Assessing quality of life in older adults: psychometric properties of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire in a nursing home population

Impact of biological sex on heart transplant patients admitted to cardiac rehabilitation: A 10-year retrospective cohort study

Introduction

Heart transplantation (HTx) serves as the gold-standard therapy for end-stage heart failure, yet patients often experience physical deconditioning and cognitive impairments post-surgery. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has shown promise in the HTx context. However, uncertainty surrounds the impact of biological sex. Accordingly, the aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of biological sex in a cohort of patients with HTx early admitted to a residential CR program.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis involving patients who underwent HTx at Niguarda Hospital and who subsequently participated in a CR program at IRCCS Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy, between 2010 and 2022. The primary endpoint was time to event (in months), with an event defined as a composite outcome of whichever occurred first of death, allograft rejection, or cardiac allograft vasculopathy up to 30 months follow-up.

Results

In a total of 129 patients, 60 % male, and 40 % female, baseline characteristics presented comparably between the sexes. At 6 months, no significant sex differences were observed for the primary composite outcome. However, at 30 months, females exhibited a significantly lower incidence of the primary composite outcome and an increased survival rate. Multivariable analysis confirmed a protective effect of female sex against mortality (F vs. M, HR 0.164, 95 % CI 0.038-0.716, P = 0.0161).

Conclusions

Despite limitations, our findings emphasize that sex affects post-HTx long-term follow-up following CR discharge, with more favorable outcomes for female recipients. In an era of tailored management algorithms, it is imperative to take into account the gender gap even in cardiac rehabilitation.

Implementation of a teen sleep app in Canadian high schools: Preliminary evidence of acceptability, engagement, and capacity for supporting healthy sleep habits

High school students suffer from mental health challenges and poorer academic performance resulting from sleep disturbances. Unfortunately, approaches to this problem sometimes focus on increasing sleep duration by going to bed early; a strategy with limited success because teens experience a phase delay in bedtimes. There is a need for approaches that leverage behavioural sleep science and are accessible, scalable, and easily disseminated to students. DOZE (Delivering Online Zzz's with Empirical Support) is a self-management app that is grounded in sleep and circadian basic science. Although initial testing supports it as a feasible and acceptable app in a research context, it has not been tested as a strategy to use in schools. The present study tested DOZE in private high schools in Canada. Two-hundred and twenty-three students downloaded the app and completed daily sleep diaries over 4 weeks. Students reported a more regularised routine for bedtime, Mdiff = -0.43 h, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.65, -0.21], and rise time, Mdiff = -0.61 h, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.84, -0.38], in addition to a higher total sleep time, Mdiff = 0.18 h, p < 0.008, 95% CI [0.05, 0.31]. Students also rated DOZE to be highly acceptable. The evidence suggests that students find DOZE to be acceptable and engagement in this nonclinical population was reasonably high under minimal researcher supervision. This makes DOZE an attractive option and a step towards broad-based sleep health services. High powered replications with control groups are needed to increase empirical rigour.

Effectiveness of a school-based high-intensity interval training intervention in adolescents: study protocol of the PRO-HIIT cluster randomised controlled trial

Introduction

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective strategy for improving a variety of health and fitness outcomes within school settings. Incorporating HIIT into existing physical activity opportunities appears practically feasible, yet the process evaluation and effectiveness of this strategy needs to be further evaluated. Therefore, a PRO-HIIT intervention will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week school-based HIIT intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, body composition, muscular strength, bone health, cognitive function, wellbeing and academic performance among 12-13-year-olds.

Methods and analysis

Eight classes of year 7 students (12-13-year-olds) from a secondary school in Ningbo, China, will be recruited and randomly allocated into an intervention or control group. While the control group maintains their usual activities, a 6 to 10 min HIIT session will be embedded in the physical education or physical activity lessons five days a week for 12 weeks for the intervention group. Training workshops will be conducted for participants, teachers, and research staff for facilitating the intervention. Outcome data will be collected at three time points: pre- and post-intervention, and two months (summer holiday) upon completion of the intervention. Linear mixed models will be used to analyse the impact of groups (intervention and control), timepoints (pre-, post- and two-month after intervention) and group by time interactions. The implementation process of the intervention will be evaluated using a process evaluation framework.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is obtained from the Ningbo University Ethics Committee (TY2024002). Results from PRO-HIIT study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences as well as local education system. The study protocol has been retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (NCT06374732), https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06374732.

Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Status in Northwest of Iran: First Wave of the Persian Traffic Cohort Study

This study aimed to evaluate the association between Quality of Life (QOL) and independent factors, emphasizing Socio Economic Status (SES) in northwestern Iran. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed within the Persian Traffic safety and health Cohort in 2020. Participants were chosen using stratified random sampling method. The majority of participants (69%) were aged between 30 and 65. Around half of the participants were males (54.44%). Most of the female respondents were categorized as very low and medium levels of SES Based on multiple linear regression analysis, the QOL among females was lower compared to males (β: - 0.92, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.22). There was a negative association between SES and QOL; individuals with low and very low levels of SES had a lower QOL than those with a medium level of SES (β: - 4.38, 95% CI - 5.9 to - 2.86) (β: - 2.65, 95% CI - 4.08 to - 1.22). The current study highlights that higher SES and educational levels are positively associated with higher QOL. Conversely, older age, females, and widowed individuals are linked with lower QOL.

Health-related quality of life and utility values among patients with anxiety and/or depression in a low-income tertiary care setting: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), estimate the associated health state utility values (HSUVs) and explore factors associated with HRQoL of patients with anxiety and/or depression in a resource-limited hospital setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey involving 462 participants was conducted in a hospital setting. The Amharic version of the EQ-5D-5 L assessed HRQoL, while the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 measured severity of anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. HSUVs were analysed based on clinical and demographic profiles; mean differences were compared using t-tests and one-way ANOVA; Scheffe's post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Cohen's d statistic) were used to assess the magnitude of group differences. Factors associated with HRQoL were explored using regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean HSUV was 0.87 (SD = 0.17) and the EQ VAS was 71.4 (SD = 19.1). Patients with both anxiety and depression scored significantly lower (HSUV = 0.83 [0.16], EQ VAS = 64.4 [17.9]) compared to those with either anxiety only (HSUV = 0.88 [0.17], EQ VAS = 75.3 [17.9]) or depression only (HSUV = 0.89 [0.18], EQ VAS 74.4 [19.7]). Males had slightly higher mean scores than females, while those aged 18-35 years demonstrated the highest scores on both the EQ-5D-5 L and EQ VAS. Older age (β=-0.002), higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.008) and comorbid hypertension (β=-0.07) associated with lower HSUVs. Lower EQ VAS scores were associated with being female (β=-4.4), having comorbid hypertension (β=-7.4) and higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.86), while a positive association was found with having 'more than enough' income (β = 11.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, severity or co-diagnosis of anxiety or depression and comorbid conditions were associated with lower HRQoL, highlighting the need for better interventions to improve the HRQoL of patients with anxiety and depression in Ethiopia.

Comparison of the effects of dry needling and spinal manipulative therapy versus spinal manipulative therapy alone on functional disability and endurance in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a global musculoskeletal ailment. Over the past few years, dry needling (DN) has garnered interest from both physical therapists and patients. Physical therapy commonly employs spinal manipulation to alleviate persistent LBP and other musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spinal manipulation alone and in combination with DN on functional disability and endurance in individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific LBP.

METHODS

Patients of both genders who had chronic nonspecific LBP and who had not received physical therapy within the last 3 months were included in this single-blind, randomized controlled trial using purposive sampling. All participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (SMT + DN) or control (SMT alone) group using computer-generated random numbers. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. For between-group comparisons, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. A P-value < .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

The analysis of the difference between the 2 groups revealed that the mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the SMT alone group was 16.09 ± 3.963 at baseline and 12.66 ± 3.801 at 8 weeks, whereas for the DN + ST group, it was 13.67 ± 3.904 at baseline and 10.92 ± 3.534 at 8 weeks, with a P-value of .003. Thus, the RMDQ score improved gradually in both groups, and the mean endurance score reported for the ST group was 2.5 to 4.5, while that reported for the DN + ST group was 3.1 to 5.1.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that both therapies effectively reduced LBP. When comparing the effects of spinal manipulation alone to those of spinal manipulation combined with DN, the latter showed significantly greater benefits.

