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  1. Leong WC, Azmi NA, Wee LH, Rajah HDA, Chan CMH
    PLoS One, 2021;16(9):e0256216.
    PMID: 34587199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256216
    Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and the challenges in accepting the diagnosis can bring a devastating emotional impact on the patient's mental and psychological wellbeing. Issues related to illness acceptance among cancer patients are not well studied in Malaysia. To date, the Acceptance of Illness Scale has not been translated to the Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia) nor validated for use in the oncology setting. The objective of the study is to translate, validate and determine the reliability of the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Acceptance of Illness Scale among Malaysian patients with cancer. A total of 129 patients newly diagnosed with cancer were consecutively sampled and the scale was administered via face-to-face interviews. A pilot test (n = 30) was conducted and test-retest reliability was determined. The Bartlett Test of Sphericity was statistically significantly (p<0.001), while the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy was adequate at 0.84. Scale item mean scores ranged between 3.02 and 4.33, while the item-total correlation ranged between 0.50 to 0.66 (p<0.05). The internal reliability coefficient was 0.84. The test-retest reliability indicated a high correlation, r = 0.94 with p = 0.001. The Bahasa Malaysia version of the Acceptance of Illness Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that is appropriate for use in Malaysian patients with cancer. Use of this scale to assess illness acceptance among the Malay-speaking patients with cancer can act as a guide for delivery of psycho-oncological services to help patients have a better mental wellbeing and life adjustment in living with cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  2. Efficace F, Iurlo A, Patriarca A, Stagno F, Bee PC, Ector G, et al.
    Leuk Lymphoma, 2021 03;62(3):669-678.
    PMID: 33153355 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2020.1838509
    Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment is important to facilitate decisions in the current treatment landscape of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Therefore, the availability of a validated HRQOL questionnaire, specifically developed for CML patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), may enhance quality of research in this area. We performed an international study including 782 CML patients to assess the validity of the EORTC QLQ-CML 24 questionnaire, and to generate HRQOL reference values to facilitate interpretation of results in future studies. Internal consistency, assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficients, ranged from 0.66 to 0.83. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all standardized factor loadings exceeded the threshold of 0.40 (range 0.49-0.97), confirming the hypothesized scale structure. Reference values stratified by age and sex were also generated. Our findings support the use of the EORTC QLQ-CML 24, in conjunction with the EORTC QLQ-C30, as a valuable measure to assess HRQOL in CML patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  3. Rehman AU, Hassali MAA, Harun SN, Abbas S, Muneswarao J, Ali IABH, et al.
    Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2020 May 13;18(1):138.
    PMID: 32404113 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01393-1
    BACKGROUND: Cultural differences affect the administration and results of health status questionnaires. "Cross cultural adaptation" ensures retention of psychometric properties such as validity and reliability at an item and/or scale level.

    OBJECTIVE: To develop a Malaysian version of St George's respiratory COPD specific questionnaire (SGRQ-CM), to evaluate the full spectrum of psychometric properties (reliability, validity and responsiveness), to test the factor structure and to assess minimum clinically important difference for the SGRQ-CM, to be used in population of Malaysia.

    METHODOLOGY: SGRQ-C was translated to Bahasa Malaysia using a standard protocol. 240 COPD patients were included in the study. All patients were followed-up for six months. Construct validity, internal consistency, item convergent validity, test-retest ability, responsiveness, factor analysis and MCID of the Malaysian version of SGRQ-C to be used in population of Malaysia were evaluated.

    RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for SGRQ-CM were reported as 0.87, and 0.88 respectively. Correlation of SGRQ-CM with CAT, EQ-5D-5 L, mMRC dyspnea scales and FEV1%predicted were reported as 0.86, - 0.82, 0.72 and - 0.42 respectively. Correlation coefficient between the subscales and other clinical and health status measures ranged from r = - 0.35 to r = - 0.87. The MCID was reported as 5.07 (- 2.54-12.67).

    CONCLUSION: The Malaysian version of SGRQ-C has a good psychometric property comparable to those of the original version and has a strong evidence of validity, reliability and responsiveness towards disease severity in Malaysian COPD patients. It can be recommended as a reliable quality of life measure for future research.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  4. Lee WL, Lim Abdullah K, Chinna K, Abidin IZ
    J Nurs Res, 2020 Dec 07;29(1):e136.
    PMID: 33284136 DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000414
    BACKGROUND: The cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires has tenuous theoretical underpinnings that limit the rigor of data collection and the meaningful analysis of cognitive interview data. An adaptation of existing models of equivalence and cognition provides structure to the comprehensive investigation of various equivalence types in enhancing the validity of translated questionnaires.

