health-related quality of life

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a significant mental health challenge among veterans, with traditional treatments often yielding mixed results. Emerging research suggests that psychiatric service dogs may serve as valuable therapeutic adjuncts. However, longitudinal studies examining their effectiveness in PTSD management remain limited.

This study investigates the impact of psychiatric service dog partnerships on PTSD symptoms, depression, social functioning, and overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among veterans, compared to usual care alone.

A longitudinal study was conducted with 190 veterans diagnosed with PTSD, comparing those paired with psychiatric service dogs (n = 95) to a waitlist control group (n = 95). Participants completed standardized assessments measuring PTSD severity, depression (PHQ-9), HRQoL, and social engagement at baseline, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Difference-in-differences (DiD) regression analysis was applied to assess changes over time between groups.

Veterans with service dogs demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptom severity at both 1-month (P = 0.002) and 3-month (P = 0.001) follow-ups, compared to the waitlist group. Depression scores improved more significantly in the service dog group (DiD Coef. = -3.07, P < 0.001), with corresponding increases in social participation and HRQoL measures. No significant differences were found at baseline between groups, confirming comparability.

Findings suggest that psychiatric service dogs provide meaningful mental health benefits for veterans with PTSD, particularly in reducing symptom severity and improving overall well-being. These results support the potential integration of service dog partnerships as complementary interventions in PTSD treatment plans. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and optimize service dog training models for veteran-specific needs.

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder characterized by the loss of skin pigment, which can significantly impact individuals' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly in women. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and depressive symptoms are common psychological comorbidities associated with vitiligo.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BDD, depressive symptoms, and HRQoL in women with vitiligo.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2023, involving a sample of 152 women with vitiligo. The study population included all women with vitiligo who presented to dermatology or cosmetic clinics in Ahvaz during that year. Data were collected using the MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Pearson's correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the relationships between variables. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 software.

Women with vitiligo had a mean health-related quality of life score of (58.13 ± 11.50). Their mean score on the body dysmorphic disorder assessment was (99.61 ± 37.33), and the mean depressive symptom score was (20.25 ± 4.47). Significant negative correlations were found between BDD and HRQoL, as well as between depressive symptoms and HRQoL, in women with vitiligo (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that BDD and depressive symptoms independently predicted HRQoL (P < 0.001).

Body dysmorphic disorder and depressive symptoms are significantly associated with impaired HRQoL in women with vitiligo. Screening for and treating BDD and depressive symptoms may improve HRQoL in this population.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms lead to functional impairments that predict limitations, unemployment and withdrawal from social or leisure activities and affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and self-management are important factors affecting HRQOL in people with MS.

We decided to determine the role of SPS and self-management in predicting HRQOL in MS patients.

This cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on 320 relapsing-remitting MS patients registered in the nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI), Guilan Province, from March 2020 to March 2021. The SPS questionnaire (SPSQ), MS self-management scale-revised (MSSM-R) and 36-item short-form survey (SF-36) were used to collect data. 

The findings showed that quality of life in people with MS has a positive significant relationship with SPS (r=0.14) and self-management (r=0.22) (P<0.05). The results of the multiple regression model also showed that the MSSM-R and SPSQ explained a total of 12% of the variance of the SF-36.

Overall, SPS and self-management are factors affecting the quality of life of MS patients.

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors in women, and their prevalence varies between 5.4 and 77.0% in reproductive-aged women. Patients with UFs may experience severe symptoms that they can affect different aspects of their lives, including quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the health-related quality of life among Iranian women with UFs.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between November 2023 and February 2024, Data collection was based on the census method. Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health-related Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire was used to assess symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women with UFs. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 23.0.

Overall, 220 patients with a mean age of 43.10±5.01 years were included in the study. Patients had total UFS-QOL score of 64.11±20.35 with the following subscales’ scores: symptom severity: (19.00±6.39), concern: (60.79±26.47), activities: (71.76±23.02), energy/mood: (54.39±25.14), control: (66.52±22.82), self-consciousness: (77.63±26.39), and sexual function: (59.40±31.18). Furthermore, patients with multiparity history (P= 0.001), obesity (P<0.001), increased menstrual duration (P<0.001), irregular menstruation (P<0.001), and hyper menorrhea (P<0.001) had lower HRQOL scores.

All subscales’ scores of HRQOL were over 50 in patients with UF. HRQOL in these patients can be affected by certain factors, such as features of the menstrual cycle, multiparity, and obesity.

To determine the prevalence for anxiety disorder among patients with glaucoma in Tehran, Iran, while assessing the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and anxiety.