On social health: history, conceptualization, and population patterning

We propose a psychologically-informed concept of social health to join physical and mental components in a more comprehensive assessment of human health. Although there is an extensive literature on the importance of social relationships to health, a theoretical framework is needed to coalesce this work into a codified conceptualisation of social health, defined here as adequate quantity and quality of relationships in a particular context to meet an individual's need for meaningful human connection. Informing this novel conceptualisation, we outline eight key propositions to guide future research and theory on social health, including five propositions focused on the conceptualisation of social health and three focused on its population patterning. The former five propositions include that social health is an outcome in its own right, that health interventions can have divergent effects on social versus physical and mental aspects of health, that social health has independent effects on quality of life, that it is a dynamic and contextual construct, and that it is embedded and encoded in the human body (and mind). The utility of the social health concept is further revealed in its significance for understanding and addressing population health concerns, such as health inequalities experienced by marginalised groups.

Resilience's impact on quality of life and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients during treatment

BACKGROUND

This article aims to examine how psychological resilience influences the interplay between quality of life and post-traumatic growth among breast cancer patients receiving follow-up care and treatment in Türkiye.

METHODS

The study involved 119 female individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who visited the Oncology outpatient clinic at a state hospital in Türkiye from January to September 2023. Data were gathered through the administration of a survey form and the utilization of several assessment tools, including the Adult Life Quality Scale in Cancer Survivors (QLACS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 25 software.

RESULTS

The participants demonstrated an inverse correlation between Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and two QLACS sub-dimensions, namely recurrence and family concern. Conversely, a positive association was identified between PTG and the advantages of dealing with cancer. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive association was established between BRS and all QLACS sub-dimensions, except for family concern and appearance. However, it was determined that psychological resilience did not act as a moderator in the relationship between PTG and QLACS.

CONCLUSION

It is important to enhance psychological resilience in women who have survived cancer at all stages of the cancer journey, including the years after treatment, to have a positive impact on post-traumatic growth and quality of life.

The Indian Geriatrics Quality of Life Inventory Scale (IGQOLI): Development and Validation of a Scale to Evaluate the Quality of Life among Geriatric Population of India

Background

Quality of life (QOL) refers to an individual's perception of their overall life and well-being. As people age, their QOL often deteriorates. Although various outcome measures exist to assess QOL, most are limited in scope and not specific to the Indian ethnicity of geriatrics. Therefore, a new outcome measure was developed and validated to more accurately evaluate the QOL for the geriatric population in India.

Methods

The outcome measure was developed in three stages, followed by validation. Data was collected using multistage cluster sampling from 13 subdivisions of Jaipur district. A total of 423 participants were interviewed face-to-face. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, and the reliability and validity of the outcome measure were assessed.

Results

The Indian Geriatrics Quality of Life Inventory (IGQOL) scale demonstrated excellent reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha (α) of 0.95 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93. The measure also exhibited excellent face and content validity, with a K value of 1. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship with other outcome measures, with a Pearson correlation coefficient value of > 7 and a p-value of < 0.05.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the IGQOLI scale is a reliable and valid outcome measure for evaluating the QOL in the geriatric population in India.

Psychometric characteristics of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in stroke survivors of working age before and after inpatient rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in cohorts of working age stroke survivors, before and after inpatient rehabilitation.

METHODS

Stroke patients aged 18-66 years registered in the national quality register WebRehab Sweden were included in the study at hospital admission (n = 256), discharge (n = 223), and 1-year follow-up (n = 313). Classical and modern (Rasch) methods were used for psychometric evaluation.

RESULTS

The two-factor HADS model measuring anxiety and depression showed better fit than a single factor measuring emotional distress. The instrument's psychometric stability before and after rehabilitation was satisfactory. The anxiety scale showed good psychometric properties, except for item 7, which is not anxiety-specific. Some concerns were observed for the depression items showing weaker discriminant validity, and item 8 performing poorly as a measure of depression. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients showed satisfactory internal consistency reliability, whereas Rasch person reliability coefficients indicated weaker reliability, especially for the depression scale. Effect size of change between hospital admission and discharge showed a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

HADS showed a stable two-factor structure over the rehabilitation period. Patients' perception of items was not affected by the recovery, allowing relevant comparison of HADS scores between different phases of the rehabilitation process. Measures of responsiveness suggest that HADS is sensitive to capturing improvements in emotional distress following rehabilitation interventions. Overall, despite minor psychometric weaknesses, HADS is a suitable instrument for assessing anxiety and depresssion symptoms in stroke patients aged 18-66 years.

Neighborhood environment and quality of life of older adults in eastern Nepal: findings from a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective measure reflecting individuals' evaluations based on their personal goals and values. While global research shows the role of neighborhood factors like ethnic diversity and socio-cultural dynamics on QoL, these are unexplored in the Nepali context. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and QoL among Nepali older adults in eastern Nepal.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 847 non-institutionalized older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) from two districts in eastern Nepal. QoL was evaluated using the 13-item brief Older People's Quality of Life questionnaire, where a mean score of < 3 indicated low/poor QoL. The neighborhood environment, conceptualized across three domains (demographic, socio-cultural, and built environment), included ethnic diversity, connections with family, friends, and neighbors, cultural ties, residential stability, and rurality. Their association with QoL was examined using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Around 20% of older adults reported poor QoL. Higher ethnic diversity (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.36), moderate contact with family and relatives (aOR = 0.26, CI: 0.11-0.61), and high contact with neighbors (aOR = 0.09, CI: 0.03-0.21) were associated with lower odds of poor QoL. Conversely, high contact with friends (aOR = 2.29, CI: 1.30-4.04) and unstable residence (OR = 6.25, CI: 2.03-19.23) increased the odds of poor QoL. Additionally, among the covariates, chronic disease, tobacco use, unemployment, and lack of education were also significantly associated with poor QoL.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the demographic environment, socio-cultural factors, and the built environment of the neighborhood influence QoL. Therefore, diversifying the neighborhood's ethnic composition, promoting social connections such as frequent contact with family, relatives, and neighbors, and ensuring residential stability can enhance the QoL of older adults.

What Promotes Positive Parenting During Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Social Support, Emotion Regulation, and Meaning in Life

BACKGROUND

Motherhood and maintaining the child-parent relationship are top priorities for mothers with breast cancer (BC). The current study aimed to assess the positive intra- and inter-personal resources related to positive parenting among mothers with BC, as these may be promotive factors for positive parenting. Specifically, we examined whether social support (family, friend, spiritual), emotion regulation, and a sense of meaning in life are related to positive parenting among mothers undergoing BC treatments.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 100 Israeli mothers (mean age = 46.02 years, SD = 6.06 years) who were undergoing treatment for BC. Participating mothers had at least one child aged 6-17 years. Participants were recruited via closed social media groups to complete a questionnaire containing: the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, Cancer Perceived Agents of Social Support tool, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and sociodemographic and clinical questions. We used structural equation modeling to regress the study variables on positive parenting.

RESULTS

Friend support (β = .35, p = .009) and meaning in life (β = .30, p = .012) were significantly related to positive parenting. Family support, spiritual support, cognitive reappraisal, and the sociodemographic and clinical variables were not related to positive parenting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that promoting meaning in life and friend support may be key to helping mothers to sustain positive parenting behaviors throughout their cancer treatment. Future research may examine whether psychosocial interventions which foster meaning in life and friend support impact positive parenting among mothers with BC.

Is anxiety a public health problem among older adults in India: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis

For medical fraternity, health system and policymakers to undertake effective countermeasures, a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of anxiety among older adults is required; hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using data pooled from surveys across the country. The search strategy was developed using medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and free-text keywords. We searched PubMed and Scopus for articles to report the prevalence of anxiety among older adults. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies was used for quality assessment. Prevalence from different studies was pooled together using the inverse variance heterogeneity method. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of included studies' methodological quality on pooled results and to investigate potential causes of heterogeneity. Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review. The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of anxiety in older adults was 18.7% (95% CI: 2.4, 38.8). The studies had a high degree of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using a Doi plot which showed an luis furuya-kanamori (LFK) index of 1.21 indicating minor asymmetry. Like other parts of the world, India has witnessed a rise in the number of elderly due to lower fertility rates, higher life expectancies and a shift in illness patterns from communicable to non-communicable. The number of elderly people suffering from diseases of mental health is expected to rise dramatically. This review consolidates the existing evidence to showcase anxiety as an upcoming public health problem requiring due focus from policymakers and health systems.

