Showing 28 results for Quality of Life
Reza Ghaderi, Gholam Reza Mahmoodi-Shan, Mohammad Hosein Taziki, Naser Behnampour,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Hearing loss is a common condition during the aging process. Improving hearing loss through hearing aids may impact satisfaction and the quality of life of elderly individuals. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the association between Hearing Aid Use Satisfaction (HAUS) and the quality of life among the elderly with hearing loss in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: This study is a cross-sectional investigation conducted in 2019 at the health insurance office in Gorgan, Iran. The study included elderly individuals aged over 60 who were fitted with hearing aids. Sixty subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were conveniently selected. The assessment tools included a demographics checklist, the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) scale, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Data analysis was performed using SPSS-18 and involved the Chi-squared test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation coefficient. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered.
Results: The participants' mean age was 76.85±8.16, falling within the age range of 75-89. The average satisfaction score for the use of the HAUS was 63.90±11.07. A significant statistical association was observed between HAUS and economic status (P=0.03), the type of hearing aid used (P=0.024), and the level of daily hearing aid usage (P=0.0001). With an increase in the number of hours of hearing aid use, the mean satisfaction score also showed an increase. The mean score for the quality of life among the elderly individuals was 32.77±2.02, and no correlation was observed between satisfaction with HA use and quality of life (r=0.068, P=0.511).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that hearing aid devices can enhance the satisfaction and quality of life of elderly individuals, thereby increasing their engagement in daily activities.
Hemmat Mostafa Hassan, Sahar Mansour Ibrahim, Shahira Mohamed Metwaly, Ahlam Elahmady Sarhan, Amel Dawod Kamel Gouda,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are a common gynecological problem among reproductive-age women and lead to poor quality of life (QOL). This research aimed to evaluate the effect of a supportive educational intervention on knowledge and QOL among women with UFs.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study (1 group/pre- and posttest), including supportive education intervention, was performed at the outpatient clinic, Gynecological Department, Benha University Hospital. The samples consisted of 100 women diagnosed with UFs. Three tools were used for data collection: a structured interviewing questionnaire, women's knowledge regarding UFs, and health-related QOL (HRQOL) questionnaire.
Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference in women’s knowledge of UFs before and after the intervention (P = 0.0001). In addition, women had a high level of QOL score after the intervention. Moreover, there was a highly positive association between total women's knowledge and QOL score (P = 0.0001). Based on the pre- and post-intervention results, the mean difference for the variables of “total score of severity symptoms” and “total HRQL score” was -6.25 and +12.38.
Conclusion: Educational intervention has a positive effect on improving women's knowledge and enhancing QOL regarding UFs. It is suggested that an educational program should be incorporated as a nursing intervention to improve women's knowledge and QOL for those with UFs.
Reza Jahanshahi, Fatemeh Mirzaei, Mohammad Hossein Askari, Nafiseh Asgari, Shohreh Ghasemi, Akram Sanagoo, Leila Jouybari,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Because of the numerous problems created by neurofibromatosis type 1, particular quality-of-life evaluation measures are quite significant. In Iran, general instruments are used to assess the quality of life of the target group. This study aimed to translate and examine the psychometrics of the Persian version of the Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Adult Health-related Quality of Life (NF1-AdQOL) questionnaire.
Methods: This was a methodological and cross-sectional study. A total of 414 adult patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 in the Iranian Association of Neurofibromatosis were selected via convenience sampling. With the permission of the questionnaire's developer, the English version was translated into Persian using the standard back-translation procedure. Validity was assessed using face validity, content validity, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed by Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation, respectively.
Results: The participants' mean age was 34.48±8.3 years. The 31-item questionnaire was translated into Persian, and based on content validity analysis, 2 items were removed. The adequacy of the sample size was acceptable (KMO = 0.940). Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 factors. The scale had good reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.95), and the intraclass coefficient was 0.91. The total mean quality of life score was 93±25.18.