In this cross-sectional study, patients with glaucoma age 40 and above with a known diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma or primary angle-closure glaucoma were recruited from a tertiary care hospital. This study excluded patients with other types of glaucoma, as well as coexisting ocular or psychiatric disorders. Ophthalmic examination was carried out on all participants. This examination included Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), Intraocular Pressure (IOP), standard automated perimetry, andoptic disc evaluation. Sociodemographic information was also carried out. The anxiety questionnaire derived from questions in DASS-21questionnaire, the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ25) were administered to evaluate anxiety and the impact on QOL respectively.

A total of 204 patients were included in this study. The mean (SD) of age was 58.9 (11.96) years (range, 40 to 85). The frequency of anxiety among our patients was 51.0%. The mean (SD) of Anxiety score was 9.13 (8.724) (range, 0 to 36). The mean (SD) score of VFQ25 was 79.83 (19.77) (range, 8.19 to 100). The poorest subscale on the VFQ25 was general health with a mean (SD) score of 66.36±19.44 (range, 0.0 to 100.0).

this study found that 51.0% of patients with glaucoma had anxiety disorder, which significantly affected their QOL. The VFQ25 indicated the general health subscale had the poorest score, suggesting its impact on patients' well-being

Quality of life is an important concept that is related to working conditions and lifestyle behaviors of a person. Poor quality of life in critical care nurses can reduce the quality of care. 

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lifestyle and quality of life in critical care nurses.

This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 nurses working in critical care units of hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. Demographic characteristics form, World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and Miller-Smith lifestyle inventory were used to collect data. 

The mean age of nurses was 38.65±9.89. In the regression analysis, the lifestyle score has an inverse significant relationship with the score of physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment subscales (B=-0.166, B=-0.233, B=-0.540, B=-0.067, respectively). An increase in the number of night shifts was associated with a decrease in quality of life (P<0.001). Nurses working in the hemodialysis unit experienced a higher quality of life in the subscales of physical health and environment. Also, the score of quality of life in married nurses was higher in psychological and social relationships subscales compared to single nurses.

The quality of life of nurses is related to their lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, policy makers and nursing managers should consider the necessary strategies to improve the lifestyle of nurses. Determining the work shift of nurses according to their conditions can reduce the adverse effects of the night shift on the quality of life.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to global cancer cases and deaths, making it a significant public health concern. As the number of CRC survivors continues to rise, understanding the impact of CRC and its treatment on their quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important.The determinants of QoLin CRC patients are multifaceted and include physical health, physical fitness, physical activity, healthyeating, psychological health, social support, the availability of high-quality medical care, and QoLat the end of life. These factors interact to shape the overall well-being of CRC survivors.To enhance the QoLof CRC patients, a comprehensive approach is needed. This includes tailoring treatments to individual patient characteristics, providing psychological support and symptom management, promoting post-treatment rehabilitation, organizing support groups, emphasizing early detection, and effectively managing CRC-related symptoms. Addressing these aspects can significantly improve the QOL and well-being of CRC survivors, helping them adapt to life after treatment and thrive in the face of the challenges they may encounter.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between oral health, un-met dental needs and health-related quality of lifein South Korea older adults.

The present study used raw data from the 2019~2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examina-tion Survey, and analyzed 4956 participants aged over 65 yr. Hierarchical multiple regression analysiswas used for associations between oral health, unmet dental needs, and HRQoL.

The EQ-5D index differed according to tooth pain, chewing difficulty, speaking problem, subjective oral health status, oral examination, and unmet dental care needs (P<0.001). In the model 2, male, under 75 yr of age, high school graduate or higher, employed, living with a spouse, no stress, good subjective health status, no speaking problem, and no unmet dental care needs were associated with higher EQ-5D index (Adj R2= 27.6%, P<0.001).

To improve the HRQoL of older adults in South Korea, oral health problems need to be mini-mized through oral disease prevention and oral health education programs.

The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) has been developed to measure the health status of Congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. This study aimed to translate KCCQ into a Persian version and assess its validity and reliability. We used a forward-backward procedure to translate the questionnaire. In a cross-sectional study, 150 CHF patients and 50 healthy subjects over 30 years old were selected to assess the reliability and construct validity of the instrument. The face and content validity were used for the questionnaire's validity. The validity was examined on a population of patients with CHF using the Persian version of the Minnesota Living Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHF) health survey. Calculation of the Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha was done to evaluate the questionnaire's reliability. Test-retest reliability was examined by re-administering the KCCQ after 2 weeks. Test-retest results demonstrated that the Persian version has excellent reliability (ICC for all domains was higher than 0.93, P≤0.000). Internal consistency was found by Cronbach's alpha to be 0.86 for the clinical summary and 0.87 for the overall summary, respectively. Also, the correlation between the components of KCCQ and MLHQ showed satisfactory construct validity. Good Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was seen between KCCQ and MLHF (r= -0.44, P≤0.000 for the clinical summary; r= -0.45, P≤0.000 for the overall summary). Analysing the data from 50 healthy persons and 150 patients were shown that the Persian version of KCCQ has acceptable discriminate validity for all domains except self-efficacy. The Persian version of the KCCQ had satisfactory reliability and validity for assessing health-related quality of life status for Iranian CHF patients.

