-
Quality of Life Research : An... Oct 2019Quality of life (QOL) is an important concept in the field of health and medicine. QOL is a complex concept that is interpreted and defined differently within and...
PURPOSE
Quality of life (QOL) is an important concept in the field of health and medicine. QOL is a complex concept that is interpreted and defined differently within and between disciplines, including the fields of health and medicine. The aims of this study were to systematically review the literature on QOL in medicine and health research and to describe the country of origin, target groups, instruments, design, and conceptual issues.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted to identify research studies on QOL and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The databases Scopus, which includes Embase and MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for articles published during one random week in November 2016. The ten predefined criteria of Gill and Feinstein were used to evaluate the conceptual and methodological rigor.
RESULTS
QOL research is international and involves a variety of target groups, research designs, and QOL measures. According to the criteria of Gill and Feinstein, the results show that only 13% provided a definition of QOL, 6% distinguished QOL from HRQOL. The most frequently fulfilled criteria were: (i) stating the domains of QOL to be measured; (ii) giving a reason for choosing the instruments used; and (iii) aggregating the results from multiple items.
CONCLUSION
QOL is an important endpoint in medical and health research, and QOL research involves a variety of patient groups and different research designs. Based on the current evaluation of the methodological and conceptual clarity of QOL research, we conclude that the majority QOL studies in health and medicine have conceptual and methodological challenges.
Topics: Environmental Health; Humans; Medicine; Quality of Life
PubMed: 31187410
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02214-9 -
Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal... 2021Cancer-related lymphedema is the result of surgical operation or radiation therapy of the corresponding lymph nodes and is due to the obstruction of the lymphatic... (Review)
Review
Cancer-related lymphedema is the result of surgical operation or radiation therapy of the corresponding lymph nodes and is due to the obstruction of the lymphatic drainage in the affected area. In lymphedema the lymphatic stasis causes an inflammatory reaction that leads to the proliferation of adipose tissue and fibrosis, resulting in mild to severe permanent swelling of the affected part of the body. It is more often found in the upper extremities of women with breast cancer. It may, however, appear at one or more extremities and may include the corresponding quadrant of the trunk. It may also affect head and neck, breast, genitals and lower extremities, depending on the surgery the patient has undergone. It is often associated with obesity (BMI>40). Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema is related with better therapeutic outcome. Women with breast cancer confront more problems with lymphedema than with mastectomy. Its effect on patients' quality of life is relevant to changes in body image, self-esteem, feelings of weakness, fear and anxiety about disease progression, financial costs, and reduced limb function. More recent studies support the effectiveness of contemporary surgical techniques in lymphedema's treatment. In conservative management, CDT remains the treatment of choice and in combination with exercise, weight control programs and self-care training seems to significantly improve patients' quality of life.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lymphedema; Male; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34761576
DOI: No ID Found -
Revista de Saude Publica Feb 2012To summarize and analyze evidences of the association between physical activity and quality of life. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To summarize and analyze evidences of the association between physical activity and quality of life.
METHODS
Systematic literature review in three electronic databases -PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO- using the following descriptors: "physical activity," "motor activity," "exercise," "walking," "running," "physical fitness," "sport," "life style," "quality of life," "WHOQOL" and "SF." There were selected 38 studies published between 1980 and 2010 that used any instrument to measure physical activity and any version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey or the World Health Organization Quality of Life to assess quality of life.
RESULTS
Most studies reviewed were cross-sectional (68%), 18% experimental, 8% prospective follow-up cohort and 5% mixed-design (cross-sectional and longitudinal). The most widely used questionnaire to assess quality of life was SF-36 (71%), and physical activity was self-reported in 82% of the studies reviewed. Higher level of physical activity was associated with better perception of quality of life in the elderly, apparently healthy adults and individuals with different clinical conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a positive association between physical activity and quality of life that varies according to the domain analyzed.
Topics: Adult; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Perception; Quality of Life; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; World Health Organization
PubMed: 22249758
DOI: 10.1590/s0034-89102012000100021 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2020The oldest old population has become the fastest growing segment with excess need of care and social support, it is crucial to improve the health-related quality of life...