Determinants of Spiritual Well-Being That Impact Breast Cancer Patients' Quality of Life

Background: Breast cancer affects patients' quality of life, which is influenced by the body's functional abilities and the patients' spiritual well-being. Currently, there is no research on the spiritual determinants that affect quality of life in the Indonesian context. Purpose: This research analyzes the determinants of spiritual well-being in terms of breast cancer patients' quality of life using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 112 participants who were selected using purposive sampling. Women with breast cancer who had a Palliative Performance Scale version 2 score of 60 and who were able to read and write were included. The instruments used included the RAND SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, which was modified to the Indonesian context and was used to survey breast cancer patients (Cronbach coefficient of >0.90), in addition to the FACIT-Sp (Cronbach coefficient of 0.768). The multivariate data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The determinants of spiritual well-being for the participants' quality of life included meaning (odds ratio of 0.436) and peace (odds ratio of 0.303). Conclusion: The meaning and peace domains of spiritual well-being significantly affect breast cancer patients' quality of life.

Nearly one in five older adults in Danish nursing homes live with type 2 diabetes

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Danish nursing home residents (aged ⩾65 years).

METHODS

Individuals with T2D in the Danish population of older adults in 2018 were identified using a Danish diabetes register based on administrative and clinical register data. Data on age, sex, type of housing, educational level and place of origin were obtained from various high-quality administrative registers. We calculated frequencies of T2D among older adults living in nursing homes and in other types of housing. We performed a multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of T2D among people living in nursing homes and adjusted for sex, age, educational level and place of origin.

RESULTS

All Danish older adults aged ⩾65 years, alive and living in Denmark on 31 December 2018 were included (N=1,170,517). Nursing home residents accounted for 37,891 older adults, and of these, 19% had T2D, whereas 14% of older adults living in other types of housing had T2D. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, nursing home residents had a higher OR of having T2D compared to older adults living in other types of housing (OR=1.47; confidence interval 1.43-1.51) when adjusting for socio-demographic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of T2D in nursing home residents exceeds the prevalence in the background population at ⩾65 years of age. This indicates a need for increased focus on individualised interdisciplinary care plans aimed at maintaining physical function and maximising quality of life for this group of vulnerable older adults.

Socioeconomic status, individual behaviors and risk for Lymphomas: a Mendelian randomization study

Background: The association of socioeconomic status and individual behavior (SES/IB) with human health is receiving increasing attention. However, the causal effects between SES/IB and lymphomas remain unclear. Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was used to assess the causal effects of 25 SES/IB traits (dietary habits, physical activity, smoking/drinking behaviors, sleeping behaviors, leisure sedentary behaviors, risky behaviors, and reproductive behaviors) on six distinct types of lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mature T/NK-cell lymphomas, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary approach used for the MR analysis. A series of sensitivity analyses were also conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. Results: Two-sample MR revealed six SES/IB traits causally associated with lymphomas, including relative fat intake, drive time, television watching time, computer use time, vigorous physical activity, and number of children ever born. After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, the causal associations between longer television watching time and DLBCL (OR: 4.048, 95% CI: 1.688 to 9.708, P fdr=0.009), and the number of children ever born with both FL (OR: 0.008, 95% CI: 1.412E-04 to 0.484, P fdr=0.021) and DLBCL (OR: 0.001, 95% CI:1.587E-05 to 0.081, P fdr=0.002) were identified. Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain lifestyle and behavioral factors have a measurable impact on specific lymphoma types.

The effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on anxiety and caregiver burden of family caregivers of patients with heart failure: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Family members are at the forefront of providing care to patients with chronic illnesses, such as heart failure (HF). Since patient caregiving can affect the mental and physical health of family caregivers, the implementation and training of new psychological interventions by nurses are considered important and necessary for family caregivers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of emotional freedom techniques (EFTs) on anxiety and caregiver burden of family caregivers of patients with HF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a quasi-experimental study, in which 91 family caregivers participated. The family caregivers were assigned into two groups of intervention (n = 46) and control (n = 45). Data were collected using a demographic information form, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) developed by Novak and Guest. The intervention group underwent EFT training within six sessions, while the control group received no training. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and absolute and relative frequency) and inferential statistical tests such as Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent t-tests were run, and the data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the intervention group had a significant improvement in reducing anxiety (P > 0.001). In addition, EFT significantly reduced caregiver burden among family caregivers of HF patients (P > 0.001).

CONCLUSION

EFT could significantly reduce anxiety and caregiver burden in family caregivers of patients with HF in our study. Therefore, nurses working in clinical settings are recommended to learn and use EFT to reduce the anxiety and caregiver burden of patients' family caregivers.

Health-related quality of life and associated factors among health care providers in the northwest of Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study, 2023

Background

The diminished quality of life among healthcare providers (HCPs) could impact both their personal well-being and their ability to effectively fulfill healthcare needs and provide necessary facilities to the public. Furthermore, this decline in quality of life may also significantly influence the overall health of HCPs, regardless of their professional training and duties.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors among healthcare providers at comprehensive specialized hospitals in the Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 healthcare providers at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from June to July 2023. Study participants were enrolled using simple random sampling. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Bref Version. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi-data version 4.6.1 and SPSS version 24, respectively. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess the association between quality of life and independent variables. Variables with a p-value <0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.

Result

Out of the 422 study participants approached, 412 respondents were included in the final analysis. Poor quality of life was observed in 54.6% of participants. Factors such as working hours per day (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.12; 3.05), working experience (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.04; 3.65), and the presence of chronic disease (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.18; 3.75) were significantly associated with poor quality of life.

Conclusion

This study revealed that more than half of the participants experienced poor quality of life. Specific attention is needed for healthcare providers working for more than 8 h per day, those with less work experience, and those with chronic illnesses in order to improve their quality of life.

Quality of life and thalassemia in India: A scoping review

In recent years, a multitude of studies have been conducted to investigate the assessment of quality of life (QoL) among individuals affected by thalassemia. This scoping review aimed to examine the existing knowledge regarding the QoL and its associated factors among individuals with thalassemia in India. Databases, such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, were searched. A total of nine articles were included in the review. The included studies mainly investigated children. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is the most common instrument used most often. Overall, the research findings indicate that individuals who underwent blood transfusion exhibited a lower QoL than those who did not receive blood transfusion. Additionally, it was observed that children diagnosed with thalassemia reported a lower QoL than adults. Nevertheless, the studies exhibited notable methodological deficiencies that constrained the validity and generalizability of the results. Hence, it is imperative to undertake comprehensive QoL research encompassing all regions of India and various thalassemia populations within the country to bridge this evidentiary void.

Antipsychotic medication non-adherence and factors associated among patients with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Given that antipsychotic medication is a cornerstone for treating and preventing relapse in people with schizophrenia, non-adherence has been indicated as a big challenge. This study aimed to assess antipsychotic medication non-adherence and factors associated among patients with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study in two public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Antipsychotic medication adherence was assessed using MOrisky medication adherence rating scale questionnaire, and insight was measured using the self-report insight scale for Psychosis (ISP). Multiple stepwise logistic regression models with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to identify the factors. Statistical significance was considered at p-value ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

We found that 44.57% of patients with schizophrenia experienced non-adherence to their antipsychotic medication. Being single (AOR = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.71, 3.58), alcohol users (AOR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.46, 2.72), Khat chewers (AOR = 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 2.06, 3.90) and having no insight to their illness (AOR = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.52, 2.90) were more likely to be non-adherent to their antipsychotic medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that antipsychotic medication non-adherence was high among individuals suffering from schizophrenia and that it was influenced by various factors such as single marital status, alcohol usage, Khat chewing, and having no understanding of their condition. As a result, comprehensive intervention methods should be developed to address the factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence among patients. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to these aspects and consider developing specific strategies to promote adherence to medications while treating individuals with schizophrenia.

