quality-of-life

Children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) require therapies such as hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). These treatments can impact a child’s quality of life (QoL); however, research comparing the QoL between children undergoing HD and those undergoing chronic PD in developing countries is limited.

This study compared the QoL of children with ESKD undergoing PD versus HD.

This study employed an analytic observational method with a cross-sectional design conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. Consecutive sampling was used for participant recruitment and data collection. The Pediatric QoL Inventory (PedsQL™) version 4.0 Questionnaire was utilized, and data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

The sample consisted of patients undergoing HD (n = 12, 48%) and PD (n = 13, 52%). Based on child and parent reports, the mean QoL score was significantly higher for PD patients compared to HD patients, although no significant differences were observed in certain aspects. The highest score was recorded in children’s reports regarding social aspects (91.53 ± 22.2).

The QoL of pediatric patients on PD was better than that of patients on HD.

Given the limited evidence on the efficacy of α-pinene, a herbal terpenoid, in the management of ulcerative colitis (UC), this clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of α-pinene compared to a placebo.

Eligible UC patients were randomized to receive either α-pinene or a placebo, alongside their routine pharmacologic regimen, for two months. Quality of life (QoL) and disease severity were assessed using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index Questionnaire (SCCAIQ) and the Crohn’s and UC Questionnaire-8 (CUCQ-8), respectively. Additionally, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured as inflammatory markers.

The QoL was significantly improved in the α-pinene group compared to the placebo group (P = 0.02). Several items of the CUCQ-8 also showed better outcomes in the α-pinene group. However, there were no significant differences in ESR and CRP levels between the two groups (P = 0.64 and P = 0.78, respectively).

α-pinene may be considered as a dietary supplement to enhance QoL and alleviate several symptoms in patients with UC.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and requires maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), is a global health issue. Inflammation in MHD patients is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events. Zinc, essential for immune function and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, is frequently deficient in these patients and could potentially help mitigate inflammation.

This study aims to assess the impact of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, specifically (CRP) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), in MHD patients.

In a double-blind, randomized controlled crossover trial conducted at Labafinejad Hospital, Tehran, MHD patients with zinc deficiency were initially allocated to either a zinc supplementation group or a placebo group. After 30 days, the groups were crossed over, with patients initially receiving zinc now receiving a placebo and vice versa. The primary outcome was changes in serum zinc levels, while secondary outcomes focused on CRP and NLR levels.

Significant changes in serum zinc levels were observed in both groups from baseline to Month 2 (drug-placebo group: Mean change -15.9±10.33 μg/dL, P < 0.05; placebo-drug group: Mean change -14.70 ± 12.58 μg/dL, P < 0.05). A significant initial reduction in CRP levels at Month 1 (P = 0.045) was not sustained at Month 2 (P = 0.812). No statistically significant changes in NLR were noted. Improvements in quality of life, including reductions in muscle pain and skin dryness, were significant in the drugplacebo group (P < 0.05).

Zinc supplementation in MHD patients significantly improved serum zinc levels and initially reduced CRP levels, highlighting its potential role in managing inflammation. Although the impact on NLR was not significant, overall patient outcomes and quality of life showed promising improvements.

Positive psychology can improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of telephone counseling with a positive psychological approach on the quality-of-life of postmenopausal women.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 eligible postmenopausal women (each group=35). The experimental group received eight telephone counseling sessions with a positive psychology approach. Data were collected using questionnaires (demographic characteristics, menopausal women's quality-of-life (MENQOL), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21) on social media platforms (WhatsApp), before, immediately, and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square, independent t-test, Friedman, and Mann-Whitney tests in SPSS 16 software.

The mean (SD) of quality-of-life score two months after the intervention in the experimental group was 15.50 (7.62) and in the control group was 25.19 (12.19). The mean quality-of-life scores in the experimental group were lower than the scores of the control group. This significant difference remained in the experimental group until follow-up, two months after the intervention (P <0.001). Friedman's test also showed that the quality-of-life variable in the experimental group had a statistically significant change in different phases (P<0.001). According to the median scores, the quality-of-life has improved over time.

Telephone counseling with a positive psychology approach can improve quality-of-life in postmenopausal women. Given this, it is recommended that positive interventions be used to promote mental health during menopause, among other methods to improve health.

Adherence to treatment and regular physical activity in individuals with asthma will culminate in favorable clinical outcomes, including an effective disease management and an improved quality of life.

The present study aimed to determine the physical activity level and association with adherence to treatment and quality of life in individuals with asthma.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 505 individuals referring to the respiratory ward of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Zanjan, Iran. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using the socio-demographic information form, the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), Modanloo Adherence to Treatment Questionnaire (MATQ), and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test in SPSS software version 16.