    PURPOSE: In this study, a framework comprising equivalence and cognition models was used to assess and finalize the Heart Quality-of-Life (HeartQoL)-Bahasa Malaysia (BM) questionnaire, which was derived from both forward-backward (FB) and dual-panel (DP) translation methods.

    METHODS: Investigation and finalization of two initial versions of the questionnaire were conducted based on findings from an expert assessment (n = 3 sociolinguists blinded to translation methods) and cognitive interviews with purposively sampled patients (FB: n = 11; DP: n = 11). The equivalence model of Herdman et al. and the question-and-answer model of Collins were adapted to form a "cognition-and-equivalence" model to guide data collection and analysis through modified cognitive interviews. The final HeartQoL-BM was completed by 373 patients with ischemic heart disease from two medical centers, and the data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis to assess the evidence of equivalence.

    RESULTS: Findings from the expert assessment and cognitive interview showed the existence of semantic and item equivalence on almost all of the FB and DP items, identified some subtle potential equivalence gaps, and guided the process of item finalization. Confirmatory factor analysis, including tests of factorial invariance on the final two-factor model of HeartQoL-BM, confirmed conceptual, item, measurement, and operational equivalence, which supports functional equivalence.

    CONCLUSIONS: The potential use of the cognition-and-equivalence model for modified cognitive interviewing and the application of the six equivalence types of Herdman et al. were supported by the HeartQoL-BM showing functional equivalence with its source. HeartQoL-BM is a potentially valid measure of health-related quality of life for patients with ischemic heart disease independent of conditions such as angina, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life/psychology
  5. Wan Hassan WN, Makhbul MZM, Yusof ZYM
    J Orofac Orthop, 2021 May 03.
    PMID: 33938957 DOI: 10.1007/s00056-021-00298-y
    PURPOSE: The sociodental model integrates clinical assessment, perceived impacts of malocclusion on quality of life, and behavioural propensity when prioritising orthodontic treatment. This study compares the effect of using different instruments to measure impact-related need on the assessment of orthodontic treatment need based on the sociodental framework.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 206 Malaysian adolescents (age: 11-18 years) were screened in orthodontic clinics to identify those with normative need, oral impacts due to malocclusion, and having high and medium-to-high behavioural propensities. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need classified normative need. The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics (PIDA) questionnaire and the Condition-Specific Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (CS-OIDP) index measured oral impacts. Subjects' behavioural propensities for successful treatment outcome were based on the Basic Periodontal Examination and International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Data were analysed using the McNemar test.

    RESULTS: The response rate was 99.0%. Estimates of normative need (89.7%) were significantly reduced under the sociodental model by 65.7% (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  6. Hasan SS, Burud IAS, Kow CS, Rasheed MK, Chan KSC, Tay PK, et al.
    Int J Clin Pract, 2021 Mar;75(3):e13714.
    PMID: 32949074 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13714
    BACKGROUND: Older individuals are seemingly having more medical conditions, which predispose them to a greater risk of polypharmacy. Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), including those having anticholinergic and sedative properties, are common in their prescriptions, often associated with functional decline and negative health outcomes. Thus, this study reports proportions of inappropriate drugs and drug burden exposures and its correlation with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among cognitively intact older adults admitted to a ward or visiting the outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study included data from 344 older (173 inpatients and 171 outpatients) patients, aged 60 years and above, through validated questionnaires. Medication appropriateness was assessed via Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) tool, whereas Beers and Screening Tool of Older Person's Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing (STOPP) criteria were used to evaluate PIMs and potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), respectively. The Drug Burden Index (DBI) and polypharmacy, as well as PROs, included Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz ADL) and Older People's Quality of Life (OPQOL) were also evaluated.

    RESULTS: Overall, inpatients received significantly higher medications (6.90 ± 2.70 vs 4.49 ± 3.20) than outpatients. A significantly higher proportion of inpatients received at least one PIM (65% vs 57%) or PIP (57.4% vs 17.0%) and higher mean MAI score (1.76 ± 1.08 and 1.10 ± 0.34) and DBI score (2.67 ± 1.28 vs 1.49 ± 1.17) than outpatients. Inpatients had significantly higher total OPQOL (118.53 vs 79.95) and GFI score (5.44 vs 3.78) than outpatients. We only found significant correlations between GFI and DBI and total OPQOL and the number of PIMs.

