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General Health Perception (general + health_perception)
Selected AbstractsPsychological functioning and health-related quality of life in adulthood after preterm birthDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2007Stuart R Dalziel FRACP PhD The aim of this study was to determine if preterm birth is associated with socioeconomic status (SES), psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adulthood. We used prospective follow-up of 192 adult offspring of mothers who took part in a randomized controlled trial of antenatal betamethasone for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (66 born at term [33 males, 33 females] 126 born preterm [66 males, 60 females]). Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Working memory and attention was assessed using the Benton Visual Retention Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Schizotypy Traits Questionnaire. Handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey. Moderately preterm birth (median gestation 34wks, mean birthweight 1946g [SD 463g]) was not related to later marital status, educational attainment, SES, cognitive functioning, working memory, attention, or symptoms of anxiety or schizotypy at 31 years of age. Preterm birth was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and higher levels of satisfaction in three of the eight HRQoL domains measured (bodily pain, general health perception, and social functioning). Adults who were born moderately preterm have SES, psychological functioning, and HRQoL consistent with those who were born at term. This good long-term outcome cannot be extrapolated to those with early childhood disability or very low birthweights. [source] Health-related Quality of Life of People with Epilepsy Compared with a General Reference Population: A Tunisian StudyEPILEPSIA, Issue 7 2004Hela Mrabet Summary:,Purpose: The goal of the study was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of persons with epilepsy (PWE) by using the short form survey 36 (SF-36), to compare it with that of a control group and to detect factors influencing it. Methods: We collected clinical and demographic data and information on health status by using the Arabic translation of the SF-36 questionnaire from two groups: (a) 120 PWE consulting our outpatient clinic during a period of 4 months, and (b) 110 Tunisian citizens, representative of the Tunisian general population, as a control group. Results: The mean age of PWE group was 32.74 years, and 45.5% were men. Idiopathic generalized epilepsies were observed in 44.5% of cases, and symptomatic partial epilepsies, in 30%. The most commonly prescribed drug was sodium valproate (VPA). For the SF-36, PWE had lower scores than the control group for only three subscales: general health perception, mental health, and social functioning. Seizure frequency, time since last seizure, and the antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects were the most important variables influencing the HRQOL among PWE. Seizure-free adults have HRQOL levels comparable to those of the control group. Sociodemographic variables had no influence on the SF-36 subscales. Conclusions: HRQOL is impaired in Tunisian PWE. The influencing factors identified in this study differ from the previously published data. Several possible reasons such as family support and cultural and religious beliefs are proposed to explain these cross-cultural differences. A larger study should be conducted to verify such findings. [source] Effect of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease on quality of life of patients with chronic liver diseaseHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Kazutomo Suzuki Aim:, Reflux esophagitis is becoming increasingly more prevalent in Japan. It has been noted that symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic liver disease may adversely affect patients' quality of life. Methods:, In the present study, 238 chronic liver disease patients (151 patients with chronic hepatitis and 87 patients with liver cirrhosis) were enrolled. The diagnosis of GERD was made based on the Quality-of-Life and Utility Evaluation Survey Technology questionnaire. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Short Forum 36 questionnaire. Results:, Symptomatic GERD was present in 31.8% (48/151) of patients with chronic hepatitis and 36.8% (32/87) of patients with liver cirrhosis. Among the chronic hepatitis group, compared to the GERD-negative group, the GERD-positive group had significantly lower scores in six domains, including "rolelimitation due to physical problem", "bodily pain", "general health perception", "vitality", "role limitation due to emotional problem", and "mental health". Among the cirrhotic group, compared to the GERD-negative group, the GERD-positive group had significantly lower scores in the "role limitation due to emotional problem" domain. Significant improvement in the "physical functioning", "bodily pain", and "general health perception" domain scores was noted in chronic hepatitis patients treated with rabeprazole. Conclusion:, The QOL of chronic liver disease patients with symptomatic GERD was impaired. [source] Night-time frequency, sleep disturbance and general health-related quality of life: Is there a relation?