OBJECTIVES
The oldest old population has become the fastest growing segment with excess need of care and social support, it is crucial to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these populations. This study seeks to evaluate the health status and to investigate modifiable factors associated with health-related quality of life for oldest old adults in China.
DESIGN
A cross-sectional population-based study.
SETTING
Hainan Province in the south of China.
PARTICIPANTS
1,278 adults aged 80 years or older.
METHODS
HRQoL was assessed by three-level EuroQol-5D scale (EQ-5D-3L) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Demographic and health-related variables were analysed by estimating mean values and standard deviations for continuous variables, percentages and standard deviations for categorical variables. Tobit regressions, ordinary least Squared (OLS) regressions and ordered probit regressions were adopted to determine the associated factors for overall HRQoL and for each health dimension.
RESULTS
Anxiety/depression was the least reported problem while mobility was the most frequently reported with problem. Female respondents had lower EQ-5D score (0.76 vs. 0.86) and VAS score (66.55 vs. 69.84) than male respondents. Better health-related quality of life was significantly associated with higher BMI, no drinking habit, more leisure activities, living with family members, good sleeping quality, closer social and family connections, fewer numbers of drugs consumed per day, without having hearing or visual impairment, and fewer chronic conditions, after controlling for potential confounders.
CONCLUSION
Findings from this study suggested that quality of life was not only associated with age-related diseases, but also correlated with a range of health-related lifestyles, and factors indicating social and family support.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Quality of Life
PubMed: 32115616
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1327-2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2020Life-quality tests are the basis for assessing the condition of oncological patients. They allow for obtaining valuable information from the patients regarding not only...
Life-quality tests are the basis for assessing the condition of oncological patients. They allow for obtaining valuable information from the patients regarding not only the symptoms of disease and adverse effects of the treatment but also assessment of the psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Taking into account assessment of the quality of life made by the patient in the course of disease has a positive effect on the well-being of patients, their families and their caregivers as well as on satisfaction with the interdisciplinary and holistic oncological care. : A population-based, multi-area cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer in the study in order to assess their life quality. The method used in the study was a clinical interview. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Karnofsky Performance Status, our own symptom checklist, Edmonton Symptom Assessment and Visual Analogue Scale. In the subjective assessment of fitness, after using the Karnofsky fitness index, it was shown that 28% (95% CI (confidence interval): 27-30) of patients declared the ability to perform normal physical activity. In the assessment the profile, quality of life and psychometric properties of EQ-5D-5L, it was shown that patients had the most severe problems in terms of self-care (81%, 95% CI: 76-89) and feeling anxious and depressed (63%, 95% CI: 60-68). Cancer undoubtedly has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, which is related to the disease process itself, the treatment used and the duration of the disease.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 32977386
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17196938 -
Med (New York, N.Y.) Aug 2021While new therapies and techniques offer improved outcomes for individuals with cancer, it is equally important to preserve their physical, social, functional, and...
While new therapies and techniques offer improved outcomes for individuals with cancer, it is equally important to preserve their physical, social, functional, and emotional well-being. Here, a series of expert Voices highlight the need for a multi-layered approach to address quality of life issues in cancer therapy.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35590162
DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.07.005 -
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience Mar 2018This review paper gives an overview of the management of somatic symptom disorder. It starts with a description of the clinical problem of patients with persistent... (Review)
Review
This review paper gives an overview of the management of somatic symptom disorder. It starts with a description of the clinical problem of patients with persistent bodily distress, discusses classificatory, epidemiological, and etiological issues and then describes the evidence and practical principles of dealing with these patients who are often seen as "difficult" to treat. It is concluded that the best-suited approach is stepped care with close cooperation of primary care, a somatic specialist, and mental health care professionals operating on the basis of a biopsychosocial model of integrating somatic as well as psychosocial determinants of distress and therapeutic factors.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Disease Management; Humans; Medically Unexplained Symptoms; Quality of Life
PubMed: 29946208
DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/phenningsen -
Quality of Life Research : An... Apr 2022To determine the efficacy of physical therapy interventions on quality of life (QoL) and pain severity in post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of physical therapy interventions on quality of life and upper quadrant pain severity in women with post-mastectomy pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
To determine the efficacy of physical therapy interventions on quality of life (QoL) and pain severity in post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS).