Vitiligo, a chronic depigmentary dermatosis, significantly compromises health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially among women. Treatment adherence and depression are two important factors that can influence HRQoL in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between treatment adherence, depression, and HRQoL in women with vitiligo. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 women with vitiligo who were selected using convenient sampling method from a dermatology clinic in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2023. The study employed the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Treatment Adherence Questionnaire (TAQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to collect data. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed the relationships between variables, while stepwise regression analysis explored the independent contributions of these factors to the outcome variables. Our results showed mean scores (SD) of 58.13 (11.50) for HRQoL, 49.70 (8.82) for treatment adherence, and 20.25 (4.47) for depression. Significant positive and negative correlations were observed between treatment adherence and HRQoL (r=0.44, P<0.001) and depression and HRQoL (r=-0.36, P<0.001), respectively. Furthermore, regression analysis confirmed that both treatment adherence (β=0.51, P<0.001) and depression (β=-0.57, P<0.001) were significantly associated with HRQoL in women with vitiligo. These results highlighted the importance of treatment adherence as a key factor influencing HRQoL in women with vitiligo. Additionally, the study underscores the negative impact of depression on HRQoL, suggesting the potential benefit of addressing both treatment adherence and depression in clinical management strategies to optimize HRQoL for women with vitiligo.

There is a growing interest on the study and improvement of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Type 1 diabetes can severely affect HRQOL. Iraqi adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have lower quality of life (QOL) compared to their healthy peers.

The present study was performed with aim to assess the effect of an empowerment program on the HRQOL of type 1 diabetes adolescents.

This clinical trial study was performed on162 adolescents with T1DM referred to the Al-Hassan Diabetes Center of Karbala/Iraq in 2021-2022. Firstly, the adolescents’ Empowerment Package was compiled. Then sampling was taken via simple randomization method. The Kidscreen Questionnaire was used for data collection. The implementation of the empowerment program began for the intervention group in the groups of 10 to 15 people and in 10 sessions, three sessions per week. The control group received the routine care. Four weeks after completion of the intervention, the QOL score was again measured and compared in the two groups.

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the Kidscreen scores of the control (88.70±10.80) and intervention (87.89±9.50) groups (p=0.62), but this difference was significant in the post-intervention stage (82.90±8.00 vs 89.70±8.80) (p<0.001). In the inter-group comparison, paired t-test showed a significant difference in Kidscreen score before and after the intervention in the intervention group (p<0.001) and in the control group (p<0.001).

Implications for Practice: 

We could suggest empowerment in diabetes self-care as a way to increase the QOL of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Tuberculosis is a deadly disease that commonly has an adverse impact on patients' health-related quality of life across multiple health domains. Meanwhile, health information literacy may help to alleviate or reduce the negative impact while improving treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the influence of health information literacy on health-related quality of life of tuberculosis patients in Lagos State, Nigeria.

This study adopted the survey design. A sample size of 310 was obtained using Taro Yamane formula. Multistage sampling technique was used to select TB patients from twelve Directly Observed Treatment Centers across the three senatorial districts in the State. Data were collected using validated health literacy and health-related quality of life questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple linear and multiple regression analysis.

The results revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 35.87 years ± 11.95. The results revealed that health information literacy (t(295) = 8.513, p < 0.05) had a positive and significant influence on health-related quality of life. The results also showed that the ability to identify specific information need (β = .171, p < 0.05) and use information (β = .154, p < 0.05) had a positive and significant effect on health-related quality of life of tuberculosis patients.

Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that health information literacy influence health-related quality of life of tuberculosis patients.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has numerous physical, psychosocial and financial implications, which significantly affect patients' quality of life. We aimed to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and identify quality of life (QoL) predictors in patients with OSCC.

We included 64 consecutive patients aged 40 to 80 yr treated for OSCC from Jan to Dec 2021. Health-related QoL was evaluated using the 30-item Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the 35-item Head and Neck Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-H&N35). The demographic questionnaire and clinical parameters were also presented.

The functioning scale in the QLQ-C30 questionnaire with the lowest average score was Global health status. The mean QLQ-C30 summary score (80.92 ± 10.4) was higher than the Global health status score (50.5 ± 22.2). In the QLQ-H&N35 questionnaire, the symptoms with highest scores were weight loss, dry mouth, and social eating. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that Global health status score was associated with education level [β-coefficient = 19.33 (95% CI: 10.7-24.9, P=0.004], alcohol consumption [β-coefficient=10.04 (95% CI: 4.5-14.8), P=0.023] and invasive surgical procedure [β-coefficient=22.75 (95% CI: 15.0-30.5), P=0.002]. The QLQ-C30 summary score was associated with living alone [β-coefficient= -20.05 (95% CI: −29.91-(−10.21), P=0.018], smoking status [β-coefficient=4.35 (95% CI: 1.8-6.91), P=0.043] and alcohol consumption [β-coefficient =4.59 (95% CI: 1.99-7.19), P=0.037].

