Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 1451 in total

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  1. Zalina Abu Zaid, Kathryn Jackson, Lynne Cobiac, Mirnalini Kandiah
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):375-384.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Malnutrition is associated with poorer outcomes following treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). This study evaluates the relationship between nutritional status using scored Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) with the validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ C30) which consists of five functional scales, three symptoms scales and one item of global health/quality of life (QOL).
    Methods: A total of 42 CRC patients at oncology outpatient clinics from two hospitals in Malaysia participated in the study from March 2011 to March 2012. The participants were classified as either well-nourished (PG-SGA A) or malnourished (PG-SGA B and C).
    Results: The majority of patients were Chinese, male, with a mean age of 57.1 ± 9.8 years and had been diagnosed with stage 2 CRC. Well-nourished patients had statistically significantly better QOL scores on symptom scales: fatigue (p<0.001), nausea and vomiting (p<0.05), and pain (p<0.001) compared to malnourished patients. PG-SGA was strongly correlated with the main domains of the QOL: global health status (r = -0.395, p<0.05), fatigue (r = 0.816, p<0.001), nausea and vomiting (r = 0.730, p<0.001) and pain (r= 0.629, p<0.001). The better the nutritional status (lower total mean score of PG-SGA), the higher the QOL (high mean score of global health status).
    Conclusion: The scored PG-SGA is suitable for use as a nutrition assessment tool to identify malnutrition and it is associated
    with QOL among this population.
    Key words: Chemotherapy, colorectal cancer patient, malnutrition, nutritional status, PGSGA score, quality of life
    Study site: Oncology clinics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Selayang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  2. Ballo L, Arheiam A, Marhazlinda J
    BMC Oral Health, 2021 06 25;21(1):320.
    PMID: 34172041 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01681-2
    OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to assess the caries experience and associated factors and its impact on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 6-year-old Libyan children.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including 706 six-year-old children was conducted in 2017 in Benghazi, Libya. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing socioeconomic status and oral health behaviours, and the Arabic version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A-ECOHIS) to assess the OHRQoL. Clinical examination assessed caries experience at tooth level (dmft) and the number of decayed, missing due to caries and filled teeth (dt, mt and ft). Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine the association between dmft scores and the independent predictors. Linear regression analysis was conducted for ECOHIS scores with the children's gender, SES and OHB. The statistical significance was set to ≤  0.05.

    RESULTS: Data were available for 706 children. Caries prevalence (dt) and dmft of ≥ 1 were 69.1% and 71% respectively. The mean ± SD dmft score was 3.23 ± 3.32. There was a significant and direct association between dmft scores and daily consumption of sugary snacks (B = 1.27, P = 0.011) and a significant inverse association with teethbrushing twice daily (B = 0.80, P = 0.041). There was a significant and direct association between A-ECOHIS and dmft (B = 1.14, P ≤ 0.001) and a significant and inverse association between A- ECOHIS and high and intermediate family income compared to low income (B = -3.82, P = 0.0001 and B = -2.06, P = 0.028).

    CONCLUSIONS: 6-year-old Libyan children had a relatively high caries experience an untreated decay with impact on OHRQoL. Social disparities, sugar consumption patterns and oral hygiene practices were associated with high caries experience.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  3. Masood M, Younis LT, Masood Y, Bakri NN, Christian B
    J Clin Periodontol, 2019 02;46(2):170-180.
    PMID: 30657192 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13072
    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of periodontal disease on the domains of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of United Kingdom adults.

    METHODS: National representative data from the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey, United Kingdom, were used in this study. Periodontal disease severity was measured using periodontal pocket depth and categorized into three groups: pocket depth up to 3.5, 3.5-5.5 and more than 5.5 mm. OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores. Bivariate and multivariable Zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis was used.

    RESULTS: A total of 6378 participants was analysed in this study. Periodontal pocketing was significantly associated with higher OHIP-14 scores. Participants with periodontal pocket depths >3.5 mm had a significantly higher prevalence for functional limitation, physical pain and social disability than participants with pocket depths of less than 3.5 mm. Participants with periodontal pocket depth(s) >5.5 mm had significantly higher OFOVO prevalence in all the domains of OHIP-14 except handicap domain than participants with pocket depth(s) <3.5 mm.