    CONCLUSIONS: Proportions of PIMs and DBI exposure were significantly higher in an inpatient setting. No significant correlations between exposures to inappropriate medications or drug burden and PROs were observed.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  7. Maryam Farooqui, Mohamed Azmi Hassali, Aishah Knight Abdul Shatar, Asrul Akmal Shafie, Muhammad Aslam Farooqui, Fahad Saleem, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: Prayers, spiritual healing, yoga, meditation, t'ai chi, qigong and support groups are classified as mind body complementary therapies (MBCTs). The study aimed to examine the prevalence of MBCTs use and the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in a group of Malaysian cancer patients.
    Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted on 184 cancer patients at the oncology clinic of Penang general hospital, Malaysia. MBCTs was assessed using a self- administered questionnaire while the HRQoL of the participants was assessed by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).
    Results: Among the complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) users, 75(40.7%) patients self-reported using MBCTs while having cancer. Majority of MBCTs users were female 60(80%, p=0.01), aged between 38 and 57 (58%), and were of Malay ethnicity (61%). Socio-demographic factors including age (r=0.15, p=0.03) and monthly house-hold income (r= -0.25, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with MBCTs use. Prayers for health reasons was the most frequently practised MBCTs modality, followed by spiritual practices 20(10.8%), meditation 7(5.9%), t'ai chi 7(3.8%), music therapy 4(2.1%), qigong 1(0.5%), hypnotherapy 1(0.5%), and reiki 1(0.5%). Recommendations from friends and family members 53(70%) were the most common reasons of MBCTs use followed by patient's own will 22(29.3%). Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores showed significant difference in all functional and symptoms scores among MBCTs users and non-users (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study helps to identify numerous MBCTs commonly practised by a group of Malaysian cancer patients. Prayers specifically for health reasons and spiritual practices were somewhat common among patients. Viewing MBCTs, not as alternative but to complement conventional cancer therapies may help to address cancer patients' emotional and psychological needs.
    Study site: Oncology clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  8. Abubakar U, Zulkarnain AI, Samri F, Hisham SR, Alias A, Ishak M, et al.
    BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Sep 18;20(1):285.
    PMID: 32948163 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03082-4
    BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea is a common problem that affects female students' quality of life and academic activities. Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the practices and perceptions of female undergraduate students with dysmenorrhea towards CATs.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in a public university in Malaysia using a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in November and December 2019. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

    RESULTS: Of the 318 female undergraduate students invited, 219 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 68.9%) with 52% aged between 21 and 23 years. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 72.1%, and the prevalence of ever-use and current use of CATs was 70.3 and 54.4%, respectively. Bed rest (71.5%), hot compress/heating pad (47.5%) and massage (43.0%) were the most common CATs used by the respondents. The most common reasons for using CAT were to reduce the need for analgesics (61.4%), efficacy (37.3%) and recommendation by others (32.9%). About 23 and 9% of the respondents believed that CATs were equally "effective" and "more effective" than analgesics, respectively. Reducing the need for analgesics (AOR: 4.066, 95% CI: 2.136-7.739) and those who agreed that CATs are effective (AOR: 2.701, 95% CI: 1.337-5.457) were independently associated with the current use CATs for the treatment of menstrual pain.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ever-use and current use of CATs is high among female undergraduate pharmacy students. Bed rest and heat applications are the most common CATs used. Reducing the need for analgesics and efficacy are the factors associated with the current use of CATs. Students should be educated about the safe and effective use of CATs to reduce adverse effects and improve their quality of life.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  9. Mohiuddin SG, Aziz S, Ahmed R, Shaikh Ghadzi SM, Iqbal MZ, Iqbal MS
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 12 21;13(1):102-107.
    PMID: 34084055 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_258_20
    Purpose: There is a wide range of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which has increased drastically and affected treatments overall. The knowledge and practice of Chinese herbal medicine among the general population is considered as positive. Literature shows that the effectiveness and acceptance of alternative therapies is still debatable among the general population.