Meat consumption & positive mental health: A scoping review

The objective of this scoping review was to examine the breadth of the existing literature on the relation between meat consumption or meat abstention and positive psychological functioning. In April 2022, we conducted a systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for primary research examining positive psychological functioning in meat consumers and those who abstain from meat. Thirteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, representing 89,138 participants (54,413 females and 33,863 males) with 78,562 meat consumers and 10,148 meat abstainers (13-102 years) from multiple geographic regions. The primary outcomes were life satisfaction, "positive mental health", self-esteem, and vigor. The secondary outcomes were "meaning in life", optimism, positive emotions, and psychological well-being. Eight of the 13 studies demonstrated no differences between the groups on positive psychological functioning, three studies showed mixed results, and two studies showed that compared to meat abstainers, meat consumers had greater self-esteem, "positive mental health", and "meaning in life". Studies varied substantially in methods and outcomes. Although a small minority of studies showed that meat consumers had more positive psychological functioning, no studies suggested that meat abstainers did. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs precluded causal inferences. Our review demonstrates the need for future research given the equivocal nature of the extant literature on the relation between meat consumption and meat abstention and positive psychological functioning.

Treatment with Rapamycin in Animal Models of Traumatic Brain Injuries; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

In light of the potential of enhanced functional and neurological recovery in traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the administration of rapamycin, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of rapamycin treatment in animal models of TBI.

Methods

An extensive search was conducted in the electronic databases of Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science by July 1st, 2023. Two independent researchers performed the screening process by reviewing the titles and abstracts and the full texts of the relevant articles, including those meeting the inclusion criteria. Apoptosis rate, inflammation, locomotion, and neurological status were assessed as outcomes. A standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated for each experiment, and a pooled effect size was reported. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17.0 software.

Results

Twelve articles were deemed eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Pooled data analysis indicated notable reductions in the number of apoptotic cells (SMD for Tunnel-positive cells = -1.60; 95%CI: -2.21, -0.99, p<0.001), p-mTOR (SMD=-1.41; 95%CI: -2.03, -0.80, p<0.001), and p-S6 (SMD=-2.27; 95%CI: -3.03, -1.50, p<0.001) in TBI post-treatment. Our analysis also indicated substantial IL-1β reductions after rapamycin administration (SMD= -1.91; 95%CI: -2.61, -1.21, p<0.001). Moreover, pooled data analysis found significant neurological severity score (NSS) improvements at 24 hours (SMD= -1.16; 95%CI: -1.69, -0.62, p<0.001; I²=0.00%), 72 hours (SMD= -1.44; 95%CI: -2.00, -0.88, p<0.001; I²=0.00%), and 168 hours post-TBI (SMD= -1.56; 95%CI: -2.44, -0.68, p<0.001; I²=63.37%). No such improvement was observed in the grip test.

Conclusion

Low to moderate-level evidence demonstrated a significant decrease in apoptotic and inflammatory markers and improved neurological status in rodents with TBI. However, no such improvements were observed in locomotion recovery.

Patient Experiences and Provider Perspectives on Accessing Gender-Affirming Surgical Services in the Veterans Health Administration

BACKGROUND

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) veterans have a greater prevalence of suicide morbidity and mortality than cisgender veterans. Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) has been shown to improve mental health for TGD veterans. In 2021, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) announced the initiation of a rulemaking process to cover GAS for TGD patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores patients' and providers' perspectives about access to GAS and other gender-affirming medical interventions not offered in the VHA including barriers, facilitators, and clinical and policy recommendations.

PARTICIPANTS

TGD patients (n = 30) and VHA providers (n = 22).

APPROACH

Semi-structured telephone interviews conducted from August 2019 through January 2020. Two TGD analysts used conventional and directed content analysis to code transcribed data.

KEY RESULTS

VHA policy exclusions were the most cited barrier to GAS. Additional barriers included finding information about GAS, traveling long distances to non-VHA surgeons, out-of-pocket expenses, post-surgery home care, and psychological challenges related to the procedure. Factors facilitating access included surgical care information from peers and VHA providers coordinating care with non-VHA GAS providers. Pre- and post-operative care through the VHA also facilitated receiving surgery; however, patients and providers indicated that knowledge of these services is not widespread. Respondents recommended disseminating information about GAS-related care and resources to patients and providers to help patients navigate care. Additional recommendations included expanding access to TGD mental health specialists and establishing referrals to non-VHA GAS providers through transgender care coordinators. Finally, transfeminine patients expressed the importance of facial GAS and hair removal.

CONCLUSIONS

A policy change to include GAS in the VHA medical benefits package will allow the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States to provide evidence-based GAS services to TGD patients. For robust and consistent policy implementation, the VHA must better disseminate information about VHA-provided GAS-related care to TGD patients and providers while building capacity for GAS delivery.

Economic evaluation of dialysis and comprehensive conservative care for chronic kidney disease using the ICECAP-O and EQ-5D-5L; a comparison of evaluation instruments

BACKGROUND

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients often require long-term care, and while Hemodialysis (HD) is the standard treatment, Comprehensive Conservative Care (CCC) is gaining popularity as an alternative. Economic evaluations comparing their cost-effectiveness are crucial. This study aims to perform a cost-utility analysis comparing HD and CCC using the EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O instruments to assessing healthcare interventions in CKD patients.

METHODS

This short-term economic evaluation involved 183 participants (105 HD, 76 CCC) and collected data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory results, treatment costs, and HRQoL measured by ICECAP-O and EQ-5D-5L. Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) and Net Monetary Benefit (NMB) were calculated separately for each instrument, and Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis (PSA) assessed uncertainty.

RESULTS

CCC demonstrated significantly lower costs (mean difference $8,544.52) compared to HD. Both EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O indicated higher Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) for both groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CCC dominated HD in terms of HRQoL measures, with ICERs of -$141,742.67 (EQ-5D-5L) and -$4,272.26 (ICECAP-O). NMB was positive for CCC and negative for HD, highlighting its economic feasibility.

CONCLUSION

CCC proves a preferable and more cost-effective treatment option than HD for CKD patients aged 65 and above, regardless of the quality-of-life measure used for QALY calculations. Both EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-O showed similar results in cost-utility analysis.

The road to recovery: Financial resilience and mental health in post-apartheid South Africa

Following the post-apartheid era in South Africa, global economic hardships and financial shocks have forced most households to endure various mental and psychological stresses.. This has hindered the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3)-good health and wellbeing-prompting policymakers and academics to search for remedies to mitigate such stresses. Highlighting resilience as a means of improving wellbeing, this paper focuses on financial resilience and constructs an index using a multidimensional framework to investigate its association with mental health disorders. Using the South Africa National Income Dynamic Study alongside several robust estimation techniques, we uncover a negative association between financial resilience and mental health disorders among South Africans. More specifically, financial resilience is associated with an approximately 37% decrease in the occurrence of mental health disorders. The results also reveal disparities in the correlation between financial resilience and mental health disorders across different subgroups. Non-Whites (especially Blacks), urban dwellers, and male household heads are shown to most strongly experience the depression-reducing effect of financial resilience. This paper also shows that life satisfaction and household expenditure mediate the relationship between financial resilience and mental wellbeing. Toward the end of this paper, we discuss the implications of our results and offer some policy recommendations.

Investigating the factors affecting the self-care behaviors of patients with type II diabetes and the role of demographic variables: A case study in Iran

BACKGROUND

Self-care practices in diabetes patients are crucial to keep the illness under control and prevent complications. Effective management of diabetes will be a difficult task without an adequate understanding of the current level of practice related to diabetes self-care. Therefore, this study aims to assess the factors affecting the self-care behaviors of patients with type II diabetes and the role of demographic variables in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study is a descriptive-analytical study that was designed and conducted in 2022. This study population was type II diabetic patients at the Diabetes Research Center of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Kermanshah who were selected by available sampling method of 280 samples. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics questionnaire and standard self-care questionnaire for the Glasgow and Toobert diabetic patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise regression.

RESULTS

The mean of self-care scores was 2.07 ± 2.08 and indicated an unfavorable condition. The highest mean scores of self-care were in the field of regular use of medications, and the lowest scores were in the field of blood-glucose testing. The mean scores of self-care were significantly different based on marital status, occupation status, residence, type of treatment, duration of diabetes, years, smoking status (P < 0.05). Regression results showed that the variables predictors; type of treatment, smoking status, the complication of diabetes, education level status, place of residence explained 515% of the variance of self-care.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that the extent to which individuals adhere to type II diabetes recommended management is substantially low. Improving awareness of patients and the community at large is imperative, especially on the diet, exercise, blood-glucose testing, foot care, and no smoking.