    PARTICIPANTS:

    CONCLUSION: This study showed that for a nationally representative sample of the United Kingdom population, periodontal disease was significantly associated with the domains of OHRQoL.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  4. Abdullah B, Moize B, Ismail BA, Zamri M, Mohd Nasir NF
    Med J Malaysia, 2017 04;72(2):94-99.
    PMID: 28473671
    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms, its effect to the quality of life and their treatment seeking behaviour in a multiracial community in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving postmenopausal women in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data was obtained by face-to-face interview using standardised questionnaires on sociodemographic data, Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire, effect to quality of life and treatment sought.

    RESULTS: A total of 258 women, including Malays (82%), Indians (14.1%) and Chinese (3.9%) were recruited. The median age was 58 (range 45-86) years old. Joint and muscular discomfort (73.3%) and fatigue (59.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Significant association with ethnicity were demonstrated with Malays was found to have 3.1 times higher incidence of sexual problems than Indians, (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.103; 95%CI 1.209, 7.967) and Indian had 2.6 times higher incidence of irritability compared to Malays (OR 2.598; 95%CI 1.126, 5.992). Fifty-two percent of women felt that menopausal symptoms affected their quality of life but there were only 2.7% who were severely affected. There were 24.8% of women who sought treatment and only 20.3% of those who took hormone replacement therapy. There was no significant association found between their treatment seeking behaviour in association with ethnicity, age, parity, marital and occupational status.

    CONCLUSION: Menopausal symptoms were prevalent among menopausal women, although only a small group of women who were severely affected. There was a lack of tendency in seeking treatment for menopausal symptoms among the women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  5. Gillani SW, Ansari IA, Zaghloul HA, Abdul MIM, Sulaiman SAS, Baig MR
    PMID: 29610581 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-018-0325-6
    Background: The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of QOL and health state and examine the relationship with glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.
    Methods: A randomized cross-sectional case-control study was conducted among n = 600 T2DM patients of Malaysia. Study population was distributed into three groups as: controls: patients with HbA1c ≤ 7 (n = 199), cases arm 1: with HbA1c 7-7.9 (n = 204) and cases arm 2 (n = 197): with HbA1c ≥ 8 consecutively last 3 times.
    Results: Participants with diabetes history > 10 years exhibits higher mean QOL score among all the three groups. In contrast mean health status score significantly (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  6. Kowitlawkul Y, Yap SF, Makabe S, Chan S, Takagai J, Tam WWS, et al.
    Int Nurs Rev, 2018 Apr 06.
    PMID: 29633267 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12457
    AIMS: To investigate the key determinants of nurses' quality of life and work-life balance statuses in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.
    BACKGROUND: Nurses' quality of life can directly and indirectly impact patients' safety and quality of care. Therefore, identifying key factors that influence nurses' quality of life is essential in the healthcare delivery system.
    METHODS: A descriptive quantitative study design was adopted, and validated questionnaires were used. Data were collected in a period of 3 months (March to May 2014) at a 600-bed tertiary hospital in Singapore. One thousand and forty nurses participated in the study.
    RESULTS: Social support and sense of coherence were found to be significant predictors for high quality of life in all domains. Most nurses in this study spent more time on work than their private lives. However, there was no significant difference in job satisfaction among the four groups of nurses' proportions of percentages of actual time spent on work and private life.
    CONCLUSIONS: Cultivating social support from family, friends/colleagues and supervisors can help an individual cope with stress and enhance a nurse's quality of life.
    IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY AND PRACTICE: Even though nurses who spent more time at work were still satisfied with their job, they might need to be aware of their physical health and work environment. Nursing policy related to nurses' physical health and environment should be established. Health promotion programmes such as physical exercise and mindfulness interventions should be conducted to promote nurses' well-being and healthy workplace environments to enhance nurses' quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  7. Damayanthi HDWT, Moy FM, Abdullah KL, Dharmaratne SD
    Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 2018 03 16;76:215-220.
    PMID: 29567617 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2018.03.009
    BACKGROUND: Population ageing has become a public health issue as it is associated with increased morbidity, institutionalization and death. These may directly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of older people.

    PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate HRQOL and its associated factors among community-dwelling older people in Kandy district, Sri Lanka.

    METHOD: This cross-sectional survey involved 1300 older people. The Euro 5D-3L, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, body mass index, handgrip strength were used to measure HRQOL, physical activity and nutritional status of older people respectively. Factors associated with health-related quality of life were identified through complex sample logistic regression analysis.

    RESULTS: Majority of older people (81.9%) reported poor health-related quality of life. Middle old (aOR: 12.06, 95% CI: 5.76, 25.23), very old (aOR: 174.74, 95% CI: 39.74, 768.38), vegetarian diets (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.96), under-nutrition (aOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.04) and over-nutrition (aOR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.28) were significantly associated with poor HRQOL. Using dentures (aOR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.90) was found as a protective factor for poor HRQOL.

    CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL was poor among community-dwelling older people in Kandy district. Nutrition-related factors need to be further investigated to improve HRQOL among older people.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  8. Azizan A, Justine M
    J Gerontol Nurs, 2016 Feb;42(2):45-54.
    PMID: 26651863 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20151124-01
    Sedentary behavior and low participation in exercise among older adults can lead to depression and low quality of life (QOL). The current study investigated the effects of behavioral and exercise programs on depression severity and QOL among Malaysian community-dwelling older adults. A controlled, quasi-experimental, pre-posttest design was used. A total of 63 participants were divided into three groups: (a) exercise and behavior group (EBG), (b) exercise only group (EG), and (c) control group (CG). Results showed a significant difference in depression among groups (F(2,58) = 33.49, p < 0.01, η(2) = 0.54; mean, EBG < EG < CG) and in physical (F(2,58) = 5.33, p < 0.01, η(2)= 0.16; mean, EBG > EG > CG) and mental (F(2,58) = 4.08, p < 0.01, η(2) = 0.12; mean, EBG > CG > EG) scores of QOL. A combination of behavioral and exercise programs has superior effects on depression and QOL of older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(2), 45-54.].
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  9. Liao SJ, Chong MC, Tan MP, Chua YP
    Geriatr Nurs, 2018 08 31;40(2):154-159.
    PMID: 30173939 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2018.08.001
    Depression leads to a poorer quality of life (QOL) which is a determinant of healthy ageing. Cost-effective solutions for enhancing QOL in the older population are much needed in China, with its rapidly ageing population. We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 112 community-dwelling older participants with mild to moderate depression, to evaluate the effect of Tai Chi with music on QOL (57 in intervention group, 55 in control group). WHO Quality of Life-BREF was used to measure QOL at baseline and at every month for three months. Following the adjustments for sociodemographic data, the effect of intervention on QOL was assured (F = 25.145, P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life/psychology*
  10. Díaz S, Settele J, Brondízio ES, Ngo HT, Agard J, Arneth A, et al.
    Science, 2019 12 13;366(6471).
    PMID: 31831642 DOI: 10.1126/science.aax3100
    The human impact on life on Earth has increased sharply since the 1970s, driven by the demands of a growing population with rising average per capita income. Nature is currently supplying more materials than ever before, but this has come at the high cost of unprecedented global declines in the extent and integrity of ecosystems, distinctness of local ecological communities, abundance and number of wild species, and the number of local domesticated varieties. Such changes reduce vital benefits that people receive from nature and threaten the quality of life of future generations. Both the benefits of an expanding economy and the costs of reducing nature's benefits are unequally distributed. The fabric of life on which we all depend-nature and its contributions to people-is unravelling rapidly. Despite the severity of the threats and lack of enough progress in tackling them to date, opportunities exist to change future trajectories through transformative action. Such action must begin immediately, however, and address the root economic, social, and technological causes of nature's deterioration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  11. Webair HH, Ismail TAT, Ismail SB, Mohd Noor N
    BMJ Open, 2019 11 14;9(11):e032266.
    PMID: 31727658 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032266
    INTRODUCTION: Patient-centred infertility care (PCIC) is one of the quality indicators of effective fertility care. The application of this indicator requires a clear definition from the patient's perspective. This proposed scoping review aims to explore the extent and nature of published scientific literature on PCIC in the past decade, identify gaps in the literature and define PCIC from infertile patients' perspectives.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct the proposed scoping review following the method of Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search will include studies published from 2009 to 2019, and will be conducted on the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases; reference lists will be mined for literature not contained on these databases. A grey literature search will also be conducted. To be included in the review, studies should have been conducted on people with a history of infertility, with a focus on patient-centred fertility care. Studies that have not been published in full text and studies published in languages other than English will be excluded. After study selection, data will be charted in a prepared form. We will analyse the data using descriptive numerical and qualitative thematic analyses to answer the research questions. NVivo V.12 will be used for data extraction.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This work does not warrant any ethical or safety concerns. This scoping review will synthesise existing literature on PCIC, and the results will be published to be readily available for clinical audiences and policymakers. These findings may support clinicians and decision-makers in applying PCIC, thereby promoting high-quality healthcare in the concerned population.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  12. Shari NI, Zainal NZ, Guan NC, Ahmad Sabki Z, Yahaya NA
    PLoS One, 2019;14(2):e0212788.
    PMID: 30807594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212788
    OBJECTIVES: Acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ II) is a scale used to assess psychological inflexibility. The aim of this study is to translate AAQ II into Malay language and evaluate the psychometric properties of AAQ II Malay version.