Conclusions: The finding showed that the Persian version of the questionnaire has good structural characteristics and is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis 1.
Azize Aydemir, Derya Esenkaya,
Volume 20, Issue 2 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue that has a psychological impact on those affected. Urinary incontinence, which affects approximately 1 in every 3 women, is a distressing condition that significantly impairs their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of UI in women, identify risk factors, and assess its impact on the QOL.
Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study involved 300 women aged 20 and above who were admitted to the Obstetrics Clinic of a university hospital between June 21, 2022, and August 15, 2022. Data were collected through a questionnaire that included the Descriptive Characteristics Form, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Wagner QOL Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and results were evaluated with a 95% CI. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The frequency of UI among the participants was 48% according to the ICIQ-SF and 62% according to the Wagner QOL Scale. Participants reported experiencing mild UI and psychological distress. The psychosocial well-being of women with UI was found to be moderately and negatively affected (48%). It was determined that 52.2% of the variation in the UI variable could be explained by factors such as body mass index (BMI), history of miscarriage, education level, and age. Miscarriage (Odds ratio [OR], 3.102; 95% CI, 1.502-6.408), lower education level (OR, 3.211; 95% CI, 1.282-8.408), and age (OR, 1.061; 95% CI, 1.024-1.100) were identified as risk factors for UI (P < 0.05). A significant correlation (r = 0.89; P < 0.001) was observed between the QOL and ICIQ-SF measurement tools.
Conclusion: Nearly half of the women experience UI, which has a detrimental impact on their QOL. Higher education levels, healthy lifestyle, and post-miscarriage risk assessment can help protect women from UI.
Isaí Arturo Medina-Fernández , Sandra Cecilia Esparza-González , Nissa Yaing Torres Soto, Ana Laura Carrillo-Cervantes , Pedro Enrique Trujillo-Hernández, Josué Arturo Medina-Fernández,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, significantly impacts functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in older adults. Among Mexican seniors, this condition exacerbates physical limitations, compromising daily activities and independence. The objective was to model the effect of sarcopenia on functional capacity and physical components of health-related QoL in older adults.
Methods: The study has a predictive correlational design with a sample population of 144 older adults from Coahuila, Mexico in 2024. A demographic and clinical form was applied, containing measurements of calf circumference, body mass index (BMI), grip strength with a dynamometer, gait speed and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, simple questionnaire to rapidly diagnose sarcopenia, a subscale of physical components of the SF-36, Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (BADL), and Lawton-Brody scale. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 20 using central tendency and dispersion, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, Mann Whitney U test, Spearman test, and simple linear regressions. Moreover, structural equation was assessed using EQS software version 6.1.
Results: The results showed that the prevalence of sarcopenia was 44.8%, and sarcopenia significantly and negatively affected the basic activities of daily living (r=-0.46, p=0.001). In the same way, it negatively and significantly affected the instrumental activities of daily living (r=-0.41, p=0.001), meanwhile, it positively and significantly affected the physical components of quality of life (r=0.43, p=0.001).
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that sarcopenia negatively influences the physical components of QoL and functional capacity.
Shima Sadat Aghahosseini , Maryam Karami , Maryam Rassouli, Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari , Hamideh Ebrahimi , Kazem Najafi ,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background: Palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients with cancer. Given the rising number of cancer patients in Iran, its significance has become increasingly apparent. This study investigates the effect of palliative care on the quality of life and satisfaction of patients with cancer.
Methods: This before-and-after quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2024 on 320 patients with breast, tongue, stomach, thyroid, osteosarcoma, and colon cancer at a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling based on eligibility criteria, including being over 18 years of age, having literacy, being able to speak Persian, and being psychologically stable. The quality of life and life satisfaction of patients were assessed before and after participation in a structured palliative care program. The intervention consisted of six two-hour palliative care sessions, delivered over two months. Data were collected using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the EORTC QLQ-C30 Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, version 26, and a paired t-test was employed for statistical evaluation.
