Quality of Life and Mental Health in Brazilian Women Treated for Invasive Carcinoma of the Cervix

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 794-799
Author(s):  
Gabriela A. Caixeta ◽  
Emma E. C. Castro ◽  
Agnaldo L. Silva-Filho ◽  
Fernando M. Reis ◽  
José R. Cunha-Melo ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) and mental health (MH) of women surviving at least 2 years after treatment for invasive carcinoma of the cervix by radical hysterectomy (RH), chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, or by surgery followed by adjuvant therapy (RH + chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy). The QOL/MH of a control group of women with no history of malignancy was also assessed for comparison with the treated groups.MethodsThe levels of QOL and MH were assessed in 114 Brazilian women (57 patients with an average of 4 years since treatment completion and 57 control subjects). The 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, the Life Events Inventory, and a general survey for the assessment of sociodemographic data were applied to each participant of the study.ResultsNo differences were noted among the 3 treatment groups or between these and the control group concerning the levels of QOL (either physical or MH aspects), anxiety, general health, or life events. However, lower levels of anxiety were detected in cancer survivors when compared with the control group (P = 0.035).ConclusionsAfter at least 2 years, the QOL and the MH of Brazilian women treated for invasive carcinoma of the cervix were similar to those of women without malignancy and were not affected by the modality of treatment.

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 1138-1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Cristina Reinaldo Mariano ◽  
Mariana Naomi Sano ◽  
Victor Prado Curvêllo ◽  
Ana Lúcia Pompéia Fraga de Almeida ◽  
Karin Hermana Neppelenbroek ◽  
...  

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of orofacial dysfunctions (ODs) and quality of life (QoL) in adults with and without a cleft lip and palate. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Craniofacial Center, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The study was composed of a sample of 120 patients: 60 adults in the cleft lip and palate group (CLPG) and 60 adults in the control group with no craniofacial anomalies. Each patient underwent an interview and clinical examination, using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, χ2, and the Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: There was a higher prevalence of OD in CLPG ( P < .001) on the NOT-S. The adults in the CLPG had higher QoL in the areas of general health ( P = .003), physical function ( P = .014), social function ( P < .001), and vitality ( P = .006). The CLPG had significant associations between higher OD and lower QoL for general health ( P = .004), emotional role function ( P = .028), and vitality ( P = .05). Conclusion: Orofacial dysfunctions were more prevalent in adults with a cleft, negatively impacting their QoL in general health, emotional role function, and vitality. However, adults with a cleft also had significantly higher QoL, reflecting possible resiliency when compared to adults without a cleft.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
MING YI ◽  
Jing LI ◽  
Gang LIU ◽  
Weixi ZHANG ◽  
Ying WANG ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Facial appearance and expressions influence social interaction. However, few studies have reported on the stigma associated with spasms from facial dystonia. This study investigated the stigma and quality of life for these patients. Methods This cross-sectional study included 90 patients with facial dystonia (hemifacial spasm [HFS], blepharospasm [BSP], and blepharospasm-oromandibular dystonia [BOD]; 30 patients per group) and 30 individuals without dystonia (control group) from October 2019 to November 2020. All participants underwent stigma, quality of life, and mental health evaluations using seven questions related to stigma, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the 14-item version of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and the 24-item version of the Hamilton Depression Scale. Results Nineteen patients (21.11%) felt stigmatized. Patients with BPS and HFS had more difficulty finding a job and were more susceptible to discrimination than healthy individuals. The role-physical and social function scores were significantly lower in the dystonia groups than in the control group. The vitality score of the BPS group and the mental health scores in the BPS and BOD groups were significantly less than those of the control group. The HAMA scores in the BPS and BOD groups were significantly higher than in the control group. Regression analysis demonstrated that the disease course influenced depression. Conclusion Enacted stigma from a negative public attitude may be the main factor triggering stigma in patients with facial dystonia, with detrimental effects on psychosocial outcomes, including social rights, quality of life, and mood.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A825-A826
Author(s):  
Summaya A Latif ◽  
Sarah E Robbins ◽  
Cameron MacDonald ◽  
Nadine Connor ◽  
Rebecca S Sippel