    METHODS: The AAQ II which has been translated into Malay language via back translation procedure was distributed to 101 cancer patients and 100 non-cancer patients. The evaluation of psychometric properties in this study included content validity index, internal consistency, parallel reliability, exploratory factor analysis, concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity of AAQ II Malay version.

    RESULTS: AAQ II Malay version has established good content validity index, acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha value of 0.91, excellent parallel reliability and adequate concurrent validity. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results demonstrated AAQ II Malay version is a unidimensional factor instrument. The result of sensitivity and specificity of AAQ II Malay version indicated cancer patients who scored more than 17.5 were having significant psychological inflexibility.

    CONCLUSION: AAQ II Malay version is a reliable and valid instrument to measure psychological inflexibility among cancer patient in Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  13. Law LS, Sulaiman N, Gan WY, Adznam SN, Mohd Taib MN
    PMID: 32244318 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072354
    In spite of the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Orang Asli (OA) of Malaysia being an increasing concern due to the associated adverse health implications, information regarding this issue is scarce. This cross-sectional study is aimed to investigate the predictors of overweight and obesity and its association with blood pressure and quality of life among Senoi OA women. A total of 19 villages at Batang Padang, Perak, were selected out of a total of 56 villages using a simple random sampling, in which 355 Senoi OA women were participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, physical activity, and quality of life. Weight, height and blood pressure were also measured. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 32.4% and 26.2%, respectively. In terms of multiple linear regression, monthly household income, total energy intake, and metabolic equivalents (METs) for domestic activities were found to have significantly contributed to body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, BMI contributed significantly towards levels of blood pressure and quality of life after controlling for monthly household income, total energy intake, and METs for domestic activities. In conclusion, there should be urgent attention to poverty and overweight/obesity among the OA women. The findings would aid in alerting policy makers and health professionals as underweight is no longer a sole nutritional problem among OA but it appears to be coexisting with overweight and obesity. Strategies for improving their socioeconomic status, promoting a balanced and moderate diet, and encouraging involvement of OA women in physical activities should be implemented to prevent overweight and obesity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  14. Das P, Naing NN, Wan-Arfah N, Naing Noor Jan KO, Kueh YC, Rasalingam K
    East Asian Arch Psychiatry, 2019 Jun;29(2):66-70.
    PMID: 31237249
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and quality of life in patients with neurological disorder.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at a Malaysian hospital between April 2016 and December 2016 using convenience sampling. Patients aged ≥18 years with intracranial tumour or other brain disorders were invited to participate. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire version 3.0; diagnosis of MDD was made using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

    RESULTS: Of 122 patients approached, 100 (66 women and 34 men) were included (response rate, 93.5%), with a mean age of 45.3 years. The prevalence of MDD in patients with neurological disorder was 30%. Compared with non-depressed patients, patients with MDD had poorer global health status / quality of life (p = 0.003), and reduced physical (p = 0.003), role (p = 0.021), emotional (p < 0.001), cognitive (p = 0.004), and social (p = 0.007) functioning, as well as more symptoms of fatigue (p = 0.004), pain (p < 0.001), dyspnoea (p = 0.033), insomnia (p < 0.001), appetite loss (p = 0.002), constipation (p = 0.034), diarrhoea (p = 0.021), and financial difficulties (p = 0.039).