Results: The results indicated that the participants had a mean age of 50.67 years, with a standard deviation of 13.23 years. After receiving palliative care, the overall quality of life score, along with its dimensions (except for emotional functioning, sore throat, and diarrhea), showed a significant improvement (P < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.36). Moreover, the intervention led to a significant improvement in patients' life satisfaction, with a p-value of less than 0.001 and a Cohen’s d of 1.01.
Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that palliative care services, typically provided to individuals nearing the end of life, enhanced the quality of life for cancer patients. Policymakers should prioritize support for patients, and healthcare managers must collaborate to improve and provide palliative care services with qualified personnel, especially nurses.
Zahra Arabi , Arvin Mirshahi , Hosein Kazemi Zadeh , Shima Haghani , Anand Iyer , Rachel Wells , Marie Bakitas , Mehraban Shahmari , Arpi Manookian ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible respiratory condition that imposes a significant physical and psychological burden, often leading to a poor quality of life. Although palliative care can help address these challenges, in Iran it is typically limited to cancer patients and is not commonly provided to those with COPD. Globally, the early integration of palliative care for chronic illnesses is expanding. The present study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an early tele-palliative care intervention for patients with COPD in Iran and to explore its potential effects on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and emergency department readmissions.
Methods: This randomized controlled feasibility trial protocol involves a 3-month early tele-palliative care program delivered by two nurse coaches, targeting patients with COPD. Participantswere randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 26) or the control group (n = 26) using permuted block randomization. Both groups received traditional COPD care; however, the intervention group also received six weekly telephone sessions and six weeks of follow-up support via phone call and WhatsApp Messenger. The primary objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of early tele-palliative care, measured through recruitment and attrition rates, questionnaire completion rates, patient satisfaction, attitudes toward the intervention, and adherence to the intervention. The secondary outcome included changes in quality of life, anxiety, depression, and hospital readmissions. These were measured using validated instruments at two time points: Baseline (pre-intervention) and three months post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, including the independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the mean outcomes between the two groups while statistically controlling for the effect of baseline values. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Conclusion: This study protocol aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an early tele-palliative care intervention for patients with COPD in Iran. The findings provided essential data to inform the design of a future large-scale clinical trial and support the potential integration of early telehealth palliative care into standard COPD management in the country.
Elaheh Sadeghloo, Asieh Sadat Baniaghil , Gholamreza Roshandel , Maryam Ghelichli , Fatemeh Mehravar , Alireza Firozbakhsh ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Patients with oral and/or laryngeal carcinoma face challenges that can persistently impair their quality of life (QoL) even after treatment. This study aimed to investigate QoL impairment in patients with oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma receiving treatment.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 individuals with oral and laryngeal cancer through census sampling in 2022. Patients over 18 years old who had received treatment were included. Individuals experiencing recurrences or relapses and those receiving neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. The list of names and phone numbers of participants was obtained from the database of the Liver and Digestive Research Centre in Golestan Province, Iran. The study utilized the Persian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck 35, which the participants completed during phone interviews. Point prevalence (per 100,000) was reported with 95% confidence intervals, and QoL data were summarized as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and median (interquartile range, IQR).
Results: The point prevalence of oral and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Golestan Province was 15.15 per 100,000, with significant variation across counties, ranging from 5.80 to 26.01. The mean QoL score for the participants was 68.20 ± 29.58. Overall, 38.9% of the participants reported normal QoL, while 22.2% and 38.9% reported mild and moderate impairment, respectively. Subdomains related to weight loss and feeling ill showed a severe decline in QoL. Meanwhile, issues such as dry mouth, sticky saliva, social contacts, swallowing, pain, taste/smell, social eating, teeth problems, and speech were associated with moderate QoL impairment.
Conclusion: The findings show that the QoL among individuals with a history of oral and laryngeal cancer was below the threshold. Most participants experienced mild to moderate QoL impairments. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions focused on improving QoL for affected individuals based on their symptoms and signs.