Abstract Introduction: Patients with Hashimoto’s often complain of persistent symptoms despite being on optimal medical therapy. Research suggests that thyroidectomy may have a role in improving this. We investigated the change in Quality of Life (QoL), symptom burden and mental health from baseline to 1 year after total thyroidectomy in patients with underlying thyroiditis. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 96 patients at baseline and 1 year to discuss their thyroid-related symptom burden. Patients utilized prompt cards to identify and rank the severity of their thyroid-related symptoms (3 being most bothersome and 0 being no effect at all). Individual symptom scores were added to calculate a Cumulative Symptom Score (CSS). Patients also completed the validated Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire for mental and physical health (scored from 0-100; higher score attributing to better health) and ThyCa-QoL questionnaire (scored from 0-100; higher score attributing more complaints) at these 2 time-points. Results: Of the 96 patients with available CSS data, there were 37 patients in the Hashimoto’s group (97% had biopsy proven thyroiditis and 24% were on thyroid hormone at baseline) and 59 patients in the control group. At baseline, Hashimoto’s patients had a higher CSS than the control group (9.94 vs. 7.13, p=0.05). Overall, mean CSS, in both groups, declined from baseline to 1 year (7.74 to 6.08, p=0.04), and over half of the individual patients, had a decline in their CSS at 1 year (56% in Hashimoto’s and 54% in control). Although, the Hashimoto’s group started higher at their baseline, they also had a slightly larger decline in CSS at 1 year than the control patients (-2.2, p=0.11 vs. -1.2, p=0.19). On the SF-12, Hashimoto’s patients had a significant improvement in their mental health (+ 6.0 pts, CI 1.8-10.2, p value = 0.007) whereas the control patients did not (+2.4 pts, CI 0.3-5.2, p=0.08). On the ThyCa-QoL, Hashimoto’s patients had worse scores at baseline as compared to the control patients (20.8 vs 16.7, p=0.11) and there was a slight but clinically significant improvement from baseline to 1 year (decrease in mean of 1.18 pts, p=0.5). Analysis of the qualitative data showed that of the 10 patients who were on thyroid hormone pre-operatively, 9 described significant symptom improvement at 1 year, with fatigue being the major symptom that was reported as improved. Conclusion: Based on the data above, we see that patients with Hashimoto’s do have a higher symptom burden at baseline and thyroidectomy may play a role in symptom alleviation as well as improving mental health and QoL. Our data supports recent findings that thyroidectomy may play a role in alleviating thyroid related symptoms in this patient population and further investigation to better understand this phenomenon is warranted.


2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lígia da Silva Leroy ◽  
Maria Helena Baena de Moraes Lopes

This case-control study evaluated whether UI in the puerperium compromises the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and if so, in which aspects. The study included 344 women (77 case group and 267 control group) up to 90 days postpartum, who were attended the Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic of a public teaching hospital, for the postpartum follow up consultation. A socio-demographic and clinical data questionnaire formulated and validated for the study, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short-Form (ICIQ-SF), the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), were applied. The mean score of the ICIQ-SF was 13.9 (SD: 3.7). The case group presented high mean scores in the domains Impact of the Incontinence, Emotions, Daily Activity Limitations and Physical Limitations, of the KHQ. The groups differed significantly in the domains Physical Aspects, Pain, General Health Status, Vitality, Social Aspects and Mental Health of the SF-36. It is concluded that UI significantly affects the physical and mental health of puerperae.


2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 893-900
Author(s):  
Milena Pandrc ◽  
Andjelka Ristic ◽  
Vanja Kostovski ◽  
Violeta Randjelovic-Krstic ◽  
Jelena Milin-Lazovic ◽  
...  

