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Lower Physical Functioning (lower + physical_functioning)
Selected AbstractsFactors associated with lower quality of life among patients receiving palliative careJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 9 2009Ying Yu Chui Abstract Title.,Factors associated with lower quality of life among patients receiving palliative care. Aim., This paper is a report of a study conducted to (1) assess the quality of life (QoL) and physical functioning status of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer and receiving palliative care; (2) determine if there was a statistically significant relationship between their physical functioning and QoL and (3) identify the demographic and disease-related variables related to their QoL. Background., Achieving the best possible QoL is a major goal in palliative care. However, research findings about the relationship between QoL and demographic variables have been inconsistent. Method., Three hundred patients with advanced cancer were recruited from four district hospitals in Hong Kong between February 2005 and July 2006. Their QoL and physical functioning status were assessed by face-to-face interview, using the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (Hong Kong version) and the Palliative Performance Scale respectively. Results., Participants reported reduced ambulation, inability to perform hobbies or housework, and the need for occasional assistance in self-care (mean: 64·6 out of 100, sd: 19·3, range: 20,100). QoL was fair (mean: 6·2 out of 10, sd: 1·5, range: 0·9,10). There was a weak positive association between physical functioning and QoL scores. Multiple regression analysis showed that patients who were older, female, had ever been married, or had higher physical functioning tended to have better QoL. Conclusion., More could be done in symptom and psychosocial management to improve patients' QoL, in particular for those who are younger, male or single, or who have lower physical functioning. [source] Impact of musculoskeletal and medical conditions on disability retirement,a longitudinal study among construction roofersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010Laura S. Welch MD Abstract Background To assess the intersection of work demands, chronic medical and musculoskeletal conditions, aging, and disability, we initiated a longitudinal study of construction roofers who were current union members between the ages of 40 and 59. Methods Participants were asked about the presence of medical conditions and musculoskeletal disorders; the Work Limitations Questionnaire, the SF-12, and other validated assessments of social and economic impact of injury were included. Results Factors at baseline that predicted leaving for a health-related reason were older age, lower physical functioning, work limitations, and having missed work. Those who left roofing for a health-related reason were much more likely to have a lower economic score at the 1 year interview. Conclusions Medical and musculoskeletal conditions are strongly associated with work limitation, missed work, and reduced physical functioning; these factors are also associated with premature departure from the workforce. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 552,560, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Long-term cancer survivors experience work changes after diagnosis: results of a population-based studyPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Floortje Mols Abstract Background: Although cancer survivorship is increasing with improved diagnosis and treatments, few studies have explored employment changes and the factors related to this change among cancer survivors. Therefore, we aim to explore the prevalence of employment problems in long-term cancer survivors. In addition, we explored what patient or tumour characteristics predicted employment changes. Methods: All 1893 long-term survivors of prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed between 1989 and 1998 in the area of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre South, The Netherlands were included in a population-based cross-sectional survey. Results: Response rate was 80% (n=1511). After excluding survivors without a job before diagnosis, 403 survivors remained; 197 (49%) experienced no changes in their work situation following cancer diagnosis, 69 (17%) were working fewer hours, and 137 (34%) stopped working or retired. A medium educational level was significant in reducing the risk of work changes. Being older, having more than one comorbid condition, being treated with chemotherapy, and disease progression were significant independent predictors of work changes after cancer. Experiencing work changes was associated with lower physical functioning but positively associated with social well-being. Discussion: Long-term cancer survivors experience work changes after diagnosis and treatment, and clinical factors significantly predicted work change after cancer. As such, our study underscores the importance of rehabilitation programs in improving the return to work after cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] INCIDENCE AND OUTCOMES OF KNEE AND HIP JOINT REPLACEMENT IN VETERANS AND CIVILIANSANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 5 2006Vanessa Wells Background: This article describes the incidence of total knee and hip replacement, and compares post-surgery health status outcomes in veterans and civilians. Methods: The numbers of male veterans and civilians who had a knee and/or a hip replacement in South Australia (1994,2002) were obtained. Standardized morbidity ratios, and odds ratios for age group by veteran/civilian interactions, were calculated. Presurgery and 1-year post-surgery Medical Outcomes Short Form (36) Health Survey, Knee Society and Harris hip scores were completed. Independent samples t -tests were used to compare presurgery scores. ancova models were used to determine any differences between veterans and civilians post-surgery. Results: For veterans, standardized morbidity ratios were 0.987 and 0.715 for knee and hip replacements, respectively (P < 0.0001). Veterans' odds ratios for knee and hip replacements were significantly lower in the 65- to 74-year age group (P < 0.001), similar in the 75- to 84-year and above 85-year age groups for hip replacement, but significantly higher in the above 85-year age group for knee replacement (P < 0.001). Presurgery, veterans reported significantly lower scores (P < 0.003) for knee function. After knee replacement, veterans reported significantly lower Medical Outcomes Short Form (36) Health Survey scores for bodily pain, physical functioning, role , physical, role , emotional, social functioning and physical component summary (P < 0.033). Significantly lower physical functioning, role , physical and physical component summary scores (P < 0.02) were reported by veterans post-surgery for hip replacement. Conclusion: Veterans are delaying joint replacement. Presurgical knee function is worse in veterans. Post-surgery, the veterans are worse off in a number of health status outcomes. [source] | ||||||||||