    CONCLUSION: Patients with MDD had reduced quality of life. Fatigue, pain, dyspnoea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhoea, and financial difficulties were prevalent among patients with MDD.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  15. Shafie AA, Chhabra IK, Wong JHY, Mohammed NS, Ibrahim HM, Alias H
    Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2020 May 14;18(1):141.
    PMID: 32408899 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01381-5
    BACKGROUND: The treatment of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) in Malaysia has progressed since 2005. This study provides an updated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment for children with the disorder and the factors affecting the HRQoL.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional HRQoL survey of Malaysian children with TDT was conducted using the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Patients with non-transfusion dependent thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies were excluded. Parent-proxy and self-reported HRQoL scores were obtained using a multi-stage convenient sampling. The relationship between HRQoL scores and demographic factors were tested using association, correlation and regression analysis.

    RESULTS: A total of 368 patients were recruited. The mean (SD) Total Summary Score (TSS) was 80.12(13.87). Predictors for a lower TSS was an increasing age group and the use of dual chelating agents (R2 = 0.057, F (4, 359) = 5.40, p = 

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  16. Iqbal MS, Muthanna FMS, Kassab YW, Hassali MA, Al-Saikhan FI, Iqbal MZ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2020;15(6):e0234734.
    PMID: 32555595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234734
    INTRODUCTION: The effect of anticoagulation control on overall Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients taking warfarin in Pakistan has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate HRQoL among warfarin patients in Pakistan.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients on warfarin in Pakistan. By purposive sampling, data were collected using demographic data collection form and the World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). The WHOQOL-BREF is comprised of four domains; physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.

    RESULTS: Out of 295 warfarin patients, more females than males (<0.001) were observed (n = 184, 62.4%, and n = 111, 37.6% respectively). One hundred and eighteen (40.0%) patients were less than 30-years of age, whereas one hundred and seventy-seven (60.0%) patients were above 30-years of age. Mean scores for the physical (62.44±15.36), psychological (67.84±15.54), social (64.27±26.28) and environment domains (63.45±17.66) were observed.

    CONCLUSION: Patients had overall lower to moderate but satisfactory HRQoL scores in all four domains. Age, gender, employment status, education level, the indication of use and duration of warfarin therapy was associated with one or more domains of HRQoL among warfarin patients. The findings of this study would serve as a primary database for future studies. This study highlights how non-clinical factors could impact HRQoL in studied patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  17. Shafie AA, Chhabra IK, Hui Yi JW, Mohammed NS, Ibrahim HM
    Value Health Reg Issues, 2021 May;24:47-56.
    PMID: 33508751 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2020.08.003
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional convergent and known-group validity of the Malay-language EQ-5D-3L instrument in children and adults with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT).

    METHODS: A cross-sectional health-related quality of life survey involving TDT patients from 12 different treatment centers across Malaysia was conducted using the Malay PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the Malay EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Patients with non-TDT and other hemoglobinopathies were excluded. Convergent, discriminant, and known-group validity of the EQ-5D-3L was assessed against the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales in children. In the adult population, known-group validity of the EQ-5D-3L was assessed using an a priori hypothesis between patients' demographic characteristics and health outcomes obtained from literature.

    RESULTS: A total of 370 children and 225 adults were sampled. The mean (standard deviation) EQ-5D-3L scores of the children were 0.892 (0.082) and the adults were 0.887 (0.085). Convergent and discriminant validity was identified when correlated with the PedsQL domain in children. In both groups, known-group validity was evident when comparing groups of patients with reported problems to the group of patients with no reported problems on the EQ-5D-3L domains based on the a priori hypothesis derived from literature.