We found several significant predictors of worse perception of HRQoL among patients with OSCC, which may be useful for specific prevention and treatment in order to achieve better QoL.

Asthma is a chronic disease in children that significantly impacts their quality of life.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of yoga breathing exercises on the quality of life of children with asthma.

In this quasi-experimental study, 84 children with asthma aged 5 - 11 years old were selected and nonrandomly divided into the control group (n = 42) and the intervention group (n = 42). Both groups completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 (the PedsQL 3.0) Asthma Module. Then, the intervention group performed yoga breathing exercises twice a day for 2 months in addition to receiving medical treatment at home, while the control group only received medical treatment. After 2 months, both groups completed the PedsQL 3.0 Asthma Module for the second time.

The mean score and standard deviation for the quality of life before the intervention were 69 ± 13.6 in the intervention group and 72 ± 12.2 in the control group (P = 0.29). After the intervention, the mean score and standard deviation for quality of life were 79.4 ± 9.1 in the intervention group and 72.7 ± 11.1 in the control group (P < 0.003).

Yoga breathing exercises improved the quality of life in children with asthma. Therefore, these exercises are recommended as a complementary therapy for pediatric asthma.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic renal diseases is an important factor for physicians to select a dialysis modality. The present study aimed to compare the HRQoL in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

In this cross-sectional study, a sample of HD patients and a sample of age- and sex-matched PD patients with at least six months dialysis were recruited. Then, the quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Health survey (SF-36). Demographic and disease-related information was also recorded. Then, data were analyzed using the SPSS software (ver. 21).

Totally, 172 HD patients and 86 age- and sex-matched PD controls were entered into the study. Overall the PD patients had more dialysis per week (P < 0.001). Comparing quality of life between two groups showed significant differences in physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional and physical component summary observed (P < 0.05). In addition, role physical in HD patients and bodily pain in PD were the worst and best dimensions of quality of life, respectively.

The findings suggest that patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis had a better quality of life in most measures. It seems that we need to educate and encourage patients to choose peritoneal dialysis in order to enjoy a better quality of life.

Diabetes is a non-communicable disease with fatal complications. Diabetic patients are highly susceptible to COVID-19 side effects and persistent post-discharge symptoms that impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

This study aimed to assess HRQoL and examine factors affecting diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients after hospitalization.

In a cross-sectional study, 220 diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19 patients were randomly selected after hospitalization in Sirjan, Iran, from January 2020 to October 2021. The European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Level Version (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL as a dependent variable and its dimensions (including mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) as independent variables. In addition, a checklist was used to identify determinants of HRQoL, including age, gender, education, family income, household ownership, occupation, number of family members, and access to health services, that might affect the HRQoL participants.

The mean HRQoL score in COVID-19 diabetics (0.766±0.110) was significantly lower than that in their non-diabetic counterparts (0.859±0.077). The EQ-5D-5L scores in the diabetic group were significantly higher in younger participants, men, employed subjects, patients with higher educational levels, higher income, higher health status, supplemental insurance, access to health services, and fewer family members. According to the results of the Betamix model, education and diabetes were significant independent predictors of HRQoL scores.

Diabetic COVID-19 cases experienced a significant decrease in HRQoL after hospitalization. This drop might have been due to more side effects of COVID-19 in diabetic patients and lower utilization of health services during this period. It is suggested that the health sector changes the management of diabetics during the COVID-19 epidemic by taking measures such as using telemedicine, providing home services, or prescribing medications for a longer period.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a problem that has breakout worldwide recently and has led to physical, psychological, and social issues, especially in adolescents.

The current study aimed to evaluate the health dimension of life quality in active and inactive adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 350 students from the high schools of Shiraz (175 active + 175 inactive) participated in this study as volunteers. The Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to collect information. Furthermore, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and independent t-test were used for data analysis using SPSS 18 software (α = 0.05).

There were significant differences in the level of quality of life (P = 0.001), the overall psychological health (P = 0.002), and the overall physical health (P = 0.001) of active and inactive students. There was a significant difference between boy and girl students only on the mental health scale (P = 0.038).

It seems that during the epidemic of COVID-19, active adolescent students have had a higher quality of life, which can refer to the importance of exercise and physical activity during the epidemics and an important issue in preventing the educational decline of adolescent students.