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 1 2009Koji Yoshimura Objectives: We conducted a community-based study to determine the relationship among night-time frequency, sleep disturbance and general health-related quality of life (GHQL). Methods: A total of 2271 participants, men and women, aged 41,70 and randomly selected in three Japanese towns completed a postal questionnaire survey. This questionnaire included: the International Prostate Symptom Score, the overall incontinence score of the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form for lower urinary tract symptoms, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index for sleep problems, the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-8 for GHQL, and medical history of disease, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption. A multiple regression model was used for statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Although night-time frequency by itself was closely associated with most aspects of GHQL, this association disappeared in four domains (general health perception, vitality, mental health and emotional role) and in the two summary scores of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-8 after inclusion of the influence of sleep problems represented by the total score on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. However, three domains (physical function, physical role, and social function) remained significantly associated with night-time frequency. Sleep problems were by far the worst risk factor for the deterioration of GHQL. Conclusions: Night-time frequency appeared to be associated with GHQL mainly by affecting sleep conditions, a symptom that independently influenced some aspects of GHQL. [source] The effect of heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7-8 2010Nurcan Y Aims and objectives., The aim in this study was to evaluate the effect of local heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Background., Local heat application is used as a non-pharmacological practice for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. On the other hand, literature reveals limited information on the effects of heat application. Design., The study was a comparative study. Methods., The patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups (23 patients in each) as intervention and control groups, and patients in the control group were applied with the routine medication of the physician. The intervention group received 20-minute heat application every other day for four weeks in addition to the routine medication. The data were collected using data collection form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index and SF-36. Results., The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities pain and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities disability scores of the patients with knee osteoarthritis in control and intervention groups before and after the intervention were compared, and the differences for both scores in the change were found to be statistically significant (p < 0·05). Moreover, statistically significant differences were found between the control and intervention group patients in terms of changes in the scores for physical function, pain and general health perception (p < 0·05). Conclusions., It was found that heat application every other day decreased pain and disability of the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Also, heat application was found to improve the subdimensions of quality of life scores of physical function, pain and general health perception of patients. Relevance to clinical practice., The data obtained in this study on the efficiency of heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and general health perception of patients with knee osteoarthritis may offer an insight into decision-making process for appropriate intervention. [source] Evidence-based treatment and quality of life in heart failureJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 3 2006Daniela Dobre MD MPH Abstract Objectives, To explore whether prescription of evidence-based drug therapy is associated with better quality of life (QoL) in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods, Patients (n = 62) were recruited in the outpatient clinic of Groningen University Hospital. Inclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of HF, age 40,80 years; ejection fraction of less than 45%, free from other serious disease (such as cancer) and psychiatric problems in the last year. QoL was assessed with the RAND 36-item health survey questionnaire, on five scales: physical functioning, mental health, social functioning, vitality and general health perception. Medication prescribed for 1 to 6 months before the QoL assessment was classified as either evidence-based treatment or under-treatment, according to the 2001 European guidelines on optimal HF treatment. The study had a cross-sectional design. Results, QoL did not differ significantly between evidence-based and under-treated patients, unadjusted or after adjustment for significant patient imbalances. Conclusions, Conventional step-up medication approach in HF may have a positive impact on survival or morbidity, but it seems not beneficial in relation to QoL. Other interventions should be designed to improve QoL of patients with HF. [source] The burden of constipation on quality of life: results of a multinational surveyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2007A. WALD Summary Background The impact of constipation on quality of life (QoL) may vary in different cultural or national settings. Aim We studied QoL in a multinational survey to compare different social and demographic groups with and without constipation (defined according to Rome III criteria) and to detect country-specific differences among the groups studied. Methods Health-related QoL (HRQoL) was assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire in 2870 subjects in France, Germany, Italy, UK, South Korea, Brazil and USA. Results Respondents were mainly middle-aged, married or living together and part- or full-time employed. General health status, measured by the SF-36 questionnaire, was significantly worse in the constipated vs. non-constipated populations. Results were comparable in all countries. QoL scores correlated negatively with age. Constipated women reported more impaired HRQoL than constipated men. Brazilians were most affected by constipation as to their social functioning (35.8 constipated vs. 51.3 non-constipated) and general health perception (29.4 constipated vs. 54.4 non-constipated). Conclusions There are significant differences in HRQoL between constipated and non-constipated individuals and a significant, negative correlation between the number of symptoms and complaints and SF-36 