The majority of participants were male (57.2%) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 66.35 (15.33) years. The physical activity level of the majority of participants was vigorous (43.4%). The mean (SD) total scores for adherence to treatment and quality of life were 120.83 (8.92) and 35.42 (5.02), respectively. According to the findings, physical activity had no statistically significant association with adherence to treatment (p=0.535) and quality of life (p=0.173).

In the present study, physical activity level was vigorous in asthmatic participants. Adherence to treatment among participants was at a good level, and quality of life was at a moderate level. Therefore, the design of supportive educational interventions is recommended to improve quality of life and promote lifestyle modification in individuals with asthma.

The most important factor affecting mortality after hip fracture is the patient's comorbidities and their overall health status.

This study examined the effect of a home-based nursing care program, in addition to routine maintenance services, on the quality of life and mobility issues encountered in older adults who underwent hip fracture surgery.

This semi-experimental study was conducted in Istanbul. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) Control, and (2) experimental. The control group received only the standard care provided at the hospital or community clinic. In contrast, the experimental group received home care services, including educational training prepared by the researcher, at the first and third months post-discharge. The Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the 'Quality of Life Scale' were administered to the patients.

In this study, 30% of the control group were aged 65 - 69, and 56.7% were female. In the experimental group, 50% were aged 75 - 79, and 56.7% were female. We observed that scores for 'Hip Pain', 'Walking Distance', and 'Interference with General Work' at the first month, and 'Hip Pain', 'Washing', 'Transportation', and 'Wearing Socks' at the third month, decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group in the OHS. The experimental group also showed higher average scores in physical function, physical role, general health perception, and physical summary health score compared to the control one after the training (P < 0.05).

The postoperative discharge education program implemented for older adults resulted in significant improvements in their physical activities. Thorough preparation and execution of such educational programs can substantially alleviate the adverse outcomes associated with hip fractures in the elderly population.

Chronic generalized anxiety disorder is challenging to manage and often presents itself with a variety of psychological and physical symptoms. 

This study aimed to explore how spirituality-based schema therapy impacts worry, quality of life, and mental well-being in women dealing with generalized anxiety disorder. 

This study was carried out with a semi-experimental design, consisting of a pre-test, post-test, and a follow-up period of three months. The statistical population for this study was women with generalized anxiety disorder who referred to psychology and counseling clinics in Tehran, Iran, between July and November 2023. This study involved 26 participants who were selected through purposive sampling. The intervention group participated in ten 90-minute sessions twice a week, whereas the control group did not undergo any interventions. The used assessment tools were the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale, Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales, and the State Worry Questionnaire. Statistical analysis of data was conducted using repeated measure ANOVA and MANCOVA tests in SPSS software (version 27).  

Based on the findings, self-acceptance, relationship with others, and autonomy underwent significant changes at the post-test and follow-up stages, compared to the pre-test stage (P<0.05). However, a significant contrast was noted in the psychological health component between the pre-test and the follow-up stages (P<0.001). 

Based on the findings, spirituality-based schema therapy had a notable impact on the decrease of anxiety and improvement of mental well-being in women with disorders, as well as enhancement of self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, and autonomy in the short run.

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNP) is the second most common musculoskeletal disorder. Central sensitization (CS) of pain is likely a contributing factor to the persistence or recurrence of pain cycles in CNP patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pain neuroscience education (PNE) in addition to conventional physical therapy on pain intensity, CS, and quality of life in patients with CNP who have CS.
In this quasi-experimental study, 25 patients with CNP and CS participated in a 4-week intervention program that included conventional physical therapy plus PNE. CS, pain intensity, and quality of life were assessed using the CS inventory, visual analog scale (VAS), and SF-36. All participants were evaluated before and after 12 intervention sessions (three times a week).
The results showed that after the intervention, both pain intensity and CS decreased significantly (pain intensity: mean difference = -58.96 ± 16.35, effect size = -3.61; CS: mean difference = -25.52 ± 7.25, effect size = -3.52). Additionally, the quality-of-life score significantly increased (mean difference = 24.04 ± 12.50, effect size = 1.92). A significant correlation was also found between quality-of-life scores and age.
Adding PNE to conventional physical therapy appears to be more effective than conventional physical therapy alone in improving CS, pain intensity, and quality of life in patients with CNP.

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease in which accumulated excess body fat leads to adverse effects on health. Obesity continues to accelerate, resulting in an unprecedented epidemic that shows no significant signs of slowing down any time soon. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and schema therapy in quality of life and general compliance in obese women.

In this study, we adopted a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group with a one-month follow-up. The research population consisted of obese women referring to Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Sari. Out of this population, 45 cases were selected by targeted non-random sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (ACT and schema therapy) and a control group. The data collection instruments were the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) and the General Adherence Scale. The first experimental group underwent intervention in eight 60-90-minute ACT sessions, the second experimental group underwent eight 90-minute schema therapy sessions, and the control group did not receive any intervention. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 26) using the repeated measures ANOVA.