    Materials and Methods: Study design was cross-sectional, in which sociodemographic data of respondents were collected through a validated questionnaire; results were analyzed by using validated data collection tool. The results were concluded on the basis of good, moderate, and poor response, which was evaluated through data analysis by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0. A P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

    Results: Respondents were 182 (44.4%) males and 228 (55.6%) females; better knowledge was recognized among the females (P < 0.001) with mean knowledge of 15.55 ± 2.7. Chinese population had good knowledge with statistically strong correlation with mean knowledge of 15.63 (P = 0.006). Likewise, Buddhism was reported to have good knowledge among all the religions. Rural population was underlined with lesser family income and they showed good practice and understanding (P = 0.006). Comparatively positive attitude was noticed among the females (P < 0.001) with mean attitude of 15.55 ± 2.7. The highest level of education in this study was postgraduate, which showed 77.1% good attitude. Postgraduate participants were having varied results with standard deviation of ±6.23. Statistically highly significant association was seen between the religion and attitude of respondents with the P < 0.001. Chinese medicine is widely used, but religious difference was found among the races. Similar difference was found in knowledge and practice among the population of rural side and low family income compared to urban population with higher income and access to allopathic medicine.

    Conclusions: Despite having better practice among the Malaysian population, still the knowledge needs to be disseminated among the population for the overall use of traditional Chinese medicine with safety to improve health and quality of life in Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  10. Loke, Mi Mi, Chong, Kah Hui, Noor Salihah Zakaria, Hayati Mohd Yusof
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(2):227-238.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is becoming increasingly popular among cancer patients worldwide. While health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in relation to cancer outcomes has attracted global attention, there are few studies on CHM use and HRQoL among cancer patients in Malaysia. This study attempted to determine the association between use of CHM, including the types, reasons, and beliefs, and HRQoL among Malaysian cancer patients.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 cancer patients (60 male and 60 female) recruited from government oncology clinics in Johor state. A purposive non-probability sampling was applied to recruit respondents.
    Results: Use of CHM was reported by about half of the patients (49.2%). Common types of CHM used included Chinese herbal extracts (27.5%), Sabah snake grass (12.2%), and ginger (11.5%). The median score for overall belief in CHM significantly differed between
    CHM users (71.7%) and non-users (65.0%) (p<0.001). The HRQoL was generally reported as ‘good’ with high scores for overall functioning scales and low scores for symptom scales. However, no significant difference in HRQoL between CHM users and non-users was noted. ‘Social Functioning’ scores between both groups showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) with respect to sex, with females scoring higher than males. No significant association was noted between CHM use and socio-demographic characteristics except for sex.
    Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of self-prescription of CHM among the cancer patients studied. Nonetheless use of CHM did not show any significant difference in terms of quality of life among CHM users.
    Study site: Oncology clinics, Hospital Sultan Ismail (Johor Bahru) and Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail (Batu Pahat), Johor, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  11. Loh KY, Sivalingam N
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Oct;61(4):506-10; quiz 511.
    PMID: 17243536 MyJurnal
    Urinary incontinence is an important and common health care problem affecting the elderly population. Common types of incontinence affecting the elderly are: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence and mixed type. The elderly patient suffering from urinary incontinence does not often seek treatment voluntary due to a misconception that it is part of a normal ageing process. Without treatment, urinary incontinence may lead to serious psychological and social complications such as depression, anxiety, embarrassment, low self-esteem and social isolation. Overall it is associated with significant poor quality of life for the elderly. Life style modification and behavioural therapy with or without pharmacotherapy help in improving the symptoms. Pelvic floor muscles' training is beneficial for stress incontinence in up to fifty percent of the patients. Elderly patients with urinary incontinence should be encouraged to seek treatment early, as the problem can be treated and they will have a better quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  12. Murukesu RR, Singh DKA, Shahar S
    BMC Public Health, 2019 Jun 13;19(Suppl 4):529.
    PMID: 31196015 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6870-6
    BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is known to be more prevalent among women and is associated with decline in quality of life. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors of urinary incontinence and its impact on quality of life among community dwelling older women living in urban and rural populations.