Predictors of quality of life and mental health in breast cancer survivors in Northern Iran

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The global incidence of breast cancer is the highest among all cancers and is the primary reason for cancer-related fatalities. Our study aimed to assess the predictors of quality of life (QOL) and mental health in breast cancer survivors in Northern Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was done on 96 female breast cancer survivors between the ages of 20 and 65 and was based on convenience samples. We gathered information through demographic and fertility data, a QOL survey, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A significance level of P < 0.05 was set for the analysis.

RESULTS

In this study, results showed that 11.5% of women had the optimal quality of life, 31.3% favorable quality of life, and 57.3% undesirable quality of life. The average HADS score was 20.14 ± 3.07, with anxiety scores of 10.21 ± 2.31 and depression scores of 9.93 ± 1.64. On multiple linear regression, marital relationship and the number of children were predictors of quality of life (β=-17.624, p = 0.023 and β=-7.427, p = 0.016, respectively), as well as the husband's education and having no history of other cancers in the woman, were the most important predictors of HADS (β = 0.763, p = 0.039 and β=-0.528, p = 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSION

It is crucial to provide exceptional care to breast cancer patients during treatment and post-recovery. Emotional and psychological support is a fundamental requirement for their well-being.

Association of depressive symptoms and quality of life in Pakistani youth (15-24 years) with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a web-based analytical cross-sectional study

Introduction

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with impaired quality of life (QOL) of individuals, predominantly in youth, who are most vulnerable to its impact. Psychological morbidity could be one of the factors influencing QOL. The study investigated the association between depressive symptoms and QOL in Pakistani youth (15-24 years) with PCOS and determined other factors associated with QOL.

Methods

We conducted an analytical-cross-sectional survey on 213 single Pakistani females aged 15-24 years recruited via a web-based approach. Depression and QOL were assessed through Center-of-Epidemiological-Studies-Depression tool and Polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-quality-of-life-scale. Multiple-linear-regression was used to determine factors associated with QOL, and adjusted regression-coefficients along with a 95% confidence interval were reported.

Results

The mean QOL score: 2.9 ± 1.1. The domain of obesity had the lowest mean score (2.5 ± 1.6) whereas domain of hirsutism had the highest (3.2 ± 1.9). 172/213 (80%) participants were screened positive for depressive symptoms. Participants with depressive symptoms reported reduced mean QOL scores than respondents with no such symptoms (2.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall QOL and individual domains between participants 15-19 years (n = 36, 17%) and participants >19-24 years (n = 177, 83%) (2.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1) (p > 0.05). We found a significant interaction between depressive symptoms and PCOS duration, indicating that the estimated mean overall QOL score decreases by 25.1 (-36.6, -13.6) for every year increase in PCOS duration among participants screened positive for depressive symptoms. Furthermore, for those respondents who had family history of PCOS and were not satisfied with their healthcare provider treating PCOS, the estimated mean QOL score was 17.47 (-26.1, -8.8) lower than participants who had no family history of PCOS and were satisfied with their healthcare provider. Other factors associated with reduced quality of life included societal pressure to improve appearance affected by PCOS, parental criticism related to PCOS, education, socioeconomic status, working status and BMI.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms with increasing duration of PCOS were significantly associated with reduced QOL. Therefore, to improve the overall QOL of PCOS youth, screening and timely addressing of psychological morbidities should be considered.

Examining the relationship between health literacy and quality of life: evidence from older people admitted to the hospital

INTRODUCTION

Literacy has become an increasingly serious problem, especially as it relates to health care. In this regard, health literacy (HL), as a cognitive skill, has proven to be an influential factor to improve of the quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to examine the level of HL and its relationship with the QOL of older people at the time of discharge from the hospital in the south of Iran.

METHODS

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 300 older people admitted and treated in 10 teaching-therapeutic hospitals affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2021. The standard Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to collect the required data. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 23 software using descriptive and inferential statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, T-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean scores of Hl and QOL for older people were 48.22 ± 9.63 (out of 100) and 61.59 ± 12.43 (out of 120), respectively. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between the participants' HL and their QOL (r=0.388, p<0.001). All dimensions of HL, including comprehension (β=0.461, p<0.001), decision-making and behavior (β=0.434, p<0.001), access (β=0.397, p<0.001), reading skill (β=0.362, p=0.002), and assessment (β=0.278, p=0.004), were significant relationship with QOL. A statistically significant difference was revealed between the mean scores of HL regarding the participants' gender (p=0.04) and level of education (p=0.001). Furthermore, the mean scores of QOL were significantly different with regard to older people's gender (p=0.02), marital status (p=0.03), level of education (p=0.002), and income (p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed the participants' inadequate HL and average QOL. Considering the relationship of HL with QOL, it is recommended to develop comprehensive programs and effective interventions to develop HL skills and subsequently improve QOL among older people.

Effects of perceived stress on public acceptance of waste incineration projects: evidence from three cities in China

Public acceptance is important for the provision of potentially hazardous facilities and may be affected by many factors such as perceived risk/benefit/stress/fairness and public trust. In this study, the underlying mechanism behind the influence of perceived stress on public acceptance of waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerators was explored by structural equation modeling of a face-to-face questionnaire survey of 1066 urban residents in three regional central cities in China. The results indicate that, firstly, the perceived stress of the laypeople has an impact on their acceptance by influencing risk/fairness they perceived and public trust. Secondly, the paths of influence of individual perceptions on acceptance differ between cities with different economic, cultural, and social characteristics. Perceived stress mainly affects public acceptance through perceived risk in the eastern residents while perceived stress mainly affects public acceptance through public trust in the western residents. The findings clarify the theoretical role of perceived stress in shaping laypeople's acceptance of potentially hazardous facilities which are of value for both governments and owners in siting potentially hazardous facilities.

Hungarian PROMIS-29+2: psychometric properties and population reference values

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess psychometric properties of the Hungarian PROMIS-29+2 profile measure and provide general population reference values for Hungary.

METHODS

An adult general population sample (n = 1700) completed PROMIS-29+2 v2.1 in an online survey. The following psychometric properties were assessed: floor and ceiling effect, convergent validity with SF-36v1 domains, internal consistency (McDonald's omega), unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, graded response model (GRM) fit and differential item functioning (DIF). Age- and gender-specific reference values were established using the US item calibrations.

RESULTS

Depending on scale orientation, high floor or ceiling effects were observed for all domains (25.2-60.7%) except for sleep disturbance. McDonald's omega for domains ranged from 0.87-0.97. Unidimensionality, local independence and monotonicity were supported and the GRM adequately fitted for all but one domains. The sleep disturbance domain demonstrated item misfit, response level disordering and low discrimination ability, particularly for item Sleep116 ('refreshing sleep'). Strong correlations were observed between PROMIS-29+2 and corresponding SF-36 domains (r_s=│0.60│ to │0.78│). No DIF was detected for most sociodemographic characteristics. Problems with physical function, pain interference and social roles tended to increase, whereas problems with anxiety, depression, fatigue and cognitive function declined with age (p < 0.01). In all domains except for cognitive function, more health problems occurred in females than in males (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Hungarian PROMIS-29+2 shows satisfactory psychometric properties; however, the sleep disturbance domain substantially underperforms that requires further attention. Population reference values were generated that facilitate the interpretation of health outcomes in various patient populations.

A longitudinal assessment of posttraumatic stress symptoms and pain catastrophizing after injury

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

Identifying individuals with high levels of pain catastrophizing (PC) may inform early psychological interventions to prevent the transition from acute to chronic post-injury pain. We examined whether pre-and post-injury posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) predict post-injury PC among emergency department (ED) patients following acute motor vehicle crash (MVC).

RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN

This study represents secondary data analysis of a randomized clinical trial (NCT03247179) examining the efficacy of the PTSD Coach app on post-injury PTSS (PTSSpost). Among 63 injured ED patients (63% female; 57% non-White; average age = 37) with moderate pain (≥4 of 10), we assessed recall of pre-injury PTSS (PTSSrecall: stemming from preexisting exposures) and baseline PC within 24 hr post-MVC; PTSSpost stemming from the MVC was assessed 30-days later, and the outcome of PC was assessed at 90-days post-injury. We controlled for group assignment (intervention vs. control) in all analyses.