The findings demonstrated that ACT and schema therapy were effective in quality of life and overall compliance (P<0.05). Moreover, it was revealed that the schema therapy was more effective than ACT in overall compliance (P<0.05).

As evidenced by the results of this study, ACT and schema therapy are effective in improving quality of life and overall compliance in women with obesity, and schema therapy is more effective in overall compliance. Therefore, these approaches can be used in medical centers alongside medical interventions for treatment and care.

 

Breast cancer surgery requires comprehensive postoperative care to optimize recovery and patient outcomes. Mobile health applications have gained attention as tools to enhance patient engagement, provide education, and support recovery through features like symptom tracking and communication with healthcare providers. This systematic review aimedto evaluate the impact of these applications on care outcomes in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

This systematic literature study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2022 across PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases to identify randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of mobile applications on care outcomes in patients who underwent breast cancer surgery.Studies were included based on specific criteria: they had to evaluate mobile health interventions post-surgery and report on at least one outcome related to symptom management, quality of life, anxiety, depression, or distress. The content, methods and quantitative findings of all publications were analyzed.

The review included four randomized controlled trial, covering a total of 318 participants. Across the studies, mobile health applications demonstrated a significant improvement in care outcomes. Symptom management effectiveness improved by 15-25%, anxiety and distress levels decreased by 10-20%, and patient-reported quality of life increased by an average of 15-25%. Additionally, mobile applications were associated with enhanced communication with healthcare providers, facilitating early intervention and support.

Mobile health applications were found to significantly improve care outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing surgery. These applications are also effective and safe in improving the quality of life, managing symptoms, and reducing psychological distress. The integration of mobile health tools can enhance patient care pathways and postoperative recovery. Future research should explore long-term impacts, optimal app features, and scalability in diverse patient populations.

Central nervous system (CNS) infections can lead to long-term motor and cognitive complications in children.

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and assess the quality of life in children with CNS infections.

A longitudinal study was conducted on 94 children (aged 6 - 15 years) with CNS infection symptoms who were admitted to referral hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. Parents completed questionnaires assessing quality of life and neurological deficits at 6 and 12 months after discharge. All patients were evaluated by the corresponding physician for a final assessment.

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms were diagnosed in 30 patients, with viral encephalitis being the most common infection. The quality of life in children with CNS infections was significantly lower compared to that of healthy children.

Central nervous system infections negatively impact the quality of life in children. Screening for ADHD and managing affected children can help improve outcomes. Further research and interventions are needed to mitigate long-term complications.

Psychosomatic issues are common among couples seeking divorce, with many experiencing anxiety, unexplained pain, gastrointestinal problems, and other symptoms, often showing significant improvement after therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy (SFT) in enhancing the general health and quality of life of couples seeking divorce.

Thirty couples seeking divorce were referred to family counseling centers at the Minoodasht City Judiciary and met the inclusion criteria, were randomly selected and divided into two groups: CBT and SFT. Participants were assessed using general health and quality of life measures before and after undergoing eight sessions of either CBT or Minuchin's structural family therapy. Post-test scores were compared between the two groups.

Paired t-test analysis revealed significant improvements in general health and quality of life scores for both therapy groups. Covariance analysis showed that both therapies were equally effective, with no significant differences in the level of improvement between the two groups.

Both structural family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy significantly and equally improve the general health and quality of life of couples seeking divorce.

Chronic pain is the leading cause of human suffering and disability worldwide, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals. This study aimed to compare the quality of life, dysfunctional attitudes, and defense mechanisms between patients suffering from chronic back pain and individuals who are in good health.

The type of study conducted is descriptive causalcomparative research. Fifty male and female patients seeking treatment at the Rasht Pain Clinic were included in the study, chosen through purposive sampling. The control group, consisting of fifty individuals with no history of chronic back pain, was selected using convenience sampling in May 2021. The Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (WHOQOLBREF), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) were given to both healthy individuals and patients. An analysis of the data was conducted through multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using SPSS 23 software.

A multivariate analysis of variance in the current study revealed a significant difference between the two groups of patients and healthy individuals in terms of quality of life (physical, mental, relationships, environment), Dysfunctional Attitudes (perfectionism, need for approval, need to please others), and defense mechanisms (mature, neurotic, immature) (P-value<0.01, F11,88=16.63). However, there was no significant difference in the vulnerability component of dysfunctional attitude between the two groups of patients and healthy subjects.

Identifying factors such as poor quality of life, maladaptive attitudes, and improper use of defense mechanisms can worsen chronic pain in individuals. Understanding the influences of these variables is crucial for enhancing the overall physical and mental well-being of patients experiencing chronic pain.