Validity and Reliability of Turkish Translation of Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality-of-Life (NePIQoL) Questionnaire

The Relationship Between Health Literacy Level and Neuropathic Pain Level in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy

Background This study aimed to analyze the current situation of health literacy (HL), neuropathic pain, and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life (NePIQoL) questionnaire in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN). Methodology This study was conducted among 60 patients with diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy on electroneuromyography (ENMG) and 47 patients without diabetic peripheral distal neuropathy on ENMG. The Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Scale (EHLS-TR) for HL levels, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) for pain level, and NePIQoL for health-related quality of life were used in participants. Results A total of 107 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were included in the study with a mean age of 57.12 ± 4.12 years. The EHLS-TR significantly decreased in the DN group compared to the control group (p = 0.004). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the EHLS-TR classification (p = 0.024). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), VAS, and DN4 values were found to be significantly higher in the DN group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). While there was a negative correlation between EHLS-TR scores and DN4 and HbA1c in the DN group, a positive correlation was found between EHLS-TR and NePIQoL. Conclusions HL has an effect on HbA1c, neuropathic pain level, and quality of life in DN patients. By increasing the level of HL, glycemic control can be achieved in this patient population, while the level of neuropathic pain decreases and the quality of life increases.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation on Neuropathic Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation on the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), fatigue, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

An assessor-blinded prospective randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Participants were randomly assigned to the relaxation group (RG; n = 28), meditation group (MG; n = 25), or control group (CG; n = 24). The mean age of participants was 64.2 ± 8.1 years in the RG, 61.6 ± 8.0 years in the MG, and 64.1± 6.6 years in the CG. Patients in the intervention groups performed progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness meditation at their home for 12 weeks, 20 min daily. The CG received only an attention-matched controlled education on pancreas anatomy and diabetes. Data collection was performed at baseline and at weeks 12 and 14 using the VAS, FACIT Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life Questionnaire (NePIQoL).

FINDINGS

VAS scores were significantly lower in the RG and MG at week 12 (p < .05) and were statistically significant in the RG at week 14. Additionally, fatigue severity decreased significantly in the RG at weeks 12 and 14, compared to that in the CG (p < .05). While no significant difference was found in the quality of life scores between the study groups at weeks 12 and 14 (p > .05), a significant improvement in quality of life scores in the RG were provided at week 12 compared to those at baseline and week 14 (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation had a positive impact on providing pain relief in patients with DPNP. Moreover, progressive muscle relaxation also appeared to have a beneficial effect on fatigue.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Based on the results, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation can be recommended as supportive therapies for the management of DPNP.