    METHODS: This study was conducted based on secondary data analysed from the third phase of the longitudinal study "Neuroprotective Model for Health Longevity among Malaysian Elderly" (LRGS TUA). Stratification of urban and rural study areas were in accordance to that determined by the Department of Statistics. A total of 814 community dwelling older women (53% urban, 47% rural), aged 60 years and above, across four states within Peninsular Malaysia were included in this analysis. Interview-based questionnaires were used to obtain respondents' sociodemographic details and clinical characteristics. The Timed Up and Go test and Handgrip Strength tests were used to assess physical function. Urinary incontinence was self-reported, and quality of life of those with incontinence was assessed using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

    RESULTS: Prevalence of urinary incontinence was 16% and 23% among older women living in urban and rural areas, respectively. Ethnicity was significantly associated with incontinence among older women in both urban and rural population (p life, respondents in rural areas experienced more role, physical, social, emotional limitations and sleep disturbance as compared to their urban counterparts (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  13. Normaz Wana Ismail, Sudha Sivadas
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Urbanisation is a key determinant of population health. Malaysia’s exemplary economic growth in the early 1990s and the consequent development and urbanisation led to significant changes in health, lifestyle and quality of life. Rising expectations, changing demographics and nutrition and disease transitions were challenges synonymous to an increasingly urban Malaysia. As the Government targets optimal population health, this paper aims to explore one of the many challenges of urbanisation, namely the prevalence of non-communicable diseases or NCDs. For the purpose of this paper, NCD is proxied by Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: This study is based the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, which is a cross-sectional population-based survey, involving 30,000 re- spondents. Given the binomial nature of the survey variables, the multinomial Probit model was employed using the STATA statistical software. Results: Generally, age, gender and race are significant in determining health outcomes. Socioeconomically, all three variables of income, education and employment are significant. For lifestyle factors, findings show that only the weight and physically active status have a role in determining health outcomes. Finally, the urban variable is also positive and significant. Conclusion: Findings show that the prevalence of Diabetes Melli- tus, is rising along with urbanisation and that there is a health penalty for the urban population and also for those who do not embrace healthy lifestyles. Additionally, other factors are equally important as urban health determinants, encompassing both the demographic and socioeconomic factors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  14. Momtaz YA, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R
    Soc Sci Med, 2012 Sep;75(5):859-63.
    PMID: 22632847 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.03.047
    Unmet need as a significant factor affecting quality of life in later life has recently received considerable attention in gerontological research. The main aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, predicting factors, and negative consequence of unmet need among older Malaysians. The findings may be useful to reduce unmet need and the burden of its adverse consequence. The sample for this study consists of 400 functionally disabled elderly people aged 60 and over was obtained from a large national survey. Unmet need was operationally defined based on Manton's (1989) criteria. The findings from the present study showed about 18.0% of functionally disabled older Malaysians suffer from unmet need. Logistic regression revealed that gender (being male) and chronic health conditions are statistically associated with increased odds of unmet need after adjusting for other possible risk factors. Further results indicated that unmet need statistically increases odds of fall as a negative consequence of unmet need. The high prevalence rates of unmet need among disabled elderly men and chronically ill older persons suggest that policy makers should pay more attention to this vulnerable group to achieve good quality of life. The implications and limitations of the present study are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  15. Jones DJ, Harvey K, Harris JP, Butler LT, Vaux EC
    J Clin Nurs, 2018 Jan;27(1-2):193-204.
    PMID: 28498615 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13871
    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: While haemodialysis is an effective treatment for end-stage renal disease, the requirements and restrictions it imposes on patients can be onerous. The aim of this study was to obtain UK National Health Service patients' perspectives on the challenges arising from haemodialysis with the intention of identifying potential improvements.

    BACKGROUND: Depression rates are particularly high in those with end-stage renal disease; however, there is limited insight into the range of stressors associated with haemodialysis treatment within the National Health Service contributing to such high rates, particularly those of a cognitive or psychological nature.

    DESIGN: A qualitative approach was used to obtain rich, patient-focused data; one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty end-stage renal disease at a UK National Health Service centre.

    METHODS: Patients were interviewed during a typical haemodialysis session. Thematic analysis was used to systematically interpret the data. Codes were created in an inductive and cyclical process using a constant comparative approach.

    RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the data: (i) fluctuations in cognitive/physical well-being across the haemodialysis cycle, (ii) restrictions arising from the haemodialysis treatment schedule, (iii) emotional impact of haemodialysis on the self and others. The findings are limited to predominantly white, older patients (median = 74 years) within a National Health Service setting.

    CONCLUSIONS: Several of the experiences reported by patients as challenging and distressing have so far been overlooked in the literature. A holistic-based approach to treatment, acknowledging all aspects of a patient's well-being, is essential if optimal quality of life is to be achieved by healthcare providers.

    RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings can be used to inform future interventions and guidelines aimed at improving patients' treatment adherence and outcomes, for example, improved reliable access to mental health specialists.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  16. Pahlevan Sharif S, Ahadzadeh AS, Perdamen HK
    Appl Nurs Res, 2017 Dec;38:88-94.
    PMID: 29241526 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.09.012
    PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between uncertainty in illness and quality of life, and examine the mediating role of coping strategies and mood states in this relationship among breast cancer patients.

    METHODS: A convenience sample of 135 Malaysian women with breast cancer completed questionnaires measuring uncertainty in illness, mood states (i.e. anxiety and depression), quality of life, and copying styles.

    RESULTS: The results showed an inverse correlation between uncertainty and quality of life after controlling for the effects of age, cancer stage and time since diagnosis. Moreover, the negative association between illness uncertainty and quality of life was mediated by coping strategies and mood states.

    CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that breast cancer patients experiencing a high level of uncertainty more likely use avoidant and less likely use active emotional coping strategies which in turn amplifies anxiety and depression and undermines their quality of life. While some interventions to reduce the adverse consequences of uncertainty are recommended, the findings indicated the need for targeted psychological interventions seeking to gradually shift cancer patients' coping strategies from avoidant to active emotional coping.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  17. Ahadzadeh AS, Sharif SP
    Cancer Nurs, 2018 3 1;41(6):484-490.
    PMID: 29489477 DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000552
    BACKGROUND: The negative relationship between uncertainty and quality of life is well reported in the literature. Also, there is abundant research linking coping strategies to cancer patients' quality of life. However, there exists a paucity of information on the moderating effect of coping styles on the relationship between uncertainty and quality of life in cancer patients.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether uncertainty in illness is negatively correlated with quality of life and whether this relationship is moderated by coping strategies, namely, problem-focused, avoidant, and active emotional coping.

    METHODS: A convenience sample of 135 Malaysian women with breast cancer participated in the study. Participants completed measures of uncertainty in illness, quality of life, and coping styles.

    RESULTS: Uncertainty in breast cancer was negatively related to quality of life (β = -0.379, P < .001), and active emotional coping was found to moderate this negative relationship (β = 0.155, P < .05). The model explained 22.20% of the variance of quality of life.

    CONCLUSION: Lack of information about breast cancer, treatment, hospitalization, and disease recurrence is related to poorer quality of life. However, this negative relationship becomes weaker when active emotional coping strategies are used.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses and health providers should help patients reduce their uncertainty in illness by providing them information on breast cancer or referring them to relevant sources. Moreover, they could reduce the deleterious effect of uncertainty on quality of life by encouraging patients to use more active emotional coping strategies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life/psychology*
  18. Ni H, Htet A, Moe S
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017 Jun 20;6:CD011897.
    PMID: 28631387 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011897.pub2
    BACKGROUND: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have poor quality of life, reduced survival, and accelerated decline in lung function, especially associated with acute exacerbations, leading to high healthcare costs. Long-acting bronchodilators are the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic improvement, and umeclidinium is one of the new long-acting muscarinic antagonists approved for treatment of patients with stable COPD.

    OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of umeclidinium bromide versus placebo for people with stable COPD.

    SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register (CAGR), ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal, and the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Clinical Study Register, using prespecified terms, as well as the reference lists of all identified studies. Searches are current to April 2017.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of parallel design comparing umeclidinium bromide versus placebo in people with COPD, for at least 12 weeks.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. If we noted significant heterogeneity in the meta-analyses, we subgrouped studies by umeclidinium dose.

