning of strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of human neurocristopathies, whose etiology was previously not considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Cerrizuela
- Área Biología Experimental, Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Guillermo A Vega-Lopez
- Área Biología Experimental, Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Área Biología Experimental, Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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Brugallé E, Antoine P, Geerts L, Bellengier L, Manouvrier-Hanu S, Fantini-Hauwel C. Growing up with a rare genetic disease: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of living with Holt-Oram syndrome. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:2304-2311. [PMID: 31786957 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1697763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is a rare genetic disease characterized by variable radial upper limb and cardiac defects. The aim of this research was to shed light on people's subjective perceptions of their diseases, how these perceptions provide meaning, and the consequences the syndrome can have in daily life and across all life stages. METHODS Semistructured interviews with ten participants diagnosed with HOS were conducted in France and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Participants' experiences fall under two main themes, namely, "stages of self-construction as different" and "when I am no longer the only one involved", each of which has three subthemes. From childhood onwards, symptoms monopolize the physical and psychological spheres. The feeling of being different is unavoidable until the patient can appropriate his or her condition, and by the end of adolescence, the patient generally feels that he or she has adapted to the syndrome. In adulthood, other concerns arise, such as the fear of rejection, the need to better understand the genetic issues of the condition and the desire for offspring to not experience the same life difficulties. CONCLUSION The findings underscore the specific psychological issues associated with the syndrome at different life stages and the need for holistic genetic treatment with dedicated reference centers to improve care and further address these issues.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHolt-Oram syndrome is a genetic disease characterized by abnormalities of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle and associated with a congenital heart defect.Specific issues arise at different stages of life: the physical consequences of the syndrome arise during childhood, the self-construction of pervasive difference during adolescence, the fear of being rejected as a young adult, and concerns about future parenthood and the transmission of the syndrome and the desire that one's child not be confronted with the same difficulties in adulthood.The complexity and entanglement of medical and existential issues related to HOS requires the development of multidisciplinary consultations that promote holistic care.The rarity of the syndrome and the lack of knowledge about HOS among health professionals and the general public make it necessary both to establish reference centers and to create patient associations to support patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Brugallé
- UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, CNRS, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Pascal Antoine
- UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, CNRS, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Laura Geerts
- Center of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - Laurence Bellengier
- EA 7364 - RADEME - Maladies RAres du Développement et du Métabolisme: du phénotype au génotype et à la Fonction, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sylvie Manouvrier-Hanu
- EA 7364 - RADEME - Maladies RAres du Développement et du Métabolisme: du phénotype au génotype et à la Fonction, University of Lille, Lille, France.,Clinique de Génétique médicale Guy Fontaine et Centre de référence maladies rares pour les anomalies du développement Nord-Ouest, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Carole Fantini-Hauwel
- Center of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Research, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgique
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Hinoshita F, Beppu H, Shioji S, Fujitani J, Imai K, Tajima T, Tagami T, Ohnishi S. A nationwide survey regarding the life situations of patients with thalidomide embryopathy in Japan, 2018: First report. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:1633-1642. [PMID: 31339667 PMCID: PMC7432171 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Clinical studies on the effects of thalidomide‐induced damage on thalidomide victims as they age have only recently started to be conducted, but no studies have examined socioeconomic differences in terms of healthcare and social status between thalidomiders and the age‐matched general population in Japan. Therefore, we carried out a nationwide survey focusing on the life situations of thalidomiders. Method Questionnaires were sent to 274 thalidomiders in Japan. The questionnaire items basically matched those of the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (CSLC) in the general population conducted by the Japanese Government. The results were compared with those of the CSLC for individuals aged 55–59 years, which was the cohort most similar in age to the average thalidomider living in Japan. Results More thalidomiders rated their health condition as relatively bad or bad compared with the general population (20.2% vs. 13.3%, respectively). A much higher percentage of thalidomiders reported having some health or physical problem caused by a disease or injury (68.8% vs. 32.6%, respectively), and thalidomiders reported visiting medical and healthcare‐related facilities more frequently. A higher proportion of thalidomiders (9.2%) were unemployed, and thalidomiders tended to feel higher levels of worry and stress, especially in terms of the future. Conclusions The results of this nationwide survey of the life situations of thalidomiders in Japan clarified their health conditions and the related associations with socioeconomic status. These findings could be expected to help improve the provision of medical and healthcare, welfare measures, and financial support for thalidomiders in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihiko Hinoshita
- Department of Nephrology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Beppu
- Department of Nephrology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Shioji
- Department of Nephrology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Fujitani
- Department of Rehabilitation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koubun Imai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Tajima
- Department of Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tagami
- Center for Health Examination, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Ohnishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Newbronner E, Glendinning C, Atkin K, Wadman R. The health and quality of life of Thalidomide survivors as they age - Evidence from a UK survey. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210222. [PMID: 30650111 PMCID: PMC6334953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the late 1950s and early 1960s the drug Thalidomide was marketed across the world as a non-addictive tranquilizer. Despite being given to pregnant women as a safe treatment for morning sickness, Thalidomide caused serious damage to the unborn child. Much has been written about the drug and the birth defects it caused but evidence about the health of Thalidomide survivors as they age is limited. Aim The aim of this study was to: explore the health and wellbeing UK Thalidomide survivors; document the health problems experienced by them as they reach their mid-50s; and examine the impacts on their health-related quality of life and employment. Methods A health and wellbeing survey of 351 UK Thalidomide survivors, which gathered information about home and employment circumstances, recent health problems, and health related quality of life (using SF12 Health Survey). Overall analysis focused on descriptive statistics; the association between respondents’ health related quality of life and original impairment was examined using Pearson Correlation; and a three step Hierarchical Regression was used to explore the influence of five factors which narrative responses suggested might be important. Results As Thalidomide survivors reach their mid-50’s they are experiencing a wide range of secondary health problems, in particular musculoskeletal problems, and depression and anxiety, with multimorbidity a growing issue. These health problems are having a negative impact on their employment (two fifths are unable to work) and their physical health related quality of life, which is significantly poorer than the general population. Discussion Having lived relatively independent lives, many Thalidomide survivors are now having to adjust to growing disability. The study provides further evidence of the accumulative impact of disability over peoples’ lifetimes and highlights the value of a life course perspective in understanding the complex experience of growing older with a disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Newbronner
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Karl Atkin
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Wadman
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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