RESULTS

Results revealed that at baseline and 90-days, PC was higher among non-White versus White participants. After adjusting for relevant covariates, PTSSrecall uniquely predicted post-injury PC and each subscale of PC (helplessness, magnification, and rumination). Similarly, after controlling for PTSSrecall and relevant covariates, PTSSpost uniquely predicted total and subscale post-injury PC. Intervention group participants reported less rumination than control group participants.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

These novel findings highlight that injured Black patients may be vulnerable to post-injury PC, and that both PTSSrecall and PTSSpost significantly predict post-injury PC. Brief PTSS assessment in the ED can identify high-risk patients who may benefit from early intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the OPQOL-Brief

BACKGROUND

Ageing and its consequences on quality of life is one of the main issues to be addressed by public organizations; therefore the development of tools for its evaluation is a priority issue to orientate lines of action. Therefore, the objective of this research is to carry out cross-cultural adaptation and present the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief (OPQOL-Brief).

METHODS

a cross-cultural adaptation was carried out together with a process of translation and back-translation of the scale. The OPQOL-Brief and a sociodemographic questionnaire were administered to 120 older adults aged over 65 from a healthcare setting in the region of Extremadura.

RESULTS

the exploratory analysis revealed a factor structure through a matrix of polychoric correlations divided in two intercorrelated factors, consisting of 12 items and with excellent sample adequacy indices (KMO = 0.846'; Bartlett test = 1268.1; p = 0.000). Then, the confirmatory factor analysis established the definitive model with exceptional goodness-of-fit indices (NNFI = 0.99; CFI = 0.99; CMIN/DF = 0.96; Ρ (χ²) = 0.22; RMSEA = 0.037 and RMSR = 0.040). Finally, Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega for internal consistency reported good values of 0.830 and 0.851, respectively.

CONCLUSION

our findings show that the OPQOL-Brief exhibits a solution with 12 elements and related constructs, providing stable goodness-of-fit indicators as well as good and remarkable consistency ratings.

Evaluating Daily Cell-Phone Use in Elderly and its Effect on Lifestyle, Isfahan Comprehensive Health Care Centers

Background

The seniors' lifestyle is an important public-health issue. Hence, assessing the association of cell phone use as a rapidly spreading technology on older adults' lifestyle can be useful for planning prevention and health-promotion policies.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021 in Isfahan Comprehensive Health Care Centers to investigate the impact of cell phone use on the lifestyle of the elderly. The Cell-Phone Over-Use Scale and the lifestyle checklist were the assessment tools employed for this purpose.

Results

Of the 300 participants with a mean age of 67.93 ± 5.14 years, 46% were male and 54% female. The average value of cell phone usage score was 47.88 ± 26.56, which was categorized into low 36%, moderate 41%, and overuse 23%. A positive and significant correlation was reported between the level of cell phone use in males (β =10.711, [0.95 confidence interval {CI} =4.262-17.160]) and people who have used a substance or opium in the past year (β =10.819, [0.95 CI = 3.677-17.961]). The present results found no significant association between cell phone use patterns and age, level of education, body mass index, television time, sports time, smoking in the past year, marital relationship, and living alone.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated a correlation between cell phone use and some demographic and lifestyle variables, namely sex and drug abuse.

Validation of the Persian version of the sarcopenia-specific quality of life questionnaire (SarQoL®-IR)

BACKGROUND

The sarcopenia quality of life (SarQoL)^® questionnaire is a specific tool to measure QoL in sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to validate the SarQoL^® questionnaire for evaluation of sarcopenia-related quality of life in Iranian community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Validity (discriminative power, construct validity), reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability), and floor/ceiling effects of SarQoL^® questionnaire were evaluated in the current study. Moreover, the SarQoL^® questionnaire was compared with the Short-Form 36-item (SF-36) and the EuroQoL 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Among 501 community-dwelling older adults, 128 elderly participants (including 88 sarcopenic individuals) were recruited for validation. Participants with sarcopenia had lower quality of life than non-sarcopenic individuals (Total Score: 39.37 ± 7.45 vs. 65.09 ± 7.85, p < 0.001). Also, the findings demonstrated a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.881), excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.995, 95% CI 0.990-0.998), and no floor/ceiling effect of SarQoL^® questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to confirm the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the SarQoL^® for the measurement of quality of life among Iranian sarcopenic older adults.

Outcome of structured health education intervention for obesity-risk reduction among junior high school students: Stratified cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) in South India

BACKGROUND

Obesity has been identified as a serious global health concern whose prevalence doubles almost every 10 years. Health education regarding physical activity and healthy diet imparted to adolescents could prove to be fruitful in reducing obesity-risk. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of health education intervention on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding obesity-risk reduction and to estimate the postinterventional change in body mass index (BMI) and total body fat (%) among adolescent school children in South India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Stratified cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out among 398 students recruited at baseline including 206 and 192 participants in intervention and control group respectively selected through simple random sampling from eligible government aided and private schools to assess KAP regarding physical activity and diet using pretested and validated questionnaire by making three school visits 6 months apart. Anthropometric measurements were recorded in first and third visit only, while health education intervention was given in first visit to intervention and third visit to control group after taking their responses on the questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 15.

RESULTS

Overall dropout rate was 13.5% with dropout in intervention and control group being 12.6% and 14.5% respectively, making 180 participants in intervention and 164 in control group available for analysis. Mean physical activity KAP score improved significantly from 16.19 ± 4.61 to 19.46 ± 10.07 in intervention group. Mean dietary KAP score also improved significantly from 21.38 ± 4.07 to 23.43 ± 4.53 in intervention group (p < 0.001). Mean BMI decreased significantly within intervention group (p < 0.001) as compared to control group (p = 0.908). Based on cut-off level for total body fat (%) to categorize obesity-risk among participants, statistically significant decline in proportions from 26.1% to 13.3% was observed in intervention group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Results depicted better KAP in intervention group than control group in all the three visits while it improved significantly within both groups. Hence, the health education was found to be effective in improving the overall KAP regarding modifiable risk factors of obesity among the study participants. Further studies to screen the adolescents for obesity-risk and successive health education sessions must be carried within schools in order to bring about change in knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding obesity-risk.

Single-blind, randomized study comparing clinical equivalence of trulene and prolene polypropylene sutures in elective primary coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is one of the principle therapies for coronary artery disease, as it improves survival rate and quality of life (QoL). Polypropylene suture is commonly used in vascular and cardiac surgeries for anastomosis due to its long-term tensile strength and minimal tissue trauma. This study compared the clinical equivalence of Trulene® (Healthium Medtech Limited) and Prolene® (Ethicon-Johnson & Johnson) polypropylene sutures regarding incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure and cardiac death (MACCE) occurring up to 26 weeks' period post-CABG surgery.

METHODS

This multicenter, prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized (1:1), single-blind study (n = 89) was conducted between August 2020 and September 2021. The primary endpoint, post-surgery cumulative incidence of MACCE was evaluated. In addition, anastomotic revision, surgical site infection (SSI), operative time, length of post-operative hospital stay, repeat revascularization, intraoperative suture handling characteristics, time taken to return to work and resume normal day to day activities, subject satisfaction score and QoL, and other adverse events were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 80 (89.89%) males and 9 (10.11%) females participated in the study. No incidence of MACCE was recorded in any of the study participants. Non-significant difference was observed in anastomotic revision, SSI, operative time, post-operative hospital stay, revascularization, return to work and normal day-to-day activities, subject satisfaction score and QoL, and intraoperative handling parameters (except ease of passage) between the treatment groups, Trulene® and Prolene®. Compared to screening visit, proportion of subjects with 'no problems' for each QoL dimension and the mean visual analogue scale increased with each subsequent follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

Trulene® polypropylene suture is clinically equivalent to Prolene® polypropylene suture and is safe and effective for anastomosis construction in CABG surgery during a routine clinical procedure. Trial registration CTRI Registration No.: CTRI/2020/05/025157 (Registered on: 13/05/2020).