Background/Aim. Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is frequently a biochemical diagnosis, some symptoms and signs of overt disease may be present, influencing our decision to start the treatment with levothyroxine (LT4). The aim of this study was to examine the effect a 3- month LT4 treatment on clinical presentation and quality of life in symptomatic SCH with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) < 10 mIU/L. We also considered whether treatment discontinuation additionally improves reliability of these findings. Methods. Clinical parameters (disease-specific score) and quality of life (Short Form-36 questionnaire) were measured in 35 patients with persistent symptomatic SCH (TSH 7.0 ? 2.1 mIU/L) before the intervention (LT4 substitution), 3 months after the euthyroid state had been achieved and 3 months after cessation of LT4 substitution. Results. The median of the Zulewski index significantly decreased after the treatment with LT4: 5.0 (4.0?7.0) vs. 3.0 (2.0?5.0) (p < 0.001) representing a reduction of symptoms. The most common ailments before the treatment were dry skin (71.4%), hoarseness (65.7%) and rough skin (54.3 %). After the treatment, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of constipation (p = 0.004), dry skin (p = 0.022), hoarseness (p = 0.002), decreased sweating (p = 0.006), and delayed Achilles reflex (p = 0.002). Quality of life was not changed significantly after LT4 treatment. In the group of 18 patients who discontinued the treatment, many symptoms and signs reappeared with the TSH increasing (6.8 ? 1.1 mIU/L): periorbital edema, constipation, weight gain, decreased sweating, slow motion and delayed Achilles reflex. The median of the ?ulewski index after discontinuation of LT4 was 6.0 (4.0?9.0) (p = 0.010). Also, there was a statistically significant reduction in the general health score, and vitality, role emotional and mental health scores. Conclusions. Clinical score, based on symptoms and signs, is a sensitive and reproducible test for objective estimation of LT4 treatment effects in symptomatic SCH patients with TSH <10 mIU/L and supports individually adjusted treatment. Symptomatic SCH is not necessarily associated with a quality of life impairment that may be significantly improved by LT4 treatment. Changes in general health, vitality, mental health and emotional role after LT4 cessation suggest that some aspects of life quality can be affected by subtle variations in thyroxine availability.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youseflu Samaneh ◽  
Shahideh Jahanian Sadatmahalleh ◽  
Jahangiri Nadia ◽  
Azam Maleki ◽  
Ashraf Moini

Abstract Background: breastfeeding women are susceptible to mental disorders particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In this study we develop a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of anxiety, depression, general health, breastfeeding, education, income, and corona disease anxiety on the QoL of breastfeeding women. Method: In a descriptive-analytical study, 279 breastfeeding women were recruited from March to April 2020. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, short Form of Health Survey (SF_12), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS).Results: The overall goodness-of-fit statistics showed that the conceptual model was acceptable (GFI =0.99, RMSEA =0.06). Results showed that breast-feeding, GHQ, anxiety, depression, and education have a direct effect on women’s QoL. We found significant total mediating effects of GH and breastfeeding and moderating effects of education and income on quality of life. Income had indirectly effect on QOL through the education.Conclusion: Our results give support for a hypothetical model in which improvement in breastfeeding, anxiety, depression, general health, education, and income led to higher levels of QoL in breastfeeding women. It seems that the predictors proposed by this model are greatly important and should be considered when designing optimal psychological care interventions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 936-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaira Barranco-Ruiz ◽  
Sandra Mandic ◽  
Susana Paz-Viteri ◽  
Marcela Guerendiain ◽  
FaustoVinicio Sandoval ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the effects of a short exercise intervention based on the use of a Zumba Fitness® programme on the quality of life (QoL) in inactive adult workers. Design: Non-experimental pre-test/post-test study involving one experimental group of inactive university workers. Setting: Riobamba in the Andean region of central Ecuador. Methods: A total of 60 inactive adults working at a university (age: 39 ± 1.0 years; 80% women, who used to perform < 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week) completed a 5-week Zumba Fitness® exercise intervention (three classes per week, 60 minutes per class; outside of work hours). QoL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) administered at baseline, post-intervention and 2 months after the intervention. Data were analysed using a per-protocol analysis. Results: The 5-week intervention improved six out of eight subscales of QoL, including general health (baseline: 63.6±2.51; post-intervention: 68.0±2.5; p = .007), physical role (baseline: 82.1±3.8; post-intervention: 90.6±3.3; p = .029), emotional role (baseline: 71.3±5.0; post-intervention: 88.3±3.9; p = .001), social functioning (baseline: 76.9±2.6; post-intervention: 83.9 ± 2.6; p = .010), vitality (baseline: 60.4±2.8; post-intervention: 69.8±2.4; p < .001), mental health (baseline: 72.4±2.5; post-intervention: 80.4±2.3; p < .001) and the health transition perception item (baseline: 53.9±3.5; post-intervention: 63.6±3.1; p = .001). No statistical differences were found between post-intervention and 2-month follow-up; however, the majority of subscales which improved post-intervention (general health, emotional role, social functioning, vitality and mental health) were maintained at 2-month follow-up showing differences ( p < .05) compared to baseline. Conclusion: A 5-week exercise intervention based on Zumba Fitness® programme could improve QoL in inactive adult workers and most improvements could be maintained at 2 months post-intervention.