scores. The study detected a correlation of constipation with QoL and the influence of social and demographic factors on HRQoL in constipated people. [source] Longitudinal study of a health education program for Japanese women in menopauseNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 2 2009Masumi Ueda phd Abstract In this longitudinal intervention study, a 6 week health education program consisting of lectures and exercises was implemented for 39 Japanese menopausal women. The effects of the program were assessed by measuring their exercise participation, climacteric symptoms, and quality of life immediately before, 6 weeks after, and 1 year after the program. The Simplified Menopausal Index was used to assess the climacteric symptoms and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health (SF-36) Survey was used to assess the quality of life. Significant improvements were observed in the subscale score for general health perception and the summary score for the physical component summary in the SF-36 Survey. Favorable results also were found for women without a previous exercise habit before the program but who participated in regular exercise 1 year after the program. No improvements were observed in the climacteric symptoms. We concluded that our program was effective for menopausal women in spite of the intervention period being relatively short. [source] Health-related quality of life and its determinants in children and adolescents born with oesophageal atresiaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2010MG Peetsold Abstract Aim:, Following surgical correction in the neonatal period, patients born with oesophageal atresia have significant co-morbidity, particularly in childhood. This study evaluates health-related quality of life and its determinants such as concomitant anomalies and the presence of respiratory and/or gastro-intestinal symptoms 6,18 years after repair of oesophageal atresia. Methods:, Parents of 24 patients with oesophageal atresia completed the child health questionnaire for parents and 37 patients completed the child form. Gastro-intestinal symptoms were assessed by a validated standardized reflux questionnaire. Results were compared with a healthy reference population. Results:, Parents as well as patients themselves scored significantly lower on the domain general health perception. According to parents, general health perception was negatively affected by age at follow-up and concomitant anomalies. Patients reported that reflux symptoms reduced general health perception. Conclusion:, In this first study describing health-related quality of life in children and adolescents born with oesophageal atresia, we demonstrated that general health remains impaired because of a high incidence of concomitant anomalies and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with oesophageal atresia when compared with the healthy reference population. [source] Section Editor: Aad Tibben, email: Tibben@lumc.nl: Quality of life and psychological distress in patients with Peutz,Jeghers syndromeCLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2010MGF Van Lier van Lier MGF, Mathus-Vliegen EMH, van Leerdam ME, Kuipers EJ, Looman CWN, Wagner A, Vanheusden K. Quality of life and psychological distress in patients with Peutz,Jeghers syndrome. Little is known about psychological distress and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Peutz,Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare hereditary disorder. We aimed to assess QoL and psychological distress in PJS patients compared to the general population, and to evaluate determinants of QoL and psychological distress in a cross-sectional study. PJS patients completed a questionnaire on QoL, psychological distress, and illness perceptions. The questionnaire was returned by 52 patients (85% response rate, 56% females, median age 44.5 years). PJS patients reported similar anxiety (p = 0.57) and depression (p = 0.61) scores as the general population. They reported a lower general health perception (p = 0.003), more limitations due to emotional problems (p = 0.045) and a lower mental well-being (p = 0.036). Strong beliefs in negative consequences of PJS on daily life, a relapsing course of the disease, strong emotional reactions to PJS, and female gender were major determinants for a lower QoL. PJS patients experience a similar level of psychological distress as the general population, but a poorer general health perception, more limitations due to emotional problems, and a poorer mental QoL. Illness perceptions and female gender were major predictors for this lower QoL. These results may help to recognize PJS patients who might benefit from psychological support. [source] QUALITY OF LIFE OF GREEK PATIENTS WITH END STAGE RENAL DISEASE UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSISJOURNAL OF RENAL CARE, Issue 3 2010Maria Kastrouni RN SUMMARY An evaluation of the quality of life of patients with end stage kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis in the Greek population was conducted to understand whether this quality could be improved. Comparisons were made with a similar study conducted in United States in regards to the effects of kidney disease in daily life, burden of kidney disease, work status, cognitive function, quality of social interaction, sexual function, social support, physical functioning, role physical on daily routine, pain, general health perceptions, role emotional, emotional well being, social function and energy/fatigue. Any differences are discussed and analysed. Sexual problems were found to be more prominent in this study, but the emotional status has greater influence in quality of life in the US study. The results were more positive in Greece with respect to dialysis staff encouragement, patient satisfaction, as well as acceptance and the understanding of illness. The results from our study reflect the differences of the health care systems in various countries as well as population-related beliefs and values. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||