Religiousness in the first year of COVID-19: A systematic review of empirical research

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged suddenly in early 2020, posing a serious health threat and creating tremendous stress and distress across the world. Religion has been shown to play important and varied roles in previous disasters and health crises, but its roles in the pandemic have yet to be outlined. We aimed to summarize the research conducted on religion and COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic with a systematic review of studies that specifically involved individual-level religiousness and COVID-19. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO covering a one-year period from the first published mention of the novel coronavirus (Jan. 5, 2020) through January 4, 2021. We included articles about COVID-19 that were peer-reviewed and empirical, measured and reported results on religion on an individual level, and were available in English. Our search produced 137 empirical articles that met the inclusion criteria. In the course of sorting studies by their primary focus, eight categories of empirical findings emerged: general distress and wellbeing (53 articles), COVID-19-specific stress (24 articles), beliefs in science, conspiracies, and misinformation (15 articles), COVID-19 public health behaviors (12 articles), perceived risk of COVID-19 (10 articles), perceived growth or positive changes taking place during the pandemic (nine articles), health behaviors (three articles), and consumer behavior (three articles). Findings indicated that religiousness was associated with both unique benefits and challenges and played a significant role in the pandemic. Religiousness was associated with a broad range of outcomes across geographical regions and populations during the first year of COVID-19. It was a commonly reported coping mechanism with varying levels of favorable associations with mental health and COVID-19-related behaviors.

[Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on self-perceived health in Chile by gender]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the social factors associated with self-perceived health during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Chilean resident population according to gender perspective.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown between May 17 and August 17, 2020 with an online survey. Self-perceived health was analysed in the population aged 18 years or older in relation to social variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between independent variables with self-perceived health, through adjusted odds ratio (aOR). Analyses were stratified by sex (M: men; W: women).

RESULTS

5981 persons were analysed (women: 63.9%). 29.6% of women and 19.2% of men reported poor self-perceived health. In women it worsens with increasing age. Worse self-perceived health was mainly associated with lack of social support (ORa M: 2.05; ORa W: 2.34), concern about living together at home (ORa M: 1.66; ORa W: 1.38), perceived inadequate housing conditions (ORa M: 1.89; ORa W: 2.63), and disagreement with government measures (ORa M: 2.80; ORa W: 1.82). In women, it was also associated with informal work or being inactive in the labour market (ORa: 2.11). In men worse self-perceived health was associated with being self-employed (ORa: 1.65; confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.45) and has secondary education (ORa: 2.81; CI: 1.32-5.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The social impact of lockdown in self-perceived health is related to gender, age, care work, and socioeconomic conditions, as well as, by disagreement with the measures implemented to manage the pandemic.

Endovascular management of renal angiomyolipomas: Do coils have a benefit in terms of clinical success rates?

PURPOSE This study evaluated single center results of endovascular treatment in renal angiomyolipoma (AML) to determine whether there is clinical relevance of adding proximal coil embolization to distal particle embolization in terms of safety, efficacy and retreatment rates. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate patients undergoing transarterial embolization for renal AMLs from January 2007 to October 2020. Parameters regarding patient and tumor characteristics, embolization technique, treatment outcome and complications were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups as A (only particle group) and B (particle + coil group) based on the type of embolic agent used for treatment. Comparative analysis was performed between the two groups in terms of tumor size reduction, retreatment and complication rates. RESULT Forty-two patients (37 (88.1%) female, 5 (11.9%) male) harboring 48 AMLs were included in the study. The mean age was 43.46 (range 20 to 78). The technical success rate was 95.8% (46 of 48 procedures). The mean size reduction was 1.94±1 cm (p < 0.001) after treatments however, no significant difference was seen between groups in terms of tumor size reduction. Retreatment rates were 3.1% (1 of 32 cases) in group A and 14.3% (2 of 14 cases) in group B (p = 0.21). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of bleeding and complication rates during the perioperative period. Mean follow-up duration was 26.48±25.71 (range from 2 to 102) months. CONCLUSION In this study, no clear supplementary benefit was observed in terms of safety, and efficacy with the adjunction of coils to distal particle embolization in the management of AMLs.

The economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran in 2020

Osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease, leads to increased susceptibility to fractures. In 2020, about 150,000 osteoporotic fractures occurred in Iran. Osteoporosis and related fractures cost the community US$ 393 million. Introduction The present study aimed at estimating the economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran in 2020.

METHODS

We estimated the annual economic burden of osteoporosis in the above 50 years old population using a prevalence-based approach and from a societal perspective. The incidence of osteoporosis and related fractures were estimated based on meta-analysis reports in Iran and international comparisons. The direct medical and non-medical costs as well as the monetary value of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost because of fractures were estimated. Cost data were extracted from patient records, medical services prices, and previous literature.

RESULTS

A total of 154,530 osteoporotic fractures were estimated in Iran in 2020. The shares of the hip, vertebral, forearm, and other fractures were 14%, 15%, 17%, and 54%, respectively. There were also 3554 deaths from osteoporotic fractures. The economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran was estimated at US$ 393.24 million (US$ 2165 million purchasing power parity 2020). Direct medical and non-medical cost (47.44%), QALY loss (29.65%), and long-term care for prior hip fracture costs (9.4%) were the main component of the economic burden of osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

The economic burdens of osteoporosis are significant in Iran. Interventions to prevent osteoporosis and especially associated fractures, such as screening and prophylaxis, can reduce the cost of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. Further studies are needed to identify cost-effective and feasible interventions in Iran.

Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition amongst 12-year-olds in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Dental caries (DC) is highly prevalent condition affecting mostly young children. There has been no systematic review done on the prevalence of DC amongst 12-year -olds in Africa. Although some African countries have reported a decrease in DC prevalence, others have shown an increase and it is essential to measure current trends in order to identify strategies and programmes that could assist in reducing DC in Africa. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of DC (condition) amongst the permanent dentition of 12-year-old children (population) in Africa (context).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Peer reviewed cross-sectional articles from January 2000 until December 2021 was searched and this included the following databases: Pubmed (Medline); SCOPUS; CINAHL (via EBSCOhost); Academic Search Complete (via EBSCOhost); Dentistry and Oral Sciences Sources (via EBSCOhost); and Science Direct. The search was last updated on the 10th January 2022. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess risk of bias. Prevalence figures were stratified by Urban/Rural status, country and time using a random-effects model. All studies performed on children 12-year-olds on the African continent were included. The prevalence of DC and the DMFT scores were the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. Only articles consisting of 12-year-old children who reside in Africa were included in this study. The systematic review was registered with Prospero CRD42021293666.

RESULTS

18,080 participants were included in this review. A total of thirty studies were included in the review. The pooled effect size of dental caries severity was 1.09 (CI 0.91-1.27) and the overall prevalence was 36% (CI 29.4-41.7%). Eritrea (78%) had the highest prevalence of DC while Zambia had the lowest (11%); Eritrea also had the highest DMFT score (2.5) with Sudan having the lowest score (0.49). Urban cities had the highest DMFT score (1.32, CI 0.97-1.68), compared to rural cities (1.13, CI 0.86-1.4) and there was an increasing trend in DC prevalence over time from 28% (CI 23-34%) in 2000 to 2005 to 57% (CI 43-72%) in studies conducted after 2015. The risk of bias was very low where majority of the studies scored more than 50% in the JBI critical appraisal tool.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a wide discrepancy in the DC prevalence and scores across the different countries, settings (rural versus urban) and there was an increase in the prevalence over time. This review was self-funded.

Evaluation of the Relationship of Employment and Economic Status with the Feeling of Mental Well-Being in the Elderly Living in Northern Iran

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The feeling of mental well-being plays a role in mental and physical health, increased life expectancy, and sense of comfort and well-being in human beings. Moreover, quality of life along with economic and social indicators is the greatest desire and most important goal of human life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of employment and economic status with the feeling of mental well-being in the elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this descriptive-analytical study, 200 elderly people living in Northern Iran, in 2018 were recruited to the study through available sampling method. The data collected using the Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation, and frequency) and inferential statistical tests (Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression). The significance level was considered at P<0.050.

RESULTS

The mean and standard deviation of the age of the research units was 69.00±8.22 years. The results showed that the mean of psychological well-being was higher than that of other dimensions (80.00±11.80), and emotional well-being had the lowest mean (37.00±6.36). The Pearson correlation coefficient test did not show a significant relationship between employment and feeling of mental well-being (P=0.550), but a positive and significant correlation was observed between economic status and feeling of mental well-being (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Due to the correlation between economic status and the feeling of mental well-being of elderly people, it is essential to consider the necessary solutions in this regard.