    MAIN RESULTS: We included four studies of 12 to 52 weeks' duration, involving 3798 participants with COPD. Mean age of participants ranged from 60.1 to 64.6 years; most were males with baseline mean smoking pack-years of 39.2 to 52.3. They had moderate to severe COPD and baseline mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) ranging from 44.5% to 55.1% of predicted normal. As all studies were systematically conducted according to prespecified protocols, we assessed risk of selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting biases as low.Compared with those given placebo, participants in the umeclidinium group had a lesser likelihood of developing moderate exacerbations requiring a short course of steroids, antibiotics, or both (odds ratio (OR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.80; four studies, N = 1922; GRADE: high), but not specifically requiring hospitalisations due to severe exacerbations (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.92; four studies, N = 1922, GRADE: low). The number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) to prevent an acute exacerbation requiring steroids, antibiotics, or both was 18 (95% CI 13 to 37). Quality of life was better in the umeclidinium group (mean difference (MD) -4.79, 95% CI -8.84 to -0.75; three studies, N = 1119), and these participants had a significantly higher chance of achieving a minimal clinically important difference of at least four units in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score compared with those in the placebo group (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.82; three studies, N = 1397; GRADE: moderate). The NNTB to achieve one person with a clinically meaningful improvement was 11 (95% CI 7 to 29). The likelihood of all-cause mortality, non-fatal serious adverse events (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.89 to 2.00; four studies, N = 1922, GRADE: moderate), and adverse events (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.31; four studies, N = 1922; GRADE: moderate) did not differ between umeclidinium and placebo groups. The umeclidinium group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in change from baseline in trough FEV1 compared with the placebo group (MD 0.14, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.17; four studies, N = 1381; GRADE: high). Symptomatic improvement was more likely in the umeclidinium group than in the placebo group, as determined by Transitional Dyspnoea Index (TDI) focal score (MD 0.76, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.09; three studies, N = 1193), and the chance of achieving a minimal clinically important difference of at least one unit improvement was significantly higher with umeclidinium than with placebo (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.15; three studies, N = 1141; GRADE: high). The NNTB to attain one person with clinically important symptomatic improvement was 8 (95% CI 5 to 14). The likelihood of rescue medication usage (change from baseline in the number of puffs per day) was significantly less for the umeclidinium group than for the placebo group (MD -0.45, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.14; four studies, N = 1531).

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Umeclidinium reduced acute exacerbations requiring steroids, antibiotics, or both, although no evidence suggests that it decreased the risk of hospital admission due to exacerbations. Moreover, umeclidinium demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life, lung function, and symptoms, along with lesser use of rescue medications. Studies reported no differences in adverse events, non-fatal serious adverse events, or mortality between umeclidinium and placebo groups; however, larger studies would yield a more precise estimate for these outcomes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  19. Tye SK, Kandavello G, Gan KL
    Cardiol Young, 2017 Jan;27(1):46-54.
    PMID: 26911553 DOI: 10.1017/S1047951116000068
    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to examine which types of social supports - emotional/informational support, tangible support, affectionate support, and positive interactions - are the predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients with CHD and to assess the influence of demographic variables and clinical factors on these variables.

    METHODS: In total, 205 adult patients with CHD from the National Heart Institute, Malaysia, were recruited. Patients were first screened by cardiology consultants to ensure they fit the inclusion criteria before filling in questionnaires, which were medical outcome studies - social support survey and AQoL-8D. Results/conclusions All social supports and their subscales were found to have mild-to-moderate significant relationships with physical dimension, psychological dimension, and overall HRQoL; however, only positive interaction, marital status, and types of diagnosis were reported as predictors of HRQoL. Surprisingly, with regard to the physical dimension of quality of life, social supports were not significant predictors, but educational level, marital status, and types of diagnosis were significant predictors. Positive interaction, affectionate support, marital status, and types of diagnosis were again found to be predictors in the aspects of the psychological dimension of quality of life. In conclusion, positive interaction and affectionate support, which include elements of fun, relaxation, love, and care, should be included in the care of adult patients with CHD.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life
  20. Kamarul Imran M, Ismail AA, Naing L, Wan Mohamad WB
    Singapore Med J, 2010 Feb;51(2):157-62.
    PMID: 20358156
    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the quality of life based on the Short Form-36 (SF-36) between two different groups of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with glycaemic control: those with a glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level at or below 7.5 percent and those above 7.5 percent.
    METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a generic SF-36 questionnaire was self-administered to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on the HbA1c level, the mean SF-36 scale scores were compared. The analysis of covariance was used to obtain the adjusted mean scores of the SF-36 scales while controlling for age and duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
    RESULTS: 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were analysed. There were 63 (42 percent) women and 87 (58 percent) men, and their mean HbA1c level was 8.9 percent (SD 2.4 percent). When comparing the two groups of patients with different HbA1c levels, the adjusted means of four scales: physical health functioning, general health, social functioning and mental health, differed significantly between the two. The SF-36 scale scores in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were also lower than those of the SF-36 norms for the Malaysian population.
    CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor glycaemic control had lower mean SF-36 scores in physical functioning, general health, social functioning and mental health, and the SF-36 scores in these patients were also lower than the SF-36 norms of the Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
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