Author(s):  
Elainy da S. Camilo Loiola ◽  
Tiago Oliveira Loiola ◽  
Renan Santos Mugrabi

The literature indicates a high prevalence of mental disorders in the university population and reveals the vulnerability of this public to psychic illness. Thus, exploring protective and risk constructs related to mental health problems in higher education students is important to collaborate with more effective interventions. Studies already associate personal and academic characteristics including age, income, and academic performance with mental illness of university students. However, there is still little scientific knowledge about psychosocial predictors such as quality of life to psychological disorders in this population. This study analyzed the predictive effect of quality of life on mental health of academics from a Public University of western Amazonia of Brazil. A cross-sectional design was carried out with 301 university students, who responded to the instruments: Quality of Life of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-bref); Maslach Burnout Invetory/Student SurveyBI (MBI-SS); General Health Questionnaire (QSG); and a socio-demographic and academic characterization form. The results of the regression analyses indicated that the Quality-of-Life domains predicted the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and professional efficacy of burnout syndrome and influenced the five factors of general health, namely psychic stress, desire for death, distrust in performance capacity, sleep disorders and psychosomatic disorders. These findings suggest that strategies focused on increasing quality of life can mitigate mental health problems among university students.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 050-059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cazé ◽  
Adriana Lacerda ◽  
Débora Lüders ◽  
Juliana Conto ◽  
Jair Marques ◽  
...  

Introduction Tobacco farming exposes workers to various health risks due to the high application of pesticides needed to control pests, weeds and fungal diseases that prevent the tobacco plant growth. Objective To analyze the perception of the quality of life of tobacco growers exposed to pesticides, with emphasis on general health, hearing, and working conditions. Method This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach with farmers from southern Brazil. Data were collected from November of 2012 to November of 2014. For data collection, we opted for the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire, and a questionnaire with closed questions about health, hearing and working conditions. We evaluated a total of 78 subjects; the study group, made up of 40 tobacco farmers exposed to pesticides, and a control group of 38 participants without occupational exposure to pesticides. Both groups are residents of the same municipality, and users of the federal public health system. Results The results showed that tobacco growers had lower quality of life scores compared with the control group. Significant differences were observed in the areas of pain and general health. There were correlations between physical elements and chronic diseases; hearing complaints and a lack of personal protective equipment use, occupation and hearing complaints, as well as general health and hearing complaints. Conclusion Tobacco farming is a risky activity for general and hearing health, and it can impact the quality of life of those working in this field.


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