The effect of the combined use of complex decongestive therapy with electrotherapy modalities for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized clinical trial

Background

We evaluated the effects of combined complex decongestive therapy (CDT) with electrotherapy modalities (ultrasound and faradic currents) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), investigating upper extremity circumference, volume, pain, and functional disability.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with unilateral BCRL were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 13) as the following: The control group received CDT, the ultrasound group received CDT and therapeutic ultrasound, and the faradic group received CDT and faradic current. All the participants underwent treatment for 10 sessions. The outcomes including volume, circumference (measured at five points), pain intensity, and functional disability of the affected upper extremity were evaluated at baseline and after the treatment.

Results

Following the treatment, an improvement was noted in lymphedema volume, pain, and functional disability in all the three groups and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). However, changes in limb circumference at the end of the treatment were not significantly different among the three groups in any sites (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of electrotherapy modalities, faradic current or ultrasound, with CDT can result in a greater reduction in lymphedema volume, pain, and functional disability in patients with BCRL.

Trial registration

IRCT, IRCT201310292391N14, registered 03/01/2016.

Assessment of Health Literacy and Health Promoting Behaviors among the Urban Adult Population

Background

The main criteria of health determinants are Health Promoting Behaviors (HPBs) and Health Literacy (HL). This study aimed to assess HL and HPBs among the urban population of adults.

Methods

This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study with 379 adults in Iran. The inclusion criteria was that participants were randomly selected from health centers using health records. Data were collected by demographic information questionnaire, Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Pearson's r correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Also, the hierarchical regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders.

Results

There was a significant association between HL and demographic factors, including age, gender and education level. HL dimensions were significantly correlated with HPBs of adults (p <0.05). Decision-making was the strongest HL dimension to predictive HPBs (β=0.606). In this study, 49.7% of the variation in HPBs is predicted by the HL, and the demographic characteristics.

Conclusions

It can be advantageous to design programs to promote HL and HPBs in adults, focusing on the aging group, gender, and education level.

Perception of Swallowing-Related Fatigue Among Older Adults

PURPOSE

Although fatigue is recognized as clinically relevant to swallowing performance, its prevalence and significance in dysphagic and nondysphagic adults have not been sufficiently examined. In this study, an online survey was used to examine swallowing- and eating-related fatigue (SERF) symptoms, the relationship between perceived SERF and other dysphagia-related health outcomes, and whether perceived SERF predicts risk for dysphagia or malnutrition.

METHOD

An online survey of older adults (aged 60 years or older) was conducted. A novel 12-item scale was developed to capture perceived SERF. Previously validated scales were used to measure dysphagia risk, sarcopenia, general fatigue, malnutrition risk, and quality of life. Logistic regression was used to examine whether SERF predicted risk for dysphagia and/or malnutrition.

RESULTS

Complete responses were collected from 417 community-dwelling adults (M _age = 70.6 years, SD = 4.9; 263 women); 75% (n = 312) reported at least some degree of SERF. SERF was significantly correlated with dysphagia risk, sarcopenia, general fatigue, malnutrition risk, and quality of life. SERF was a significant predictor of dysphagia risk while controlling for age, gender, and other health outcomes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.16, 1.27], p < .001). For every unit increase in SERF score, the odds of being at risk for dysphagia were associated with an increase of 22%. Significant predictors for malnutrition risk included SERF (OR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.91, 0.98]), general fatigue (OR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]), and quality of life (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.0, 1.1]).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue during swallowing and mealtimes is experienced by community-dwelling older adults and predicted dysphagia risk and malnutrition risk. Further research is needed to refine and validate a patient-reported outcome measure for SERF and examine the effects of fatigue on swallowing function and physiology under imaging.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20405835.

Social capital and health information seeking in China

Background

People’s potentials to seek health information can be affected by their social context, such as their social networks and the resources provided through those social networks. In the past decades, the concept of social capital has been widely used in the health realm to indicate people’s social context. However, not many such studies were conducted in China. Chinese society has its special quality that many Western societies lack: people traditionally render strong value to family relations and rely heavily on strong social ties in their social life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between different types of social capital and health information-seeking behavior (HISB) in the Chinese context. The different types of social capital were primarily bonding and bridging, as well as cognitive and structural ones.

Methods

Our analysis is based on a total of 3090 cases taken from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) – China, 2017. Dataset was weighted due to the overrepresentation of female respondents and hierarchical multiple regression analyses as well as binary logistic regression tests were operated to examine the associations between people’s social capital and their HISB.

Results

Some aspects of social capital emerged as positive predictors of HISB: information support (standing in for the cognitive component of social capital) promoted health information seeking, organization memberships (standing in for the structural component) encouraged cancer information seeking, and both the use of the internet and of traditional media for gaining health information were positively linked with bridging networks and organization memberships. Bonding networks (structural component) were not correlated with any other of the key variables and emotional support (cognitive social capital) was consistently associated with all health information-seeking indicators negatively.

Conclusions

Social capital demonstrated significant and complex relationships with HISB in China. Structural social capital generally encouraged HISB in China, especially the bridging aspects including bridging networks and organization memberships. On the other hand, emotional support as cognitive social capital damaged people’s initiatives in seeking health-related information.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13895-2.

Efficacy of the eHealth application Oncokompas, facilitating incurably ill cancer patients to self-manage their palliative care needs: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Many patients with incurable cancer have symptoms affecting their health-related quality of life. The eHealth application 'Oncokompas' supports patients to take an active role in managing their palliative care needs, to reduce symptoms and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of Oncokompas compared to care as usual among incurably ill cancer patients with a life expectancy of more than three months.

METHODS

Patients were recruited in six hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (direct access to Oncokompas) or the control group (access to Oncokompas after three months). The primary outcome measure was patient activation (i.e., patients' knowledge, skills and confidence for self-management). Secondary outcomes were general self-efficacy and HRQOL. Measures were assessed at baseline, two weeks after randomization, and three months after the baseline measurement. Linear mixed models were used to compare longitudinal changes between both groups from baseline to the three-month follow-up.

FINDINGS

In total, 219 patients were eligible of which 138 patients completed the baseline questionnaire (response rate 63%), and were randomized to the intervention (69) or control group (69). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control group over time in patient activation (estimated difference in change T0-T2; 1·8 (90% CI: -1·0 to 4·7)), neither in general self-efficacy and HRQOL. Of the patients in the intervention group who activated their account, 74% used Oncokompas as intended. The course of patient activation, general self-efficacy, and HRQOL was not significantly different between patients who used Oncokompas as intended versus those who did not.

INTERPRETATION

Among incurably ill cancer patients with a life expectancy of more than three months and recruited in the hospital setting, Oncokompas did not significantly improve patient activation, self-efficacy, or HRQOL.

FUNDING

ZonMw, Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (844001105).

Psychometric properties of the Czech version of the brief Older People Quality of Life questionnaire (OPQoL-brief)

Background

To evaluate the established interventions used for older adults, it is appropriate to use validated questionnaires for quality-of-life assessment. For older people, it is suitable to use specific questionnaires designed for old age and aging, with a lower number of questions. The aim of this research was to verify the psychometric properties of the Czech version of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire for seniors living in home environment in a community so that it can be used within the Czech Republic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on older adults in the Moravian-Silesian Region living at home. The study included 954 senior citizens (≥ 65 years, cognitively intact) (without diagnosed dementia, able to sign an informed consent). To test the psychometric properties of the created questionnaire, we tested the validity (construct validity, discriminant validity, convergent validity) and reliability (internal consistency, test–retest reliability).

Results

The single-factor model of the OPQoL-brief scale (CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.034, GFI = 0.960) was confirmed, for which excellent reliability was found (α = 0.921, ICC = 0.904). An inter-item correlation exceeding 0.5 was found for all items. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the overall score of OPQoL-brief and the scales measuring depression (r =  − 0.520; p < 0.001), anxiety (r =  − 0.355; p < 0.001), sense of coherence (r = 0.427; p < 0.001), and self-esteem (r = 0.428; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of our research revealed that the shorter Czech version of the OPQoL-brief questionnaire has appropriate reliability and validity and can be recommended for both health and social services to assess the quality of life of senior citizens in a community.