    CONCLUSION: This study found convergent, discriminant, and known-group validity of the Malay EQ-5D-3L in a population-based sample of patients with TDT. Hence, the instrument is valid for the assessment of health-related quality of life in children and adults with TDT in Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  18. Shibraumalisi NA, Mat Nasir N, Md Yasin M, Isa MR
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Low health literacy (HL) is one of the contributing factors that leads to negative diabetic outcome. Quality of life (QOL) is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. There is limited evidence on association of HL and QOL among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), therefore the objectives of this study were to identify the HL and QOL status, to determine the association between HL and QOL and factors associated with QOL among T2DM patients.
    Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving patients with T2DM from two public primary care clinics. HL and QOL were measured using translated and validated HLS – Asia Q16 and DQoL-BCI questionnaires respectively among T2DM patients.
    Results: The mean HL score was 12.39 (3.34), 17.7 % had “inadequate HL”, 25.7% had “problematic HL” and 56.6% had “sufficient HL”. The mean DQoL-BCI score was 32.09 (6.51). Lower QOL level was negatively associated with age (b -0.140; CI: -0.190, - 0.090; p<0.001), not obese (b -1.476; CI: -2.605, - 0.347; p<0.011), and HL level (b -0.425; CI: -0.59, - 0.259; p<0.001). Lower QOL level was positively associated with uncontrolled glycaemic status (HbA1c >6.5%) (b 1.308; CI: -0.042, 2.659; p<0.058), treatment with insulin (b 4.163; CI:1.538, 6.788; p<0.002) and combination treatment of insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) (b 2.450; CI:1.145, 3.756; p<0.001).
    Conclusions: This study demonstrated that age, body mass index, HL, glycaemic control, treatment with OHA and insulin were significantly associated with QOL. This suggest the importance of identifying high risk patients with poor QOL for targeted intervention.
    KEYWORDS: Health Literacy, Quality of Life, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Primary Care, Malaysia
    Study site: Two public primary care clinics (klinik kesihatan), Gombak district, Selangor, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
  19. Foong WC, Chean KY, Rahim FF, Goh AS, Yeoh SL, Yeoh AAC
    Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2022 Jan 08;20(1):2.
    PMID: 34998406 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01897-4
    BACKGROUND: Improvement in medical management has enabled transfusion dependent thalassaemia (TDT) patients to survive beyond childhood, building families, and contributing to the labour force and society. Knowledge about their adult life would provide guidance on how to support their needs. This study aims to explore the general well-being of adults with TDT, their employment status and challenges.

    METHODS: This study recruited 450 people with TDT, aged 18 and above, of both genders through all regional Thalassaemia societies in Malaysia and from the two participating hospitals, over five months in year 2016. A self-administered questionnaire including 'Healthy Days Core Module', WHOQOL-BREF and employment measurements was used. Multiple linear regression models were fitted with associations adjusted for several potential confounders.

    RESULTS: A total of 196 adults with TDT responded to the survey (43.6% response rate). Almost half (45%) had comorbidities and 9% suffered multiple complications: bone-related (13%), hormonal (12%), cardiac (3%) and infections (2%), resulting in 23% seeking treatment more than twice monthly. Within a month, they suffered from at least three days with poor physical and or mental health and their normal daily activities were disrupted up to three days. 36% were jobless and 38% of those with a job were receiving salaries below RM1000. The mean WHOQOL-BREF score (mean (SD)) was: physical health 62.6 (15.5), psychological health 64.7 (15.7), social relationship 64 (15.9), environmental health 60.8 (16.7). Having days with mental issues, financial status, education level, ethnic and marital status were main factors affecting QOL scores. Open questions showed dissatisfaction with health service provision, conflicting judgement in prioritising between health and job, and poor public empathy.

    CONCLUSION: The adults with TDT perceived their health as good and had less unhealthy days when compared with people with other chronic diseases. However, some perceived themselves to be facing more life disruption in a rather non-supportive community and that health services do not meet their needs. Future qualitative studies are needed to focus on their perceived needs and to look for more tailored supportive approaches.

    Matched MeSH terms: Quality of Life*
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