METHODS
Multiple databases were searched from database inception to October 2020. Searches were limited to human studies published in either English or Chinese in peer-reviewed journals with full text available for randomized controlled trials conducted on females. Trials comparing the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions against control conditions on QoL and pain were included.
RESULTS
Eighteen trials were included in the review. The pooled analysis of the four exercise trials revealed a significant effect of the intervention on general [standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.87 (95%CI: 0.36, 1.37); p = 0.001], physical [SMD: 0.34 (95%CI: 0.01, 0.66); p = 0.044], and mental health components [SMD: 0.27 (95%CI: 0.03, 0.51); p = 0.027] of QoL compared with the control condition. Meta-analyses of six exercise trials, two myofascial release trials, and two acupuncture trials revealed a significant improvement in pain severity in the treatment group than in the control group. However, meta-analyses of two studies revealed a non-significant effect of compression therapy compared to control on pain severity.
CONCLUSION
Our meta-analyses found that exercise is beneficial for improving the QoL and pain severity of women with PMPS. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal parameters for exercise interventions designed to improve QoL and pain severity in women with PMPS. The effect of acupuncture, myofascial release, and compression therapy remains inconclusive, and future research is required to validate the effect of these interventions on PMPS.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Chronic Pain; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Pain Measurement; Physical Therapy Modalities; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34185226
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02926-x -
BMC Geriatrics Nov 2022Quality of life (QOL) is a complex concept known for being influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, individual needs, perceptions and expectations. The study...
BACKGROUND
Quality of life (QOL) is a complex concept known for being influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, individual needs, perceptions and expectations. The study investigates influences of such heterogeneous variables and aims to identify and describe subgroups of older patients who share similar response patterns for the four domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment) of World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF).
METHODS
The sample used included older Romanian patients (N = 60; equal numbers of men and women; mean age was 71.95, SD = 5.98). Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted to explore quality of life profiles with the four WHOQOL-BREF domains as input variables. Differences between profiles were analysed by MANOVA and ANOVAs as a follow-up.
RESULTS
The LPA results showed that the three-profile model was the most suitable and supported the existence of three distinct QOL profiles: low and very low (28.3%), moderate (63.3%) and high (8.4%). The relative entropy value was high (0.86), results pointed to a good profile solution and the three profiles differed significantly from one another.
CONCLUSION
Our results reveal heterogeneity within the older adult sample and provide meaningful information to better tailor QOL improvement programs to the needs of older patient groups, especially those designed for patients of profiles related to poorer QOL in different domains.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Aged; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; World Health Organization; Ethnicity
PubMed: 36368920
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03518-1 -
Quality of Life Research : An... Mar 2020Patient priorities for quality of life change with age. We conducted a qualitative study to identify quality of life themes of importance to older adults receiving...
PURPOSE
Patient priorities for quality of life change with age. We conducted a qualitative study to identify quality of life themes of importance to older adults receiving dialysis and the extent to which these are represented in existing quality of life instruments.
METHODS
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 adults aged ≥ 75 years receiving hemodialysis to elicit participant perspectives on what matters most to them in life. We used framework analysis methodology to process interview transcripts (coding, charting, and mapping), identify major themes, and compare these themes by participant frailty status. We examined for representation of our study's subthemes in the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life for Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD) instruments.
RESULTS
Among the 12 participants, average age was 81 (4.2) years, 7 African-American, 6 women, and 6 met frailty criteria. We identified two major quality of life themes: (1) having physical well-being (subthemes: being able to do things independently, having symptom control, maintaining physical health, and being alive) and (2) having social support (subthemes: having practical social support, emotional social support, and socialization). Perspectives on the subthemes often varied by frailty status. For example, being alive meant surviving from day-to-day for frail participants, but included a desire for new life experiences for non-frail participants. The majority of the subthemes did not correspond with domains in the KDQOL-36 and WHOQOL-OLD instruments.
CONCLUSION
Novel instruments are likely needed to elicit the dominant themes of having physical well-being and having social support identified by older adults receiving dialysis.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 31691203
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02349-9